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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This is a collection of the first two books of a four-part series that is very well written and has a super-compelling setting (a far future Earth civilization that is in a dark ages after an era of galactic exploration), and yet: at the end of the first book (e.g. halfway through), the first-person narrator/epic Hero says, "Here I pause. If you wish to walk no farther with me, reader, I cannot blame you. It is no easy road." I listened to the man and GTFO, and you probably will too. Perhaps the recurring involvement of busty, partially-clothed, and sexually-subservient female characters would have been enough to hold the interest of my 12 year-old self, but at this point, I can just acknowledge he's a boob man (and something of a misogynist), and move on.
Oblique and would probably leave some readers confused and impatient with its steady pace and constant hints it's slow to follow through on. That said, I liked it a lot; Wolfe is full of odd ideas and I was charmed and sometimes fascinated by his ability to mesh them into something not only coherent but thought-provoking and occasionally even a bit disturbing.
This is yet another story where the main guy starts out smart but weak, then with no substantial development, he becomes this badass guy who wanders from place to place sleeping with a bunch of women (or at least having sex offered), killing people, and repeatedly talking about his big sword and how much he oils it. at one point he talks about the cowardice of one of the men he once worked with back when he was still an apprentice torturer, and the guy wasn't too crazy about the fact that he was supposed to torture somet with rape. our hero is excited at the idea and offers to step in, because he's just so brave and willing to get to business; he's not cowardly like that other wuss who might not be able to get it up for someone who doesn't want him! this is definitely "dick lit" and that would be no problem except for the one little snag that it's not even good. the plot was unoriginal and I could hardly get it over with fast enough. I gave two stars because there was at least decent sentence structure and it wasn't full of typos. i wouldn't recommend it.
These books defy comparison to other novels and often defy understanding in the reading. My transition into the world of the New Sun was not smooth or easy; I had the feeling throughout of hacking my way through prickly bushes in order to see whatever was on the other side. The social order is interesting to unravel, the writing style is dry and historical, the setting a "posthistorical" far future and most of the characters vaguely unlikeable. However unpleasant this may sound, it made sense in the context of an unwillingly questing antihero on a decrepit, cold and hostile planet. I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out this world of Wolfe's stubborn creation and look forward to the next two parts.
As noted by another reviewer below, this is absolutely "dick lit" and I sighed and skimmed a bit as the hero lovingly oiled and resheathed his massive sword for the tenth time for no apparent reason other than to remind us how big his sword was. The story and language interested me more than enough for me to actually remove my angry feminist hat.
As noted by another reviewer below, this is absolutely "dick lit" and I sighed and skimmed a bit as the hero lovingly oiled and resheathed his massive sword for the tenth time for no apparent reason other than to remind us how big his sword was. The story and language interested me more than enough for me to actually remove my angry feminist hat.
There are some cool concepts here, but the objectification of literally every female character in the entire story is just too tiresome. I won't be finishing this series.
read book 1, and had absolutely no interest in book 2
I'm very mixed on this book. On one hand it's a mysterious adventure following an unlikely hero, set in what seems to be a fantasy setting. But it also seems like an overarching allegory for...well, that's the problem, I'm not sure what. I wonder if in the final two books things will finally become clear, or if I'm just setting myself up for disappointment. I'm weighing whether I read them now.
Finally, like many sci-fi books from this era, I find the lack of three dimensional female characters problematic.
Finally, like many sci-fi books from this era, I find the lack of three dimensional female characters problematic.
Have not felt so thoroughly thwarted by a book in some time. A piece of fiction that feels like it grew out of all the critical theory I read in grad school but didn’t fully comprehend. There’s so much fun to chew on with this one but nothing substantial enough to leave you with a full stomach. Great prose, fascinating end-of-time world, but for an emotional reader like myself I found my mind sated but my heart hungry.
And quite honestly, hate to say it, the sexual elements are bizarre! I have never felt more baffled by eroticism in a novel. It isn’t constant and the stretches between almost make you forget the sexual element, but when it does rear its head it took me right out. The whole of the text is so interesting and even if it is not always engaging it at least stimulates the critical part of the brain. In a book series that feels so meticulously crafted I can’t believe that these elements are not without their own significance but they are perhaps the most hidden. I have to give the benefit of the doubt in this case and trust I simply am missing the point of them.
