Review by raluca_mihaila -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

This forum is for volunteer reviews by members of our review team. These reviews are done voluntarily by the reviewers and are published in this forum, separate from the official professional reviews. These reviews are kept separate primarily because the same book may be reviewed by many different reviewers.
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Review by raluca_mihaila -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


If you are looking for a book that will incite your imagination, this is it! Strong Heart is full of twists and cliffhangers, so be prepared to be amazed. It is the first novel of the Strong Heart series, and it will leave you anxious to read Adrift, the next installment.

Tom is preparing for a meaningful trip to the Olympic National Park, together with his friend, William, and his daughter, Myra. He finds out that he has a 12-year-old granddaughter that suddenly appears at his doorsteps. Sarah seems like a difficult child, but he decides to take her on the journey, nonetheless. During their hike, we discover some amazing things about the Olympic Peninsula and its importance during history. However, this land of magic, history, and legends is threatened by a corporation that wants to mine erbium, a rare rock that can clear coal. The local tribes are doing their best to protect the park, and Myra is a fervent supporter of the cause. The trip turns into an incredible adventure for Sarah, and her experience serves to prove a scientific theory. Can you imagine how it is to fight with enormous animals, armed with nothing but a dart?

Charlie Sheldon does an excellent job in describing the Olympic National Park, and I was reading the book while studying the trails on Google Maps. I am so glad that I found out about this breathtaking place! Also, I appreciated the research behind the story and the engaging writing style. The author did a great job explaining how people allegedly migrated from Asia to North America around 15,000 years ago. I read a lot about Beringia and retraced their journey on the map. I loved that the book also presented some charts at the beginning, helping the reader to visualize the areas described in the text. However, I would have loved to see the journey traced on the map with a line. Besides that, there is nothing I disliked about the book.

The characters are very authentic and well-built. Sarah blooms into a fearless girl, also known as Strong Heart. Myra was my favorite character because she represents a unique blend of spiritualism and science. Imagine an anthropologist with a minor in archeology that strongly believes in her native heritage and folklore.

Due to all the reasons listed above, I must give Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon a full four out of four rating. It is an excellent read filled with important messages; foremost, the book speaks about discovering your true potential in dire situations. That is a useful lesson for all teenagers. Also, legends can back up scientific theories, so don’t belittle the folktales; they could hide some fundamental truths. Respecting your elders and keeping an open mind are also useful teachings.

I recommend the book to people who love adventures, nature, and hiking outdoors. It is also a story about self-discovery and pushing beyond your limits. Educative about Native Americans, the book appeals to people interested in paleontology and archeology. The audience can be broadened to adolescents since there are just a few borderline profanities. The book also mentions child abuse, but it is unexplicit, so I see no need to exclude a sensible reader. Strong Heart was professionally edited, as I could identify only one grammatical error.

******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Nmesoma
Posts: 248
Joined: 24 May 2018, 10:45
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 47
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nmesoma.html
Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White

Post by Nmesoma »

I love your review. Not many reviewers point out the moral compass of a story as much as I would have liked, and I feel that I have to commend you for this. Thank you. The book seems like an interesting and educative read. I have to keep this in mind during my next book-buying streak.
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Nmesoma wrote: 13 Dec 2020, 13:11 I love your review. Not many reviewers point out the moral compass of a story as much as I would have liked, and I feel that I have to commend you for this. Thank you. The book seems like an interesting and educative read. I have to keep this in mind during my next book-buying streak.
Thank you very much for your kind feedback! You won't regret reading the book, for sure.
User avatar
SamaylaM
Posts: 975
Joined: 11 Aug 2020, 04:43
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 79
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-samaylam.html
Latest Review: Killing Abel by Michael Tieman

Post by SamaylaM »

This book seems to be a very good read with fascinating themes. I especially liked how you mentioned in your review that you read the book while studying the trails on Google Maps. That shows the author's ability to keep the reader very interested in the story. Thanks for an excellent review!
User avatar
GianKosi77
Posts: 139
Joined: 01 Nov 2020, 21:30
Favorite Author: M. Curtis McCoy
Currently Reading: Divided World
Bookshelf Size: 41
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-giankosi77.html
Latest Review: The Fox by M. N. J. Butler
fav_author_id: 197138

