Author:	Paul Preuss
Copyright:	1980
Date Reviewed:	12/1/84
Rating:	8.5

Synopsis: Workers at project Cyclops have been listening to the heavens for years in search of extra terrestrial intelligence. One day they get a signal but its not from aliens, the signal comes from a group of scientist/political activists who accidentally fell into a black hole 12 years ago. What follows is a description of how various people react to the news, the history of the failed mission, and the ambitions of one woman who campaigns to mount an expedition to save the lost scientists. The mission is approved by congress and 18 months later a starship goes into the black hole and comes out near Tau Ceti, home of the scientists stranded years ago. Two people go down to the planet but are attacked by the leader of the group because he doesn't want him and his people to leave their paradise. The leader is defeated and the survivors (2 die in the struggle) are taken home.

Review: "The Gates of Heaven" began as if it were going to be one of those rare ten best science fictions. It's been almost two years since I read one of them (the last one was "Dragon's Egg" by Robert L. Forward). This even reminded me a little of that novel. The first contact was very exciting and after that, for the next 10 chapters, the story bounced around and in time showing the motivations of everyone involved.

Unfortunately, halfway through the book, the story turned into a simple starship mission like so many I've read before. It was reduced to one timeline (the mission) and a useless love subplot was introduced for no apparent reason. The book was still very good overall and I look forward to reading another one by this author. The ending, like that of "Homeworld" by Harry Harrison was somewhat tragic. Laura McCord, the mission commander is found guilty of negligence and is court martialed. And the two lovers never see each other again. I found the epilogue very moving.