Although referred to by a single name, the series consists of two major episodes (each dealing with a different member of the Deathstalker Clan), and other associated novels providing a backstory to the characters and events of the fictional universe.
Three additional novels, eventually republished as an anthology, act as a prequel of sorts – although they contain no mention of the Deathstalker family they expand on other important characters and provide further insight into the workings of the empire.
[3] The series is set in a far-future, fictional universe, dominated by a vast and powerful human empire that has fallen from its ancient beginnings into cruelty, decadence and oppression.
Alien species when encountered are subjugated or exterminated; internal dissent is ruthlessly put down, and power is concentrated in the hands of a psychotic empress (known as the "Iron Bitch") and a number of aristocratic families, or clans.
As the series begins, a number of threats have arisen to menace the empire: from within, rebels (including rogue computer hackers known as cyberats), clones and espers have started to fight for their basic human rights, although until their disparate organisations are unified by Owen Deathstalker their efforts are largely ineffective.
The anthology comprises: Mistworld (New York, Ace 1992) The last refuge of fleeing rebels is attacked using an esper plague, in an attempt to bring down the planet's psychic shield – its only defence against the empire.
Ghostworld (New York, Ace 1993) A crashed alien starship containing invaluable advanced technology is discovered on the dead world of Unseeli, and a team led by the man who originally wiped out the planet's native population is sent to recover it.
(London, Gollancz 1995; New York, Penguin/Roc 1995 simultaneous release) Owen Deathstalker, the reluctant heir to a warrior name, is living quietly as a historian – until he is declared an outlaw by the whim of the empress and forced to flee his cosy and privileged existence.
The Imperial Homeworld, Golgatha, is attacked by an unidentified alien starship after Owen and his companions inadvertently disable planetary defences as a side effect of a hacker strike against the banking centres of the empire.
(New York, Roc 2004) Fleeing through the empire with imperial forces in hot pursuit, Lewis discovers legends from the past and in desperation sets out on an apparently impossible mission – the return of Owen Deathstalker.
The Deathstalker series has had a mixed reception from reviewers, with Simeon Shoul of the science fiction, fantasy and horror website Infinity Plus describing the novels as "some of the most schlock space opera in the genre", before going on to say: "But, who gives a damn?