Intermittently set between fantasy world history and a decade in Kathmandu, the novel follows the lives of the mythical Sisyphus and a young Mukti in their quest against the Dark Warmth, which renders a terrible awareness that existence is inherently meaningless.
Sisyphus, who was cursed to roll a boulder for eternity, is cast upon earth with magical powers to heal humankind. He conspires against the Dark Warmth and pursues the likes of King Suddhodhan, warrior Ashwatthama, Emperor Marcus Aurelius, and philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, among others, to counsel and in turn inspire humanity through them.
In Kathmandu, Mukti grows angry and depressed, unable to reconcile with himself and the city. But before Mukti is found by Sisyphus, he must first live in an inescapable boredom - a lethargy that follows the Dark Warmth. He becomes increasingly nihilistic, conducting himself with villainy against a city caught in a struggle between old and new conventions. a city which has just announced for itself a vision. for a New Nepal.