Doorway to the Stars is a well written and engaging alt-world SF novella by Jack McDevitt. Released in this special edition 29th Feb 2024 by Subterranean Press, it's 112 pages and is available in hardcover format.

This is a coordinating novella in the same storyline as Ancient Shores. There's a stargate of alien origin on Tribal lands, and how/who/when/why of secret spy operations, how humans would almost certainly react with irrefutable proof of alien life, and who would take control of access to other worlds reads very realistically (the US government isn't playing around).

It's not a long story, but it does fill in some of the background edges and unresolved plot elements from the other two books. There isn't a lot of dramatic tension to be found here, but it's a pleasant read. All the working parts are in order, and although the ending is complete, it's just presented deus-ex-machina at the end of the story, which just *ends* abruptly.

Three and a half stars. Well written and readable. The special edition is signed and limited to a print run of 500 copies. It would make a nice gift for fans of the author. Gorgeous cover art by Edward Miller on the signed hardcovers.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

This book is rather confusing. Although a little over 100 pages long, there is both too much and not enough stuff going on to keep my engagement. Our protagonist is a pilot who gets in trouble with the government. If I described him any further, I would run out of words, as he hardly has a personality.

The secondary cast is very forgettable, their names even more so. The main highlight- and reason for the two stars- comes from the world.

I wish we got to see more of this alien realm and its inhabitants. A book about that would prove more interesting than what we got.


I wish the author would pursue this world more. The book is barely in the first act when it ends; it’s so abrupt that it’s almost a disappointment


Overall, this receives two stars for the world but loses three stars for the poor pacing, bad characters, and incomplete feel.

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.

Published by Subterranean Press on February 1, 2024

Jack McDevitt has a long history of writing entertaining space opera, often focusing on the exploration of alien races that have become extinct. His new novella sets aside the space travel that dominates most of his stories and imagines an easier means of interstellar travel.

About 12,000 years ago, a transportation grid was installed in North Dakota. Nobody noticed it until members of a Sioux tribe found it, started pressing buttons, and realized that it would transport them to other worlds. All the worlds they have visited are Earth-like in atmosphere and gravity. The journeys often seem like visiting the nicer parts of New Jersey.

The destination that departs from the norm is a space station at the edge of the galaxy. The station has no atmosphere, which led to an early explorer’s unfortunate death. Explorers now wear space suits when they visit the station.

A few of the worlds are inhabited. The aliens are generally humanoid, although the residents of one world are simian in appearance. They look like apes who wear pants and read books. Why these particular worlds are linked by the grid is answered (sort of) by the story's end.

Visitors to a ruined world catch a glimpse of an alien who resembles the devil. They decide to call the planet Brimstone. On the space station, visitors find a screen (perhaps an alien version of Facetime) that shows a devil speaking in a tongue they don’t understand.

The transportation system is Sioux property by virtue of being on their reservation. However, when a tribal leader dismantles it and tries to hide the pieces — on the reasonable theory that nothing good will come of giving white people access to such powerful technology — the government steps in and asserts its questionable authority. In the real world, I would expect the government to ignore tribal autonomy as it always does when treaties become inconvenient and to surround the grid with soldiers in the paranoid anticipation of an alien invasion. McDevitt tells a more optimistic story.

The novella’s ending illustrates the lesson that we shouldn’t judge others by their appearances. That includes aliens who look like devils.

There isn’t much to this story. Portals that allow quick transportation to other worlds are familiar in science fiction and McDevitt makes little effort to build the worlds his characters visit. The story’s point is its twist ending, but I'm not sure the relatively obvious tiwst merits the buildup.

The story is published as a deluxe first edition and is fairly pricey for a novella, but it is a signed limited edition meant for collectors. I ignore price when I review books because value is for the consumer to determine (and the text might eventually be available in a more affordable format). I might recommend the novella as a pleasant story by a long-time practitioner of the science fiction genre, but if Doorway to the Stars were packaged in a volume with McDevitt's best stories, it probably wouldn't be anyone's favorite.

RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS

Jack McDevitt (https://www.jackmcdevitt.com) is the author of nearly 30 novels. Doorway to the Stars was scheduled for release 29 February. It is the 19th book I completed reading in 2024.

I categorize this novella as G.

A 12,000-year-old alien artifact is found on Native American land controlled by the Sioux tribe. The artifact allows travel to selected other worlds. All of them are very Earth-like. Some are populated by intelligent races.

While the Sioux are benefitting from the artifact, Sioux Chairman James Walker takes it upon himself to disassemble the artifact and hide the pieces. He does that to protect his people and Earth. This causes a great uproar, and the government sweeps in to find and reassemble the artifact. Secrets and dangers are uncovered by the travelers.

