Leo E. (Leo Edward) Miller
The Black Phantom
"The Black Phantom" by Leo E. Miller is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lively and perilous life of the jungle's inhabitants, focusing particularly on Suma, a Jaguar, as she navigates the challenges of survival and motherhood against the backdrop of an unforgiving natural world. The story is imbued with a sense of adventure as it details the delicate balance of life in the Amazon, encapsulating the drama of predator and prey. At the start of the narrative, the impending arrival of heavy rains heralded by Siluk, the Storm-God, sends waves of fear through both the animal kingdom and local tribes. The opening chapter vividly captures the jungle's transformation as Suma awakens to awareness of danger while preparing for the impending floods. Notably, Oomah, a young tribesman, emerges as a promising leader who recognizes the threat and must galvanize his people amidst chaos. This section sets in motion a compelling storyline that intertwines the fate of the Jaguar and the human inhabitants, as they each grapple with nature's relentless challenges and the ensuing turmoil.