A review by brandoneckroth
The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

adventurous dark medium-paced

3.75

Three books in out of four and I already know this series will require a reread to fully grasp what Wolfe is trying to do. In The Sword of the Lictor you’re made aware more clearly the foundation of Urth, the world the story is set in. You’re brought out of what Wolfe will have you believe is a fantasy realm and into a realization that this whole story is actually centered around a futuristic, science fiction state that has inherited older, more medieval ways of going about life. I will say, it’s beautifully done and does not throw either fantasy or sci-fi in your face. At the heart, this is a tale of Severian’s journey to find what his purpose on Urth (or beyond) actually is. And through this third book you’re given clues that his purpose is far greater than you might think.