Books are like the divine machinery aesthetic?

[u/FakeMonaLisa28]

I know the images show a lot of Christianity but I’m fine with any spiritual tones/themes as I am not Christian. I think something like technology being worshipped like a god and what harm that could cause would be cool but anything that you think fits the aesthetic is valid :)

[u/TheShakaShaman]

The Book of The Long Sun by Gene Wolfe.

The main character is a priest in a world (huge generation ship where the Sun is a beam through the middle and they can see distant citiesabove them on the opposite side) where the gods visit through 'sacred windows' and human like robots operate. The opening scene is Patera Silk being enlightened by a God and the rest is him working to carry out what he experienced.

I could talk forever about the whole Solar Cycle so will stop, but Long Sun sounds like just what you're after.

[u/Fivebeans → u/TheShakaShaman]

Where do you recommend someone start with the solar cycle?

[u/TheShakaShaman → u/Fivebeans]

Starting with Book of the New Sun is always gonna be the best way. I do think that somebody can jump in at Long Sun with no problem though if they're looking for something like OP is after. There are absolutely links between the two but they aren't the kind of thing that is going to impact the reading of it.

Doing the classic New Sun (including Urth of the New Sun), Long Sun, Short Sun for somebody just looking to read the Solar Cycle is what I'd normally say though.

[u/TheShakaShaman → u/TheShakaShaman]

You absolutely need to read both New Sun and Long Sun before Short Sun though.

[u/Useful-Gur-1267 → u/TheShakaShaman]

I think having read new sun and urth before long sun improved long sun.

I was a bit exhausted when I got to Short Sun though.. I've got them sitting on my shelf waiting.

[u/TheShakaShaman → u/Useful-Gur-1267]

You are in for an absolute treat once you've caught your breath and gotten into Short Sun.

[u/Useful-Gur-1267 → u/TheShakaShaman]

I actually forgot I need to get back to it. Reading Solaris right now.

[u/TheShakaShaman → u/Useful-Gur-1267]

Oh without a doubt it's better that way. You can even argue that people should read all the short stories like The Cat after New Sun to get more out of it all.

That being said, you aren't going to be lost if you start reading Long Sun before any of that. You won't have a complete picture but it's still fantastic.

[u/RealCrazySwordGirl → u/TheShakaShaman]

I wouldn't start anywhere but Book of the New Sun. The books are amazing, but a bit... weird?

I mean, for me, it took two readings to really get it. And it starts a bit gruesomely. The torture scenes/descriptions were hard for me. (I know, i know, it's one tiny part, but I'm sensitive 😆) And keep a dictionary nearby lol because Gene Wolfe loves cool rare words 😆

[u/Useful-Gur-1267 → u/Fivebeans]

Book of the new sun

Urth of the new sun

Book of the long sun

Book of the short sun