I will undoubtably have to read the second two books but with some distance between now and then.
And quite honestly, hate to say it, the sexual elements are bizarre! I have never felt more baffled by eroticism in a novel. It isn’t constant and the stretches between almost make you forget the sexual element, but when it does rear its head it took me right out. The whole of the text is so interesting and even if it is not always engaging it at least stimulates the critical part of the brain. In a book series that feels so meticulously crafted I can’t believe that these elements are not without their own significance but they are perhaps the most hidden. I have to give the benefit of the doubt in this case and trust I simply am missing the point of them.
I will undoubtably have to read the second two books but with some distance between now and then.
--Spoiler Free--
Okay, I've written this at least twice (since goodreads likes to fail at submitting, and I admittedly fail at saving) so forgive the length, but it still feels rather strange to be writing a review at all at this point... I've never reviewed two books, and one book, and half of a book all at the same time before, haha. Chalk it up to the New Sun, I guess.
First and foremost, prospective readers should be made aware that by beginning this experience, one sets themselves on a journey which, when done properly, may unfold over a thousand pages... depending on whether the sequel is deemed essential.
Explanation (feel free to skip down): This one volume contains the first two novels (Shadow of the Torturer and Claw of the Conciliator) of Gene Wolfe's signature work, the Book of the New Sun (BOTNS). The first four parts last roughly 800+ pages. Sword of the Lictor and Citadel of the Autarch (Sword and Citadel) are books three and four. These are followed by yet a another novel, released years later, called The Urth of the New Sun (Urth), which goes on for another 350+ pages. I consider the latter to be a sequel however, as the first four publications were written essentially as one, and then released in sequential years. Plus, from what I understand, Urth exists primarily to decode certain remaining mysteries from the prior writings. So although it may be listed as BOTNS #5 here on goodreads, I draw a marked differentiation... but I digress.
If you DO choose to embark on this epic, know that you will surely experience some of the most fantastically fascinating fiction available. Be prepared to ask questions and then suspend expectations, as this mind-altering world of crepuscular enchantment resurrects beautiful nightmares that you never knew had yet to exist.
Full disclosure, I am completely new to Wolfe's writing. I did buy my copy years ago, on the recommendation of a book-store employee, but I merely sampled the first pages once or twice, so it sat on a shelf for a long time before I recently dug in. When I finally gave it a few chapters though, it came to life, and I was completely blindsided. As it turns out, I would highly recommend the blind approach! Some of the best parts of this experience came from discovering just what kind of book Wolfe wrote, and so I hope not to spoil even that. Luckily, BOTNS is a singularly genre-bending experience that is quite possibly un-spoilable (in a unique sort of way). On top of that being the case, I haven't even begun book three (Sword of the Lictor), and probably have more questions than answers, and thus I am literally incapable of spoiling anything that comes later... unless my few private theories are proven correct, haha... But to reiterate, while I firmly believe that there is much re-read value here, I've done my very best to withhold any spoilers regarding these first two novels or the series in general. I choose only to note the form, themes, structure, etc. (broad strokes).
From the first sentences and pages, readers will notice that these books are written from a first-person perspective. The framing is rather unique, but to simplify things to an extreme, BOTNS is basically a memoir. The techniques that Wolfe uses to construct this narrative are impeccable; classical, creative, and often diabolical. The prose is masterful, and themes within span the breadth of science, religion, philosophy, myth, poetry, romance, drama, mystery, horror, and I dare say comedy. The scope is truly epic and I would place Wolfe's legendary status somewhere between Herbert and Tolkien. BOTNS is truly among the best adventures available, and even a glimpse at the book's accolades will tell you more than I could here. The plot is stimulating, and yet very simple! at least so far...