Post by GianKosi77 »

If you are looking for a book that will incite your imagination, this is it! Strong Heart is full of twists and cliffhangers, so be prepared to be amazed. It is the first novel of the Strong Heart series, and it will leave you anxious to read Adrift, the next installment.
You nailed it on the head. Thank you for a splendid review. Now I know what charming book to add to my shelves.
And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness.
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

SamaylaM wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 00:47 This book seems to be a very good read with fascinating themes. I especially liked how you mentioned in your review that you read the book while studying the trails on Google Maps. That shows the author's ability to keep the reader very interested in the story. Thanks for an excellent review!
It was very expressive, indeed. Thank you for your feedback!
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

GianKosi77 wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 02:18
If you are looking for a book that will incite your imagination, this is it! Strong Heart is full of twists and cliffhangers, so be prepared to be amazed. It is the first novel of the Strong Heart series, and it will leave you anxious to read Adrift, the next installment.
You nailed it on the head. Thank you for a splendid review. Now I know what charming book to add to my shelves.
I am sure you will enjoy it! Thank you very much for your comment!
User avatar
Ayindelaw
Posts: 208
Joined: 29 Sep 2020, 20:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 30
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-ayindelaw.html
Latest Review: The Raven's Trail (Book 1) by Liz D. Marx

Post by Ayindelaw »

This book sounds like my kind of book. I'm wondering why they called Sarah Strong Heart. Raluca_mihaila, it seems this book took you on an incredible journey,.
Innovations are usually the result of desperate times
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Ayindelaw wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 04:54 This book sounds like my kind of book. I'm wondering why they called Sarah Strong Heart. Raluca_mihaila, it seems this book took you on an incredible journey,.
It is an incredible journey, indeed! I will let you discover everything by yourself :). Thank you so much for stopping by!
Nedbrian
Posts: 302
Joined: 05 Apr 2020, 17:42
Currently Reading: Into the Hand of a Woman
Bookshelf Size: 107
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-nedbrian.html
Latest Review: Different Family Structures by Mildred Stallworth

Post by Nedbrian »

Reading your review I could imagine the Park up in my mind. Wondering how Sarah made it through with just a dart to survive. That must be energy draining! Great review and I look forward to reading this book and experiencing what you did enjoy while reading the book
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Nedbrian wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 08:17 Reading your review I could imagine the Park up in my mind. Wondering how Sarah made it through with just a dart to survive. That must be energy draining! Great review and I look forward to reading this book and experiencing what you did enjoy while reading the book
I am looking forward to find out your opinion! Thank you for your comment!
User avatar
Prisallen
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5678
Joined: 27 Feb 2019, 18:57
Favorite Book:
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 233
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-prisallen.html
Latest Review: Nirvatra by April Thomas

Post by Prisallen »

I read Adrift and really liked it. I think, after reading your review, that I would enjoy this book as well. Thanks for your informative and interesting review!
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Prisallen wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 09:08 I read Adrift and really liked it. I think, after reading your review, that I would enjoy this book as well. Thanks for your informative and interesting review!
Then I shall definitely read it as soon as possible! Thank you for your feedback!
Sararob06
Posts: 289
Joined: 05 Oct 2020, 20:20
Currently Reading: Anna Karenina
Bookshelf Size: 162
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sararob06.html
Latest Review: The Vanished by Pejay Bradley

Post by Sararob06 »

Your review was informative and well written! If that wasn't enough to convince me to give this book a read, I majored in anthropology so this is definitely something I will enjoy. Good job!
User avatar
Raluca_Mihaila
Posts: 2849
Joined: 03 Aug 2020, 14:52
Favorite Book: The Brothers Karamazov
Currently Reading: The Master and Margarita
Bookshelf Size: 175
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-raluca-mihaila.html
Latest Review: Brandy, Ballad of a Pirate Princess by Dan E. Hendrickson

Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Sararob06 wrote: 14 Dec 2020, 10:59 Your review was informative and well written! If that wasn't enough to convince me to give this book a read, I majored in anthropology so this is definitely something I will enjoy. Good job!
Wow, then you will enjoy it even more! Thank you very much for your feedback!
Post Reply

Return to “Volunteer Reviews”