Rating: 
Summary: Hallucinatory
Review: As good as the first half of the Book of the New Sun is, the two novels that comprise the second half are even better. Wolfe's vision expands and becomes downright surreal at times as his protagonist, the inexplicably likable Severian, starts to go a little bit mad.
I should probably say a bit about Severian - he's a fairly unique character (which you, no doubt have realized if you've gotten half way into the Book of the New Sun). He's a torturer (though by this point, he's mostly put this aside), a more or less reprehensible profession. He has the uniquely male habit of sleeping with (and, apparently, falling in love with) every available woman. And as a narrator, he sometimes leaves much to be desired, having a tendancy to simply skip pivotal scenes, filling them in later from what is an allegedly photgraphic memory.
In short, he's rather more complex than the average character and, resultingly, far more interesting. Watching his views and selves change throughout the Book of the New Sun (and in particular, in the second half, which is under consideration here) is one of the things that makes this book so damned compelling.
The other key element in this work's attraction is the language. Wolfe uses archaic and occasionally concocted (as in I can't find the damn word in the OED) bits of vocabulary, and it creates a mood that recalls both the far past and the far future (and perhaps that's anachronistic, but I'd say anachronism is a key feature of this work.) It's a choice that many wouldn't have made or, having made, wouldn't be able to pull off. But Wolfe has the linguistic chops to get away with it, and I for one am pleased.
You'll note that the two features of this book that I've singled out for praise - the character of Severian and Wolfe's vocabulary - are the two features that it seems as though most of those who dislike this work single out for particular loathing. (That and Wolfe's meandering narrative style.) This book ain't for everyone. It's demanding and at times frustrating. And, especially when compared to other genre works, it presents rather more complex worldview than many would expect. If that sounds like your cup of tea (and I'd presume it is, since you're halfway throught the book if you're reading this) Sword & Citadel will make you happy.
Rating:
Summary: Warning: Story may cause you to stay up all night reading
Review: A masterful work by a masterful story teller -- dangerous because you'll be tempted into fits of obsessive reading all night long even though you have a morning meeting at work (been there, done that).THE GOOD:
(*) Somewhat in the first two books, but especially in the last two, the author gives new information about past events changing your interpretation of the story you thought you knew. This is the technique that vaults these books into the realm of good (great?) literature -- towards the end you feel as if you've lived a whole other life because you continually look back and reinterpret seminal events of your (New Sun) "past".
(*) Clever stories within stories lend texture and neat insights.
(*) As in real life, the meaning of events and information is never totally clear or totally understood -- this again lends one to feel as if one is embedded in another's life (Severian's). THE BAD
(*) After awhile, one gets tired of Gene Wolfes' invention and use of archaic language. This "seasoning" gives one the feel of another world, but too much causes indigestion.
(*) A tad too many unresolved twists and stories -- can get tedious ("flip flip, on with the plot").
(*) A few too many amazing coincidences (does Severian really have to eventually meet every single person he's ever met again?). But, "The Bad" things are mere piffles -- If you want a deeply engrossing escapist read and even a little wisdom along the way such as you find in only a other few books (Tolkin, Dune, Nine Princes in Amber...) this is your book(s).
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Blend of Fantasy and Science Fiction
Review: After reading Gene Wolfe's "The Book of the Long Sun" I felt that he was an excellent writer who developed his characters to a depth seldom reached by other authors. His writing rides the border between prose and poetry, and is laden with imagery, allusions, and metaphors. He also likes to throw in unexpected but plausible twists. Now that I've read "The Book of the New Sun", which actually precedes "The Book of the Long Sun" as far as the story-line history goes, I know that Gene Wolfe is one of our greatest writers of fantasy, science fiction, or speculative fiction. "The Book of the New Sun" reaches so far into our future that the sun is going red and dying. Humanity has forgotten much of its ancient past (us), although glimmers of it poke through here and there. The main character and the story's narrator, Severian, guides us through his life, starting as a young, apprentice torturer (an honorable but unrespected profession) and moving toward his unpredictable fate as ruler of the world (or Autarch). This edition, which covers the last two books (of four) in the series, shows us how (and why) the lowly apprentice torturer was able to rise to being his world's Autarch or supreme ruler. The writing and the story are so complex and rich and deep that I know I am giving a totally inadequate description of the story, but a comprehensive description would take pages (and pages). This is a somewhat melancholy but wonderfully rich and well-told tale, and is (very, extremely) highly recommended for all readers who enjoy speculative fiction in any of its forms, from Arthur C. Clarke's hard science fiction to J. R. R. Tolkien whimsical epic fantasies to Charles de Lint's semi-Gothic urban legends. The only readers who won't like this book are impatient ones; the story is so involved that it cannot possibly start fast. It is also not consistently linear. It is, however, worth the patience required. It must also be noted that none of the four books (two volumes) in the "Book of the New Sun" series will make sense standing alone; the reader must be ready to read all four in sequence if he/she wants to understand any of it.
