|
Helm follows the story of young Leland de Laal, the youngest
son of the ruler of the province of Laal in the land of Noram.
Leland, a studious young man with a need for knowledge, does
an unexpected thing by climbing the rock spire The Needle and
placing the glass helm that he finds on top on his head. This
imprinting helm is the last one from the technology of old Earth
and contains all of Earths knowledge. On this new terraformed
world, technology is low, but thanks to the helm, the knowlege
can be imparted to one person from generation to generation.
Leland wasnt the one planned for the helm, and his training in
the knowledge he receives is tough.
If this wasnt bad enough, Leland manages to fall in love with
the daughter of the Ruler of Noram, all the time alienating her
with his brusque ways. The Ruler of Noram has recently struck
a deal with the rival nation Cotswold, but what the deal involves
is a mystery. Did I mention that the ruler of Cotswold has plans
for Leland and the Glass Helm?
Man, Leland is in a mess of trouble : )
Steven Gould manages to blend science fiction, political mystery,
swashbuckling, romance and martial arts all into a fast paced,
thrilling read. I havent read a book this good and emotionally
satisfying in a long, long time. I urge you to go pick up a copy
now.
-- Sheryl Roberts
|
