Title attributed to Andre Norton

The Beast Master / Star Hunter

& ACE Double Book containing The Beast Master (1959) & Star Hunter (1961)

Bibliography ~

¯ (1961) * Published by ACE Double, PB, # D-509, $0.35, 159+96 pg ~ cover of The Beast Master by Edward Valigursky ~ cover of Star Hunter by Ed Emshwiller ~ The Beast Master - “Abridged” & Star Hunter - “First Book Publication”

Synopsis for The Beast Master ~

Hosteen Storm was a beast master in the now-defunct Patrol. The military (and the need for his talents) was reduced after their defeat of the Xiks, which came only after those aliens had destroyed Terra. All Terrans are being repatriated to other human colonies including Arzor where Storm has arrived. With him he has brought his Team, a Dune Cat, an African Eagle, and two Meercats. These are creatures developed and trained to work in concert with the telepathic beast masters. The eagle is the scout from the air, the meercats the saboteurs, and the cat provides muscle and cunning on the ground. Storm has come for two reasons, to find a home and settle, and to fulfill a vow made to his Grandfather for revenge. He has sworn to kill a man named Quade, for what Quade did to Storm's family. Storm meets with Quade before he is ready, and pretends not to possess the knowledge of his Navajo heritage. He ends up working with Quade to find that man's son, encountering a number of natives ("Norbies"), with whom communication consists of sign language due to differing vocal abilities. Storm signs on to help herd horses. Then makes his way to the wilderness with some Norbies in tow. Exploration leads to danger, as they encounter remnants of an ancient civilization that had lived upon Arzor. They also encounter violence, from Norbie-hating humans and some aliens who should not be there. It falls to the Beast Master team to oppose these foes.

Synopsis for Star Hunter ~

Somewhere on the jungle world of Jumala hid a man whose mind had been reconditioned with another’s brain pattern. There was a fabulous reward out for him. And so began another-worldly game of hide and seek. Between a man who did not know his own powers and an interstellar safari that sought something no man had a right to find.

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