Rating:
Summary: Renewed my faith in science fiction / fantasy
Review: Every few years I discover a book that reminds me why I began reading science fiction and fantasy in the first place. At it's best, the genre gives an author complete freedom to discuss ideas and stories that expand our imaginations while also illuminating our own human nature by placing characters in situations beyond our normal everyday existence. The result can be both extremely entertaining and inspirational. Wolfe's Book of the New Sun is science fiction / fantasy at its best. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't find Wolfe's prose difficult at all. It isn't even in the same league as Ulysses. I found it very readable, not at all requiring the intense concentration as the work of a Joyce or a Faulkner. And while it certainly doesn't match the work of those masters, it's a pleasure to read and is still a very intelligent, thought provoking book. But if you want good mindless space operas or swashbucklers (which can be fun to read sometimes), read some David Drake or Robert Jordan instead. Wolfe's book is on a different level than most of the pulp sci-fi/fantasy that gets published nowadays. One caveat - the protagonist of the Book of the New Sun is raised as a torturer in a decadent world. As such, he does some pretty reprehensible things. While it's not any more graphic than it needs to be, I wouldn't recommend this work to younger readers. Severian is not an anti-hero in the vein of Donaldson's Thomas Covenant, but neither is he the idealized sypathetic character many authors choose as their protagonist. Severian is a likable hero, and very human, but he certainly isn't a role model to be emulated.
Rating:
Summary: Renewed my faith in science fiction / fantasy
Review: Every few years I discover a book that reminds me why I began reading science fiction and fantasy in the first place. At it's best, the genre gives an author complete freedom to discuss ideas and stories that expand our imaginations while also illuminating our own human nature by placing characters in situations beyond our normal everyday existence. The result can be both extremely entertaining and inspirational. Wolfe's Book of the New Sun is science fiction / fantasy at its best. Unlike some other reviewers, I didn't find Wolfe's prose difficult at all. It isn't even in the same league as Ulysses. I found it very readable, not at all requiring the intense concentration as the work of a Joyce or a Faulkner. And while it certainly doesn't match the work of those masters, it's a pleasure to read and is still a very intelligent, thought provoking book. But if you want good mindless space operas or swashbucklers (which can be fun to read sometimes), read some David Drake or Robert Jordan instead. Wolfe's book is on a different level than most of the pulp sci-fi/fantasy that gets published nowadays. One caveat - the protagonist of the Book of the New Sun is raised as a torturer in a decadent world. As such, he does some pretty reprehensible things. While it's not any more graphic than it needs to be, I wouldn't recommend this work to younger readers. Severian is not an anti-hero in the vein of Donaldson's Thomas Covenant, but neither is he the idealized sypathetic character many authors choose as their protagonist. Severian is a likable hero, and very human, but he certainly isn't a role model to be emulated.
Rating:
Summary: more stellar writing
Review: gene wolfe amazes me. an extroidinary writer that is not afraid to write a series where many readers, i believe, will miss much of what is going on. behind the plot that follows severian in his travels is a larger story. because of this story, a re-reading of the series is warranted. i am not a very big science fiction fan, in fact, i have ready very little science fiction. but if sf is ever going to be recognized as a legitimate source of literature, this series must surely be the one to transcend the label of the genre. a great metafictive work where there is much more than meets the eye.
