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 challenging dark mysterious slow-paced
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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 2,488 reviews

Moods

dark 77%
mysterious 72%
challenging 66%
adventurous 61%
reflective 32%
tense 11%
emotional 6%
sad 6%
funny 3%
inspiring 3%
informative 1%

Pace

slow 56%
medium 39%
fast 3%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 48% | A mix: 40% | Plot: 11%

Strong character development?

It's complicated: 40% | Yes: 29% | No: 28% | N/A: 1%

Loveable characters?

No: 43% | It's complicated: 39% | Yes: 16%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 46% | Yes: 26% | It's complicated: 20% | N/A: 6%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 61% | It's complicated: 22% | No: 12% | N/A: 2%

Average rating

3.69

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