Title: The Sword of the Lictor
Author: Gene Wolfe
First published January 1, 1982
279 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780671631932 (ISBN10: 0671631934)
Rating: 4.19
Overview
Amidst the flickering rays of the fading sun, Severian, a former torturer stripped of his honor, reaches his destination of exile – Thrax, the City of Windowless Rooms. However, his journey is far from over, and as he ascends the ancient mountains of the Earth, he edges closer to fulfilling his fated purpose.
About the Author
Gene Wolfe was an author who specialized in science fiction and fantasy. He was known for his complex writing style, which often included references to his Catholic faith.
Wolfe wrote numerous short stories and novels, winning many awards throughout his career.
One of the most prestigious awards Wolfe received was the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. This award is presented by the SFWA to recognize lifetime achievement in science fiction and/or fantasy.
Wolfe joined a distinguished group of writers who have received this honor, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Ursula K. Le Guin.
The award ceremony took place at the 48th Annual Nebula Awards Weekend in San Jose, CA, in May 2013.
Wolfe’s interest in speculative fiction began during his time at Texas A&M University, where he published his first work in The Commentator. However, he dropped out of college to serve in the Korean War.
After returning to the United States, he earned a degree from the University of Houston and worked as an industrial engineer. Wolfe eventually retired from engineering to focus on writing full-time.
Although Wolfe was frequently nominated for awards, he did not always win. Nevertheless, he received recognition for his contributions to science fiction and fantasy, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and induction into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
Wolfe lived in Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
Editoral Review
The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe is a classic masterpiece in the science fiction and fantasy genre. The book was first published on January 1, 1982, and has since become a benchmark for writers and readers of the genre.
Gene Wolfe was an American science fiction and fantasy writer who produced many critically acclaimed and award-winning works, including the Book of the New Sun series, which The Sword of the Lictor is a part of. The Sword of the Lictor is a complex and enigmatic novel that transports you to a fascinating world of magic, sword fights, and political intrigue.
The novel is set in a futuristic post-apocalyptic world, where the once-great city of Urth has fallen into decay and poverty. The story follows Severian, a young man who is among the few remaining members of the guild of torturers.
Severian is exiled from his guild for breaking one of its laws, and he journeys through the decaying world, seeking his destiny. The novel is a masterpiece of world-building, as Gene Wolfe creates a vibrant and immersive world that is both familiar and strange.
The characters are well-developed, with Severian being the most intriguing of them all. His journey is full of danger, betrayal, and self-discovery, as he tries to unravel the secrets of his past and his future.
The themes of the book explore issues of power, justice, morality, and the meaning of existence. The book also touches on the human condition, with its exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time.
The Sword of the Lictor not only entertains the reader but also provokes thought, making it a great work of literature. Gene Wolfe’s writing is elegant, detailed, and poetic, as he weaves together a complex story full of twists and turns.
The book is not an easy read, and readers must pay attention to details to fully appreciate its depth and complexity. However, the payoff is worth it, as the book leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The book is not without its flaws, as the pacing can be slow at times, and some of the characters lack development. However, these shortcomings do not detract from the book’s overall brilliance, and it remains a must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.
In conclusion, The Sword of the Lictor by Gene Wolfe is a masterpiece of literature. It is a complex, immersive, and thought-provoking novel that transports the reader to a fascinating post-apocalyptic world.
Its characters, themes, and writing make it a work of art that will live on for generations. I highly recommend it to any fan of science fiction and fantasy who is looking for a challenging and rewarding read.
I give this book a score of 4.5 out of 5.
