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Cover of The Soul Eater

The Soul Eater

Mike Resnick (1981)

SubgenreSpace Opera
Age groupAdult 18+
Content ratingPG-13
Pages171 (Quick Read (<250))
SeriesBirthright Universe #
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.57

Content levels

ViolenceModerate
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Synopsis

The pursuit of a legendary beast pushes a hunter to his breaking point in this classic science fiction adventure by a five-time Hugo Award–winning author. "I applaud The Soul Eater . . . a rarity in science fiction . . . any sensitive reader should be profoundly moved." —Wilson Tucker You name it, he'll kill it. Professional game hunter Nicobar Lane will travel anywhere in the galaxy to kill almost any creature for the right price. But when the richest woman in the Deluros system requests the Dreamwish Beast, he refuses. It's not her—he just doesn't believe in the animal, whether you call it a Dreamwish Beast, a Starduster, Straigor, or Deathdealer. It's simply a fable meant to scare children, and not worth his time . . . Then, an inexplicable sighting on a routine hunt changes everything. The more Lane investigates what he thinks he saw, the more his obsession grows. Suddenly the hunt for the Dreamwish Beast is on. But Lane is left wondering if he is closer to reaching greatness—or his own death . . . The perfect choice for readers of Alan Dean Foster, Timothy Zahn, and Joe Haldeman.

Tags

Adventure SFCharacter-DrivenPhilosophical SF

Is The Soul Eater appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

This classic space opera follows a professional game hunter whose obsession with a legendary creature transforms into a dangerous quest. Contains hunting violence and moral ambiguity but no sexual content or strong language.

What to know going in

This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include animal death, obsession, and violence.

Publisher age: Adult·Our content rating: 13+

Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.

Who'll love this

A gripping hunt across the galaxy for a mysterious beast that may or may not exist, perfect for readers who love adventure and obsessed protagonists.