Your enthusiasm is contagious! This was a great endorsement and starter description. You will likely enjoy most of Wolfe's work! I simply must recommend the Wizard Knight and Soldier tales. Both are slightly "easier" overall, while still being the challenging, rewarding, Gene Wolfe reading experience. To me, Wolfe is like a close-up card magician: he's doing the trick right in front of your eyes, and you will still be mystified and/or miss it completely. I agree with your opinion that "not everyone will like these books." Some can't stand being confused and just want a straight forward adventure tale. In case you weren't aware, Wolfe is a "writer's writer", meaning that other accomplished authors read his work and admire his skill and depth. All the best to you and your Wolfe adventure!
Thank you for the kind words! I’ve been eyeing wizard knight recently lol and subterranean press (I think) has an anthology of his short stories for sale I am dying to pick up when I find some loose cash laying around :) besides, I still have urth of the new sun to look forward to
Wolfe was a lifelong Catholic, which is kinda surprising, because he's not afraid to make comparisons that are nearly blasphemous, but he sticks with themes that fit into a Catholic worldview.
Couldn’t agree with this more. There were times I was listening to the book and I almost couldn’t believe what he was writing after learning about his background. He accomplished his goals masterfully. They could make several college courses about Book of the New Sun and still have an incomplete understanding. Thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel :)
As someone that was told that the books were essentially catholic propaganda. I was surprised how non catholic a lot of it was and how often other religions, often non abrahamic ones were being referenced etc. In the end the most cathlic thing in the book for me is the ending. The world ending, the implication that humanity is irredeemable etc or has some inherent evil (sin) in them.
I can't tell you how many times I've read this series. I also have it on Kindle and some times I just flip open one of the books and read a random chapter. The prose and the ideas behind it are rarely matched these days.
That’s amazing!!! Do you have a specific time of year you like to read them? Or do you spread them out throughout the year? Thanks for the comment and supporting the channel :) we are happy to have your here
Lovely review, I’d advice against listening to alzabo soup for people who are want to experience it in its most organic way, it’s better to listen to them on a second read of the series, there’s a joy to the confusion, now it people don’t want to do a reread and just get it over with sure, go ahead and do a deep dive with podcasts,essays and Reddit groups. I think an organic reading of the series leads to personal discoveries that reward readers, that’s the way it’s intended to be read. If this ends up being your favorite series it’s better to hold off on these podcasts. And for you good reviewer, please do not skip urth.
After I finish book of the new sun I will probably take a break from Wolfe before continuing Urth, but I will for sure finish the series. Thanks for supporting the channel :)
Since making this video, I think I may have found one that comes close, although many disagree (maybe everyone) WizardKnight was astounding and I think is at least it’s equal.
Yes! I would not go chapter by chapter, but once your 1/4, or half, of the way through the book, I think listening to their podcast brings a ton of enjoyment to the story!! Especially if you find yourself losing interest. They are the best book podcast I have ever listened to, and I think the add a ton to the story.
I always love your reviews! But on this one, I didn't get a good sense on the plot. Judging from the title, is it super violent/gory? Does it glorify violence or wallow in it too much? That would not be for me. But the style of the writing does sound fascinating.
Thank you for your feedback! You’re right, I should’ve added more details in there. I think my excitement overwhelmed me lol It does have violence in it, but I would not describe it as a violent or gory book. It’s more adventurous, in a world similar to our own, yet alien and foreign, almost fantastical, because it is so far into the future. Much of the violence that is in the book is more hinted at than actually shown. Thank you again for the feedback! I appreciate your support of the channel, and love reading your comments every week (more every other week recently lol, it’s been hectic recently.)
Oof. That’s a hard one. On one hand, I say it would be super difficult. On the other, he makes up so many words and uses so many words foreign to even native speakers that we have to look a bunch of words up. I think for a non native speaker Alzabo soup podcast would be a necessary. Yes! There are tons of references to the Bible with heavy Christian themes and imagery present throughout the book.
It would help if you know some Latin. The characters mistranslate the Latin names, sometimes humourously. Also, if you know medieval armor and weapons and warfare... there are lots of terms like those, that very few native English speakers would know. A dictionary is really helpful, even for an English reader with a large vocabulary.
@@NICKREADSFANTASY thanks. I swear I saw a YT channel of them in this video but maybe they deleted it. Either way I started listening to the first episode for shadow and it’s kind of confusing because they start by saying this could be a good companion show for your first time reading then they immediately go on to say stop, read the whole book of the new sun before continuing so idk what to think.
@@Josh-bs1zc it’s because they discuss spoilers every now and then. But as someone who has read the entire book of the new sun AND listened to their podcast, I am of thr belief that the book of the new sun is impossible to spoil, and the things they do “spoil” do not affect the reading. The way I suggest reading is to read 1/4 of the book, then start their podcast. Then you will always be ahead of where they are to get 100% satisfaction from it.
