The Citadel of the Autarch is the fourth and final installment in Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun series. The book wraps up the story with Severian becoming Autarch, resolving plot lines, encountering strange aliens, and hinting at time manipulation elements. The series is described as rich, deep, profound, and demanding of a re-reading due to its complexity and mind-blowing revelations. Despite the intricate narrative, some readers found it to be a wild ride rather than a cohesive story.

Characters:

Characters are complex, particularly Severian, who navigates a preordained path. Recurring characters enhance the world's richness but often have shallow relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is dense and intricate, encouraging deep thought, and effectively uses first-person narration to convey Severian's perspective, blending literary and speculative elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot is complex and layered, centering on Severian's journey to becoming Autarch. It explores themes of time, identity, and destiny, blending fantasy and science fiction in a rich narrative.

Setting:

The setting is a future Earth where the sun is dying, blending fantasy with advanced technology, creating a richly built world with intriguing characters.

Pacing:

Pacing can be slow, especially during battles and narrative digressions, leading to varied reader engagement depending on personal investment in the story.

At two o'clock in the morning, if you open your window and listen, You will hear the feet of the Wind that is going to call the sun. And the trees in the shadow rustle and the trees in the moonlight g...

Notes:

The Citadel of the Autarch is the final volume in The Book of the New Sun series.

Gene Wolfe wrote an additional book called The Urth of the New Sun in 1987 after the original series.

The series blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, often confusing readers about its genre.

Severian, the protagonist, is an apprentice torturer who breaks his guild's vow and embarks on a journey in a future version of Earth.

The narrative style is first-person, which allows readers to view Severian's interpretations of his world.

Themes of advanced technology resembling magic are prevalent throughout the series.

The book's complexity recommends it for rereading, as many details are woven intricately into the narrative.

There are philosophical undertones related to time, perception, and the nature of existence.

The finale of the book leaves many enigmatic questions open, reflecting its cryptic storytelling.

Wolfe's prose and world-building are often highlighted as standout qualities of the series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The narrative contains themes of violence, death, and existential dread, which may be unsettling to some readers.

Has Romance?

There are romantic elements throughout the series, but they are often secondary to the overarching narrative.

From The Publisher:

The Citadel of the Autarch brings The Book of the New Sun to its harrowing conclusion, as Severian clashes in a final reckoning with the dread Autarch, fulfilling an ancient prophecy that will alter forever the realm known as Urth.

Ratings (11)

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Reader Stats (13):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (2)

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About the Author:

Gene Wolfe (1931-2019) was the Nebula Award-winning author of The Book of the New Sun tetralogy in the Solar Cycle, as well as the World Fantasy Award winners The Shadow of the Torturer and Soldier of Sidon. He was also a prolific writer of distinguished short fiction, which has been collected in such award-winning volumes as Storeys from the Old Hotel and The Best of Gene Wolfe. A recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement, the Edward E. Smith Memorial Award, and six Locus Awards, among many other honors, Wolfe was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2007, and named Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2012.

Jonathan Davis has received widespread critical acclaim for his narration in a variety of genres. He has won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration in 2009, 2011, and 2012, as well as being a finalist for an Audie in 2007, 2013, and three times in 2014. He has also garnered accolades from Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and AudioFile magazine.

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The Citadel of the Autarch

Gene Wolfe

Book 4 in the series:The Book of the New Sun