"The Shadow of the Torturer" is the first book in the Book of the New Sun series by author Gene Wolfe. It follows the journey of Severian, a young apprentice in a guild of torturers in a distant future where the sun is dying. As he navigates his training and the moral complexities of his profession, he encounters various characters and challenges that shape his understanding of power and humanity. The story is set in a richly detailed world filled with fantasy elements and philosophical themes. As Severian's journey unfolds, he grapples with his identity and the consequences of his actions, ultimately leading him to question the nature of his destiny and the role of free will in his life.