Helfort's War Book 3: The Battle of Devastation Reef

by Graham Sharp Paul

Book Overview

If he survives, hell just may freeze over. The savage Hammer Worlds are not only near invincible but almost certain to win their war to crush the Federated Worlds and control humanspace-unless the Feds can find and destroy their secret antimatter warhead facility. Only dreadnoughts, the lone Federated ships able to withstand antimatter missile attacks, can do the job, and only Lieutenant Michael Helfort has the skill to lead them. But skill may not...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345513703
• ISBN13: 9780345513700
• Release Date: November 2009
• Publisher: Del Rey Books
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.1" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

[caution... spoilers imminent...] Helfort's War

I am relatively new to the Helfort's War series, and am proud to have finished the whole series to date within a week. I just read a few of the other reviews, and feel obliged to share my opinion. It seems to me, at least, that Mr. Paul has most certainly gotten down the process of creating a suspensfull behind-the-lines story, and it's not repetetive at all from book to book. Unfortunantly, I can see with equal clarity the need for more exciting ship-to-ship battles, perhaps adding new additions such as a fighter/bomber and plasma anti-ship cannons. Personally, I like his idea of a "trashpress," that and his view of corrupting political decisions interfering with military planning and needlessly wasting human personell. If you're wondering why I gave this five stars, it's because the rest of the book balances out the space conflicts. Work on #4, Mr. Paul. We'll wait for it, and it'll be the best yet. Signing out, ~Theo C~

Solid third outing

Once again we see Michael Helfort confronted by enemies on all sides.The space battles were well choreographed and we start to see a little more character development though the Hammers need to be fleshed out more. At times the story seemed rushed especially with regards to the Hammers. Still an entertaining read and a solid outing in the Helfort saga.

Amazing Writing Military Sci-Fi Writing - Story stretches

I really enjoy Mr. Paul's writing. It pulls me in and hold me there. It is gritty, 'realistic' view of space navy conflicts. Beyond just the naval operations he pulls in the politics of the 'nations' and Navies and, in this book, even the media. His background in naval operations with the U.K. and Australia shows in the details. I soak it up and revel in it. The downside ... I actually have to pause when Mr. Paul uses some of the plot devices he does. In particular the fact that it seems people he knows keep getting captured. Mr. Paul paints a picture that naval warfare involves fusion plants that go critical, and, when people are lost, that the navy makes it a priority to acquire prisoners ... yet it keeps happening to Helfort and his familiy and friends. If he just had another plot device consistent with the universe he paints I would so go along on the ride with him. That said. I love the books. The writing is so strong that I am willing to let go some weak story elements and just enjoy the ride.

Space opera at it's best

The 3rd book in this series delivers all the action rabid, military sci-fi lovers crave. Mr. Paul will be the successor to David Weber and John Ringo if he keeps writing like this.

Fun read

Fun read but not great literature. (potential spoiler) Get ready for another cliff hanger ending and be aware that their will be a Helfort's War Book 4. The story picks up with the launch of the new Dreadnought strategy and we get into the internal politics of the Navy and society. You will see a thinly veiled story based on today's headlines with a futuristic spin. Young idealist frustrated by the "system"and by his personal heroism, grit and determination he attempts to overcome both the Hammers and the system. Lots of bang bang action, multiple threads and a lot of heroism and team camaraderie. View this as an old fashioned Space Opera with lots of villains, good guys, and beautiful women. Lots of fun but not great literature Why four stars? It is a fun read to give you a break from a hectic day. I really like series and the books are easy to read and fun.