Review by ArriettyClock -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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ArriettyClock
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Review by ArriettyClock -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a "coming of age" story about family, loyalty, heritage and growing up. Tom didn’t even know that he had a granddaughter when Sarah arrived at his doorstep at the worst possible moment… as he was about to head off on a camping trip in the wilderness with his friends; William and Myra. As they were completely packed for their trip, they took a shocked and disgruntled Sarah along with them. As their journey progressed, Sarah makes discoveries about the heritage of the native land, as well as personal discoveries through gaining self-belief, confidence and finding out what family actually means. Through trials such as getting lost in the wilderness, receiving injuries, facing lawsuits and trying to save their beloved national park from mining companies, the group bond as a family unit and will do whatever it takes to support one another. Will their shocking discoveries save their beloved landscape?
The characters were very relatable, with individual personalities displayed throughout the novel. I loved the character developments of both individuals, and their teamwork as the story progressed. I think it was so important to the story that the characters were likeable, and the author got that spot-on! I felt so connected with each main character and completely understood why they made the choices that they did.
It was very interesting that there were stories included about the Native American folklore and culture, especially the conflict between native folklore about the origins of the tribes and the archaeologist views about human origins. I was gripped by the tales of the native culture. There were old oral stories passed onto Sarah from Myra, visions, spirit guides, and an epic discovery. It was very topical and created cohesion between the characters as they were describing what was happening to the native landscape from their own perspectives. I felt it was important that this was included, as many stories ignore the topical issues regarding racism, destruction of native lands and conflicts.
Although I loved this novel, there were also a few negative points. During one of the visions, it was mentioned that women’s periods always occurred when the moon was full, which is, of course, incorrect. I thought that it was misguiding any young adults who would read this. It instead just made the story a little unbelievable. I was also very surprised by the ending. Without giving too much away, I felt that the ending didn’t do the rest of the novel justice. I thought that the characters deserved more closure to their story. I finished reading and was left with so many questions about the characters. It felt like they weren’t out of danger. It could definitely do with a sequel to solve this!
I give Strong Heart 4 out of 4 stars. The novel was gripping from start to finish, with relatable characters and an interesting story. It was professionally edited. Despite the negative points, these didn’t really detract from the story for me. I loved every minute of reading it. It would be suitable for both adults and young adults with an interest in heart-warming stories about family, loyalty and growing up. It would also suit anyone with an interest in Native American culture, folklore and traditional beliefs. There were some violent scenes, with a few of these including gory details. However, this didn’t detract from the novel for me. It definitely wouldn’t suit anyone who is looking for an action-packed novel. Although there is action, I felt that most of the interesting parts of the story were about the connection between the characters, their native history, and the discoveries they made.
******
Strong Heart
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Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a "coming of age" story about family, loyalty, heritage and growing up. Tom didn’t even know that he had a granddaughter when Sarah arrived at his doorstep at the worst possible moment… as he was about to head off on a camping trip in the wilderness with his friends; William and Myra. As they were completely packed for their trip, they took a shocked and disgruntled Sarah along with them. As their journey progressed, Sarah makes discoveries about the heritage of the native land, as well as personal discoveries through gaining self-belief, confidence and finding out what family actually means. Through trials such as getting lost in the wilderness, receiving injuries, facing lawsuits and trying to save their beloved national park from mining companies, the group bond as a family unit and will do whatever it takes to support one another. Will their shocking discoveries save their beloved landscape?
The characters were very relatable, with individual personalities displayed throughout the novel. I loved the character developments of both individuals, and their teamwork as the story progressed. I think it was so important to the story that the characters were likeable, and the author got that spot-on! I felt so connected with each main character and completely understood why they made the choices that they did.
It was very interesting that there were stories included about the Native American folklore and culture, especially the conflict between native folklore about the origins of the tribes and the archaeologist views about human origins. I was gripped by the tales of the native culture. There were old oral stories passed onto Sarah from Myra, visions, spirit guides, and an epic discovery. It was very topical and created cohesion between the characters as they were describing what was happening to the native landscape from their own perspectives. I felt it was important that this was included, as many stories ignore the topical issues regarding racism, destruction of native lands and conflicts.
Although I loved this novel, there were also a few negative points. During one of the visions, it was mentioned that women’s periods always occurred when the moon was full, which is, of course, incorrect. I thought that it was misguiding any young adults who would read this. It instead just made the story a little unbelievable. I was also very surprised by the ending. Without giving too much away, I felt that the ending didn’t do the rest of the novel justice. I thought that the characters deserved more closure to their story. I finished reading and was left with so many questions about the characters. It felt like they weren’t out of danger. It could definitely do with a sequel to solve this!
I give Strong Heart 4 out of 4 stars. The novel was gripping from start to finish, with relatable characters and an interesting story. It was professionally edited. Despite the negative points, these didn’t really detract from the story for me. I loved every minute of reading it. It would be suitable for both adults and young adults with an interest in heart-warming stories about family, loyalty and growing up. It would also suit anyone with an interest in Native American culture, folklore and traditional beliefs. There were some violent scenes, with a few of these including gory details. However, this didn’t detract from the novel for me. It definitely wouldn’t suit anyone who is looking for an action-packed novel. Although there is action, I felt that most of the interesting parts of the story were about the connection between the characters, their native history, and the discoveries they made.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Judge part 1 and 2 by Ian RB Morris
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HanElizabeth397
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I also thought the ending was a bit abrupt - but there is actually a sequel! I haven't read it yet but I've seen good reviews on here and I'm looking forward to picking it up! Lovely review, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Latest Review: The Mindset by Ace Bowers
