The Shadow of the Torturer (The Book of the New Sun #1)
by Gene Wolfe
The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe holds a well received rating of 3.80 out of 5, based on 15.5K reader ratings. First published in 1980. The book spans 262 pages.
About The Shadow of the Torturer
The Shadow of the Torturer is the first volume in the four-volume series, The Book of the New Sun. It is the tale of young Severian, an apprentice in the Guild of Torturers on the world called Urth, exiled for committing the ultimate sin of his profession - showing mercy toward his victim - and follows his subsequent journey out of his home city of Nessus.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Gene Wolfe |
| Published | 1980 |
| Pages | 262 |
| Genres | Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.80 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 15,507 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Shadow of the Torturer?
The Shadow of the Torturer is categorized as Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is The Shadow of the Torturer worth reading?
Based on 15.5K reader ratings, The Shadow of the Torturer has an average score of 3.80 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Shadow of the Torturer?
The Shadow of the Torturer has 262 pages.
Who wrote The Shadow of the Torturer?
The Shadow of the Torturer was written by Gene Wolfe. It was first published in 1980.
What is the ISBN for The Shadow of the Torturer?
The ISBN-13 for The Shadow of the Torturer is 9780671540660.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
