Sample
  • The Claw of the Conciliator

  • The Book of the New Sun, Book 2
  • By: Gene Wolfe
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
  • Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,403 ratings)

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The Claw of the Conciliator

By: Gene Wolfe
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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Publisher's summary

The Claw of the Conciliator continues the saga of Severian, banished from his home, as he undertakes a mythic quest to discover the awesome power of an ancient relic, and learn the truth about his hidden destiny.
Listen to more in the Book of the New Sun series.
©1982 Gene Wolfe (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

  • Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1982

What listeners say about The Claw of the Conciliator

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

further down the rabbit hole

great follow up, sometimes in a fantasy or science fiction series the magic dies after book one because all of the world building has been revealed, Wolfe keeps you guessing and I'm sure I'll still be guessing when I finish the fourth book (but in a good way).

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Such an amazing book, series and voice!

This is the greatest sci-fy series written!
Jonathan-Davis Is the perfect orator for this collection!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Lacking drive

I loved the first book in this series. it was fantastical, and the narration if the story was from a solid PoV. Two plot devices from the first novel, a play, and a dreamlike quality in certain scenes, which were charming and worked to move the story forward, were grossly over used here, hampering the story for their own use' sake. Wolfe shot himself in the foot with this one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wolfe is unlike anything else in sci fi....

after devouring and absolutely loving book 1 I was a bit worried that book 2 might pale in comparison or not live up to my now very high expectations for the continuation of Severians story. any such worries were quickly abated... the journey continues to compel and captivate, unfolding with dark mystery and haunting beauty in Wolfe's incomparable style and genius storytelling. his imagination is unlike anything else I have ever read in sci fi or fantasy...

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant Enought to Engage a NON Fantasy Reader.

While the plot continues with the story Wolfe started in The Shadow of the Torturer, structurally Wolfe gets a little funkier with his second book. I liked it a lot, even though understanding it is sorta like seeking clarity in a broken mirror floating down in swift-flowing river.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

More engaging than the first book

Big uptick in pacing from the first book. slows down sometimes, but Claw redeemed Shadow of the Torturer for me

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolute masterpiece paired with exceptional narration.

One of my favorite books of all time, the narrator does an exceptional job. Bring more Wolfe to audible please!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Science fiction at its best

If you're looking for a modern fast-paced predictable bit of science fiction cotton candy then do not buy this book. However, if you're looking for a unique, thought provoking, literary stroll through a future past dream scape, then then you absolutely must read Gene Wolfe's masterpiece.
Often claimed as science fictions "Ulysses" - The Book of the Sun will blow your mind. I will caution you that these books are not for the easily entertained, but rather require a vivid imagination and a sharp mind. A rare, rare treat in the modern world of science fiction.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting...not as good as 1

Would you consider the audio edition of The Claw of the Conciliator to be better than the print version?

The character's are developed a bit more, but still seems to never have a clear climax or resolution.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Difficult but good read

I really enjoyed the twist and turns in this book. Many plot points kept me wanting to read more and I can't wait to start the next book in this series. The few downsides I would say to this one, is that it's a bit tough to read. There were many times where I had to reread sections to really understand what was going on. Also the romance in this one is quite odd. Never have understood the main character's romantic feelings and left confused. Overall though it is a great book and a good read.

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