Where the Evil Dwells

I've always found this to be one of Simak's most satisfying later efforts. It works on every level. First of all, the premise of a world where the Eastern and Western Roman Empire never split (because of a common, supernatural enemy) is fascinating. For that is what happened when the East and West were on the brink of schism in the 4th century- the Evil suddenly appeared and turned a former north eastern province into the Empty Lands. For centuries the legions fought a wavering battle with the hoards of the non human (ogres, trolls, goblins, harpies, dragons, banshees, fairies, gnomes, etc.) For over 1600 years the conflict endured between Empire and Evil with no clear victor. And while the Empty Lands lay occupied neither the barbarians of north or east could threaten Rome....That is the world of the hero of the tale, Charles Harcourt, scion of a great house that has stood on the marches of the empty lands for centuries. One day Charles's long lost uncle staggers in from the Empty lands with news of a sacred relic- and of Charles's long lost love. From this point starts a classic tale of the hero's quest into a supernatural realm to win a boon for humankind against the Darkness, and to rescue a maiden from the heart of hell itself.What makes this tale particularly enjoyable is Simak's nod to H.P. Lovecraft and the Cthulhu mythos with his incorporation of the Elder Ones.

Are you kidding? I think some reviewers here were in a bad mood, or are just SF lovers who care nothing about fantasy. The book is great. It's well-written and creative, albeit the plot can be a bit obscure. Here it goes: Charles Harcourt is a guy whose childhood girlfriend was taken by evil creatures. His uncle returns from the Empty Lands, where evil fantastic creatures abide, claiming he heard about her. Alongside with Charles, travel a friend whose race is unkown, a cleric interested in finding an important relic and a misterious woman. The adventure is fast-moving. The only thing some may not like is that the author mixes fantasy with a historical background (Rome and the Church).I am a fantasy fan and I consider this book to be great for fantasy lovers.Forgive me for writing badly, english is not my natural language...

Where Evil Dwells is an interesting, magical winding story for the imagination. It leads you down many paths of mystery and magic. Those who are true fantasy lovers will love this incorporation of many legends and myths.

Any time a technological advance is about to occur an evil horde totally decimates the area, This goes on for centuries. The main character is asked to take a letter, believed to have been written by Christ, and get it authenticated. The evil horde tries to stop the journey. You will have to read the book to find out how it ends.