Review by Jeconiaomolo -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Jeconiaomolo · Post by **Jeconiaomolo** » 18 Mar 2018, 08:29

[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]

4 out of 4 stars

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The Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon is a scrupulously-imagined adventure story mixed with Native American legends and a spiritual quest. In this fictional novel, a young teenager girl, Sarah Cooley, meets her grandfather, Tom for the first time. She has just been brought into Tom's compound by her grandmother, Ruth, who is Tom's ex-wife. Tom, William and Myra, who is William's daughter were busy packing ready for a camp trip through the Olympic National Park to visit Robert Olsen's grave. The late was Tom's grandfather.

Tom is afraid, and he is sure that Sarah's arrival is bad news. William and Myra suggest Sarah's inclusion in the trip; however, Tom reluctantly agrees. This trip was organized by Tom who not only wanted to ensure that his grandfather's grave was safe, but also to return a piece of an artifact he found under the late's hat on the day he died. When Sarah disappears along with this piece of artifact (the atlatl), it turns out to be a new ball game. Eight days later, she reappears while muddy and one of her fingers is missing. She did not return with the atlatl. When they return home, they further face serious problems. What did they really face? And Will they really retrieve the atlatl? You will have to read for yourself.

Set in the Olympic peninsula wilderness of Washington State, Charlie Sheldon has shown his expertise by writing this interesting story that kept me warming my chair most of the time. Most of the story is told from third person point of view while some part of the story is told from Sarah's point of view. Most of the characters in this novel are real and likable. The protagonist, Sarah (who was later named "Strong Heart") was such an outstanding character. She was a strong willed and rebellious teenager, but still likable. Her narration was hard to believe. However, it later came to make sense, and I could deduce the author's message. Some of her attributes really impressed me. She was such a brave girl: she feared nothing.

I could enjoy some laugh-out moments especially in an occasion when Sarah left her grandfather, and his friends simply because he could not believe her story. This made me recall a similar event in my childhood days when I could not bear with my uncle's arguments. I almost got lost in the forest while I was trying to trace my way back home. Other characters like Tom, William, and Myra were also relatable.

While I was reading this novel, I was accompanied by mixed reactions from smiling to sad moments. The plot was such gripping and this kept me turning pages. Even though I am not an American, I could enjoy this book, and I learned a lot about Native American culture and their mysterious legends.

I was especially entertained by the event when Sarah pinned two Backhorn crews on a tree by her dart using her thrower, to save Tom and his friends from being shot by these intruders. I couldn not understand why these innocent folks could be mistreated that much. Therefore, their plight was a perfect joy on my side.

One thing I didn't like with this book was that it ended in a cliffhanger. This left me with a bitter taste and I felt like there were still more I needed to know. I later found out that, there was a book by the same author called The Spear Thrower: The sighting. This could probably answer my questions.

I did not find any spelling or grammatical error thoughout this book. Moreover, the storyline was more compelling with well-developed characters. Overall, I am glad to rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars. I think teenagers and adults who like adventure stories beefed up with Native American legends will enjoy this book. If you were looking for some romance novel, you are unlucky this time round.

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Strong Heart
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kwame1977 · Post by **kwame1977** » 29 Mar 2018, 03:07

Adventure stories have been my best since infancy. Seems this book supersedes my favorite as it is mixed with spirituality and African scenes. Thanks for the review.

Jeconiaomolo · Post by **Jeconiaomolo** » 29 Mar 2018, 05:47

kwame1977 wrote: ↑29 Mar 2018, 03:07 Adventure stories have been my best since infancy. Seems this book supersedes my favorite as it is mixed with spirituality and African scenes. Thanks for the review.

I would like to clarify that the spirituality involved in this book is not that much or unpleasant to read about but only involved to uncover all that happened so many years ago befire the excistence of the characters themselves.

crediblereading2 · Post by **crediblereading2** » 09 Jul 2018, 21:31

I love the way how you have described the characters in this book, especially the brave and strong-willed Sarah. I am glad that you have enjoyed yourself while reading this book. Thank you for your very nice review.

Jeconiaomolo · Post by **Jeconiaomolo** » 10 Jun 2019, 03:54

crediblereading2 wrote: ↑09 Jul 2018, 21:31 I love the way how you have described the characters in this book, especially the brave and strong-willed Sarah. I am glad that you have enjoyed yourself while reading this book. Thank you for your very nice review.

Thanks, I thought you would like it too.