BOOK BRIEF

The Book of the New Sun

Gene Wolfe
Guide cover placeholder

The Book of the New Sun

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Gene Wolfe

The Book of the New Sun

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

950

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Urth • Dying Earth

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe follows Severian, a person trained to be a torturer, journeying through a distant future Earth. This speculative series blends science fiction and fantasy, unraveling themes of memory, identity, and redemption as Severian encounters diverse characters and challenges on a transformative quest across a decaying world.

Mysterious

Challenging

Fantastical

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,437 ratings

80%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gene Wolfe's The Book of the New Sun is applauded for its intricate narrative and richly layered prose, drawing readers into a uniquely complex world. Critics commend its intellectual depth and masterful storytelling. However, some find its complexity challenging, with a steep learning curve. Overall, it's celebrated as a rewarding read for those seeking a dense, thought-provoking experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of the New Sun?

Fans of profound, intricate narratives and rich world-building, similar to readers of Dune by Frank Herbert and The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, will relish The Book of the New Sun by Gene Wolfe. They appreciate philosophical themes, complex characters, and a challenge to conventional storytelling.

4.2

4,437 ratings

80%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

950

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Urth • Dying Earth

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!