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There is no magic. There is only knowledge, more or less hidden.

This quote sums up this book for me because the world which Wolfe presents to us has forgotten the use of the technology and using any kind of technology is magic to them. But uncovering this magic is what makes this world so hard to understand for the reader and it is not helped by the fact that it is exclusively told to us from the pov of Severian. Also there are lot of things hidden in the book with regards to symbolism which Wolfe employs, the play in this book is perfect example of that. This book challenges you mentally like none other that's what make it an engrossing read.

Some of the strong points of the book are

1.The world of Urth.
2.Finding some tidbit makes you happy.
3.The play.

Some of it's weak points are

1.It gets too much overwhelming at times.

Let me elaborate on the above points below

1.The world of Urth.

The story moves forward from the last book where Severian travels to the city of Thrax after being removed from the guild. on his way he makes a stop at the city of Saltus. Now this city gives us many insights where we have men from the future such as the Green men telling the future of people. There is so much hidden beneath the surface of these cities that you have to read very carefully and try to understand what exactly Severian just told you.At the end of the book Wolfe gives us a big clue regarding the place where our story is taking place.

This world is fascinating due to the fact that it has a technological level which has surpassed us but the people residing in it have completely forgotten this technology, and they describe the technology to us in terms of the magic they see and it is left to the reader to uncover what exactly they are trying to tell.

2.Finding some tidbit makes you happy.

I think I was able to uncover two to three things which Severian describes to us as completely irrational and I really felt a sense of achievement on being to see clearly. but unfortunately after that I was blind through most of the middle part of the book and recovered my interest at the end.

3.The play.

the play which Dr Talos organized was work of genius because there were so many things handled by Wolfe in it like the story of (view spoiler)[Adam and eve (hide spoiler)].

Regarding the weak point

1.It gets too much overwhelming at times.

As I explained before the middle part of the book went completely over my head, and Severian at the end of the book tells you too that it is hard journey reading this book and he completely agrees with the reader if he decides to quit.

If only Wolfe had given us more clues regarding the world it would have become enjoyable reading this book.

None the less I am going to continue this journey with Severian and hope that the series end gives answer to all the questions and confusions I have.

I give this book 3/5 stars.