Beasts

John Crowley's "Beasts" plunges into a world fragmented by bickering nation-states, where the remnants of humanity's ambitious genetic experiments roam—or are hunted. At its heart is Painter, a magnificent and tragic figure, a leo: part man, part lion, the living embodiment of a scientific endeavor deemed a "failure." Born of human hubris and now a target, Painter possesses formidable strength and an unwavering integrity, making him a powerful, albeit solitary, presence. His journey is one of survival and self-discovery in a hostile landscape. He finds an unlikely ally in Reynard, another of humanity's engineered creations—a cunning and manipulative fox-like being whose intellect and guile make him a formidable player in the intricate political machinations of the age. Reynard, a true "kingmaker," offers Painter not just protection but a path through the treacherous web of alliances and betrayals. As Painter navigates a world that both fears and covets his unique nature, he becomes more than just a hunted beast; he represents the potential, and peril, of humanity's scientific reach and the enduring quest for identity and purpose. The novel explores themes of otherness, political power, and the definition of humanity, all through Crowley's signature rich, evocative prose.