Review by Adeline P -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Posted: 07 May 2021, 16:16
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Review : Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
By Adeline Panamaroff
Theories of the origins of Homo Sapiens abound. Some are scientifically based, some are faith based, but this is still largely a mystery that can only be debated, with no definitive answer. Strong Heart, by Charlie Sheldon, explores the idea of where modern humans evolved, through the adventures of Sarah, a troubled 13 year old girl. She has been handed off from relative to relative as she overstays her welcome at each household she comes to. Finally, being dropped off on the doorstep of a grandfather she has never known, Sarah begins a journey on the Olympic Peninsula that will forever change her life. Her grandfather and some friends take Sarah on a 2 week hike to visit the grave of her great-great-grandfather. Along the way she gets lost for over a week. With a spirit guide, in the form of an ice age bear, Sarah is taken back in time to before the end of the last ice age. During her time in the past, Sarah lives and learns the life of an ice age person. She brings that knowledge back with her to the present day, in the hopes of saving a national park from the ravages of a mining operation.
This novel speaks to anthropological and archaeological theories of how humans migrated and traded in prehistoric times. Where modern humans originally evolved is debated through scientific data based on genetic testing, the oral histories of Native American groups and with idle speculation of hobbyist historians. This dive into the ancient past reminded me of my educational background, now often forgotten, which was a degree majoring in Canadian archaeology. These aspects of the novel delighted me, as it brought back memories of my college days.
The villain of Strong Heart, the mining company that wishes to tear up part of the national park, is a typical big corporation that only cares for big money and expansion. The portrayal of the motives of this company and the employees that interact with Sarah and her friends feels chiché and thin. While the use of the evil mega corporation is overused and frayed, I was able to get behind hating these guys and rooting for Sarah and her retinue to overcome the mining company and win the day.
Strong Heart has been excellently edited, with only a few typographical errors. The quality of the story’s pacing was spot on and kept flowing throughout without any disruption in the immersion. This book, which features a 13 year old girl as the main character would appeal best to a young adult audience. Religious themes are explored, along Native American lines, but are easily accessible by anybody.
The rating score that I give Strong Heart is 4 out of 4 stars. Charlie Sheldon has created a very strong opening book for his series. The continuing adventures of Sarah would be something I look forward to following, as they are produced. This book offers a refreshing take on time travel, human evolution theories and how to combat the rise of mega corporations.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Review : Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
By Adeline Panamaroff
Theories of the origins of Homo Sapiens abound. Some are scientifically based, some are faith based, but this is still largely a mystery that can only be debated, with no definitive answer. Strong Heart, by Charlie Sheldon, explores the idea of where modern humans evolved, through the adventures of Sarah, a troubled 13 year old girl. She has been handed off from relative to relative as she overstays her welcome at each household she comes to. Finally, being dropped off on the doorstep of a grandfather she has never known, Sarah begins a journey on the Olympic Peninsula that will forever change her life. Her grandfather and some friends take Sarah on a 2 week hike to visit the grave of her great-great-grandfather. Along the way she gets lost for over a week. With a spirit guide, in the form of an ice age bear, Sarah is taken back in time to before the end of the last ice age. During her time in the past, Sarah lives and learns the life of an ice age person. She brings that knowledge back with her to the present day, in the hopes of saving a national park from the ravages of a mining operation.
This novel speaks to anthropological and archaeological theories of how humans migrated and traded in prehistoric times. Where modern humans originally evolved is debated through scientific data based on genetic testing, the oral histories of Native American groups and with idle speculation of hobbyist historians. This dive into the ancient past reminded me of my educational background, now often forgotten, which was a degree majoring in Canadian archaeology. These aspects of the novel delighted me, as it brought back memories of my college days.
The villain of Strong Heart, the mining company that wishes to tear up part of the national park, is a typical big corporation that only cares for big money and expansion. The portrayal of the motives of this company and the employees that interact with Sarah and her friends feels chiché and thin. While the use of the evil mega corporation is overused and frayed, I was able to get behind hating these guys and rooting for Sarah and her retinue to overcome the mining company and win the day.
Strong Heart has been excellently edited, with only a few typographical errors. The quality of the story’s pacing was spot on and kept flowing throughout without any disruption in the immersion. This book, which features a 13 year old girl as the main character would appeal best to a young adult audience. Religious themes are explored, along Native American lines, but are easily accessible by anybody.
The rating score that I give Strong Heart is 4 out of 4 stars. Charlie Sheldon has created a very strong opening book for his series. The continuing adventures of Sarah would be something I look forward to following, as they are produced. This book offers a refreshing take on time travel, human evolution theories and how to combat the rise of mega corporations.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon