The Shadow of the Torturer

by Gene Wolfe, Gene Wolf
The Shadow of the Torturer cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Fantasy
Technical
  • ID: 4549
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780575114159
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2011-09-29
  • Reviews: 3

Severian, a young torturer from the guild, finds his life upended when he falls in love with a noblewoman condemned to his care. His act of mercy leads to exile, and he embarks on a journey across the vast and perilous world of Urth. Armed with only the legendary sword Terminus Est, Severian must navigate a landscape fraught with danger, forging alliances and making enemies along the way. His possession of a strange gem only intensifies the pursuit of those who seek to harm him. The Shadow of the Torturer is celebrated for its rich characters, intricate world-building, and masterful prose. Gene Wolfe's novel is a standout in fantasy literature, praised for its depth and originality. It won the World Fantasy Award for best novel in 1981 and the BSFA Award for best novel in 1982, solidifying its place as a must-read for fans of the genre.

Reviews
SFFWorld · 2025-03-08
intriguing 4.50

The book's rich and intricate language paints a vivid picture of an ancient, complex world. The narrative's depth and detail create a captivating atmosphere that immerses the reader.

The reviewer is struck by the book's elaborate and exquisite language, which effectively conveys a sense of deep history and a well-established world. They appreciate the intricate details that contribute to the story's richness and complexity. The atmosphere created by the narrative is particularly noteworthy, drawing the reader into a vivid and immersive setting. While the language is florid, it is also precise and evocative, enhancing the overall reading experience. The reviewer finds the world-building to be one of the most compelling aspects of the book, making it a standout feature.

Quick quotes

    The level of depth and detail in its florid yet exquisite language hints at a world of ancient history and a complex yet well-established world.

    The narrative's depth and detail create a captivating atmosphere that immerses the reader.

    The setting is so rich and detailed that it almost becomes a character in its own right.

Reddit - Fantasy · 2010-10-14
fascinating 4.00

The book's setting is magnificent and nearly a character itself, and the protagonist Severian is fascinating. The story is compared favorably to Steven Erikson's Malazan series.

The reviewer highlights the magnificent setting of the book, which they describe as almost a character in itself. They find the protagonist, Severian, to be particularly fascinating and well-developed. The story is compared to Steven Erikson's Malazan series, with the reviewer suggesting that Gene Wolfe's work is even better. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the world-building, which adds to the overall richness of the narrative. The reviewer also notes the intriguing and well-developed characters, which contribute to the story's appeal. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    The setting is magnificent (and almost a character in itself).

    Our protagonist Severian is fascinating.

    It reminds me of the feel of Steven Erikson's Malazan series, though I will go so far as to say Gene Wolfe does it better.

The Eyrie · Eagle · 2004-06-14
mixed 3.00

The book features strong characterization but has a somewhat iffy plot. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters.

The reviewer notes that the book's strong point is its characterization, with well-developed and complex characters that add depth to the story. However, they find the plot to be somewhat iffy, which detracts from the overall reading experience. They appreciate the intricate details and the richly drawn characters, which make the book engaging despite its flaws. The reviewer also mentions that the book's setting and atmosphere are well-crafted, contributing to its appeal. Overall, they find the book to be a mixed bag, with strong character development but a less satisfying plot.

Quick quotes

    If the book has a weak spot, it's that the plot is somewhat iffy despite the very strong characterization.

    The characters are well-developed and complex, adding depth to the story.

    The setting and atmosphere are well-crafted, contributing to the book's appeal.

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