Beyond the Blue Event Horizon

By: Frederik Pohl

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Length: 12 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Frederik Pohl was on a streak when this Hugo Award-finalist novel was published in 1980. Now back in print after an absence of nearly a decade, this unique science fiction novel is as fresh and entertaining as ever. The story begins when the hero of Gateway finances an expedition to a distant alien spaceship that may end famine forever. On the ship, the explorers find a human boy, and evidence that reveals a powerful alien civilization is thriving on a transport ship headed right for Earth….

©1980 Frederik Pohl (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Certainly very few books have ever held my attention in such an iron grip right up until the last paragraph, built so irresistibly to such a satisfying series of blockbuster punch lines, left me so breathless with admiration, achieved such truly cosmic scope.” ( Analog)

“The kind of mind-opening conceptualization that makes the universe seem very vast and beautiful indeed. In short, this is a book that fulfills SF’s ability to entertain intelligently.” ( The Chicago Sun-Times)

A slightly disappointing continuation.

What did you like best about Beyond the Blue Event Horizon? What did you like least?

While the Hee-chee story line is a great one, this book seems to have been written as a means to an end; it is an underwhelming and anti-climactic bridge between the first and third novels in this series.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would have preferred a more satisfying ending.

Which scene was your favorite?

Don't want to give it away, but the "prayer fans" revelation was interesting.

Did Beyond the Blue Event Horizon inspire you to do anything?

It inspired me to avoid further sequels, unfortunately.

Decent sequel

The story for me was slow at a lot of points but it was a worthwhile continuation of the story if you liked gateway.

Another Fine HeeChee Novel

The astrophysics is a bit dated, but a good story. The is a bit long, but sets you up for the next installment.

Disappointing story. Outstanding performance!

The story is disappointing because its predictable and dull. The reader’s performance breathes life into the story and the characters. The reader’s performance made this book worth listening to.

The story finally came alive in its last three chapters.

okay

A pale shadow of Gateway. it's fine..quite slow in parts....redeeming performance and could have developed interesting characters but it's almost like he got bored with his own story.

Not as good as Gateway

I got thru the book. I'm a huge fan of the Heechee but this one isn't written as well as the first. It moves the story along and is the weakest of the three in my opinion.

'Gateway' sequel

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. It just seems to meander. Characters aren't engaging.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was glad it was over so I could listen to something better.

Did Oliver Wyman do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes.

Do you think Beyond the Blue Event Horizon needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No!

Great read

Read this when it first came out. it stands the test of time. Really enjoyed the audible version.

awesome classic science fictiom

Good storyline narrated well. thoroughly enjoyed it. now looking for the next one in the series

SHE SURPRIZES ME MOST WHEN I LEAST EXPECT IT

I give this five stars, but it is not as a strong five star as Gateway. You want to read Gateway first.
SHANTY TOWNS NEVER DISAPPEAR THEY BECOME INSTITUTIONALIZED.
I read Gateway when I was in my 20's and then I read this. At the time I could not understand it enough to enjoy it. I don't know if it is because I am older or because I listened on audible, but I found I really liked it this time around. I like Sci-Fi and I like reading about space travel. It is amazing how little Sci-Fi actually has space travel. When they have space travel it usually involves the military. This has a family in space, making it easier for me to picture myself in space.

This kept my attention. Toward the end there was some heavy math and physics. I had a little problem staying with Pohl on that, but as a whole I enjoyed the read and want to go on to the third book. As I grow older I seem to appreciate Pohl's ability to look into the future and write about it.