I spent an entertaining 1.5 hours reading this 112-page science fiction novella. The length of this publication makes it more of a novella than a full novel (See Do you know the difference between a short story, a novelette, a novellas and a novel? to learn the difference). I see that this book is connected with the author’s Thunderbird. Perhaps I would have liked this book more if I had read that novel first. I felt like this novel just rambled along without a purpose. I do like the chosen cover art. I give this novella a rating of 2.8 (rounded to 3) out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Jack McDevitt returns to the Earth where a farmer had discovered a portal to other world, Ancient Shores. At the end of its sequel Thunderbird parts were thrown into Lake Superior. Of course the government would spare no end to recover the parts to the Doorway to the Stars (hard from Subterranean Press) This novelette is a must for fans of the series because it has the answer to who built the portal and why.

This was an incredibly short novella that was simply world exploring. Only for folks that read the first book and I didn't find it super compelling.

How Far Off Is This Future?

Jack McDevitt is a fantastic hard science fiction writer and has a deep compassion for humanity that always makes his characters come to life. Doorway to the Stars doesn't feature Alex Benedict or Chase Kolpath, my favorite characters from his previous books, but these new ones are easily likable.

The story's original and the scientific principles explored are well-researched. The plot deals with a fascinating premise that kept me riveted. Because of its brevity, there's no time to build the extended taut action of his longer books, but it’s suspenseful and engaging.

Some issues making news in our own times are raised and people are still like us for the most part, though there seems to have been progress made in human quality of life. In light of the surly attitudes some of our people can adopt when their freedoms are limited, it amazes me that spacefaring humans would be so accepting of restrictions on where they can go and what they can do out among the stars.

But, most of us have evidently learned to color inside the lines in the future. It makes sense that the relative comfort enjoyed by our descendents would make them less willing to take risks that could result in losing that comfort. But, there are always some who will step over the boundaries. I think it's really funny that the future hunger for literature is so motivating.

I offer my thanks to Jack McDevitt, Subterranean Press, and NetGalley for the free advance reader's copy of Doorway to the Stars. They've placed me under no obligation to give a favorable review, but I'm giving one anyway. I recommend it wholeheartedly and I'm off to read the rest of the series!

A short novella heavily related to his Ancient Shores series. This also takes place at the Roundhouse and follows several characters journeys through the gates and coming to conclusions about what is found there. It might make sense if you haven't read the series, but I was happy I had (a long time ago, but still...) or I would have felt something was missing. It is well written, characters well developed, and, due to brevity, the plot is minimal. Subterranean Press always has beautiful editions which will probably be a good part of the appeal. Enjoyable, with an abrupt ending that wasn't strong enough (I had figured it out long before the end) to quite make it truly worthwhile.

Summary: Picture this—a mysterious stargate discovered on Sioux land becomes the cosmic gateway to a plethora of worlds and intelligent species. Federal officials, Sioux locals, and an eclectic mix of characters band together to uncover the secrets behind these interstellar doorways. As the plot unfolds, questions linger: Who built the stargate? What links these worlds to the builders' enigmatic past? And, most importantly, what age-old peril lurks on the cosmic horizon?


Pros:
🚀 McDevitt's prose is like a finely tuned rocket—smooth, efficient, and capable of transporting you across galaxies. The storytelling is lovely, guiding readers through a world of ideas and wonders.

👾 The concept of the stargate and the interconnected worlds it unveils is nothing short of captivating. McDevitt tantalizingly unravels ancient secrets, keeping the reader tethered to a rollercoaster of discoveries.

Cons:
🤯 Hold on to your space helmets—things might get a bit confusing. The intricate web of characters, worlds, and mysteries might leave you feeling like you're navigating a puzzle without all the pieces.

😐 Some characters feel a tad flat, like cardboard cutouts on a galactic stage. While the ideas are grand, the emotional depth of certain characters seems to hover in zero gravity.

🌠 And then, the ending. Abrupt, like a spaceship hitting the brakes mid-light-speed. Just when you're buckled in and ready for the climax, it's over, leaving you in a vacuum of contemplation.


In conclusion, "Doorway to the Stars" is a ride—one part dazzling, one part perplexing, and a dash of charm. While the prose sparkles and the storytelling shines, the book might leave you orbiting in a realm of ambiguity. So, dear reader, if you're ready to ponder ancient stargates and millennium-old dangers, embark on this interstellar adventure with caution. And remember, sometimes the stars hold mysteries best left to the imagination.

📚 Disclaimer: A salute to NetGalley and Subterranean Press for the eARC. The opinions expressed are as subjective as navigating an alien stargate—filled with twists, turns, and a hint of interstellar whimsy! 🚀📖

Sadly, I had to dnf this arc. Sci-fi is not my preferred genre, so this review reflects my personal tastes in books rather than disparaging the author’s work. I wanted to give this sci-fi novel a chance hoping it would change my mind about the genre, but it seems it’s just not for me!

"Doorway to the Stars" by Jack McDevitt takes me on a cosmic escapade filled with intrigue, danger, and the excitement of exploring alien worlds connected by an ancient stargate. The story kicks off after an unsuccessful attempt to disable the stargate on Sioux land, prompting a joint effort between local communities, federal officials, and others to unravel the mysteries concealed behind the celestial doors.