Roiling mysteries abound, but I can simply recommend patience. Book two revives chapters from book one which previously appeared extraneous, and it seems that Wolfe is an expert in delaying gratification. The mixed bag of plot points, world building, and cryptic asides continues in book two, but after having some bits of the first novel brought to light in the next, I rest assured that nearly everything will be revealed before the end. I only hope I'm attentive enough to decipher what's there. If it seems like there's much fat in these pages, take note, it's probably more significant than it initially appears. Regardless, the stories and world and characters are captivating in and of themselves, and there's even some clever meta-narrative bits about the very process of writing and the construction of narrative, etc. I'm told this is a "post-modern" book. I suppose I'm not surprised I enjoy it then, as I tend to enjoy "pomo" literature. Neither should I be surprised, perhaps, that the book isn't more widely read and known, haha. It's probably not for everyone. But, in fact, except for a few brief moments of self control, where I choose to cherish the material, I had a hard time putting down either Shadow or Claw. The chapters are short and I sometimes even found myself flipping back to re-read previous sections with increased interest.
Lastly, before I sing too high, I would warn that this is definitely an experience for "mature" readers. There are more than a few words which I'd never encountered previously, and there are many dizzying segments where the reader must continue in good faith [that all will eventually be made clear] and merely piece together what he or she can find for the time being. Additionally, there are some rather gruesome and horrific sections, as well as sexual content. It may also be worth mentioning that the world of this book is rather distant from our "modern sensitivities". There are no shortage of sequences which might disturb certain readers, but I would recommend such an audience consider the frame of said content, as I believe this is more than enough to make difficult sections palatable, if not essential. Regardless of who you are, it is not a book for the faint hearted, and the author refuses to hold hands. We're not in Narnia anymore.
Final Note and Disclaimer: I strongly recommended that you read BOTNS with a companion or community of some sort; someone you can share theories with as you read. Otherwise you may end up roping in friends and family (as I have), regardless of their schedules, haha. There are some great resources available online, and I would personally recommend the "Media Death Cult" on Youtube :) Moid Moidelhoff does some great work and has a ton of awesome content around these books. However! while BOTNS may invite (or all but require) some accompaniment, I think readers would do best to read each novel at least once before searching out ANY explanations. Form your own theories, and feel free to rebut or disregard anyone else's! It's a wild voyage, and any guesswork you develop along the way is a big part of the fun.
Happy reading.
TL;DR - Read it! if you're 18+ and you like going all in on book theories. It's a deep dive, and it's some of the most fun I've had in years. I can't wait to finish it!
Thank you to my amazing wife for gifting me the Folio Society edition for our 8th wedding anniversary. Ten years together hasn't been nearly enough. Let's have a million more. I love you.
Okay, I've written this at least twice (since goodreads likes to fail at submitting, and I admittedly fail at saving) so forgive the length, but it still feels rather strange to be writing a review at all at this point... I've never reviewed two books, and one book, and half of a book all at the same time before, haha. Chalk it up to the New Sun, I guess.
First and foremost, prospective readers should be made aware that by beginning this experience, one sets themselves on a journey which, when done properly, may unfold over a thousand pages... depending on whether the sequel is deemed essential.
Explanation (feel free to skip down): This one volume contains the first two novels (Shadow of the Torturer and Claw of the Conciliator) of Gene Wolfe's signature work, the Book of the New Sun (BOTNS). The first four parts last roughly 800+ pages. Sword of the Lictor and Citadel of the Autarch (Sword and Citadel) are books three and four. These are followed by yet a another novel, released years later, called The Urth of the New Sun (Urth), which goes on for another 350+ pages. I consider the latter to be a sequel however, as the first four publications were written essentially as one, and then released in sequential years. Plus, from what I understand, Urth exists primarily to decode certain remaining mysteries from the prior writings. So although it may be listed as BOTNS #5 here on goodreads, I draw a marked differentiation... but I digress.
If you DO choose to embark on this epic, know that you will surely experience some of the most fantastically fascinating fiction available. Be prepared to ask questions and then suspend expectations, as this mind-altering world of crepuscular enchantment resurrects beautiful nightmares that you never knew had yet to exist.
