Wiseheart

A different type of story for me but I really enjoyed it.
Will recommend to others.
Thanks for the opportunity to read & review it.

“Wiseheart” is a compelling narrative that follows the life of Jonathan Earl David Iverson, a young boy who finds inspiration in the iconic Star Wars franchise. After watching the first movie, he discovers that his initials spell “JEDI,” which leads him to envision himself as a Jedi warrior. This self-identification drives him to protect the significant women in his life.

As the story unfolds, Jed grapples with his identity and the expectations placed upon him. His journey takes a dramatic turn when he is mistakenly hailed as a hero for stopping a high school shooter. This incident forces him into a moral dilemma where he must choose between maintaining this facade or coming clean about the truth, which could jeopardize his relationship with Dora.

The narrative explores themes of loyalty, loss, and personal growth against the backdrop of family relationships and societal pressures. As Jed navigates these complexities, he faces the risk of slipping toward what he perceives as the “Dark Side,” reflecting on his choices and their implications.

“Wiseheart” gives an emotionally charged experience filled with riveting character development and poignant moments that resonate with readers. It delves into the struggles of adolescence while highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in relationships.

This novel was a genre switch up for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. A great cast of characters that made it hard to put down. A lovely read that kept me guessing until the very end. A great lesson on loyalty.
Thank you NetGalley, Claudia Ermey and Swell Media for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was engaged with what was happening with the characters. It worked overall with the genre and enjoyed the young adult element to this read. I was enjoying going on this journey and how the characters were written. It was a sad and scary situation dealing with a school shooter. Claudia Ermey was able to make this and thought the writing worked well.

When you are 17 and your initials are J E D I, you do your best to be a hero. WISEHEART introduces us to Jed, the JEDI in training, who just wants to protect his family, a very tall order for this 17 yr old. His single mother has a boyfriend that Jed doesn't like and is definitely trying to cheat on her. His aunt and 12 yr old female cousin live next to them, where Jed's cousin continually embarasses him. Then there's Dora, the young woman Jed loves. These core characters carry the story of growing up and beginning an adult life as the adults in your life seem to be floundering. It was a good story, watching Jed as he struggles to leave his childhood reminded me of the young people in my family who have faced the same challenges with mixed results. It's sure to stir some nostalgia before the focus changes to school violence and the aftermath. The mixture of the two stages of Jed's life didn't feel real to me, but it did leave some questions when he takes those last few steps and leaves the fantasy behind.

I do not generally read young adult stories, but I was drawn to WiseHeart after reading the synopsis. This is Jed’s story. He was never happy with his name, Jonathan Earle David Iverson, until his mother showed him the first Star Wars movie. When he realized that his initials spelled Jedi he felt that he should be responsible for watching over his family. Iris, Jed’s mother, is unhappy with her boyfriend Manny, who Jed wishes would leave. His aunt Rainbow is also a single mother to Penny, an eleven year old who is growing up too fast. At school Jed’s closest friend is Dora. From the smell of her hair to the way she talks with him on their walks home, he feels that Dora is the girl for him. Jed’s mother always said that he had a wise heart that allowed him to care for others. When an incident at school with a potential shooter labels him as a hero, the accolades from Dora and his fellow students make him uncomfortable. They are all proud of him, but if they knew the truth of what happened in the encounter he is afraid that everyone, including Dora, would turn against him. He was supposed to be the Jedi knight. He was not supposed to be scared and knock himself out during the confrontation. Jed must come to terms with who he is and what it means to be strong for the family and for making decisions as he matures. Claudia Ermey has written a story with relatable characters, especially her main character, who you will love. It is a story filled with empathy and humor that was pure enjoyment as I read. I would like to thank NetGalley and Books Go Social for providing this book.

**Review of *Wiseheart* by Claudia Ermey**

*Wiseheart* by Claudia Ermey is a captivating tale that blends elements of fantasy, adventure, and emotional depth. The story follows a strong-willed protagonist who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and inner wisdom. Ermey’s world-building is rich and imaginative, creating an immersive setting where magic and heartache intertwine.

The novel stands out for its compelling characters and themes of personal growth, resilience, and the power of love. While the pacing may be slow at times, the emotional weight and vivid storytelling make it a rewarding read for fantasy fans seeking a thoughtful narrative.

**Rating: 4/5 stars**