Heavy on the physics information, Eater describes humankind's encounter with a cosmic intelligence that comes in the form of a small black hole.

In the early 21st century, astronomers detect what appears to be a distant gamma-ray burster, a black hole engulfing another star many light years away.

The data are bizarre and troubling, because only 13 hours later, a second burster appears, which, given the great distance between stars, would be impossible.

Eventually, the astronomers realize that the black hole, rather than being incredibly far from us, is actually heading towards the Solar System, and moving our way at considerable speed.

Through the billions of years of its existence across the expanse of time and space, this intelligent entity has learned of many ancient civilizations in the universe.