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Helm
by Steven Gould
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Tor Books (1998-03)
ISBN: 0312864604
EAN: 9780312864606
Dewy Decimal #: 813.54
Hardcover: 382 pages
Edition: 1st
SKU: A-1-18
Condition: Acceptable
Comments: Former library book. Pages are unmarked. First page has card pocket and cut out. Dust jacket has mylar cover. Front hinge is cracked. Readable copy.
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
Set on a distant colony planet which has fallen into a new dark age, "Helm" is the tale of Leland de Laal, the youngest son of a great lord who dares to wear the forbidden Glass Helm--an ancient device filled with the Earth's precious lost wisdom. But that knowledge has a terrible price .
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Amazon.com Review
In Helm, Gould spins the tale of Leland de Laal, the young son of a shrewd but minor nobleman on a world far from Earth. Leland, disobeying his father's edict, dons a helm of ancient power, an artifact brought from Earth centuries ago. Gradually, he gains access to knowledge implanted in his mind by the helm, only to find that he is no longer alone in his head. He absorbs the martial-arts discipline of aikido, but before he can come to terms with either his new powers or his growing affection for his overlord's daughter, he is submerged in betrayal and war on many fronts. His homeland's worst enemy seeks the helm, ready to use it to subjugate the world. In this, his third novel, Steven Gould has whipped up a smooth fantasy story, seasoned with science-fictional elements, romance, and a lot of high-kicking action. He continues to explore the coming-of-age theme, as he did in his previous two novels, Jumper and Wildside. --Blaise Selby
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Customer Reviews
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One of the best books I've read in a while
Rating  (5)
Date: 2008-09-13
This is one of the best books that I have read (and reread). I've read it at least three times since I got it. I have read hundreds if not thousands of books over my lifetime and at this point in time I think I would place this book in my top-20 or maybe even my top-10 list of best books.
I really liked the martial arts aspect of this book. I have had an interest in the martial arts for years and I really appreciate books like this. I know very little about aikido but I thought the aikido scenes were one of the best parts of the book. I also liked the "battle" scenes. I thought they were very well written and entertaining. The characters were also very interesting.
I have one complaint about this book...the fact that Mr. Gould made two of the major characters lesbians. Thankfully, he didn't make the lead character a homosexual or I wouldn't have been able to read this excellent book. And to be fair to the author, he didn't concentrate on or write about the physical/sexual acts of any of his characters whether they were hetero or homosexual. This absence of dwelling on the physical side of their "relationship" and the fact that they were not the main characters allowed me to read this book with great enjoyment. However, I believe their being homosexual was an unnecessary addition to the book and it kept me from being able to recommend it or loan to some of my more conservative friends and relatives.
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Would like to see a sequel
Rating (5)
Date: 2008-08-05
Gould is just a great Author, Jumper was not a one hit wonder. There are similarities in his themes, young boy given an enhancement, an an ability, high moral compass, etc.
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another Heinlein-ish winner from Gould
Rating  (4)
Date: 2008-05-05
An interesting book, almost as much in the Heinlein juvenile mold as Wildside. Some of the story is a little too cliched (especially the extended "teen becomes a responsible man through martial arts training" subplot). But it avoided rehashing the most overused cliches by having the residents of the planet be quite well aware that they are descended from a high tech society that they no longer understand, instead of the usual "magic of the ancients" garbage. They just don't have the economic or educational base to rebuild it, although they are trying.
It also had a few surprises, especially in the way it ended. It wasn't quite a twist ending, but it left me saying, "I didn't see that coming, even though I should have". I like that.
The main character is just a little too likeable to seem entirely real, although perhaps he has an excuse because we never really get to see what he was like before he imprinted himself with a new personality. And he's also just a little too lucky to be entirely real, but that's sort of an occupational hazard for heroes. If they weren't lucky enough, their stories would be nasty, brutish, and short.
The romantic interest is also a plus-mark for the book. She's smart and capable, and when she does end up being the princess-in-peril she pretty much manages to rescue herself instead of waiting for our hero to come along and save the day.
Anyway, if you like Heinlein (especially if you also like Jumper and/or Wildside), you'll probably like Helm.
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A really good Sci-fi book.
Rating (5)
Date: 2005-11-11
3 out of 3 customers found this reveiw helpful
This book has lots of excellent world-building, and a main character--or perhaps I should say TWO main characters--you can really get behind.
The Aikido details are great, and the growth of the main character is believable and interesting.
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Pretty good. Pick it up!
Rating (4)
Date: 2005-11-09
0 out of 1 customers found this reveiw helpful
Nice bit of science fantasy with medieval storyline will hook you in and give you hours of good fun read. Stephen knows how to write and this book is well constructed. Without going into detail, this book should satisfy those who are looking for little bit of science and medieval story.
Worth paperback money, not hardback.
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