Helm

ISBN: 0-312-86460-4 Order from: Amazon.com

A straightforward, well-paced but unoriginal story of an adolescent forced to become a leader by circumstances and treachery.

Reviewed by David on September 27, 1998

Genre: Science Fiction (Regressed Colony, Coming of Age, Martial Art, War)

Synopsis: The planet Agatsu was terraformed and settled by refugees escaping Earth devastated by wars. While retaining a body of legends and books, most technology has been lost in the centuries following the desperate landing. In this somewhat feudal civilization, Leland Laand is a younger son of a local ruler. His relatively peaceful life is interrupted when he puts on the last remaining imprinter—a device for transferring memories stored by one of the original settlers.

Confused by his memories, he is forced to grow up quickly when his father's liege goes to war.

Full Review: Gould, the author of popular SF novels featuring teenage protagonists Jumper and Wildside, has written a novel that does not take place on our planet.

The setting neatly allows a society dominated by non-chemical weapons: swords, bows and catapults, possess sufficient learning for a hygienic and rather comfortable existence. In this environment, one of the settlers' legacies, the study of Aikido, is very germane to the many close-quarters fights in the novel. Luckily, the colonist whose memory is recorded in the imprinter was an Aikido expert. Leland is catapulted to be a scientific scholar, as well as a master of Aikido by his experience with the imprinter. Subsequent war, romantic interest, and treachery, complete his transformation into a hero.

The plot is rather unoriginal, and the conclusion can be predicted fairly early. However, the sympathetic characters, streamlined story and consistent pacing make for an enjoyable book.

There appears a bit too much emphasis on Aikido. For instance, it's improbable that young and relatively small women can subdue armed, armored and experienced warriors—several times, and without injury. Nevertheless, this is a well-written, enjoyable story, in the finest traditions of science fictional adventures.

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 5; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 5;

ISBN: 0-312-86460-4 Order from: Amazon.com