Review by Vic Chimezie -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 11 Jul 2020, 11:58

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Tom Olsen didn't have the slightest idea he had a granddaughter. He was about to go on a hiking adventure with his Native American friends, William and Myra. So, having his ex-wife show up with thirteen-year-old Sarah at his doorsteps, wasn't in the plan. Sarah looked every bit like his late daughter that he had no doubt she was indeed his granddaughter. Tom didn't think to take her on their planned hike was a good idea, but where would she stay? He reluctantly agrees with William to bring her along. Will this decision turn out to be a curse or a blessing? Time will tell.

When Sarah showed Tom and his friends her drawing of a bear she had seen in the park, they were skeptical because this particular bear she drew, went extinct many thousands of years ago. More mystery follows when she disappears for over a week and reappears with severe injuries to tell a bizarre story of her whereabouts. Did she lose her sanity? Is her story true? She agreed she lost the artifact they brought with them, can she help find it? You have to read this book to find out.

In Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon, you will need to brace yourself for all kinds of impact. It is an adventure, even for the reader! The transition from modern to archaic times is impressive, but his ability to bring these worlds together without losing his audience is even more exciting. There is a clear intention to educate and entertain the reader. This book is, no doubt, a product of thorough research and investigation. The dogma that humans first arrived in North America at the end of the most recent ice age, just got another contrasting theory.

I love the style used in writing this book. There is a progressive knowledge of the background of the characters as events unfold. The timeline of events is easy to follow and understand. The characterization is also top-notch. I fell in love with Sarah's character. I must commend the author for capturing the perspective of a thirteen-year-old girl so well. It is evident in her conversations and humor. Other characters in this book were all developed uniquely and easy to relate too. I appreciate how the writer portrayed the words the old world used to describe things we know today. It just made the book beautiful.

I do not doubt that lovers of mysticism and historical fiction will love this one. They'll cherish the history arguments between Sergei and Myra even more. What I disliked most about this book was how it ended. I thought it was rather abrupt. However, I realized the way it ended left a sweet hangover in my mind. I found Strong Heart to be professionally edited and with almost no typo. I, therefore, rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. If you have problems with people dying in gruesome ways, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, this is a very alluring book.

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Strong Heart
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Gabrielle Sigaki · Post by **Gabrielle Sigaki** » 16 Jul 2020, 14:11

That sounds like an interesting book. I love that kind of story with mysticism. Thanks for the review!

Dentarthurdent · Post by **Dentarthurdent** » 16 Jul 2020, 16:05

Sarah seems like quite an interesting, mysterious character. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, if I get a chance to read it, I hope I do too.
Thanks for a great review!

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 16 Jul 2020, 17:12

THis book sounds an interesting adventure. I appreciate your insightful review. Good job!

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 16 Jul 2020, 18:08

gabrielletiemi wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 14:11 That sounds like an interesting book. I love that kind of story with mysticism. Thanks for the review!

One of the best books I have read this year. Thanks for finding time to comment.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 16 Jul 2020, 18:08

Dentarthurdent wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 16:05 Sarah seems like quite an interesting, mysterious character. I'm glad you enjoyed the book, if I get a chance to read it, I hope I do too.
Thanks for a great review!

Thank you very much for finding time to read and comment.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 16 Jul 2020, 18:10

Elvis Best wrote: ↑16 Jul 2020, 17:12 THis book sounds an interesting adventure. I appreciate your insightful review. Good job!

Thanks a lot for finding time to read and comment.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 17 Jul 2020, 01:47

I'm not into historical fiction, but this novel has much more with everything around the protagonist after he discovers he has a granddaughter, and that makes it interesting. Thank you for your great review!

Koltrast · Post by **Koltrast** » 17 Jul 2020, 03:16

Ooooh, this is right up my alley! You got me, I need to know what the deal with Sarah is. Thank you for the review!

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 17 Jul 2020, 03:56

NetMassimo wrote: ↑17 Jul 2020, 01:47 I'm not into historical fiction, but this novel has much more with everything around the protagonist after he discovers he has a granddaughter, and that makes it interesting. Thank you for your great review!

Try this one out, you won't be disappointed. Thank you for finding time to read and comment.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 17 Jul 2020, 03:57

Koltrast wrote: ↑17 Jul 2020, 03:16 Ooooh, this is right up my alley! You got me, I need to know what the deal with Sarah is. Thank you for the review!

Lovely book, I tell you. Thank you for finding time to comment.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 17 Jul 2020, 04:27

I agree with your 4stars scoring. It took me some time to warm up to the slow pace of Sarah's story, until I got really into it and savored the descriptions.

do20 · Post by **do20** » 17 Jul 2020, 04:44

I love how the author managed to translate the modern world into ancient times. Thanks for your great review.

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 17 Jul 2020, 04:46

Leen282 wrote: ↑17 Jul 2020, 04:27 I agree with your 4stars scoring. It took me some time to warm up to the slow pace of Sarah's story, until I got really into it and savored the descriptions.

I am glad you enjoyed reading it too. Thanks for finding time to read and comment.