(No real spoilers, but that might depend on your sensitivity level.)
So I have started (re)reading Urth of the New Sun, the sequel to Book of the New Sun. As mentioned in previous posts, I started a reread of New Sun to read alongside the Shelved by Genre podcast. However, I got way to caught up in things, and am now obviously way ahead.
I am really excited to be back into this one, as I think it is the one I have the least memory of from the entire 12 book Solar Cycle series. Right off the bat, I am appreciating that it's introducing more cosmology, a bit more of a traditional sci-fi look and feel, and bringing Severian's style right back to the front. I don't think focusing on the world building in the way it does is as compelling as how things are presented in BotNS, but it is still fun to see Wolfe take a crack at it in this way.
And while it's only a small scene, I just love the way the Hierodules are presented again in this one. I can't quite explain it, but the way they interact with Severian has always been so memorable and interesting to me.
I actually don't remember much about where all this one goes. I know in very broad strokes what journey is covered in this book, but I really don't remember in much detail what characters, places, etc. are involved. Seems like we'll be hearing a good bit about Tzadkiel if no one else.
I do have some other books I want to get to reading, but I'm going to try to really absorb this one on this read. BotNS looms so largely and clearly in my mind, and I would like Urth to be a part of that picture too.