The Five Hells of Orion

"The Five Hells of Orion" from Frederik Pohl is a science fiction story that throws space navigator Herrell McCray into a bizarre alien world after he is snatched from his ship. He wakes up in a strange location, leaving him lost and trying to figure out a way back while attempting to talk to his crew. He meets a jelly-like alien named Hatcher whose species depends on changing how they see the world, as well as using paranormal abilities to get by. McCray finds out about the fears that Hatcher’s people have concerning the Old Ones, evil beings from the heart of the galaxy, and their plan to team up to fight them. As the story unfolds, McCray changes, gaining amazing skills and understandings, giving humankind the chance to go up against the Old Ones. The book touches on important ideas like being scared, the possibility of growing, and the existence of life beyond Earth within a galaxy that's at risk.