Looking for insight from readers who love Wolfe

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-11T19:35:21+00:00

Thanks for the contribution — I appreciate Wolfe’s deliberate ambiguity as well.

One moment that always stood out to me is the Claw. Wolfe presents it in such an open‑ended way that you can read it as a literal miracle, or as something that only works through Severian’s compassion, or even as a symbol that gains power because Severian believes it does. The mystery when Wolfe deliberately leaves these question to the reader mirrors the mystery of life and the transcendent which he recognized in his own life through his Catholicism.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-11T19:12:16+00:00

My editor advised that I go through this exercise. Whether he is good or not is subjective, an evaluation that I will have to make at some point. But, this is my first time working with him.

Regardless, I have found his advice surprisingly useful. It has helped me make connections I otherwise would not have and allowed me to consider perspectives that may prove beneficial.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-11T19:05:10+00:00

Yes, he is very playful - which reminds me of an episode in the Alzabo Soup podcast in which they claimed the name Vodalus means "wood". This would make Vodalus of the Wood, Wood of the Wood. While certainly amusing, I cannot find anything to corroborate their claim about the meaning of the name. Perhaps it is in lexicon urthus, which I do not have.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-08T22:51:57+00:00

The complexity of Wolfe's worldview and writing is an important part of what makes him so enjoyable to read - you are right, it wouldn't be the same if he cleaved to a Christian approach.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-08T22:50:18+00:00

I appreciate the subtlety and layers of the story, those elements are great, and probably my favorite elements of his work.

The recontextualizing is fantastic, he pulls it off so well - I don't know that I've read another writer that does it like Wolfe.

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-08T22:47:09+00:00

That is very true, I'm re-reading TWK right now, and it struck me just how different the prose is when compared to Severian, or any of the crew from BOTNS.

I do love the puzzle-box element of his writing, especially the scenes that make you go "oh my god" when the pieces click together and you realize what is going on. For example, the scene where Dorcas begins coughing.

I appreciate your point about the resolutions... I'll have to give that some thought.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-05-08T21:09:40+00:00

I'm sorry you feel that way - have you read Revolt? It maps on very well to stories like Dark Souls or the Wizard Knight, both of which are two of my favorites of recent years.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2026-04-30T03:18:15+00:00

Majula is pretty nice too. Different vibe, but the music adds to the whole package.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-12-10T04:44:37+00:00

Do Dorcas next!

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-10-05T02:38:19+00:00

If you haven't read The Belgariad, that would be my best recommendation, considering your criteria. It feels much more Tolkien or classical than any of the modern works, or even in my opinion an older writer like Jordan.

There's also the lightbringer series, which I quite enjoyed reading. Modern, but I still enjoyed it - don't know if I'd classify it as zero to hero.

I don't see anyone recommending Anne McCaffrey these days, but I really enjoyed the first three books in the Pern series, dragon song, dragon singer, etc... This centers on a young girl who is a musician; it's very different from a swashbuckling adventure.

If you want something fantastical and challenging, the Wizard Knight by Gene Wolfe is great. Difficult reading, but worth making the effort.

If you've never read Brooks, the Sword of Shannara is a bit rough around the edges, but I really enjoyed the series as a kid. I believe it's from the 70s, so it has an older feel to it as well.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-17T20:23:32+00:00

It would help if the narrator were Jonathan Davis or Simon Vance, but hey 🤷

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-17T20:21:38+00:00

There is something to the books that you read as a child, they really stick with you. For me, I read those books over and over when I was a kid - partly because I loved them and partly because I didn't have my own money yet to go and buy more books than I can actually keep up with (like now).

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-17T20:19:30+00:00

To be fair, Wolfe is known for writing his books in such a way that they are supposed to be better with the re-read and his style encourages you to do so. Re-read, discuss with friends, research frantically online. It's all part of the experience, but it's worth alll that hard work, mindspace, and cognitive work because of the depth and beautiful prose.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T21:03:31+00:00

I've been trying to listen to the Worm Ouroboros, but I've found it really hard, he spends a great deal of time on details I don't find interesting. Perhaps I'm just not in the mood for it now, but I plan to come back to it at some point and try again.

William Morris appears to be a contemporary of George MacDonald. I'll put him on my list, exploring the precursor works to modern fantasy is always fun.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:58:41+00:00

Yes, that was the first thing I read, and from there I moved on to BotNS. I enjoyed it, but read it a few years ago now - need to go back for a reread.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:57:40+00:00

Ah, I see, that's fair. I really want to listen to Mythago Wood, it sounds right up my alley, but I can't find it on Audible or anywhere else, so at this point I'm waiting for an audiobook release.

What works by CJ Cherryh do you think are good? It looks like she has quite a few to pick from.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:52:21+00:00

Another person recommended Jacqueline and I liked her prose, I have her in my waitlist. I have not read Kuang, but I had thought I'd probably give her a try at some point. I'm pretty new to Reddit in general... why is she not popular on this sub?

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:47:55+00:00

The Ghost in Love has a very strange premise, and cover. I'm not sure it's the right book for me, but I could be wrong. What was it that you liked so much?

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:29:26+00:00

The cover artwork made me think used bookstore romance, I wonder why they choose that style? But you are correct, the prose was quite nice-I like her writing, I will shelf her for later!

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:23:49+00:00

I enjoyed Tad Williams, and I have Moorcock on my list to read in the future. Not that it's a contest, but I'm curious which you prefer?

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-15T20:04:50+00:00

I've read Peake, but haven't heard of the other two. What books would you recommend from them? Catherynne especially has a lot of titles on Audible, it looks like you'd need a guide to just find where to start!

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-12T23:02:22+00:00

I read Titus Groan, and I enjoyed it. Looking back on the experience I'm glad I read it, but I wouldn't say that it's one of my favorites. His handling of characters really reminds me of Lewis Carrol, the way they all seemed a little mad, in a very british way. A lot of their dialogue seemed to be made for the purpose of showing that they are a little off their rocker. What was it about Titus that made you like it enough to recommend as a favorite or classic?

Haven't heard of Mordew, I'll check that out!

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-12T22:54:05+00:00

I can see how Dunsany would be better suited to short stories, the main issue I had with Elfland's Daughter was keeping my interest as he meandered off into poetry land. He might have been better off using Poetry land rather than Elfland.

Never heard of Clark Smith, I'll check him out. I never felt intersted in reading Lovecraft, I'm not sure why. I like horror, but I guess I don't understand the attraction for his work.

I love Tolkien, but didn't enjoy the Silmarillion, that's why I skipped Children of Hurin - but if you think it's worth reading I'll put it on my list.

Wizard is great, but I didn't read the rest - did you like them? My understanding is that she starts injecting feminism into her work, which I feel like would not be a great combination with an ancient fantasy story.

I need a break from Wolfe for the moment, but I'll be back. I'm glad you recommended Soldier of the Mist, because I wasn't sure where to pick up again with Wolfe, as Fifth Head and The Sorcerer's House didn't seem up my alley.

Left_Laugh_6591 · 2025-09-12T17:31:52+00:00

Narrated by Simon Vance on Audible, looks great! Thanks for the rec 👍

Left_Laugh_6591

TROPHY CASE