Full disclosure, I am completely new to Wolfe's writing. I did buy my copy years ago, on the recommendation of a book-store employee, but I merely sampled the first pages once or twice, so it sat on a shelf for a long time before I recently dug in. When I finally gave it a few chapters though, it came to life, and I was completely blindsided. As it turns out, I would highly recommend the blind approach! Some of the best parts of this experience came from discovering just what kind of book Wolfe wrote, and so I hope not to spoil even that. Luckily, BOTNS is a singularly genre-bending experience that is quite possibly un-spoilable (in a unique sort of way). On top of that being the case, I haven't even begun book three (Sword of the Lictor), and probably have more questions than answers, and thus I am literally incapable of spoiling anything that comes later... unless my few private theories are proven correct, haha... But to reiterate, while I firmly believe that there is much re-read value here, I've done my very best to withhold any spoilers regarding these first two novels or the series in general. I choose only to note the form, themes, structure, etc. (broad strokes).
From the first sentences and pages, readers will notice that these books are written from a first-person perspective. The framing is rather unique, but to simplify things to an extreme, BOTNS is basically a memoir. The techniques that Wolfe uses to construct this narrative are impeccable; classical, creative, and often diabolical. The prose is masterful, and themes within span the breadth of science, religion, philosophy, myth, poetry, romance, drama, mystery, horror, and I dare say comedy. The scope is truly epic and I would place Wolfe's legendary status somewhere between Herbert and Tolkien. BOTNS is truly among the best adventures available, and even a glimpse at the book's accolades will tell you more than I could here. The plot is stimulating, and yet very simple! at least so far...
Roiling mysteries abound, but I can simply recommend patience. Book two revives chapters from book one which previously appeared extraneous, and it seems that Wolfe is an expert in delaying gratification. The mixed bag of plot points, world building, and cryptic asides continues in book two, but after having some bits of the first novel brought to light in the next, I rest assured that nearly everything will be revealed before the end. I only hope I'm attentive enough to decipher what's there. If it seems like there's much fat in these pages, take note, it's probably more significant than it initially appears. Regardless, the stories and world and characters are captivating in and of themselves, and there's even some clever meta-narrative bits about the very process of writing and the construction of narrative, etc. I'm told this is a "post-modern" book. I suppose I'm not surprised I enjoy it then, as I tend to enjoy "pomo" literature. Neither should I be surprised, perhaps, that the book isn't more widely read and known, haha. It's probably not for everyone. But, in fact, except for a few brief moments of self control, where I choose to cherish the material, I had a hard time putting down either Shadow or Claw. The chapters are short and I sometimes even found myself flipping back to re-read previous sections with increased interest.
Lastly, before I sing too high, I would warn that this is definitely an experience for "mature" readers. There are more than a few words which I'd never encountered previously, and there are many dizzying segments where the reader must continue in good faith [that all will eventually be made clear] and merely piece together what he or she can find for the time being. Additionally, there are some rather gruesome and horrific sections, as well as sexual content. It may also be worth mentioning that the world of this book is rather distant from our "modern sensitivities". There are no shortage of sequences which might disturb certain readers, but I would recommend such an audience consider the frame of said content, as I believe this is more than enough to make difficult sections palatable, if not essential. Regardless of who you are, it is not a book for the faint hearted, and the author refuses to hold hands. We're not in Narnia anymore.
Final Note and Disclaimer: I strongly recommended that you read BOTNS with a companion or community of some sort; someone you can share theories with as you read. Otherwise you may end up roping in friends and family (as I have), regardless of their schedules, haha. There are some great resources available online, and I would personally recommend the "Media Death Cult" on Youtube :) Moid Moidelhoff does some great work and has a ton of awesome content around these books. However! while BOTNS may invite (or all but require) some accompaniment, I think readers would do best to read each novel at least once before searching out ANY explanations. Form your own theories, and feel free to rebut or disregard anyone else's! It's a wild voyage, and any guesswork you develop along the way is a big part of the fun.
Happy reading.
TL;DR - Read it! if you're 18+ and you like going all in on book theories. It's a deep dive, and it's some of the most fun I've had in years. I can't wait to finish it!
Thank you to my amazing wife for gifting me the Folio Society edition for our 8th wedding anniversary. Ten years together hasn't been nearly enough. Let's have a million more. I love you.