@@Pumba424 shadow and claw is shadow of the torturer and claw of the conciliator combined. So, it has book 1 and 2 of the series. They don’t sell just shadow of the torturer alone anymore unless you’re buying used.
Whoa. Manga to Book of the New Sun. That’s a wild jump! Hope you enjoy, and don’t forget to listen to Alzabo soup if you get confused :) Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the channel
@@iSamwise WizardKnight and The Borrowed Man. The WizardKnight is the book that convinced me Wolfe was Tolkiens heir to fantasy. The borrowed man was an amazing sci-fi in which the setting and prose is king. I’m to the point I think any gene Wolfe book is above average at worst.
@@iSamwise 100% you should! I ranked it above Book of the New Sun as the greatest book of all time! Now, I think they are just tied. But I also haven’t spent as much time with it as botns. I am waiting for someone to dissect it chapter by chapter. Marc aramini started one, but hasn’t posted anything in a few years. Dying for him to finish it!!
Your enthusiasm is contagious! This was a great endorsement and starter description. You will likely enjoy most of Wolfe's work! I simply must recommend the Wizard Knight and Soldier tales. Both are slightly "easier" overall, while still being the challenging, rewarding, Gene Wolfe reading experience. To me, Wolfe is like a close-up card magician: he's doing the trick right in front of your eyes, and you will still be mystified and/or miss it completely. I agree with your opinion that "not everyone will like these books." Some can't stand being confused and just want a straight forward adventure tale. In case you weren't aware, Wolfe is a "writer's writer", meaning that other accomplished authors read his work and admire his skill and depth. All the best to you and your Wolfe adventure!
Thank you for the kind words! I’ve been eyeing wizard knight recently lol and subterranean press (I think) has an anthology of his short stories for sale I am dying to pick up when I find some loose cash laying around :) besides, I still have urth of the new sun to look forward to
Wolfe was a lifelong Catholic, which is kinda surprising, because he's not afraid to make comparisons that are nearly blasphemous, but he sticks with themes that fit into a Catholic worldview.
Couldn’t agree with this more. There were times I was listening to the book and I almost couldn’t believe what he was writing after learning about his background. He accomplished his goals masterfully. They could make several college courses about Book of the New Sun and still have an incomplete understanding.
Thanks for the comment and welcome to the channel :)
As someone that was told that the books were essentially catholic propaganda. I was surprised how non catholic a lot of it was and how often other religions, often non abrahamic ones were being referenced etc.
In the end the most cathlic thing in the book for me is the ending. The world ending, the implication that humanity is irredeemable etc or has some inherent evil (sin) in them.
This series easily became my second favorite after finishing it last year. Gene Wolfe is one of the greats, he’s too good.
He is an amazing writer for sure! What book/series holds your #1 favorite?
@@NICKREADSFANTASY The Lord of the Rings, Book of the New Sun is pretty close though.
Enjoy the third and fourth! I recently finished it a second time and am about to start Urth of the New Sun!
@@johnrinka2904 I’ve finished it twice since this video along with the Alzabo soup podcast discussing it lol greatest of all time!
I’ve been curious about this book for awhile. Thanks for breaking it down Nick, great recap.
Read it!!!
Thanks for the comment! We are a small channel and every interaction and subscriber helps :)
I can't tell you how many times I've read this series. I also have it on Kindle and some times I just flip open one of the books and read a random chapter. The prose and the ideas behind it are rarely matched these days.
100% agree!!
I’m currently on chapter 20 of Shadow of the Torturer. It’s been an incredible experience so far!
It only gets better!!
Ahh I wish I were you
Great review man. I'm half way through the first the book and this review has help me immensely. Cheers.
Glad I could help! I hope you have as great of a time with the series as I have.
I have been reading the original 4 once a year for the past 40 years...and am still finding new corners and answers...
That’s amazing!!! Do you have a specific time of year you like to read them? Or do you spread them out throughout the year?
Thanks for the comment and supporting the channel :) we are happy to have your here
Lovely review, I’d advice against listening to alzabo soup for people who are want to experience it in its most organic way, it’s better to listen to them on a second read of the series, there’s a joy to the confusion, now it people don’t want to do a reread and just get it over with sure, go ahead and do a deep dive with podcasts,essays and Reddit groups. I think an organic reading of the series leads to personal discoveries that reward readers, that’s the way it’s intended to be read. If this ends up being your favorite series it’s better to hold off on these podcasts.
And for you good reviewer, please do not skip urth.
After I finish book of the new sun I will probably take a break from Wolfe before continuing Urth, but I will for sure finish the series.
Thanks for supporting the channel :)
The absolute greatest. Nothing even comes close.
Since making this video, I think I may have found one that comes close, although many disagree (maybe everyone) WizardKnight was astounding and I think is at least it’s equal.
@@NICKREADSFANTASY interesting I'll check it out
Someone gave me a box of books and there was a copy of Shadow of the Torturer included.
