Tom Sharp

The Man and the Legend

Fiction - Historical - Personage
340 Pages
Reviewed on 10/09/2023
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Tom Sharp: The Man and the Legend by Charlie Steel is a historical novel inspired by actual events from Tom Sharp’s life. The story details the life, achievements, and adventures he had after a heroic act that left him injured and discharged from his military duties. Instead of going home to his betrothed, Tom decides to go west to make a fortune for his future family. He hunts and trades, lays telegraph poles for the railroad, and builds a ranch. He gains favor with the Native Americans and is honored among his fellow white men. His journey to success has its ups and downs, but Tom remains focused on his goals and is a friend to all except the outlaws. Get a copy of this book and learn about the amazing adventures of Tom Sharp.

Tom Sharp’s story is inspirational and fun to read. Charlie Steel has seamlessly combined fiction and reality to write a creative and unique tale. I enjoyed reading this book because it has life lessons about hard work, protecting the vulnerable, and respecting everyone regardless of race or background. Tom is a hero, an entrepreneur, and an honorable gentleman that many young men should try to emulate. The book also contains illustrations by Barabash Sviatoslav that depict the characters and the scenes from the story. The art makes this book unique and adds a visual dimension to the story. The author and illustrator perfectly captured the lifestyle of the era and brought the characters to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves reading historical novels that combine facts and fiction. Great work.

Laiba Azeem

The story revolves around William Thomas Sharp, a former Civil War soldier who became noncombatant, due to severe injuries. His journey from being a wounded private to a successful businessman in the community surrounding the Huerfano River, Colorado is truly inspiring, depicting his tireless pursuit of his dreams.

The novel's fictitious characters feel as alive as the real characters in his life. The author’s writing technique made me feel like I am also living in Sharp’s world. Charlie Steel, has this interesting style of writing dialogues, some with a delightful touch of humor that I find amusing, such as the exchange:
“Are you calling me stupid?” – Willoughby
“If the word fits,” – Sharp

The plot twists involving side characters like Hilda, Raine, and Christopher add layers of complexity to the protagonist’s journey (won’t be giving away any spoilers).

Sharp's loyalty, devotion to his friends and family, and his willingness to help those in need make this novel a heartfelt read. The balance between Sharp’s dual core responsibilities - his family and his pursuit of justice while maintaining a flourishing business - is beautifully crafted by Steel.

This story is not just any person’s tale but a narrative of commitment, courage, and compassion. It plays like a movie in front of the reader’s eyes just as one goes through the story. It’s a must-read for historical fiction lovers and also any reader who enjoys lively yet adventurous experiences with a hint of love (Yes, Katherine is the character I am talking about here and no, I won’t be saying any further about it, everyone should read about it themselves.)

TOM SHARP’S ACTIONS SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT HIS CHARACTER, and that’s what I loved the most.