World of the Hunter

Name: World of the Hunter
Author: Stephen Marlowe

In a future where Earth has become a game preserve for wealthy extraterrestrial hunters, a young guide named Gilbert is tasked with leading a dissatisfied Sirian hunter, Mulveen, on a safari. Mulveen, jaded by his experiences, proposes a deadly game: he wants to hunt Gilbert for sport, offering him a substantial reward if he survives. Gilbert, motivated by the promise of wealth and a desire for a better life, reluctantly agrees to the challenge. As the hunt begins, Gilbert encounters Wenzi, a girl disguised as a boy among the beaters, who reveals her identity and her fear of Mulveen. She has come to warn Gilbert about the hunter's intentions. The two, along with Arnaud, a chief beater, form an alliance to escape Mulveen's deadly pursuit. They strategize to outsmart Mulveen, who is determined to claim his prey. The tension escalates as Gilbert finds himself weaponless after a confrontation, realizing that Mulveen has manipulated the situation to his advantage. Wenzi is captured, and Gilbert's anger fuels his determination to rescue her. He navigates the treacherous swamp, evading Mulveen's beaters while searching for Wenzi. In a climactic confrontation, Gilbert faces Mulveen, who has cornered him and Wenzi. A brutal struggle ensues, with Gilbert fighting not just for his life but for Wenzi's freedom and the dignity of Earthmen. Ultimately, Gilbert overcomes Mulveen, refusing to kill him but asserting his dominance and reclaiming his identity as an Earthman. The story concludes with Gilbert and Wenzi planning to escape to the islands, where they hope to find a new life and restore the heritage of Earthmen. The narrative explores themes of survival, identity, and the struggle against oppression, highlighting the resilience of humanity in a world where they have been reduced to mere game.

By Stephen Marlowe · First published 1965 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller · 5,344 words

First lines

Mulveen had come to Earth for a big-game thrill; it was up to Gilbert to provide it for him -- even if he had to let himself be stalked!

"Gun, boy! " Mulveen cried.

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World of the Hunter is listed on Textopian as a novel by Stephen Marlowe, dated 1965 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Stephen Marlowe
Date: 1965 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Thriller, Dystopian, Fantasy
Length: 5,344 words
Structure: 1 section, 171 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Science Fiction — The story is set in a futuristic Earth where big-game hunting involves alien species and advanced technology, exploring themes of civilization and survival.
Adventure — The plot revolves around a dangerous hunt, featuring physical challenges and the protagonist's struggle for survival against a powerful adversary.
Thriller — The narrative includes suspenseful elements, particularly the life-and-death stakes of the hunt and the protagonist's fight against a hunter.
Dystopian — The depiction of Earth as a backwater civilization reduced to a game preserve reflects dystopian themes of societal decline and loss of heritage.