Shadow & Claw: The First Half of the Book of the New Sun : The Shadow of the Torturer/the Claw of the Conciliator (Book of the Long Sun, 1-2)
Buy Now
By using these links, you support READO. We receive an affiliate commission without any additional costs to you.
Description
Shadow & Claw brings together the first two books of the tetralogy in one volume:
The Shadow of the Torturer is the tale of young Severian, an apprentice in the Guild of Torturers on the world called Urth, exiled for committing the ultimate sin of his profession -- showing mercy toward his victim.
Ursula K. Le Guin said, "Magic stuff . . . a masterpiece . . . the best science fiction I've read in years!"
The Claw of the Conciliator continues the saga of Severian, banished from his home, as he undertakes a mythic quest to discover the awesome power of an ancient relic, and learn the truth about his hidden destiny.
"One of the most ambitious works of speculative fiction in the twentieth century." -- The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Book Information
Posts
In the beginning, I was really fascinated by this book, thought the world interesting and was curious, where the story would lead. But after Severian leaves the Citadel, it really gets strange. He walks through surreal places and has strange encounters with strange people. It somehow reminds me on a medieval mystery play, where everything has a second meaning - only that I was missing the key. The second book was a little better - at least it has most of the time something like a plot. But I could not stand the esoteric/religious vibes. Also I had a problem with how the female characters were portrayed: all of them are weak and in need of a man - and mainly defined by their appearance.
Description
Shadow & Claw brings together the first two books of the tetralogy in one volume:
The Shadow of the Torturer is the tale of young Severian, an apprentice in the Guild of Torturers on the world called Urth, exiled for committing the ultimate sin of his profession -- showing mercy toward his victim.
Ursula K. Le Guin said, "Magic stuff . . . a masterpiece . . . the best science fiction I've read in years!"
The Claw of the Conciliator continues the saga of Severian, banished from his home, as he undertakes a mythic quest to discover the awesome power of an ancient relic, and learn the truth about his hidden destiny.
"One of the most ambitious works of speculative fiction in the twentieth century." -- The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Book Information
Posts
In the beginning, I was really fascinated by this book, thought the world interesting and was curious, where the story would lead. But after Severian leaves the Citadel, it really gets strange. He walks through surreal places and has strange encounters with strange people. It somehow reminds me on a medieval mystery play, where everything has a second meaning - only that I was missing the key. The second book was a little better - at least it has most of the time something like a plot. But I could not stand the esoteric/religious vibes. Also I had a problem with how the female characters were portrayed: all of them are weak and in need of a man - and mainly defined by their appearance.