The narrative follows Philip Alcorn, a man endowed with a unique ability to instill peace and happiness in those around him, except for himself. As he grapples with unsettling hallucinations that disrupt his life, he is approached by Victor Jaffers, a powerful figure who seeks to exploit Alcorn's talent for personal gain. Alcorn, however, is determined to use his gift ethically and refuses Jaffers' offer. Alcorn's struggles intensify as he visits a psychiatrist, Dr. Hagen, to seek help for his recurring visions, which he believes are linked to his extraordinary ability. During these episodes, he experiences a chilling polar landscape populated by faceless figures, which evokes a sense of impending doom. The psychiatrist is baffled by Alcorn's condition, and as Alcorn attempts to understand his gift, he becomes increasingly aware of a looming threat. The plot thickens when Alcorn meets Janice Wynn, a woman who shares his abilities. She reveals that they are not alone in their gifts and that others like them have faced dire consequences. Alcorn learns of mysterious disappearances and violent deaths connected to individuals with similar talents, suggesting a sinister force at play. As Alcorn navigates the dangers posed by Jaffers and the faceless figures from his visions, he is torn between his desire for a normal life with his fiancée, Kitty, and the urgent need to uncover the truth about his identity and the nature of his powers. The tension escalates when Alcorn is implicated in the murder of Dr. Hagen, forcing him to flee and seek refuge in his cabin in the Catskills. In a climactic confrontation, Alcorn's transformation begins as he embraces his true nature, revealing that he and Janice are part of a larger group of beings from another world. They are on a mission to study humanity, but their conditioning has kept them unaware of their origins. As Alcorn undergoes this change, he must confront the implications of his identity and the fate of those around him, including Kitty. Ultimately, Alcorn's journey leads him to a profound realization about his existence and the interconnectedness of all beings. He reconciles his dual identity, embracing both his human experiences and his extraterrestrial heritage, while ensuring that Kitty is left with a peaceful memory of their time together. The story concludes with Alcorn and Janice preparing to return to their home, leaving behind the complexities of human life and the potential for future encounters with humanity.
By Roger Dee Aycock · First published 1970 · Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Fantasy