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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This was really mediocre. The setting is really interesting but the plot seems aimless. I was struggling to care what the main character was doing the entire plot. The central quest seemed to take second place to pointless side adventures and cringy sexual conquests. I think there might be a point to it all if I read the sequel, but I doubt I pick it back up.
Gene Wolfe really is the greatest living science fiction author, and this is his greatest work (or at least the first part of his greatest work). This is not, however, an easy read by any stretch of the imagination.
After finishing the first half of Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun (Shadow & Claw covers the first two volumes of this tetralogy), I can rightfully understand why this series has received so much acclaim. The world building alone is astounding, as it takes place far in Earth's future during Sun's decline. But although it is science fiction in part, Shadow & Claw is more similar to the sword and sorcery trend of fantasy novels of the period, as human society has also declined with the Sun, resulting in technology to be lost and society to retrograde towards feudalism.
Gene Wolfe crafts this world much like an expert Dungeon Master would, hinting at a lost past with ancient weapons and relics, while at the same time creating local terminologies and idiosyncrasies. Here in my humble opinion lies both the strength and weakness of Shadow & Claw. The first book, The Shadow of the Torturer, consisted mostly of backstory and world building, forcing the pace of the novel to crawl along at times. In addition our protagonist, Severian, is very passive and is led from location to location by actions of other characters. It reminded me of a narrative driven DnD session, where a DM would have to nudge the party towards the direction where the narrative should be going.
Therefore I found the majority of The Shadow of the Torturer to be a chore to get through, with much of its world building seemingly leading to nothing in the end. But luckily it is in the second half of this collection The Claw of the Conciliator where the world building and backstory begins to pay off. Here we also begin to see the overarching plot of tetralogy take form, and I am genuinely excited to read the concluding volumes of this series. It was also in Claw where the adventure actually begins in earnest, with the swordplay and monster battles one comes to expect from a fantasy novel. In addition, Wolfe manages to seamlessly weave in science fiction elements into the plot, estranging us from the conventions of standard fantasy novels.
Shadow & Claw was slow to win me over, but after finishing I can see how Gene Wolfe's series has paved the way for modern classics such as Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, by creating a unique and memorable world reminiscent of Earth's past as well as the promise of its future.
Gene Wolfe crafts this world much like an expert Dungeon Master would, hinting at a lost past with ancient weapons and relics, while at the same time creating local terminologies and idiosyncrasies. Here in my humble opinion lies both the strength and weakness of Shadow & Claw. The first book, The Shadow of the Torturer, consisted mostly of backstory and world building, forcing the pace of the novel to crawl along at times. In addition our protagonist, Severian, is very passive and is led from location to location by actions of other characters. It reminded me of a narrative driven DnD session, where a DM would have to nudge the party towards the direction where the narrative should be going.
Therefore I found the majority of The Shadow of the Torturer to be a chore to get through, with much of its world building seemingly leading to nothing in the end. But luckily it is in the second half of this collection The Claw of the Conciliator where the world building and backstory begins to pay off. Here we also begin to see the overarching plot of tetralogy take form, and I am genuinely excited to read the concluding volumes of this series. It was also in Claw where the adventure actually begins in earnest, with the swordplay and monster battles one comes to expect from a fantasy novel. In addition, Wolfe manages to seamlessly weave in science fiction elements into the plot, estranging us from the conventions of standard fantasy novels.
Shadow & Claw was slow to win me over, but after finishing I can see how Gene Wolfe's series has paved the way for modern classics such as Jemisin's The Broken Earth Trilogy, by creating a unique and memorable world reminiscent of Earth's past as well as the promise of its future.
I haven’t really read too many science fantasy books before, but this one was a lot to start off with. In a good way I should add! So much to digest throughout, so a really good option to read alongside some friends!
I could have done without some of the seemingly misogynistic phrases/actions/scenes, but they didn’t happen too often so can’t complain about it. Looking forward to reading the second half of this tale!
I could have done without some of the seemingly misogynistic phrases/actions/scenes, but they didn’t happen too often so can’t complain about it. Looking forward to reading the second half of this tale!
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture
The main character was raised by the torturer’s guild and so has a warped view of the world. This series grapples with his changing worldview.
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dark, surreal and challenging. This was a focused read that I feel deserves a second read and I look forward to it.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes