The Shadow of the Torturer

The Book of the New Sun, Book 1

By: Gene Wolfe

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

The Shadow of the Torturer is the first volume in the four-volume epic, the tale of a young Severian, an apprentice to the Guild of Torturers on the world called Urth, exiled for committing the ultimate sin of his profession - showing mercy towards his victim.

Listen to more in the Book of the New Sun series.

©1980 Gene Wolfe (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The best science fiction novel of the last century." (Neil Gaiman)

• World Fantasy Award, Best Novel, 1981

• Favorite Audiobooks of 2010 (Fantasy Literature)

Give It a Second Try with Podcast

I revisited this series based on recommendation. At first I bounced off a few times and was very confused by the writing, etc.

What really helped was listening to a podcast discussing both the book/series and Gene Wolfe's work. Alzabo Soup was the podcast with Phil and Metz. They go chapter by chapter is breaking down and discussing what is happening. It's incredible. I have a huge appreciation for their work and Gene Wolfe after taking this approach.

One of best sci fi/fantasy of all time

One of the best books I've ever read. I'd recommend reading, or at least having a copy, as well as listening, because Wolfe's plots are always so complex you need to be able to go back and check things in order to follow. But the recording is high quality, narrator is growing on me, and if you've already read the book then the recording is a great way to experience it again. Just be wary of listening for the first time--at least have a copy of the book to check back on plot points. May seem like a of effort, but it's worth it.

Brilliant but difficult

Like all of Gene Wolfes work I've read this book is very good but also difficult. It's difficult to keep track of what's happening in his stories and when reading them I've found I've had to reread portions to comprehend events. Unfortunately this is more difficult with an audiobook. I really wish wolfe had included more exposition and description in his stories as I feel they would be more enjoyable and less difficult to digest.

A Great Read For Those Ready For Fantasy

I fell in love with the story almost as soon as I had begun my listen, but continually fell upon the same issue. The speed with which the book progresses along it's narrative arc varies from slow, deliberate descriptive prose to what feels to be huge jumps in the story's arc. This same issue has plagued me through many books, however, and may simply be a side effect of the written word translated as a spoken narrative.

All that being said, this is an excellent and genre defining piece of fantasy that will not disappoint, and an excellent place to start your journey into the world laid out before you by Wolfe.

Interesting story, bad audio quality.

I thought the story was interesting when I could hear it, however the narration tended to be very quiet.

Great prose

Feels a little dated now but a super original story with nods to all sorts of authors and mythos. Great pacing and many odd characters and situations
Completely unique

Truly the dark souls of novels

Find the lore through item descriptions. Go read it now please you gotta it’s so goooood

great writing, won't appeal to everyone

There was a time when the fantasy genre didn't just exist to entertain, but sometimes aspired to a higher level of artfulness. The Shadow of the Torturer is such a book. Set in a far distant future, when Earth's sun is fading and human society has lost much of its technological aptitude, Wolfe's novel has a haunting, elegiac quality. It's written in a voice reminiscent of 19th century writers like Poe or Dickens, which adds to the melancholy beauty. Fortunately for the squeamish, though torture is part of the story, it's not described in much detail.

In terms of plot, The Shadow of the Torturer isn't a complex novel. The protagonist grows up under the protection of a strange, cloistered society, learns a few things about the outside world, betrays his guardians, and is thrown out to seek his own fortune -- familiar fantasy stuff. But what sets the book apart from standard swords-and-sorcery fare is the richness of its language and the great imagination in its details; the difference is like comparing a fine oil painting to a crude computer graphic rendering. It has subtlety that forces the reader to pay attention. Wolfe messes with time and space, contemplates philosophical ideas, writes long exchanges whose import isn't immediately clear, and relies on the audience to make sense of the strange, slightly dreamlike events that unfold in the story, rather than spelling out how they're connected.

Without a doubt, this is a book that will absorb some readers and alienate others. Wolfe's ornate, college-level English, though not difficult, is not for everyone. Nor will everyone relate to the protagonist's detached, clinical voice. Basically, if you're looking for a light, Harry Potter-style book with instantly charismatic characters, you're better off going elsewhere. But, for readers who appreciate sophisticated writing and atmospheric, textured imaginary worlds, this is a great read.

Seeking Truth and Penitence

This is the first in Gene Wolfe's Book of the New Sun series. It's a grim science fiction at its finest, yet framed more in the spirit of fantasy novels with heroic quests. This is the autobiography of Severian, apprentice member of the Torturer's Guild in a future world where the Earth is in decline and the Sun is going out. Past that I can't say much more because this novel has quite a few twists and turns that I wouldn't dare spoil for you.

Also, Jonathan Davis' performance is outstanding. I hadn't previously liked his work very much, but here he is flawless. He perfectly captures the lyrical, philosophical, yet deeply grim atmosphere of Severian's narration and Wolfe's world of the New Sun. I highly recommend this novel.

Deep dark and dank

Where does The Shadow of the Torturer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was the first audiobook I listened to. As it's the first it was by far the best audiobook I've listened to thus far. I will listen to more and rank them accordingly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Shadow of the Torturer?

Spoiler: When Severian gives Shadlowling Thecla(sp?) the knife. Assisted suicide is a pretty controversial topic, but it made it relatable given her tormented state.

What does Jonathan Davis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A great sense of intention. He is able to channel the characters clearly while being able to quickly switch between them.

Any additional comments?

A great first book to start my journey into the audiobooks world. I'm going to be listening to rest of this series as well as the Wheel of Time series. Be back after the next one is done.