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The Shadow of the Torturer

The Book of the New Sun, Book 1

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The Shadow of the Torturer

Written by: Gene Wolfe
Narrated by: Jonathan Davis
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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.©1980 Gene Wolfe (P)2009 Audible, Inc. Epic Fantasy Science Fiction
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What the critics say

"The best science fiction novel of the last century." (Neil Gaiman)
  • World Fantasy Award, Best Novel, 1981
  • Favorite Audiobooks of 2010 (Fantasy Literature)
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I read this novel back in the late 80s and thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering it in this audiobook. The narration was excellent although perhaps a little too soft spoken at times but it fit the character well. I did find it a little difficult to understand some times on a proper speaker, easier on the tinny phone speaker. I enjoyed the language and the slow but thoughtful progression of the book.

excellent story, well told

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This is an amazing series, but I found the Audible narration frustrating. General the narrator did a fine job when he was describing the environments and such. However far too often, the narrator started speaking soft to a whisper. Frankly, there are very few places in the book where it seems appropriate and took me out of the story. Some parts I had to rewind and turn up the volume because I couldn't hear what was being said.

Another issue I had in a few places was understanding who was speaking when the narrator didn't change character voice when another was speaking... especially when the same voice was used for female and male characters who were talking with each other.

Like I said great book and great series but compared with older audio versions, I found it less enjoyable.

Great book. Narration was lacking.

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The beginning to what is quite simply the greatest science fiction series, possible the greatest work of fiction period. Jaw dropping, enrapturing, inspiring, deep and rewarding perfection.

The greatest work of Science Fiction in history

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Johnathan Davis is an excellent narrator as always. The story meanders a fair bit, world is rich enough to keep me engaged despite a general lack of tension. Definitely the kind of book that sets up the world and expects you to keep going. I just might.

Solid and imperfect

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Jonathan Davis did great with the narration. I had trouble following the story, or the point of the story, but the prose was beautiful.

Thick with meaning but hard to follow

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