"It's not the Church we fight, though it may seem that way at first glance. It's an idea, Kelson. The idea that different is evil. That because some men are born with extraordinary powers and talents, those men are evil, no matter to what purpose they put those powers."
— Monsignor Duncan McLain in Deryni Checkmate
Katherine Kurtz is a fantasy author who specializes heavily in what might be called "occult" fantasy. Magic plays huge roles in all her books, and usually a very specific brand of magic: immensely powerful, extremely dangerous to the wielder, with heavy religious overtones. Her characters are generally interesting and well-rounded, and she loves playing with moral questions and dilemmas.