Review of Totem

Helen Ogonda · Post by **Helen Ogonda** » 01 Feb 2022, 12:59

This story of Bear valley seems epic. Although I would like to first read the previous series. Thank you for the review.

STabassum · Post by **STabassum** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:00

This book sounds interesting and the review has done full justice to the intriguing storyline. The mythology related to Totem and a sense of mystery that surrounds the plot around a seemingly normal story of hiking makes it even more thrilling. Keep it up.

havillah108 · Post by **havillah108** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:06

I adore how immersive this adventure story is, and how simple it is to get lost in it. I'll have to read this novel to find out when Bear Valley's mysteries will be disclosed. Thank you for your review.

Michelle Menezes · Post by **Michelle Menezes** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:07

I read and enjoyed Adrift a while ago. While I like Sarah's character, and I'm curious about one of the characters from the previous book, I don't think I'll be reading this one. From the description, I don't think it's for me. But great job on the review!

Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:11

You described the characters as being larger than life and being so familiar you might recognize them on the street if they were real. That is something I love in a book! Wonderful review.

Amprye · Post by **Amprye** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:12

I may need to read the other books in this installment first. The characters and adventurous plot seem extremely intriguing though! Congratulations on book of the day!

jeanmtdb · Post by **jeanmtdb** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:13

Thank you for your review. This is a wonderful story of generations. Definitely going on my reading list. Congratulations on BOTD!

Chinazo Anozie · Post by **Chinazo Anozie** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:19

VernaVi wrote: ↑26 Jun 2021, 19:40 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Totem" by Charlie Sheldon.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Totem by Charlie Sheldon is the third book in the Strong Heart Series. Written about the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, this series weaves tales around the past and present. Preceded by Strong Heart and Adrift, this final installment finishes off the story to perfection.

Sarah Cooley lives with her grandfather, Tom-Tom. They plan to go on a hike in Bear Valley with their family and friends. When something happens to interrupt the plan, things look hopeless. In addition, mysterious elk-kills seem to keep happening at the wildlife refuge. Carl Larsen’s investigations haven’t turned up much so far. Whatever is going on, it’s all happening in Bear Valley. It would only take one artifact found in the valley to save the entire area from the imminent mining operation. Will the secrets of Bear Valley be revealed? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

I loved the continuous element of suspense that pervades this tale. The way that each set of characters finds their way toward Bear Valley keeps the pace quick without leaving readers behind. Although there were some unexpected surprises for me in this novel, I cannot divulge any secrets here. Suffice it to say, this book provides another great addition, and finale, to this three-volume series.

This book has a lot of great features. It is divided into two books or parts that help with elements of the story. The characters take us through a type of pilgrimage through the history of the Pacific Northwest and its culture. The tale draws a reader to ask interesting questions about history. How did the indigenous peoples of the past deal with climate change in their time? How would one prepare for climate warming or cooling? The answers may surprise you. I was fascinated by the concepts touched upon in this story that could apply to present-day situations. This adventure is immersive, and it’s easy to lose yourself within the pages. However, with the handy maps provided at the beginning of this novel, you’re sure to navigate your way back out again!

I have always been impressed by this author’s ability to create characters that are larger than life. Each one’s characteristics become so familiar that the reader could recognize them on the street were they real. Sarah is an excellent example of a 14-yr-old with an attitude that one could take as stubborn. In truth, she shows a strength of character and a love for life.

This author also shows a well-researched scientific background regarding the mining and northwest history that make up the foundation of this story. Steeped in history, one of the best things about this tale is how it advocates keeping traditions alive in an ever-changing world. I found that to be one of the most important messages of the book.

I found no negatives to list for this book. It is exceptionally well edited. The few errors I found were minor and did not affect the flow of the narrative whatsoever. I highly recommend this novel to readers that enjoy adventure and discovery. It will especially appeal to those who like to learn about ancient northern cultures. This book is more than suitable for a young adult audience as profanity is brief and mild, and although there are a few violent scenes, they are short. This series will admirably grace the bookshelves of homes and libraries. For these reasons, I rate Totem with a shining 4 out of 4 stars!

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Totem
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This is a great review. Unfortunately, this doesn't sound like my kind of book.

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:23

It is interesting to see how First Nations deal with climate change. So much of their livelihood (and many others) deals with mother nature's strict schedule. I can't wait to start it. Thank you for the wonderful review.

Lynda Howard · Post by **Lynda Howard** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:24

Although this captivating adventure book is the finale to a three-volume series, of which I haven’t read any as yet. I do love how this book will have the reader ponder interesting questions, such as how would one prepare for climate warming or cooling, as well giving some surprising answers. Thanks for the review!

Post by **Atieno Magero** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:25

I hope I won't have difficulty reading this book since I haven't read the previous ones in the series. The storyline seems interesting and I love that the book is well researched. Congratulations on making book of the day!

Timothy Rucinski · Post by **Timothy Rucinski** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:33

I cannot wait to get started on this book. The previous two installments were some of the best novels I've read in a long time, and I cannot wait to pick up where Adrift left off. I urge you to start at the beginning with Strong Heart to get a true sense of the quality of these books, meeting some tremendous literary characters along the way. Congratulations to Mr. Sheldon on his remarkable trilogy!

Reema Aydieh · Post by **Reema Aydieh** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:40

Great review!
This sounds like the type of book I pick up when I’m in the mood for a suspenseful read. I’d love to know more about the history of the Pacific Northwest and its culture from this book.

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:45

I have been thoroughly intrigued by the rest of the Strong Heart Series and I can't wait to dig into this one and see what Larsen's investigations uncover!

Adekeye-Hassan A · Post by **Adekeye-Hassan A** » 01 Feb 2022, 13:48

Great review, I am definitely including the book in my bookshelves as a fan of suspense. I also love the fact that the book shows a well researched work.