The Shadow of the Torturer

The Book of the New Sun, Book 1

De: Gene Wolfe

Narrado por: Jonathan Davis

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

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

• World Fantasy Award, Best Novel, 1981

• Favorite Audiobooks of 2010 (Fantasy Literature)

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.

not a whole story.

it's the first of a trilogy, I get that, but it doesn't have an ending. it cuts off mid story, instead of being a complete story into itself.b that was disappointing.

Slow build that delivers.

A fascinating story that vacillates between fantasy and sci fi with a dizzying swiftness. Set in a distant future or possibly an alternate dimension; it's a story that accumulates layers of strangeness. Well worth the read just for the language alone.

Pretty great

Any additional comments?

They should have all the tetralogy in one audiobook, or at least split into 2 and 2

it must be quiet time

The reader's voice is to soft and monotone , I had a hard time telling the difference between characters, man or woman. It seems to be a very interesting story line but I have had a hard time listening to it.

The Start of Something

Any additional comments?

Well this was interesting, it's the first 1/4 of a novel and just the beginning, so it's hard for me to really know if is will be a good story or not, it is literally the start of the story with nothing ending, no other way to explain it.

Brutal world

I both enjoyed and was repulsed by the story of Severian’s upbringing and apprenticeship in the Guild of men called Torturers. It was the Catholic Inquisition brought to life in an epic fantasy world. As horrible as the fate of the “clients” was under the seemingly compassionate but relentless skill of the torturers and the inevitability of pain and death, I managed to stay fascinated by the story Gene Wolfe created. I was not able to multi-task easily while listening to the book. Normally I have little problem doing normal tasks while keeping my brain entertained listening to a story, but this one was dense, the terminology archaic and inventive, the events meaningful such that any inattention meant going back and re-listening! It was worth the trouble though, and my normal tasks are not going anywhere.
I have already purchased the next book in the series and am eager to immerse myself in Severian’s story again. I set the narration at 1.1x after feeling like I was plodding along. The narrator was very good and I was happy once I sped the reading up just a tad.

Classic Sci-fi I didn't know I needed

This book gave me everything I needed out of it. Esoteric cults, Dying Earth feels, Decadence, Adventure, and a heavy dose of the strange. A fever dream from the distant future.