Name of Grimdark Fantasy before Grimdark was a term [s]

[Jay]

Hi All, this is a long shot but here it goes. This is a pretty gruesome fantasy story about a prodigal wizard (greatest of his generation, etc.) that becomes evil and forces his order to hunt him down. A middling wizard is sent to accomplish this task, but this presents an issue, as this hero is woefully outclassed by the villain. It eventually becomes apparent that, despite the horrible, anti-Christ like things he does, this evil villain actually is making some kind of horrific sacrifice in order to achieve some greater good. The wizard order's hierarchy is based on numbered levels (16th level, etc.) there is a lot of violence and gore, demons, that kind of thing. Not something you'd read to your kids. That's all I got. I have vague recollections of a giant on some kind of island and a wizard that was growing his adult teeth back after a fight. Oh, and an evil wizard referring to his love slave as "sweet honey pig." Man, this book was messed up.

[Daphne]

Well geez, googling "sweet honey pig" brought it right up. The Nightmare of God by Mark E. Rogers.

[Daphne]

Zorachus is actually the first book, so that might be the one you're thinking of.

[Jay]

Really? I just get BBQ recipes. Thanks!