The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe

The Shadow of the Torturer

The Book of the New Sun #1

Gene Wolfe

262 pages • first pub 1980 (editions)

fiction fantasy science fiction speculative fiction adventurous mysterious slow-paced

Description

The Shadow of the Torturer is the first volume in the four-volume series, The Book of the New Sun. It relates the story of Severian, an apprentice in the Seekers for Truth and Penitence (the guild of torturers), from his youth through his expulsio...

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Community Reviews Summary of 1,362 reviews

Moods

dark 81%
challenging 77%
mysterious 72%
adventurous 61%
reflective 35%
sad 11%
tense 11%
emotional 8%
inspiring 5%
funny 3%
informative 3%
lighthearted 1%
relaxing 1%

Pace

slow 70%
medium 29%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 57% | A mix: 29% | Plot: 12%

Strong character development?

It's complicated: 35% | Yes: 35% | No: 27% | N/A: 2%

Loveable characters?

It's complicated: 46% | No: 32% | Yes: 21%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 48% | Yes: 32% | It's complicated: 14% | N/A: 4%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 58% | It's complicated: 20% | No: 14% | N/A: 6%

Average rating

3.65

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Content Warnings

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