In John Fort's new series-THE REPTILIAN STONE-Five novels take the readers on an extraordinary journey from the world of Shem, where The Shemtreep originate into intergalactic space to fight the Xecor, and to finally end up stranded on Earth. The only survivor, the original Reptilian Stone-a genetically engineered intelligent creation with extraordinary powers-encounters exciting adventures on Earth before finally being rescued. In this first novel, Shepel and Raisii are responsible for setting off a war between their tribe, the Shemtreep-upright, intelligent alligator-like reptiles-and a tribe of amphibian-like animals, called the Coultridsee. In the ensuing battles, the Shemtreep see the inevitable outcome-defeat if they do not find another place to relocate. They realize there is not room for both races on Shatlow Swamp. Thamesii, the father of Shepel sends him across Shatlow Swamp in a last ditch effort to find a new home for his people. Airecto and a pack of Coultridsee follow Shepel and Raisii as they swim for days across the swamp. They finally reach the western shore only to find the expected desert that has prevented former expeditions from finding any habitable place to settle. Shepel and Raisii decide they must cross the desert if they are going to be successful. They nearly die, but survive by literally stumbling onto an oasis. They recuperate by replacing their lost body fluids and feeding on small beaver-sized amphibians. To the west, they see either a mirage or a tree line and decide they have no other choice than to determine which one it is. They finally reach an extensive forest of giant trees and make their way westward seeking another swamp on which to relocate their people. On the way through the forest, Raisii makes a friend of a thirty-foot tall reptile called a Tegropop. They escape an attack from Airecto by riding the Tegropop through the forest, but finally must abandon the creature to throw off the persistent Coultridsee. They reach the western edge of the forest to find a massive swamp. They are shocked to find a female warrior and an entire clan of Shemtreep. Befriended by the leader of this new tribe of Shemtreep, he invites Shepel to bring his people to Unending Swamp and join them. Shepel accompanied by a group of these new Shemtreep with a secret weapon, return to Shatlow Swamp. After thrashing the Coultridsee, Shepel leads his tribe back across Shatlow Swamp, the deadly desert and unbelievable forest to resettle on the new Unending Swamp.