Summary: Possibly one of the best science fantasy novels I’ve ever read. What makes it so? An eye for detail, a use for antique language in a novel and clear manner and an incredible sens of wonder.

Shadow of the Torturer is a book I literally turned my nose up thirty odd years ago. The covers didn’t sell me, nor did the back of the book. It looked like a Conan rip off. Then, I recently decided to read it after I saw it listed as an example of the Dying Earth subgenre on Wikipedia. And since the books were readily available on PaperBackSwap.com, it made sense to snag them.

After I read it, I cannot believe I ignored this book this long. It is a great piece of science fantasy verging onto literature. And I honestly would not have appreciated it as a teenager.

What is Shadow of the Torturer about? Its about Severian, a apprentice, then journeyman torturer who finds himself involved in the intrigues and campaigns for and against the Autarch of the Commonwealth, a region of a far future Urth (Earth). It all starts when he saves the life of the famous insurgent, Vodalius. From there, we get a view of the guild, the Citadel of the Autarch, the city of Nessus and world through Severian’s eyes.

Severian makes an excellent viewpoint character with his cloistered upbringing in the guild, allowing 20^th and 21^st century eyes to look around at the end of history and Nessus without too many “As you know Bob” moments. Or at least making them fell more natural as the naive Severian gets an education…         The plots Severian gets tangled up in range from the mundane (steal his stuff) to the grand (overthrow the Autarch and restore the Monarchy). He also takes a tour of Nexus culminating at the Sanguinary fields and a duel.

Wolfe has an amazing command of history and language, with a keen eye for detail that moves toward lush, but doesn’t go overboard. The historical words he uses in the far future are obscure, but he explains them well enough through what they do. Also, having an internet connection and Google up will help as well to explain the meanings and origins of many of these words. This is a nice change from authors that make up words. Instead, Wolfe appropriates them and uses them in a manner that lends weight and meaning to his work. On a related note, The Lexicon Urthus by Michael Andre-Druissi is well worth acquiring to explain and define these words and many other things.

While this is identified as part of the Dying Earth sub-genre, the only characters remotely like Cugel are Dr. Talos and his companion, the giant Baldanders. Dr. Talos seems related to Cugel by his looks, vocabulary and a tendency to brazen things out.

This is an amazing book, layered with meaning and really dense. This can be a bug or a feature depending on your tastes. The density and vocabulary presumes the reader will put forth some effort. I’ll say its worth it.

Finally, I doubt there is a better example of the old saw “History is the trade secret of science fiction.” Wolfe liberally steals from Medieval history for the world building as well as vocabulary. Its a beautiful world, full of wonders from the Autarch’s Botanical Garden, to the libraries of the Citadel. Its also one, I wouldn’t want to live in, with its casual cruelty and harsh laws.

This is is easily a five star book. Its inspired to get as much of the series as I can. I’ve gotten everything except Urth of the New Sun from PaperBackSwap.com and I hope to get the related series Book of the Long Sun and Book of the Short Sun.

Likes: The eye for detail; The sense of wonder and weirdness; Severian giving us a walking tour of Nessus – he’s great for relating the world to the readers.

Dislikes: Some of the coincidences, though I’ve been reassured that those are dealt with and explained; Severian can be a little too honest and serious some times.

Suggested for: Fans of Gene Wolfe, science fantasy, the New Weird, Jack Vance. Also for anyone who enjoys a book that can be a bit of a challenge.

Tags: Book Recommendations, Book Reviews, Book Suggestions

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