William Singer, once the galaxy's most feared alien hunter, has retreated into a quiet retirement on Earth, haunted by the specter of his past conquests. His peace is shattered when the enigmatic and ancient alien known as the Cat, an adversary whose species Singer nearly brought to extinction, resurfaces with an astonishing proposition. The Cat's people face an unprecedented threat, and their survival hinges on protecting a crucial diplomat, a task they believe only Singer possesses the unique skills to accomplish. However, this desperate alliance comes with a chilling condition: Singer must submit to an ancient Navajo ritual, transforming him from the hunter into the hunted, making him the ultimate target for forces unknown. As Singer grapples with betrayal, ancient grudges, and the blurred lines between enemy and ally, he must confront not only the external dangers but also the profound moral ambiguities of his violent history in a high-stakes struggle for galactic survival.
Critical Reception
""Eye of Cat" stands as a compelling testament to Roger Zelazny's unique ability to weave intricate plots with profound philosophical undertones, establishing it as a significant, albeit often overlooked, work in his celebrated science fiction canon."