I am so glad I gave it q chance.
Wish someone would’ve given me a box of books with this in it!
Is the Alzabo Soup strategy a good idea? I just started the first book.
Yes! I would not go chapter by chapter, but once your 1/4, or half, of the way through the book, I think listening to their podcast brings a ton of enjoyment to the story!! Especially if you find yourself losing interest. They are the best book podcast I have ever listened to, and I think the add a ton to the story.
Gene Wolfe... The King
Hands down the GOAT. Just read Knight and he continues to blow me away.
Thanks for watching the channel! Glad you liked the video :)
I always love your reviews! But on this one, I didn't get a good sense on the plot. Judging from the title, is it super violent/gory? Does it glorify violence or wallow in it too much? That would not be for me. But the style of the writing does sound fascinating.
Thank you for your feedback! You’re right, I should’ve added more details in there. I think my excitement overwhelmed me lol
It does have violence in it, but I would not describe it as a violent or gory book. It’s more adventurous, in a world similar to our own, yet alien and foreign, almost fantastical, because it is so far into the future. Much of the violence that is in the book is more hinted at than actually shown.
Thank you again for the feedback! I appreciate your support of the channel, and love reading your comments every week (more every other week recently lol, it’s been hectic recently.)
@@NICKREADSFANTASY Cool, thanks. Maybe I will check it out from the library.
As a non-native, should I dare to tackle it? I heard it has so many religious references from the Bible. Is it true?
Oof. That’s a hard one. On one hand, I say it would be super difficult. On the other, he makes up so many words and uses so many words foreign to even native speakers that we have to look a bunch of words up. I think for a non native speaker Alzabo soup podcast would be a necessary.
Yes! There are tons of references to the Bible with heavy Christian themes and imagery present throughout the book.
It would help if you know some Latin. The characters mistranslate the Latin names, sometimes humourously. Also, if you know medieval armor and weapons and warfare... there are lots of terms like those, that very few native English speakers would know. A dictionary is really helpful, even for an English reader with a large vocabulary.
Alzabo Soup deleted channel? Can't find it on YT. If someone knows where they have archive or something I'm missing please, let me know!
They are not on RUclips. Spotify!! They are a non video podcast :)
@@NICKREADSFANTASY thanks. I swear I saw a YT channel of them in this video but maybe they deleted it. Either way I started listening to the first episode for shadow and it’s kind of confusing because they start by saying this could be a good companion show for your first time reading then they immediately go on to say stop, read the whole book of the new sun before continuing so idk what to think.
@@Josh-bs1zc it’s because they discuss spoilers every now and then. But as someone who has read the entire book of the new sun AND listened to their podcast, I am of thr belief that the book of the new sun is impossible to spoil, and the things they do “spoil” do not affect the reading.
The way I suggest reading is to read 1/4 of the book, then start their podcast. Then you will always be ahead of where they are to get 100% satisfaction from it.
I’m trying to buy this book on Amazon and I only find shadow and claw. Is it the same as shadow of the torturer?
@@Pumba424 shadow and claw is shadow of the torturer and claw of the conciliator combined. So, it has book 1 and 2 of the series. They don’t sell just shadow of the torturer alone anymore unless you’re buying used.
@@NICKREADSFANTASY sweet! Thank you!
I just picked this up today, its the first non-manga i have read in probably years, and i do have to say, im a tad intimidated 😭
Whoa. Manga to Book of the New Sun. That’s a wild jump! Hope you enjoy, and don’t forget to listen to Alzabo soup if you get confused :)
Thanks for watching! Hope you enjoy the channel
@@NICKREADSFANTASY I'm loving it so far, I'm around page 100!
@@Dahcs amazing!! Glad your loving it. The best part is that it gets better and better with each read through :)
This book ruined other books for me. Wolfe is above so many other authors! This quartet became one of my top favorite series of all time!
It really screwed with my goals/plans. I was trying to explore the fantasy/sci-fi genre, but now I keep reading/re-reading Wolfe books.
@@NICKREADSFANTASY What of Wolfe have you read? What other books of his would you recommend?
@@iSamwise WizardKnight and The Borrowed Man. The WizardKnight is the book that convinced me Wolfe was Tolkiens heir to fantasy. The borrowed man was an amazing sci-fi in which the setting and prose is king. I’m to the point I think any gene Wolfe book is above average at worst.
@@NICKREADSFANTASY I have The Wizard Knight! I should do that after I finish my BOTNS reread!!
@@iSamwise 100% you should! I ranked it above Book of the New Sun as the greatest book of all time! Now, I think they are just tied. But I also haven’t spent as much time with it as botns. I am waiting for someone to dissect it chapter by chapter. Marc aramini started one, but hasn’t posted anything in a few years. Dying for him to finish it!!
seems interesting
It is! And it only gets better!
Stormlight Archive is hot trash
@@Yuuzhanvon I disagree completely