Rating: 
Summary: A worthy 4 1/2 Star Account
Review: Gene Wolfe, here in Sword & Citadel, has managed to address some of the vagueries I found perplexing in the tetralogy's predecessor. The volumes seems more focused and driven, while, at the same time, not losing the meticulous prose that is his hallmark. Indeed, Severian's tale has him travelling from north of Thrax, through the corridors of time, and, ultimately, back to the Citadel of the Autarch. I don't think it unfair to state that Severian, in this tale, doesn't achieve consummate happiness. As with the first book, he seems to radiate health for the unwell and (as with Angela Lansbury in 'Murder She Wrote') unhappiness for those near (up to and including) himself. At the least, some of the mysteries of the tetralogy are resolved late in the book (4). Given Mr. Wolfe's style, it is not surprising that the book is 'thick' despite being a mere 400 pages. Nonetheless, I found it disappointing that the ending seemed rushed: an "I need 20 more pages" theme seemed to carry it. Hence, in this reviewers eyes, it ended with a whimper and not a bang. The bottom line: I would recommend 'The Book of the New Sun' (both books, comprised of four volumes). I don't know that I would equate it to the literary masterpieces on its jacket as Wolfe, through his protagonist, does not use the vocabulary of the common man. This will, I fear, cause this tale to fade in its being read. And that would be a great loss.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy 4 1/2 Star Account
Review: Gene Wolfe, here in Sword & Citadel, has managed to address some of the vagueries I found perplexing in the tetralogy's predecessor. The volumes seems more focused and driven, while, at the same time, not losing the meticulous prose that is his hallmark. Indeed, Severian's tale has him travelling from north of Thrax, through the corridors of time, and, ultimately, back to the Citadel of the Autarch. I don't think it unfair to state that Severian, in this tale, doesn't achieve consummate happiness. As with the first book, he seems to radiate health for the unwell and (as with Angela Lansbury in 'Murder She Wrote') unhappiness for those near (up to and including) himself. At the least, some of the mysteries of the tetralogy are resolved late in the book (4). Given Mr. Wolfe's style, it is not surprising that the book is 'thick' despite being a mere 400 pages. Nonetheless, I found it disappointing that the ending seemed rushed: an "I need 20 more pages" theme seemed to carry it. Hence, in this reviewers eyes, it ended with a whimper and not a bang. The bottom line: I would recommend 'The Book of the New Sun' (both books, comprised of four volumes). I don't know that I would equate it to the literary masterpieces on its jacket as Wolfe, through his protagonist, does not use the vocabulary of the common man. This will, I fear, cause this tale to fade in its being read. And that would be a great loss.
Rating:
Summary: A worthy 4 1/2 Star Account
Review: Gene Wolfe, here in Sword & Citadel, has managed to address some of the vagueries I found perplexing in the tetralogy's predecessor. The volumes seems more focused and driven, while, at the same time, not losing the meticulous prose that is his hallmark. Indeed, Severian's tale has him travelling from north of Thrax, through the corridors of time, and, ultimately, back to the Citadel of the Autarch. I don't think it unfair to state that Severian, in this tale, doesn't achieve consummate happiness. As with the first book, he seems to radiate health for the unwell and (as with Angela Lansbury in 'Murder She Wrote') unhappiness for those near (up to and including) himself. At the least, some of the mysteries of the tetralogy are resolved late in the book (4). Given Mr. Wolfe's style, it is not surprising that the book is 'thick' despite being a mere 400 pages. Nonetheless, I found it disappointing that the ending seemed rushed: an "I need 20 more pages" theme seemed to carry it. Hence, in this reviewers eyes, it ended with a whimper and not a bang. The bottom line: I would recommend 'The Book of the New Sun' (both books, comprised of four volumes). I don't know that I would equate it to the literary masterpieces on its jacket as Wolfe, through his protagonist, does not use the vocabulary of the common man. This will, I fear, cause this tale to fade in its being read. And that would be a great loss.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING
Review: I have read this series over and over and everytime I read it I rediscover something or uncover a gem I missed. This is a series that you can read over and over and enjoy it on a new level every time. A must read.
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