Review by Bilbo47 -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Bilbo47
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Review by Bilbo47 -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Strong Heart, the first book in a planned series by Charlie Sheldon, is a complex, multilayered novel that is part adventure, historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. It is wondrous, captivating, and enlightening.
Tom Olsen is preparing a trip with his friends, William and Myra, deep into the Olympic Peninsula wilderness in Washington state to visit his grandfather’s grave. An unexpected knock on his front door complicates his plans. The visitor is an abandoned, rebellious 13-year-old girl, dropped off on his doorstep by his ex-wife. Her name is Sarah Cooley. Tom learns that she is his unbeknown granddaughter. Against his better judgment, Tom reluctantly agrees with his friend, William, to bring Sarah along with them on the hike. What follows is a remarkable tale that spans time and space. And we wonder: just who is taking who on this journey?
At the start of this book, I was prepared to be disappointed. I thought this novel would just be a conventional story about a dour teenager developing a relationship with her grandfather on a hiking trip. I almost put the book down for this reason. However, Strong Heart develops into a skillfully interwoven tale that operates on several levels. Sheldon meticulously crafts a discussion of the culture, history, legend, and myth of the native people of the Pacific Northwest and deftly incorporates all of this information into the narrative. I commend the author for his ability to handle these subjects with grace and respect.
I learned a great deal about an area of the world I knew little about. Sheldon’s description of the epic landscape is magnificent. It was visceral. Illuminating. Atmospheric. I felt the minimalistic style of the prose effectively conveyed the sheer majesty of this region.
Sheldon creates complex characters with credible motivations and emotions. There were instances where the pace of the story slowed, verged on sluggishness, and the book seemed more a platform for the author’s theories on human migration. However, Strong Heart is a polished, professional work of fiction that is well-written and edited. This book has little profanity and violence. It is suitable for both young adult and adult audiences.
Charlie Sheldon’s Strong Heart is an impressive effort. The book is carefully executed. I rate this novel a full 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it without reservation. This book is strong enough to work as a standalone. But I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see how this imaginative story moves forward.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Strong Heart, the first book in a planned series by Charlie Sheldon, is a complex, multilayered novel that is part adventure, historical fiction, fantasy, and mystery. It is wondrous, captivating, and enlightening.
Tom Olsen is preparing a trip with his friends, William and Myra, deep into the Olympic Peninsula wilderness in Washington state to visit his grandfather’s grave. An unexpected knock on his front door complicates his plans. The visitor is an abandoned, rebellious 13-year-old girl, dropped off on his doorstep by his ex-wife. Her name is Sarah Cooley. Tom learns that she is his unbeknown granddaughter. Against his better judgment, Tom reluctantly agrees with his friend, William, to bring Sarah along with them on the hike. What follows is a remarkable tale that spans time and space. And we wonder: just who is taking who on this journey?
At the start of this book, I was prepared to be disappointed. I thought this novel would just be a conventional story about a dour teenager developing a relationship with her grandfather on a hiking trip. I almost put the book down for this reason. However, Strong Heart develops into a skillfully interwoven tale that operates on several levels. Sheldon meticulously crafts a discussion of the culture, history, legend, and myth of the native people of the Pacific Northwest and deftly incorporates all of this information into the narrative. I commend the author for his ability to handle these subjects with grace and respect.
I learned a great deal about an area of the world I knew little about. Sheldon’s description of the epic landscape is magnificent. It was visceral. Illuminating. Atmospheric. I felt the minimalistic style of the prose effectively conveyed the sheer majesty of this region.
Sheldon creates complex characters with credible motivations and emotions. There were instances where the pace of the story slowed, verged on sluggishness, and the book seemed more a platform for the author’s theories on human migration. However, Strong Heart is a polished, professional work of fiction that is well-written and edited. This book has little profanity and violence. It is suitable for both young adult and adult audiences.
Charlie Sheldon’s Strong Heart is an impressive effort. The book is carefully executed. I rate this novel a full 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it without reservation. This book is strong enough to work as a standalone. But I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see how this imaginative story moves forward.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Date Farm by Jack Winnick
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deborahveader
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I loved this book as well. You have to read his other book ADRIFT as well. They are both pretty much stand alone novels though. I read the second book first. Great review.
