Review of Totem

[Victoria Ukamaka]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Totem" by Charlie Sheldon.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Totem by Charlie Sheldon is a story about time and the merging of the past and present. It is a story that shatters the veil between reality and dreams. How often do we overlook all the little signs that suggest there could be more than we know? How often do we turn a blind eye to things that are glaring?

Sarah is a strong-willed teenager who has known loss in every sense of the word. When a planned hiking trip turns into one to pay respect, she and her new family make discoveries that shake their beliefs and everything they think they know. There are different people, all connected one way or another: some fighting for what they believe in, some fighting for what would enrich them, while others are seeking the truth together in a place rich with history, myth, and legend. Get a copy of Totem by Charlie Sheldon to find out more.

This is a fictitious story about the ancient world, about the beginning. I love the diversity of the characters in this book: surprise attacks from unexpected creatures, a conniving businessman who sees everything as a means to an end, a wildlife biologist and his even more troubled adult niece, a mother who's trying to make ends meet—they all come together, discovering that all might not be what it seems and, even more so, their true selves. Sarah's character made me forget she was only 14 years old; she had so much will, determination, fight, and wisdom. Wisdom, I think, was an aftereffect of her experiences, from both the past and present.

Furthermore, I love that there are geological and historical details contained in this book, providing a fresh perspective to ask slightly different questions about what was and what could be. Those who have different beliefs and ideas about global warming and where life on Earth started might counter some parts of this book, but it contains ideas that are worthy of raising questions about. I love that the book made me question what I believe to be entirely historically correct.

I'd recommend this book to geologists and archeologists, to people who are outdoorsy, to those who love to read history with a touch of fiction, and to those who enjoy hiking. I encountered no errors while reading this book and will rate it a 5 out of 5 stars because I disliked nothing about it.

******
Totem
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Dubem Jecinta]

The tension between the hikers and the Buckhorn Industries personnel adds a layer of suspense that keeps the reader engaged. The clashes between these groups are well-handled, with each side's motivations and struggles clearly depicted.

[Okobi Louis Awele]

The incorporation of ancient wildlife and the mysterious deaths of elk add an element of the supernatural that enhances the story's intrigue. These plot points keep the reader guessing and add depth to the narrative

[Hay-bee Tosan]

The multiple perspectives in the book provide a well-rounded view of the unfolding events. Each character's viewpoint adds richness to the story, making the plot more complex and engaging. The exploration of mythology in *Totem* is both fascinating and educational. Sheldon's skill in blending myth with the natural world makes the book not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.