Known for his hard SF, Dietz (Legion of the Damned
) changes pace with this engaging effort, whose philosophical themes evoke Isaac Asimov's classic Foundation series. In a bleak far future, many technological advances, including interstellar travel, have fallen into disuse, leaving most people in despair. Followers of a faith the author acknowledges is modeled on Buddhism cling to a faint hope for redemption when rumors circulate that a legendary spiritual leader has been reborn, but that good news is tempered by the existence of rival claimants for the position. Jak Rebo, a "runner" entrusted with valuable missions requiring travel between star systems, gets enmeshed in this religious conflict when he accompanies one of the aspirants to the planet where the tests to establish the true heir are to be administered. Action-packed, albeit with a few improbable escape scenes, this novel stands out with its intriguing spiritual explorations. Agent, Richard Curtis. (Oct.)
