Helix (1)

I was in the middle of a couple books at the time I purchased this one...I finished this in a matter of days because it was that much fun. I don't think I've had that much fun with a sci fi book since a trio of Flash Gordon books I read in the summer in front of a fan back in the 80's as a kid. The negative reviews are so harsh I'm confused where they come from because this novel tickled my imagination into a fit of giggles. I thought it was a great read.

What if we had just nearly destroyed earth, to the point where life was barely sustainable, and humanity was only a few generations away from extinction, that being the premise of Helix sounded a promising start. A team of engineers and about 3,000 colonizers are launched into space , cryogenically frozen with the hope of someday, landing on a planet that can sustain human life. So a thousand years later, they crash land onto a hostile, cold planet. Helix is a bit farfetched but that's what makes it such a good read, that together with the fantastically constructed universe and its inhabitants, a small band of humans must try to establish a colony. Of course it isn't that easy, and they come to find out they are far from alone and that the reasons behind the existence of the Helix universe is far greater than any of them can imagine

Some other reviewers here are trying to put on as if they never planned their daily schedules around the show time of the latest Star Trek: TNG episode, hence silly criticisms of a fun story. To those grumps I say get over yourselves and buy Helix! This novel isn't towering science fiction literature, for Asimov's sake, it's a ripping sci fi adventure with nifty ideas, interesting characters, and groovy aliens.

Five hundred years after its launch a colony ship carrying four thousand humans in search of a new home finds itself on a dangerous world after a forced landing leaves the ship in a polar section of the Helix - a construct of worlds. It's s up to surviving crew members to search for a habitable section of the spiral in a journey which brings them not only face to face with aliens, but with a mystery which affects the origin of their new world. An invigorating mystery blends with science fiction to create a fast-paced plot reminiscent of Larry Nivin's Ringworld series - and perfect for science fiction fans who like complex worlds and dramatic, fast-paced plots.

Okay, I've read the negative reviews about this book. So, I wasn't expecting much. But, I really liked this book. Yes, there are some scientific flaws here and there. However, remember this is science fiction not science fact. I just couldn't put this book down. I read on the way to vacation to Bermuda and figured I'd read the rest on the way back. But, I kept reading and reading it on vacation until I was done. The pace is fast and touching at times. The story is very imaginative and had me thinking about humanity. So, I won't repeat what others have already stated, but read it and find out for yourself.