This might be easily recoverable were it not for another problem. Some type of being has entered known space and started killing. This creature is a threat to all life, but especially to the shapeshifters. Ironically, a human captain is convinced that Esen is herself this monster. Esen must then avoid the hunt for her while simultaneously trying to investigate a being that threatens her entire race.

Throughout it all, Esen becomes closer and closer friends with a human. Since she has hardly had any meaningful interactions with someone of another species, she is ill-prepared for the consequences that friendship can bring. This friendship is further complicated by the danger that her friend will be drawn into the hunt against her.

One unusual aspect of Beholder's Eye is Czerneda's ability to beautifully craft alien species. Since Esen is a shapeshifter, she winds up as a variety of different species, in each case being subject to the inbred instincts and predilections of that race. Czerneda uses the opportunity to create widely different species, a far cry from the cookie-cutter critters found in so much science fiction. Czerneda's background in animal communications obviously serves her well here.

The unusual premise and excellent writing combine to make Beholder's Eye a wonderfully entertaining book. I'm looking forward to the sequel Czerneda has planned for the future.