DOORWAY TO THE STARS - Jack McDevitt

An alien artifact, likely some 12,000 years old, is found on Native American land controlled by the Sioux. The artifact appears to be a gateway that allows those who pass through to travel to other worlds - all very much like Earth, some with intelligent beings. No one knows why it's on Earth.

When the Sioux leader dissembles the gateway and hies the various pieces, it sends the world leaders into a tizzy as they can only see advantages and the opportunities to study other beings. But the Sioux leader (James Walker) is trying to protect the people of Earth from a danger uncovered by travelers.

First, let's address that this is not a novel.  It is barely a novella in length. However, the scope of the story and characters is enough to fill a multi-book series.

I come to a Jack McDevitt book because I have listened to all of his Alex Benedict series (my wife have found it to be something we can both enjoy on our long drives). This is NOT part of that series, but I've come to learn (after reading the story) that this IS part of a series ... the Ancient Shores series although it is not listed as such on Goodreads (go read the descriptions of his Ancient Shores and Thunderbird).

My biggest issue with this book is that it doesn't feel like a story. It feels like a lead-in to something bigger or (as someone else has mentioned) as an outline for something. There are lots of characters, plenty of mystery and intrigue (both local and alien), and a history that goes back 12,000 years!  How can you (comfortably) put this in 112 pages?  

I can't say that I was a fan of this, but it DID make me want to check out the two books in the Ancient Shores series.  I think McDevitt's longer works suit him well because of the detail he puts into his characters and plots.

Looking for a good book? The novella Doorway to the Stars by Jack McDevitt is a teaser - not a strong standalone, it will have you interested in reading the books that are a part of the Ancient Shores series.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars

* * * * * *

Doorway to the Stars

author: Jack McDevitt

publisher: Subterranean Press

ISBN: 9781645241881

hardcover, 112 pages
 

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