The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe

The Sword of the Lictor

The Book of the New Sun #3

Gene Wolfe

279 pages • first pub 1982 (editions)

fiction fantasy science fiction speculative fiction adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

Description

Beneath the dying sun the disgraced torturer, Severian, at last comes to his place of exile - Thrax, the City of Windowless Rooms. But Severian's journeying is not ended, and high in the Earth's ancient mountains he draws closer to his destiny. 

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Community Reviews Summary of 481 reviews

Moods

challenging 92%
mysterious 92%
adventurous 85%
dark 64%
reflective 42%
tense 28%
emotional 14%
inspiring 14%
sad 14%
funny 7%
hopeful 7%

Pace

medium 78%
slow 21%

Plot- or character-driven?

A mix: 53% | Character: 46%

Strong character development?

Yes: 61% | It's complicated: 30% | No: 7%

Loveable characters?

No: 61% | It's complicated: 30% | Yes: 7%

Diverse cast of characters?

It's complicated: 38% | Yes: 38% | No: 23%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 92% | It's complicated: 7%

Average rating

4.15

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Content Warnings

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