Review by Tarbena45 -- Adrift by Charlie Sheldon
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Tarbena45
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Review by Tarbena45 -- Adrift by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Adrift" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Adrift is a continuation of Charlie Sheldon’s first novel in the series, "Strong Heart".
The story opens on a container ship, The Seattle Express, navigating the high seas in the Gulf of Alaska. The ship is owned by a ruthless company, the Buckhorn Corporation, the owners of which have no sympathy for the Captain or crew when a fire breaks out onboard, forcing all twenty to abandon ship. We are held in suspense wondering whether the crew members will be rescued or reach land before they perish. They have to brave the most brutal conditions. Heaving seas and freezing temperatures make survival hard.
The situation highlights the differences in human nature when the crew members are faced with the same ordeal and how they individually react to the incredible hardships.
As the novel progresses the author weaves into the plot more of the characters and storyline from the first book.
Once again Charlie Sheldon manages to explore many topics. The development of mining in this wild, beautiful landscape once again raises issues. One such issue is the conflict between economic development and the preservation of tribal heritage. Is this company a destructive force or one that will bring huge benefits to the region and the local inhabitants?
The issues raised within this novel are very relevant to many situations now. One such parallel is the conflict between industrial development and environmental damage this may cause. It gives you pause for thought.
I love the fact that the female characters are given strong roles and are not portrayed as just attractive additions. The author gives us characters of every description, all of whom are well-drawn. He describes beautifully how people behave in different ways when faced with extreme situations.
Occasionally I found the storytelling style jarring as the author has spells of using short sentences which I found irritating.
The description of the ship’s layout I found long-winded and I was tempted to skip a few pages. Those who know about boats would most probably find the detail interesting.
However, it is a tense and exciting read and I could not foresee the outcome. It had me on the edge of my seat until the last page but it then finishes rather abruptly. There must be a follow on in this series as there are a number of loose ends that are not tied up by the end of this novel. I would certainly want to read it if there is.
In order to enjoy and fully understand the storyline, I would recommend that you read the first book before embarking on Adrift. It can, however, be read as a standalone adventure tale.
This book would appeal to those who enjoy thrillers based on the high seas and stories of survival in the wilderness. I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I have not rated it as highly as the first book as I lost interest in places.
Some characters sustain fairly gruesome injuries but the author does not go into graphic detail. There is no profanity and there are no scenes of a sexual nature.
******
Adrift
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Adrift is a continuation of Charlie Sheldon’s first novel in the series, "Strong Heart".
The story opens on a container ship, The Seattle Express, navigating the high seas in the Gulf of Alaska. The ship is owned by a ruthless company, the Buckhorn Corporation, the owners of which have no sympathy for the Captain or crew when a fire breaks out onboard, forcing all twenty to abandon ship. We are held in suspense wondering whether the crew members will be rescued or reach land before they perish. They have to brave the most brutal conditions. Heaving seas and freezing temperatures make survival hard.
The situation highlights the differences in human nature when the crew members are faced with the same ordeal and how they individually react to the incredible hardships.
As the novel progresses the author weaves into the plot more of the characters and storyline from the first book.
Once again Charlie Sheldon manages to explore many topics. The development of mining in this wild, beautiful landscape once again raises issues. One such issue is the conflict between economic development and the preservation of tribal heritage. Is this company a destructive force or one that will bring huge benefits to the region and the local inhabitants?
The issues raised within this novel are very relevant to many situations now. One such parallel is the conflict between industrial development and environmental damage this may cause. It gives you pause for thought.
I love the fact that the female characters are given strong roles and are not portrayed as just attractive additions. The author gives us characters of every description, all of whom are well-drawn. He describes beautifully how people behave in different ways when faced with extreme situations.
Occasionally I found the storytelling style jarring as the author has spells of using short sentences which I found irritating.
The description of the ship’s layout I found long-winded and I was tempted to skip a few pages. Those who know about boats would most probably find the detail interesting.
However, it is a tense and exciting read and I could not foresee the outcome. It had me on the edge of my seat until the last page but it then finishes rather abruptly. There must be a follow on in this series as there are a number of loose ends that are not tied up by the end of this novel. I would certainly want to read it if there is.
In order to enjoy and fully understand the storyline, I would recommend that you read the first book before embarking on Adrift. It can, however, be read as a standalone adventure tale.
This book would appeal to those who enjoy thrillers based on the high seas and stories of survival in the wilderness. I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. I have not rated it as highly as the first book as I lost interest in places.
Some characters sustain fairly gruesome injuries but the author does not go into graphic detail. There is no profanity and there are no scenes of a sexual nature.
******
Adrift
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
