The Book of the New Sun

Below you'll find short reviews of the books from the series: The Book of the New Sun
Book cover of The Shadow of the Torturer.
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe

The Shadow of the Torturer is the first installment in Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It follows the life of Severian, a torturer and executioner on a dying Earth. The pacing is slow, but Wolfe’s worldbuilding is fantastic, crafting a setting that pulls the reader in.

Book cover of The Claw of the Conciliator.
The Claw of the Conciliator by Gene Wolfe

The Claw of the Conciliator is the second book in Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It picks up right where The Shadow of the Torturer leaves off, following Severian as he makes his way towards Thrax.

Book cover of The Sword of the Lictor.
The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

The Sword of the Lictor is the third book in Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It follows Severian after he reaches Thrax and is exiled for a second time.

Book cover of The Citadel of the Autarch.
The Citadel of the Autarch by Gene Wolfe

The Citadel of the Autarch is the fourth book in Gene Wolfe’s The Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It follows Severian as he reaches the front in the war against the Ascians and assumes the role of Autarch.

Book cover of The Urth of the New Sun.
The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

The Urth of the New Sun is the fifth and final book in ’s The Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It follows Severian as he leaves Urth to save mankind and returns to witness its destruction and rebirth.