Totem - Book Review

The History, Magic, and Legend in the Wilderness

Totem

by Charlie Sheldon

The plot of Charlie Sheldon’s Totem revolves around the vast wilderness of Olympic National Park. In this ‘land of history, magic, and legend’, the author takes the readers on a tour of the world of the past. Don’t you wish to witness for yourself what it is like down there?

A series of events happen simultaneously. On one hand, elks are found dead in different locations. It’s a mysterious kill that Carl Larsen, Steve Palmer, and Laurie Larsen need to investigate. What baffles them is the manner the animals are killed. Half of each of the carcasses is gone, while the other half is left lying where it is killed. Who is responsible for the killing? Poachers? Other wild animals?

On the other hand, one of the Seattle Express crew is found alive. William, a merchant sailor, is indeed a brave survivor. He even expresses to join a tedious hike back to the Olympic National Park with his daughter and friends. He says he has a story to tell the hiking team. Unfortunately, shortly before the hiking team sets off, something serious happens to one of them. And, Sarah, the granddaughter of the victim, fears she might be sent back to live with her grandmother.

Drama on the Mountains

The hiking team pushes through with its plan. This time, Sarah brings along the ashes of her grandfather. She intends to bury it alongside Bob-bob’s grave. But before she could lay down the urn, wild cats attacked the group, killing six people. Thankfully, most of them survive. Sarah’s group takes refuge in the hole where she once fell, while the rest run inside the Hidden Place.

Meanwhile, despite the tragedy in the mountains, Buckhorn Industries pushes through with its mining plan. The company’s activity, however, is wrapped in secrecy and treachery. On the front, they promise to provide jobs to the locals, preserve the environment, and respect the tribes’ rights. But, one thing is suspicious in the company’s activity. Most of its key personnel that oversee the mining operation are mercenaries. Although its frontline is quite a credible project manager. Or, is it safe to say that Victoria Oldsea is just a figurehead of Buckhorn?

Most importantly, what happens when the environmentalists, the Natives, and the capitalist come face to face with each other? Follow the saga of Totem.

The Book and the Totem Author

There is no question about Charlie Sheldon’s storytelling ability. I read the first two installations (Strong Heart and Adrift) of his trilogy, and he’s consistent in making a gripping story. I feel like the author tells his own real-life experience in this book. His vivid descriptions of the scenes and the way he gives details in the situations seem too precise.

Moreover, Totem talks about the reality that rules over the present age. Greed, lust for power, and politics – these are common evils of the time! At the same time, the book presents a simple ancient life where the only threats were the harsh weather and wild animals. Sheldon flawlessly weaves both periods into a tapestry of cultures and generations.

Totem is quite a long, yet detailed story. But then, in the end, the reader might want to read more, just what I realized.

The Technical Side of Totem

What I like most in the book is the author’s emphasis on respect for the tribal people’s culture. In the second book, Adrift, I commented that he mentioned only a bit of the Native’s rights. But, I now realize he reserved it for the final volume. And, I’m glad he gives importance to the contributions of the Native people in the overall history of humanity. I also like his putting value on nature preservation.

On the other hand, I don’t like Wentworth Randall’s character. Considering his background and being a representative of a politician, his role is weak. He’s more of a figurehead than what Victoria feels about herself.

On the technical side, Totem is proofread well. I don’t see any major typographical or grammatical errors. And so, I give it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. And, I highly recommend it to all age groups. I also encourage those who are not keen on reading. Just give it a try and you’ll see why I recommend it.