ONCE UPON A TIME there was a girl named Frances, an "army brat," who lived in a world of make believe where cactuses were a giant's green fingers, the hills were full of unicorns, and the great antlered Stagman hid in the churchyard shadows. And then Frances grew up. But the Stagman wouldn't go away... Now her fantasies follow her from the classroom to the streets, from singles clubs to golden beaches; and everywhere he waits. The barbaric mangod more sensual, more dangerous than any mortal lover. Silent as a dream, the Stagman is coming for her. Stepping from the shadows. And all he demands is her sanity.
Author
Patricia Anne McKillip was an American author of fantasy and science fiction novels, distinguished by lyrical, delicate prose and careful attention to detail and characterization. She is a past winner of the World Fantasy Award and Locus Award, and she lives in Oregon. Most of her recent novels have cover paintings by Kinuko Y. Craft. She is married to David Lunde, a poet. According to Fantasy Book Review, Patricia McKillip grew up in Oregon, England, and Germany, and received a Bachelor of Arts (English) in 1971 and a Master of Arts in 1973 from San Jose State University. McKillip's stories usually take place in a setting similar to the Middle Ages. There are forests, castles, and lords or kings, minstrels, tinkers and wizards. Her writing usually puts her characters in situations involving mysterious powers that they don't understand. Many of her characters aren't even sure of their own ancestry. Music often plays an important role. Love between family members is also important in McKillip's writing, although members of her families often disagree.
