After much anticipation, Seven Days of Mercy for the Apostatic Priest is officially published. The first book in The Divine Heretic series is available in Amazon Ebook and Trade Paperback wherever books are sold. It is also free to read on KU.
Here’s the blurb:
Ages ago, the people of Hebdomar killed their creator. But Gods are ever restless, even in death.
In every generation, a child rises from the desert of Ohtahp, bearing within them the seed of creation itself. These “Eidolons” are called to complete a pilgrimage to the Holy City of Mahakalpe, a place to plant their Godling seed so it might take root and germinate among the faithful.
Dispatched by her Apostatic Priesthood, Ruxindra l’Maer sets out for the ancient walls of Mahakalpe on a mission to slay the latest Eidolon before the Syzygy of Avum, preventing the cycle of divine rebirth. Once she reaches the Holy City, however, she discovers preparations for a forbidden blood rite—a human sacrifice to accompany the Eidolon’s investment. The fell ritual reeks of eldritch arcana, and Ruxindra is not eager to see the two sorceries mix.
One thing is certain: the Eidolon must be destroyed. The last time the Godhead walked the mortal plane, every soul on the face of Hedomar bent to his implacable will. Never again. Ruxindra swore an oath to her priesthood, but Mahakalpe is home to Gods far crueler than creation, and this young Eidolon she is sworn to destroy might be the only power capable of preventing their release.
With only seven days until the syzygy aligns, the fate of Mahakalpe turns on the mercy of one Apostatic Priest.
Check it out:
The critical response so far has been overwhelming.
Publishers Weekly/BookLIfe awarded the novel “Editor’s Pick” honors, writing:
“Lorimer sets a strong new series opener in an evocative desert landscape…Ruxindra is strong and relatable, balancing careful consideration and definitive action at appropriate times…Readers of smart fantasy that balances the wondrous, the realistic, and the personal with moral and philosophical weight will be eager for more.”
SPR’s John Staughton gave us 4.5/5 stars:
“This fast-paced fantasy is an unpredictable blur of genres and coal-dark themes, and the prose is effortlessly impressive, with original turns of phrase, creatively precise metaphors, and exquisitely chosen vocabulary. Balancing storytelling complexity, plot speed, and character depth is no easy task, and the novel is marked by brilliant twists, visceral stakes, and a mercilessly entertaining hero at its heart.”
Not to be outdone, IndieReader labeled Seven Days of Mercy for the Apostatic Priest “IR Approved”, gushing:
“SEVEN DAYS OF MERCY FOR THE APOSTATIC PRIEST has much to say about systems of power and the oppressive nature of zealots, with thought-provoking commentary artfully composed between world-building and character development. Ultimately, this novel lays the groundwork for an exciting epic fantasy series. A compelling start to an epic fantasy series, Z. Bennett Lorimer introduces a world that’s dense with well-written characters, surprising twists, and a formidable protagonist.”
Anyone unnerved by the prospect of beginning an unfinished series can leave their apprehensions at the door. It’s my mission with High Trestle Press to deliver series SFF on a expedited timeline without compromising quality. The Divine Heretic Book 2: What Lies Between is slated for publication on May 19, 2026.
Please send all media requests to [email protected]. Reader questions are always welcome at [email protected]. No question is off limits, and I make a point to respond personally to everyone. I hope you enjoy your first journey through the fallen world of Hebdomar. Much more to come.