Review of The shot not heard around the world

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Post Reply
Obinna Chima Agoms
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 368
Joined: 23 Feb 2022, 15:10
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 114
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-bibliophile-reviewer.html
Latest Review: Why Rock The Boat When You Don't Know How To Swim? by Daniel Sebata

Review of The shot not heard around the world

Post by Obinna Chima Agoms »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The shot not heard around the world" by Charlie damitz.]
Book Cover
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Imagine it was 1775, you were a "Minuteman" while the war with the British Redcoats raged on, and you were faced with a decision to take or preserve life. That was the lead character's dilemma in The Shot Not Heard Around the World. The story was about young Jeremy at a time when boys partook in wars. Preparing for that moment all his life by hunting squirrels and rabbits, Jeremy would find out that shooting humans was a different ball game. Not pulling the trigger at an "enemy" started a chain of events with more enormous consequences. In a gripping tale of the American Revolutionary War and the medical advancement of that age, what would be the aftermath of Jeremy's decision?

The novel is relatively short in length, making for a quick read. Historical fiction is tricky to write because you have to keep to the facts while adding your spin to it. The events of that time in American history and its facts check out. However, the war isn't the author's primary focus. The story is about the internal turmoil of a boy thrust into an unprecedented situation. Readers will appreciate that attention is taken away from the violence.

The attention to detail in writing was exquisite. Charlie Damitz ensured I was drawn into the 1700s by his masterful descriptions. From the daily realistic experiences of that time to the situational decisions, I felt like I lived in an era long before I was born. It delivered the whole experience, especially in the medical situation of that age. It was a key highlight of the book, with the way most scenes were centered around it. The regular clinic occurrence to battlefield medic adventures was exciting to read.

There were three protagonists: Jeremy, Roger, and Doc Thorndike. Their fates intertwined, and Doc Thorndike was the primary driver of their character development. He had a radical personality willing to challenge the norms of his time. Roger Poole had an air of confidence from surviving past trauma. It was impressive that Jeremy was not the only character who left a lasting impression.

War has never been a pretty sight, regardless of the outcome. The Shot Not Heard Around the World captures the point of view of both the aggressors and the defenders of the said skirmish. I love the author's writing style and the absence of fillers. The editing is professional, with only two errors. There's nothing to dislike. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is well deserved, for it captures the essence of the warring era while delivering its message in a light-hearted yet graphical way. If you enjoy war stories with a focus on the characters, this book is for you.

******
The shot not heard around the world
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
User avatar
Mercy Sos Christopher
Posts: 311
Joined: 18 May 2022, 11:12
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 25
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mercy-sos-christopher.html
Latest Review: Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise by John K Danenbarger
Reading Device: 1400697484

Post by Mercy Sos Christopher »

I enjoy war stories so much, it gives me goosebumps and trills. I would have to check this one out. By your review, I'm loving the book already. Thanks for the review.
User avatar
Wren Michaels
Posts: 141
Joined: 11 Sep 2022, 14:32
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 12
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-wren-michaels.html
Latest Review: Terms of Service by Craig W. Stanfill

Post by Wren Michaels »

This novel sounds as though it is well written and the author has managed to create captivating characters. Great review.
User avatar
Yasmine ZM
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 687
Joined: 16 Feb 2022, 07:39
Favorite Book: The DrugTech Trilogy
Currently Reading: Shanghai'd
Bookshelf Size: 231
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-yasmine-zm.html
Latest Review: The Eve Code by Mariett Ramm
2025 Reading Goal: 15
2025 Goal Completion: 33%

Post by Yasmine ZM »

I like historical fictions, especially when they are well-wriiren. This one is one of them. I am wondering how young is Jeremy, and if he will find the solution to the dilemma.
User avatar
Yasmine ZM
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 687
Joined: 16 Feb 2022, 07:39
Favorite Book: The DrugTech Trilogy
Currently Reading: Shanghai'd
Bookshelf Size: 231
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-yasmine-zm.html
Latest Review: The Eve Code by Mariett Ramm
2025 Reading Goal: 15
2025 Goal Completion: 33%

Post by Yasmine ZM »

I like historical fictions, especially when they are well-wriiren. This one is one of them. I am wondering how young is Jeremy, and if he will find the solution to the dilemma.
Abraham Ozo
Book of the Month Participant
Posts: 613
Joined: 06 Jul 2023, 19:06
Currently Reading: Fire proof Happiness
Bookshelf Size: 195
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-abraham-ozo.html
Latest Review: A Spiritual Dog: "Bear" by J. Wesley Porter

Post by Abraham Ozo »

