The Citadel of the Autarch Audiobook By Gene Wolfe cover art

The Citadel of the Autarch

The Book of the New Sun, Book 4

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The Citadel of the Autarch

By: Gene Wolfe
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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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.Listen to more in the Book of the New Sun series.©1982 Gene Wolfe (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction

Critic reviews

  • John W. Campbell Award, Best Novel, 1984
Richly Rendered Setting • Philosophical Contemplation • Magnificent Actor • Unique Storytelling • Imaginative Worldbuilding

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Wow, what a wonderful and unexpected treat this series was for me. I'm so glad I knew nothing about it going in and that I stayed till the end. This is an open-ended abstract sci-fi fantasy intentionally crafted in such a way to allow the reader to fill in the story on their own as they connect the dots. I definitely would not recommend this series to the average reader as the format is likely going to be over so many people's heads that they will just not connect. However, to the lover of both science fiction and fantasy, to the individuals that have active imaginations that crave intellectual gymnastics, to push out against the unknown, this book is for you, and I recommend this short series wholeheartedly. I did a little research and saw that there are some more books by the author that are related to this series. I will move on to read these after taking a hiatus.

Amazing experience

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interestung twists and great conclusion recommended for anyone on the journey with Severin and Dorkus

good

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This is a review of the four volume THE BOOK OF THE NEW SUN (TBNS) by Gene Wolfe; which traces the coming of age of Severian, once a member of The Order of the Seekers for Truth and Penitence.

In printed form the earlier works of Gene Wolfe can be quite challenging and this is the quintessential Wolfe novel. The esoteric language employed forces your eyes to slow down and read with great care. So many of the words, while supposedly all authentic English words, are unfamiliar that looking up at least a handful of them is necessary to understand the text. As a result, the reader’s mind has time to explore Severian’s world as the protagonist himself is doing. The printed books are heavy in the hand and the weight of the pages fore and aft serve as constant reminders of what has come before, and what is yet to be.

The most telling observation I can give about the audio book is that it transforms a massive tome into a much more personal narrative. As an audio book TBNS takes on a less intimidating, much more intimate and even more friendly character. The inexorable pacing of the narrator, Jonathan Davis, does not permit pauses for reflection, or speculation, the story plows on, without pausing to try to pronounce a word, without going back to regain the flow of the plot after a difficult flashback. And it is just fine.

Jonathan Davis is a most excellent narrator for TBNS. His voice has a deep calming quality that is well suited to recounting Severian’s story. He gives each character their own individual voice. He gives a fine performance ranking this among my favorite audio books. I can recommend all four of the volumes of TBNS here on Audible without reservation.

Note: The short afterwards that are part of each of the four volumes are not included in the audio versions. They should be read to get the full effect intended by the author Gene

Become a Seeker for Truth and Penitence

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One of my favourite titles and my first audiobook. the narrator did an amazing job across all 4 books. Can't wait to hear more of his stuff, fantastic job.

I would recommend this to anyone with a love of sc-fi and fantasy.

4th time reading this series

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Good voice performance, different tones made it feel performative. I
Imagine the narrators voice as Severian.

Great writing

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