Reviews

Soldier of Sidon by Gene Wolfe

thobaa's review

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mysterious

5.0

elliottback's review against another edition

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4.0

A frustrating but beautiful tease through Latro's journey into Egypt.

cheezvshcrvst's review against another edition

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5.0

It is exquisitely rare that you can know you are reading a wonderful book while you are still reading it. It is rarer still that you could want to get back to the ending of that book by reading it again from beginning to end and find yourself at a different ending with the same result. Wolfe crafted a worthy and stunning sequel to Soldier of Arete, and may very well have provided answers to questions we forgot, lost to the mists of the time we spent turning pages in awe of Latro’s journey. Sidon is especially remarkable for containing some of Wolfe’s most significant and powerful quotes. I already want to reread all of the Latro books, and I can’t thank Sidon enough for that. It’s that good.

spikespiegel's review

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adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

danielmbensen's review against another edition

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5.0

Now Latro is wandering around Egypt!

This book might be a little easier to follow than the first two in the series, or else I've gotten better at reading between the lines and figuring out what's going on. Latro, a brain-damaged proto-Roman mercenary, is sent on a mission to find the source of the Nile while trying to either cure or come to terms with his inability to remember and his ability to see gods and monsters. It may be that he's a better person with his affliction than without it. Also: wizards, ancient curses, crocodile women, and fried fish with beer. Delicious.

nobodywisdom's review

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

arthurbdd's review against another edition

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4.0

Wolfe never got around to writing any more Latro stories after this - which is a shame, because it reads like it's setting up for one. Nonetheless, the central question of whether Latro can form meaningful relationships when he forgets everything whenever he falls asleep is compelling enough to make it a worthy addition to the series. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/2007/01/01/book-review-soldier-of-sidon/

rues_human's review against another edition

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3.0

A good read, probably better when read after the two preceding books in the series. For a more complete picture, please see my thoughts here: http://winsomegates.jenevivedesroches.com/post/2016/06/21/Soldier-of-Sidon%2C-By-Gene-Wolfe

nihilisk's review against another edition

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3.0

Instantly and utterly immersive. Wolfe's familiarity with and love for ancient Africa are very apparent, and the result is a delightful piece of historical fantasy. I can't wait to read more Wolfe!

manuti's review against another edition

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3.0

Último libro de la temporada.

Han pasado 20 años desde que Gene Wolfe publicó la primera parte de esta serie de novelas, primero fue Soldado de la niebla y un par de años después Soldado de areté. Aún recuerdo lo bien que lo pasé leyendo esta primera novela con 15 añitos de edad, y quedando para siempre enganchado con la Grecia clásica.

En esta tercera entrega de la serie, Latro el protagonista (muy semejante al amnésico de la película Memento) remonta el río Nilo y se da un paseo por Egipto. Si no has leído las dos partes anteriores (y que después de 20 años no creo que sean fáciles de encontrar en papel) te pierdes bastante, pero teniendo en cuenta que la amnesia del personaje principal no repite prácticamente nada de lo que le ha pasado en las otras novelas por que simplemente no se acuerda. En la reseña de Lothlórien profundizan mucho más, así que léela.

Le he dado 3 estrellas, supongo que por cariño, pero bien podrían ser solo 2. Ahora, que si reeditan o encontráis la primera de las novelas no dudéis en comprarla, esa si que merece la pena. Otra cosa que se debe tener en cuenta es que termina de manera inconclusa, y apunta a otra continuación, supongo que menos espaciada en el tiempo.

Reseña de Soldado de Sidón en Lothlórien
Gene Wolfe en la wikipedia