Review by hannahmonhollen -- Strong Heart

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hannahmonhollen
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Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Review by hannahmonhollen -- Strong Heart

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[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The Olympic Peninsula of Washington State is a region of vibrant history and spiritual legends. A vast wilderness full of untouched beauty and unexpected dangers. For Sarah, a courageous young orphan, it may be the place she not only connects with the ancient past but a new family. That is if she can survive the unforgiving journey before her. As Sarah embraces her history, she discovers strength is not measured by size, but by heart.

Strong Heart is a captivating book expertly told by Charlie Sheldon. His vivid description of the Olympic National Park, the setting for this story, will make even the most content urbanite want to witness the mountains' rugged glory. Sheldon fills this stunning backdrop with a cast of authentic characters and a relatable heroine. He weaves a legend of the past into a story of the present without making the reader feel lost. Sheldon's love of the wilderness and aged tales makes his storytelling a unique delight.

I greatly appreciated the way Sheldon's characters interacted with one another. The interpersonal conflicts that arose were not forced for the sake of drama. Instead, they allowed the reader to empathize with opposing characters' views and beliefs. The harsh environment of the setting perfectly reflected the characters' inner struggles and doubts. At its core, Strong Heart is a coming of age story for Sarah, the young protagonist. However, every main character enters a story arc that challenges what they believe.

I did not want Strong Heart to end. In fact, the only thing I did not like about Sheldon's book was the sudden ending. The characters evade immediate danger, but the greater conflict within the story is not resolved. This is partly due to the fact that Strong Heart is the first book in a series. However, because the main characters complete their arcs of personal development, I did not finish this book feeling disappointed, rather hungry for more. Because Strong Heart is an exceptionally well-edited work and presents a unique story, I am happy to give it a perfect 4 out of 4 rating.

Within his book, Charlie Sheldon created not one but two beautiful tales of adventure. Some mature themes are present throughout the book, like abuse, rape, and violence. However, these themes are only mentioned and not described in detail. Also, they are a necessary part of the story. There is some language, and one instant of mild gore. Reading Strong Heart is a gritty delight, but because of these reasons, I would not recommend it for younger audiences.

******
Strong Heart
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