Gene Wolfe

Gene Wolfe was an American science fiction and fantasy writer, known for his dense and complex works. Born on May 7, 1931, he is best recognized for his series 'The Book of the New Sun', a tetralogy blending science fiction and fantasy. Wolfe's writing was highly acclaimed for its literary craftsmanship and the depth of its themes, including religion and the nature of reality. He passed away on April 14, 2019.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Peace

    The book is a complex and multi-layered narrative that weaves together the memories of an elderly man named Alden Dennis Weer. As he reminisces about his life in a small Midwestern town, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, revealing a tapestry of seemingly mundane events that are imbued with subtle supernatural elements and dark undercurrents. The protagonist's recollections are filled with enigmatic characters and incidents, and as the narrative progresses, it becomes apparent that Weer's memory may be unreliable, leading the reader to question the nature of reality and the veracity of his account. The novel blends elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, creating a haunting meditation on memory, mortality, and the human condition.

  2. 2. The Book of the New Sun

    "The Book of the New Sun" is a four-volume science fiction series set in a far future, post-apocalyptic Earth, known as Urth. The story follows a journeyman torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims. As he navigates through a world filled with strange and mythical creatures, political intrigue, and ancient technology often perceived as magic, Severian discovers his destiny is far greater than he could have ever imagined. The narrative is dense and complex, filled with allegory and symbolism, making it a challenging yet rewarding read.

  3. 3. Shadow & Claw

    "Shadow & Claw" is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where the Earth's sun is dying out. The protagonist is a highly skilled torturer belonging to a guild, who is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. The narrative follows his journey through a world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and complex political machinations. The protagonist, armed with a sword that can cut through any material, must navigate this world, dealing with love, loss, and betrayal, while also questioning the nature of his own reality.

  4. 4. The Shadow of the Torturer

    The novel follows a young apprentice torturer named Severian who is exiled for showing mercy to one of his victims by allowing her to die. As he travels through a futuristic, dystopian world, he becomes embroiled in a series of political and supernatural events, while also grappling with his own moral compass and the nature of his profession. The story is steeped in allegory and symbolism, with a narrative that explores themes of memory, truth, and the nature of storytelling.

  5. 5. The Claw Of The Conciliator

    The Claw of the Conciliator continues the journey of a young torturer named Severian, who has been exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. Now in possession of a powerful gem known as the Claw of the Conciliator, he travels through a far-future Earth, where society has regressed to a quasi-medieval state. Along the way, he encounters numerous adventures and strange creatures, while dealing with his own moral dilemmas and the mystery of his own identity. His journey is not just physical, but also a spiritual and psychological one, as he struggles to reconcile his past actions with his current path.

  6. 6. The Sword of the Lictor

    The third book in a science fiction series, "The Sword of the Lictor" follows the journey of a professional torturer who, after questioning the morality of his profession, flees his post in the city of Thrax with a mysterious and magical woman. The pair face various challenges and encounter a range of creatures and characters in their quest for freedom and answers. The book combines elements of fantasy, philosophy, and dystopian fiction to explore themes of power, morality, and the nature of reality.

  7. 7. The Citadel of the Autarch

    The Citadel of the Autarch is the final book in a four-part series set in a far future post-apocalyptic Earth. The protagonist, a man named Severian, is an exiled executioner who has been travelling through a world where society has regressed to a technology level similar to the Middle Ages. Severian becomes embroiled in a war against alien invaders, and his journey ultimately leads him to the titular Citadel where he must confront the Autarch, the ruler of the Commonwealth. The book combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, exploring themes of memory, truth, and the nature of power.

  8. 8. The Shadow Of The Torturer

    In this science fiction novel set in a far-future Earth, the protagonist, an apprentice in the guild of torturers, is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. His journey outside the walls of his guild leads him through a world rich with dying technologies and ancient rituals. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters and becomes embroiled in events that hint at his larger destiny. The novel is known for its dense prose, complex themes, and the unreliable narration of its protagonist, which challenges readers to piece together the truth of his world and history.

  9. 9. Soldier Of Sidon

    In this historical fantasy novel, the protagonist, a soldier with a past shrouded in mystery, embarks on a perilous journey through ancient lands. Suffering from amnesia, he is guided by the gods and accompanied by a cast of diverse characters, including a necromancer and a mysterious woman who may hold the key to his forgotten identity. As they sail down the Nile into the heart of Egypt, they encounter magic, mythical creatures, and the politics of the divine, all while the soldier struggles to reclaim his memories and fulfill his destiny amidst the rich tapestry of the ancient world.

  10. 10. The Fifth Head Of Cerberus

    The book is a complex interweaving of three novellas set in a distant future where humans have colonized twin planets. The narrative explores themes of identity, colonialism, and the nature of consciousness. The first story follows a young man's coming-of-age in a society where cloning and genetic manipulation are common, leading him to question his own origin and purpose. The second and third stories delve into the history of the colonized worlds, examining the fate of the indigenous shape-shifting species and the reliability of memory and history. Through its intricate storytelling, the work challenges the reader to ponder the essence of humanity and the impact of cultural erasure.