[The Shadow of the Torturer is] not quite science fiction and not quite fantasy. The distinction between science fiction and fantasy is seldom clear even to long-time readers and critics…. Without going far into definition, one might suggest that fantasy appeals to the emotions and science fiction to the intellect. Fantasy asks to be accepted on its own terms; science fiction, in terms of the real world….

Today, in response to the growing popularity of fantasy (at one time publishers thought fantasy didn't sell), as evidenced by the success of Tolkien and Stephen King, much sf is appearing in the guise and emotional stance of fantasy…. [The Shadow of the Torturer takes] place in a galaxy in which humanity has built a far-flung empire among the stars and has subsequently lost much of its power and abilities. But this is only background, and its intellectual relationships play a...