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Beyond the Gates
When Marta, a young graduate student, discovers a previously unknown species on Dray's Planet, she defies her religious beliefs to guide two rival scientists through the perils of her homeworld to uncover the truth about the mysterious creature. Original.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 12, 2013
On Dray's Planet live the followers of the Children of the Second Revelation, ancestors of those persecuted long before for differences in religious beliefs. Marta, a student at the university, discovers a dinka-chak, a strange creature resembling a dinosaur. Her discovery ends up causing conflict between Retnayabo, her patron (among other things) and Paun, his rival, as each brings in an Unbeliever to try and solve the mystery. Each, however, has an ulterior motive.
I picked this book up in a used bookstore, and boy—was it a hidden treasure! I can't believe there isn't a single review on this book on Goodreads (and only a handful of ratings). I loved this book. Although parts of the second half of this book remind me heavily of Jurassic Park, the characters are great and exhibit wonderful development (both for the better and for the worse, according to the case). Assumptions I made about characters earlier in the book were flipped upside-down. I loved the twists and turns, especially in the very last lines. Very nice.
I enjoyed the storytelling aspect between segments of Marta's story. It provided an interesting view of the difference between actual events and the legends and tales that spring from them. Although I did not feel anything for the narrator or his audience, I do not think I was expected to. The contrast was excellent and not overdone or confusing. The conflict was nicely balanced among the interwoven plotlines.
I felt very much a part of this world with a culture reminiscent of ancient Eastern traditions but also mixed with more Christian-esque beliefs (such as keeping a Sabbath). I loved how they have a university, as I related to that very well. Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. I only wish more people knew about this and that there was a sequel!
I picked this book up in a used bookstore, and boy—was it a hidden treasure! I can't believe there isn't a single review on this book on Goodreads (and only a handful of ratings). I loved this book. Although parts of the second half of this book remind me heavily of Jurassic Park, the characters are great and exhibit wonderful development (both for the better and for the worse, according to the case). Assumptions I made about characters earlier in the book were flipped upside-down. I loved the twists and turns, especially in the very last lines. Very nice.
I enjoyed the storytelling aspect between segments of Marta's story. It provided an interesting view of the difference between actual events and the legends and tales that spring from them. Although I did not feel anything for the narrator or his audience, I do not think I was expected to. The contrast was excellent and not overdone or confusing. The conflict was nicely balanced among the interwoven plotlines.
I felt very much a part of this world with a culture reminiscent of ancient Eastern traditions but also mixed with more Christian-esque beliefs (such as keeping a Sabbath). I loved how they have a university, as I related to that very well. Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. I only wish more people knew about this and that there was a sequel!
September 13, 2019
3/2017 - I enjoyed this book SO MUCH! Seriously, I became so involved with the characters and their lives. Catherine Wells created such an interesting world with a culture tweaked just slightly different from religion(s) that we are more familiar with and fleshes it out wonderfully. And then to have these characters exploring their own world and trying to do so conscientiously that was pretty cool, but that she also has a storyteller recounting those explorers exploits hundreds of years later was an even better treat. Really can't recommend the book enough. Seriously, if you can get your hands on a copy - read and enjoy!
9/2019 - really enjoyed rereading this!
9/2019 - really enjoyed rereading this!
October 11, 2018
There are a lot of surprises and an intriguing adventure in store for the reader as the story progresses. Unfortunately, I only managed to get there after giving the book a second chance. After 100 pages I’d pretty much given up on it; I didn’t care for the main character, and the story dragged. But because I’ve enjoyed the author’s other works, I picked it up again. I’m glad I did.
I think if the first part of the book had not included the rivalry, I probably would have enjoyed it more. The rivalry showed the worst of all three main characters, and didn’t really add to the main plot line. Once the story switched to that plot line, the story picked up and the characters became more likable.
Unfortunately, the reader is then left hanging as the future of the characters and their world are only vaguely covered. I would have preferred a more complete ending.
I think if the first part of the book had not included the rivalry, I probably would have enjoyed it more. The rivalry showed the worst of all three main characters, and didn’t really add to the main plot line. Once the story switched to that plot line, the story picked up and the characters became more likable.
Unfortunately, the reader is then left hanging as the future of the characters and their world are only vaguely covered. I would have preferred a more complete ending.
September 18, 2021
When a strange creature is spotted where it couldn't exist, Marta, a resident grad student wants to launch an expedition to find out answers. With her patron (and husband, more of that later), approval they interview and hire an off-worlder to come along on the hunt.
There is are LOT to like about this book but you need to understand that this is science fiction written the way it was supposed to be: showing an alternative way of living and culture. The Children of the Second Revelation is heavily influenced by a religious system where multiple partners do happen, incidents of devout prayer stop work, and where technology is limited on purpose to prevent the colonizers becoming dependent upon it.
All of this leads to why Marta is having difficulty in getting her plans approved, as well as why there is a rival team competing with her own to discover the answers.
Marta is the reason to read this book. She's a unique heroine with a POV you won't find in other books. I also like her interaction with the main male character who has his own interesting cultural background that collides with Marta's.
I had no trouble with the book's ending. Without giving anything away, the reason why the creature was hidden is and what results because of that knowledge being revealed is fully explained. The society is obviously going to change (to a certain degree) because of it, but as always government chugs along at its own pace.
For readers considering this book, Wells has done a wonderful job of world-building and provided us Marta, a strong female character I continue enjoy to read about.
There is are LOT to like about this book but you need to understand that this is science fiction written the way it was supposed to be: showing an alternative way of living and culture. The Children of the Second Revelation is heavily influenced by a religious system where multiple partners do happen, incidents of devout prayer stop work, and where technology is limited on purpose to prevent the colonizers becoming dependent upon it.
All of this leads to why Marta is having difficulty in getting her plans approved, as well as why there is a rival team competing with her own to discover the answers.
Marta is the reason to read this book. She's a unique heroine with a POV you won't find in other books. I also like her interaction with the main male character who has his own interesting cultural background that collides with Marta's.
I had no trouble with the book's ending. Without giving anything away, the reason why the creature was hidden is and what results because of that knowledge being revealed is fully explained. The society is obviously going to change (to a certain degree) because of it, but as always government chugs along at its own pace.
For readers considering this book, Wells has done a wonderful job of world-building and provided us Marta, a strong female character I continue enjoy to read about.
August 6, 2022
A great adventure set on another planet whose people are governed by a theocracy and the ruling elite have a secret they want kept hidden about the continental landmass that has been off limits for generations. This, coupled with the inside look of zoologists doing their work to identify a previously unknown animal on this planet, leads to an enjoyable journey of exploration and character development. The only downer I think is some of the romance is a bit cheesy.
October 9, 2021
Just kinda wanted it to end
August 31, 2022
I was very surprised by this book. I don't know why I found it so compelling but I did and plan to read more by her.
March 8, 2016
Fun Sci-fi adventure, with a poke at how religions (especially Scientology) develop and change over time.
April 19, 2015
Solid story. Not for me but pretty intriguing. Read it in one sitting. =)
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews