The Book of the New Sun

View as Markdown Below you'll find short reviews of the books from the series: The Book of the New Sun

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

• 
  The Urth of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe

  ★☆☆☆☆

  The Urth of the New Sun is the fifth and final book in Gene Wolfe’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.