From clinic routines to battlefield medic adventures, the well-crafted scenes in this book provide an engaging and authentic glimpse into the past. I look forward to getting a copy. Congrats on BOTD.
User avatar
Amy Luman
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5800
Joined: 29 Mar 2021, 14:05
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 1066
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-amy-luman.html
Latest Review: Cruel Lessons by Randy Overbeck
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU

Post by Amy Luman »

I'm not really a fan of historical fiction, but this seems to rely heavily on Jeremy's feelings and not the things that going on. Congratulations on BOTD!
RomanceBound T
Posts: 172
Joined: 02 Mar 2022, 23:07
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-romancebound-t.html
Latest Review: The DrugTech Trilogy by Marcel Victor Sahade

Post by RomanceBound T »

Getting a glimpse of the story from your review I find it quite interesting. Thankyou for such a beautifully penned review.
User avatar
Sushan Ekanayake
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 5234
Joined: 04 May 2018, 19:13
Currently Reading: Sword swallower and a Chico kid
Bookshelf Size: 437
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sushan-ekanayake.html
Latest Review: Crimeline Hollywood by Thomas Collins
Reading Device: B0794JC2K5

Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

Charlie Damitz's 'The Shot Not Heard Around the World' masterfully transports readers to the heart of the American Revolutionary War, but with a twist - it delves deep into the human psyche. Beyond the battles, it's the tale of internal turmoil, choices, and the undeniable human touch in times of war. A beautifully detailed and character-driven narrative that speaks volumes about the era. Congratulations on being BOTD 📚🕰️
User avatar
Hazel Mae Bagarinao
Posts: 3409
Joined: 20 Mar 2022, 06:53
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 148
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-hazel-mae-bagarinao.html
Latest Review: The Slippery Road. by L. M. Bollers

Post by Hazel Mae Bagarinao »

Although I like the timeline of the story, the 1700s, I do not usually read war stories. But, I do think that Jeremy, Doc, and Roger's journey of the war in this book will be a surprising read to others. Congratulations to the author on BOTD!
"Less is more." ~ Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe
User avatar
Leen282
Posts: 1415
Joined: 28 Mar 2020, 00:53
Currently Reading: Shooting Bogies
Bookshelf Size: 170
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-leen282.html
Latest Review: Beautifully Scarred by Cewanda Todd

Post by Leen282 »

If the book is written as well as the review, it fully deserves its five stars. I like the background setting of the war used to give insight into the thought process of a young boy. I also appreciate the viewpoints of two opposing parties being given.
User avatar
María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 5829
Joined: 27 Apr 2018, 16:22
Favorite Author: Kristin Hannah
Favorite Book: The Nightingale
Currently Reading: La hora de matar
Bookshelf Size: 2503
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mar-a-andrea-fern-ndez-sep-lveda.html
Latest Review: Love Again Love for Them by R.A. Lee
fav_author_id: 5604

Post by María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda »

It's tragic that boys are still participating in wars in some parts of the world.
I love historical fiction, and this book presents an original take since we often think about the consequences of the shots taken, not the ones not taken.
Thank you for your review.
User avatar
tarafarah7
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2548
Joined: 29 Jul 2016, 22:22
Favorite Author: Mitch Albom
Favorite Book: <a href="http://forums.onlinebookclub.org/shelve ... ">tuesdays with Morrie</a>
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 1630
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-tarafarah7.html
Latest Review: Toni the Superhero by R.D. Base
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG
fav_author_id: 2544

Post by tarafarah7 »

Today's BOTD isn't one I would normally choose, but after reading your review, I've added it to my WTR list. I like that it focuses on the characters and the internal struggles they face with their decisions, as well as the consequences of such, especially being so young at war. Readers of historical fiction will definitely want to check this out some more. Thank you so much! :-)
_edad1
Posts: 4
Joined: 28 Sep 2023, 14:13
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 2

Post by _edad1 »

I love how story’s rich historical fiction
It’s sad knowing young children are being trained to partake in wars in some parts of the world,even though it affects them physically, mentally , emotionally and psychologically.It’s a big problem
Fredrick Felix Mnjala Maneno
In It Together VIP
Posts: 516
Joined: 21 Jun 2021, 09:23
Favorite Book: Of All Faiths & None
Currently Reading: The Curious Cousins and The African adventure
Bookshelf Size: 98
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fredrick-felix-mnjala-maneno.html
Latest Review: Alpha Buddies Land by Donna Marie Rink

Post by Fredrick Felix Mnjala Maneno »

A good historical fictional book does have to keep the facts straight. It's not an easy task but it seems like Damitz actually does quite well. As a lover of the genre, I definitely will be reading this one. Congrats on the #BOTD and kudos on a really insightful review.
Real courage is when you know you are licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what! (To kill a Mockingbird - Atticus Finch) Harper Lee.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”