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The Helmsman #8
The Turning Tide
The best-selling Helmsman Saga continues about former-Admiral Wilf Brim. As the Second Great War rages, Emperor Onrad recognizes military missions unique to Brim's abilities that can be done, as well, by a civilian. Soon, Brim finds himself in the thick of it again-faced by circumstances so bizarre and dangerous he must rely solely on his most basic instincts for mere survival. Will this be the end of the Helmsman and his saga? Read on...
372 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 14, 2017
Space opera is all about the interaction between characters and must have strong dialogue. There is always a romantic part of good space opera as that gives our heroes their struggle, challenge, and obstacles to overcome.
This is only my second time reading the last book, but the third time I have read the whole series. This is also the first time that I have read all eight books in succession.
Of the eight Helmsman books, the last book Turning Tide has always been my least favorite. My favorite book has always been the first book of this series.
This last book has always felt to me very disorganized and does not flow smoothly. I believe the author did not get the last book edited as there are numerous spelling mistakes, homonym errors and words used and spelled correctly but in the wrong location.
The last book has also felt as nothing more than a set up for what was supposed to be the last book in the series. With a new love interest, championed by Barbousse no less, I always wondered if Wilf and Margot ever rode off into the sunset.
Despite how much I dislike the Margot character, it always appeared to me that she was ready to live her life without Brim. She married a second time, and only appears to return to Brim when she is between husbands.
However, this happens in real life all the time. People attempt to move on with their life but end up with previous partners again, at least for a little while. Because Brim was so hung up on Margot, he missed out on marrying Claudia, my favorite of all of Brim’s lovers.
Brim and Margot’s life situation are nearly reversed. He is now, as Lord Graystone (homage to Tarzan maybe?) very wealthy. Margot literally has nothing and the way she talks about her last husband in the past tense, I think something must have happened to him. I never liked Margot’s second husband either, but at least he was not a big of a jerk as her first.
Margot is a very damaged woman, that after book two I dislike. Her marrying Lakarn was a complete waste as he took not only Torond but also Margot’s realm to the League. So it was totally futile effort throwing her away to Lakarn, that only resulted in destroying a woman, and possibly a great love.
Margot has lost everything – her royalty, her status, her mind, her child and her body was all taken from her. I had hope that the last book(s) would see a healed Margot with some of her old flame back; perhaps fight to get Brim for herself.
With her TimeWeed addiction cured, and some time to heal, I would have liked to see Margot get her nobility back, and return to some of what she was before. She admits that she is a different woman than Brim knew before, but there are still some sparks between them.
I always had hoped that Brim and Margot would end up together despite everything the universe threw at them. Possibly settling somewhere raising Brim’s daughter, Hope and maybe having a few children of their own.
Regrettably with the author’s death (d. 10-14-2014 RIP), I doubt there will be more books in this series that would have wrapped it up.
This is only my second time reading the last book, but the third time I have read the whole series. This is also the first time that I have read all eight books in succession.
Of the eight Helmsman books, the last book Turning Tide has always been my least favorite. My favorite book has always been the first book of this series.
This last book has always felt to me very disorganized and does not flow smoothly. I believe the author did not get the last book edited as there are numerous spelling mistakes, homonym errors and words used and spelled correctly but in the wrong location.
The last book has also felt as nothing more than a set up for what was supposed to be the last book in the series. With a new love interest, championed by Barbousse no less, I always wondered if Wilf and Margot ever rode off into the sunset.
Despite how much I dislike the Margot character, it always appeared to me that she was ready to live her life without Brim. She married a second time, and only appears to return to Brim when she is between husbands.
However, this happens in real life all the time. People attempt to move on with their life but end up with previous partners again, at least for a little while. Because Brim was so hung up on Margot, he missed out on marrying Claudia, my favorite of all of Brim’s lovers.
Brim and Margot’s life situation are nearly reversed. He is now, as Lord Graystone (homage to Tarzan maybe?) very wealthy. Margot literally has nothing and the way she talks about her last husband in the past tense, I think something must have happened to him. I never liked Margot’s second husband either, but at least he was not a big of a jerk as her first.
Margot is a very damaged woman, that after book two I dislike. Her marrying Lakarn was a complete waste as he took not only Torond but also Margot’s realm to the League. So it was totally futile effort throwing her away to Lakarn, that only resulted in destroying a woman, and possibly a great love.
Margot has lost everything – her royalty, her status, her mind, her child and her body was all taken from her. I had hope that the last book(s) would see a healed Margot with some of her old flame back; perhaps fight to get Brim for herself.
With her TimeWeed addiction cured, and some time to heal, I would have liked to see Margot get her nobility back, and return to some of what she was before. She admits that she is a different woman than Brim knew before, but there are still some sparks between them.
I always had hoped that Brim and Margot would end up together despite everything the universe threw at them. Possibly settling somewhere raising Brim’s daughter, Hope and maybe having a few children of their own.
Regrettably with the author’s death (d. 10-14-2014 RIP), I doubt there will be more books in this series that would have wrapped it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2017
Good story a little silly bringing Gemini and earth into it but fun thought. I hope the story continues if you like the helmsman series enjoy. Finally a story about Wilf Brim after many years.
A nice addition to the helmsman series. Silly at times but good ending. Hope the series continues but hope not to wait many years again
A nice addition to the helmsman series. Silly at times but good ending. Hope the series continues but hope not to wait many years again
July 19, 2020
Hopefully someone will pick up whatever notes Bill left concerning what was to be the last book in the series and finish/write the book. One of my favorite series to re-read and would really like to have the final chapter of the story.
October 27, 2022
When is book 9 out. I've loved everyone of the series. I hope earth comes back in.
January 3, 2015
Not a bad end....
To the series. But I did notice the author messed up a few of the names and such.
But I will say I enjoyed reading the wholes series. I will have to see what else Mr. Baldwin has written.
To the series. But I did notice the author messed up a few of the names and such.
But I will say I enjoyed reading the wholes series. I will have to see what else Mr. Baldwin has written.
February 3, 2016
Some EBook quality issues, and some sequences that feel forced or awkward. Overall a fairly good story with updates that take advantage of the direction technology has come, which the rewritten previous books never did.
March 14, 2023
The least enjoyed by me of the 8 books in the series. It was terrific until he linked the story to 20th century Earth (as far as I'll go...to go farther would introduce a large spoiler to the review). Don't let this review stop you from reading the series.
April 30, 2012
Do not know if it was worth the 15 year wait
February 25, 2017
Certainly my least favorite of the books following the career of Wilf Brim
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews