The beast

A shapeshifter learns he's not alone on earth in the finale of this acclaimed science fiction trilogy for fans of Ray Bradbury and Theodore Sturgeon.

The shapeshifting beast's human form has settled down in Albuquerque. Barry Golden is a loving husband and father, and a reporter for the local paper-but the beast still hunts at night. One evening in the desert, he receives a stunning revelation-he is not alone. There are others like him. And he must find a mate and prepare for something called The Leap . . .

Meanwhile in Chicago, George Beaumont is dying of cancer. His desperate search for a miracle leads him to a strange creature who offers to save his life, and to a mysterious young woman named Lilly who guides him through a peculiar alternative therapy until he is finally cured. George wants nothing more than to spend the rest of his life with Lilly, but she feels a call from the Other, someone waiting for her . . .

In New Mexico, big changes await two creatures who once thought they were alone in the world but have now found each other at last.

Praise for Robert Stallman

"Stallman reminds me of Ray Bradbury . . . A big talent." -Peter Straub, coauthor of The Talisman

"An exciting blend of love and violence, of sensitivity and savagery." -Fritz Leiber, author of Swords and Deviltry

"The Orphan is frank, violent, and at times erotic in jarring, unexpected ways. The bottom line? Highly recommended." -Black Gate