Zorachus

Zorachus is a fantasy novel written by Mark E. Rogers, a science fiction and fantasy author. It was first published by Ace Books in December 1986.

Zorachus is set in a fantasy world with some similarities to Renaissance-era Europe on Earth, but with significant differences. These differences include the existence of actual magic and the interference of otherworldly beings such as demons and spirits. The world of Zorachus is made noticeably darker by the ambitions of an evil spiritual entity (similar to the Christian Devil) called Tchernobog.

Plot

The novel's protagonist is Mancdaman Zorachus, a powerful sorcerer, who learns that he is the son of a former ruler of the city of Khymir. Khymir is the most evil city in the world. Emissaries from Khymir ask Zorachus to come back to his father's city and help the current regime rule it. Zorachus agrees, intending to prevent Khymir's evil from affecting nearby peoples.

Zorachus is subjected to many temptations to violence and cruelty on the jorney to and in Khymir, and is appalled by widespread mistreatment and murder legitimized by a class system. Zorachus is gradually consumed by hatred of others and himself and siezes absolute poer in the city using evil magic and horrific violence.