Jack McDevitt's storytelling prowess is evident as he introduces meticulously drawn characters wrestling with age-old questions: Who built the stargate, and what ties them to the enigmatic worlds and intelligent species it unveils? The narrative weaves a millennia-old danger into the plot, slowly unveiling its nature and leaving me pondering humanity's response to this impending threat.

Loosely connected to McDevitt's acclaimed novel "Thunderbird," the novella adds layers to the overarching narrative. Known for his exploration of first contact situations and xenoarchaeology, the author tantalizes readers with more questions than answers, a trademark that keeps me engaged and satisfied with the mysteries of his universe.

The reading experience is likened to being led blindfolded down a suspenseful path, only to encounter abrupt darkness at the story's end. My desire for a follow-up is palpable, as the narrative leaves me yearning for more illumination on the unfolding cosmic saga. The quick-paced nature of the story is acknowledged, but the characters fail to fully win me over.

I grapple with the challenge of suspending disbelief, questioning the feasibility of certain character actions and decisions. From the seemingly unbelievable access granted to pilot Jack to the audacity of NASA scientists and a sci-fi novelist given precedence over actual researchers, I find it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story's world.

Despite these reservations, the novella might appeal to fans of 1960s-era space operas who relish a good cliffhanger. The potential connection to previous books by the author is hinted at, suggesting that reading the series in order might enhance my overall experience.

In conclusion, "Doorway to the Stars" offers me a tantalizing glimpse into a cosmic mystery, with McDevitt's signature blend of suspense and unanswered questions. While the abrupt ending and character dynamics may not resonate with everyone, those with a penchant for classic space operas and a willingness to embrace a cliffhanger will likely find this novella an intriguing addition to the genre.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

As a child, I was obsessed with Stargate SG-1 and I was definitely looking to get the feeling I get watching that show while I was reading this book, and I did...in a way. It was less campy and more philosophical than the Stargate from my childhood, and the main plot and character in this book was really thought provoking. This felt like a start book in some ways and I definitely want to go back and read Thunderbird as a companion to this novel

After an effort to disable an ancient stargate discovered on Sioux land was stymied, the local people cooperated with Federal officials and others in exploring the strange worlds linked by the alien technology. Secrets old and new are uncovered but prove difficult to explain.
Who built the stargate? What connection do the builders have with the worlds and intelligent species the various doors open to reveal?

My thanks to NetGalley for making an eARC of this book available to me.

Sadly, not much of a book here. It ended so abruptly that it made me wonder if there were some remaining chapters that got left off. The premise was interesting enough though.

Another problem I had with this book was the control of the gate access. The US Federals took over control, but then would let various people go through with some instructions about what not to do, but there was no monitoring of the travellers to make sure they kept to the rules.

I'm just a bit confused that this author, whose books I have enjoyed in the past, could release this rather incomplete book..

Doorway To The Stars by Jack McDevitt- This novella from a remarkably gifted author is a real head-scratchier. How could someone who has entertained and inspired so many write such a flat, lifeless book? It starts off like a travelogue of the previous books in the series and doesn’t get any better.(of course, I didn’t finish it- too boring!). Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Have you ever wanted to have an experience of being given a blindfold, then slowly be led down a path that felt like a narrow suspension bridge, then suddenly you come to a stop, remove the blindfold and all that you see is pitch darkness? Doorway to the Stars is a story about space travel, I believe it is connected to a series written by the same author, and perhaps reading the two prior books would light the path a bit but this novella ends quite abruptly feeling like the rest of the story was swallowed by a black hole. Hopefully, a follow-up will emerge because I'd like at least a glimmer of light to see my way forward. Beyond the ending, or prior to it, the story is a quick read but the characters didn't really win me over. From the pilot, Jack whose ability to get approval to access the Roundhouse (or Doorway) under "feds" control seemed a bit unbelievable to me to the brazenness of the NASA scientists whose scientific method made me question if they were really scientists or con artists looking for publicity to the sci-fi novelist that was given access before actual researchers, this story's level of the requisite "suspension of disbelief" did not work well for me. This story might work better for someone who enjoys 1960's era space operas and really likes a cliffhanger. (2.5 rounded up to 3/5 because I did actually want to read an ending.)
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Subterranean Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

I genuinely don't know how this is being released as a "new" Jack McDevitt. Barely a short story much less a novella this reads more like a rough outline to a longer piece. While "Ancient Shores" is a superlative book I found its sequel "Thunderbird" almost impossible to get through and this third entry in the series even more so. There's virtually no character development, description or even story here. Frankly, the idea that this is being sold as some kind of exciting opportunity for sci fi fans really rubs me the wrong way. $40 for a signed copy? Seriously?

Loved the set up. The story was hard to put down. Then it just stopped. Left me hanging. I don’t know if it is the end of this book or there is just a part on Netgalley.