Review by thelittlestdragon -- Strong Heart
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thelittlestdragon
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Review by thelittlestdragon -- Strong Heart
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a charming, adventurous, family-centered tale that is set in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. As the story opens, we meet Tom, his friend William, and William’s daughter Myra, as they pack for a long trek into the mountains to commemorate Tom’s deceased grandfather. However, amid the packing, a pounding on the door brings Sarah, Tom’s long-lost granddaughter, and with her a slew of problems and adventures.
This striking start to the story introduces captivating questions that the reader wants answers to. Tom has to decide—will he bring Sarah on this difficult hike? Where did she come from? Will science or legend show the truth about the character’s ancestors? And what is Tom hiding in his pack?
This is a bit of a coming-of-age story, a science versus tradition story, an adventure story, and a family-centered story all rolled into one. Twice during this book, the perspective changes from third-person point of view to first-person, giving the reader two plot lines in one. In the end, everything is tied together neatly, and the conclusion of the book leaves the reader wanting more.
I enjoyed this read a lot, from the dynamic characters and the double plot, to the conflict between legend and science. Each character was unique and well-developed and they offered their own perspectives on the world. I did not find the changing point of view confusing, which surprised me, as these bold diversions from the novel norm often do. The switch was smooth and seemed natural. The story overall was captivating, enough so that I read this book in one sitting! I enjoyed the scenic, descriptive language that flowed through the story, bumping along the plot down a river surrounded by a panoramic view of the Olympic Peninsula.
While I think some young readers will enjoy this tale that largely revolves around a twelve-year-old, parents might want to be mindful of some mild and largely infrequent swearing, delicate allusions to sex and assault, as well as a good amount of bloodshed. As an adventure story, some amount of death is to be expected, but some more sensitive readers should be warned. I personally did not find any of it grossly overdone.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I saw very few punctuation errors, and no grammatical errors—definitely a professionally-edited book. If you are looking for an adventurous tale of family and lore, this may be the story for you.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a charming, adventurous, family-centered tale that is set in the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. As the story opens, we meet Tom, his friend William, and William’s daughter Myra, as they pack for a long trek into the mountains to commemorate Tom’s deceased grandfather. However, amid the packing, a pounding on the door brings Sarah, Tom’s long-lost granddaughter, and with her a slew of problems and adventures.
This striking start to the story introduces captivating questions that the reader wants answers to. Tom has to decide—will he bring Sarah on this difficult hike? Where did she come from? Will science or legend show the truth about the character’s ancestors? And what is Tom hiding in his pack?
This is a bit of a coming-of-age story, a science versus tradition story, an adventure story, and a family-centered story all rolled into one. Twice during this book, the perspective changes from third-person point of view to first-person, giving the reader two plot lines in one. In the end, everything is tied together neatly, and the conclusion of the book leaves the reader wanting more.
I enjoyed this read a lot, from the dynamic characters and the double plot, to the conflict between legend and science. Each character was unique and well-developed and they offered their own perspectives on the world. I did not find the changing point of view confusing, which surprised me, as these bold diversions from the novel norm often do. The switch was smooth and seemed natural. The story overall was captivating, enough so that I read this book in one sitting! I enjoyed the scenic, descriptive language that flowed through the story, bumping along the plot down a river surrounded by a panoramic view of the Olympic Peninsula.
While I think some young readers will enjoy this tale that largely revolves around a twelve-year-old, parents might want to be mindful of some mild and largely infrequent swearing, delicate allusions to sex and assault, as well as a good amount of bloodshed. As an adventure story, some amount of death is to be expected, but some more sensitive readers should be warned. I personally did not find any of it grossly overdone.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I saw very few punctuation errors, and no grammatical errors—definitely a professionally-edited book. If you are looking for an adventurous tale of family and lore, this may be the story for you.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Of Zots and Xoodles by Zarqnon the Embarrassed
