Review of Totem
Posted: 26 Jun 2021, 19:40
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Totem" by Charlie Sheldon.]
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!
******
Totem
View: on Bookshelves
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!
******
Totem
View: on Bookshelves
