The Tuloriad

As its Homeric-sounding name suggests, the latest Posleen War novel (after 2007’s Yellow Eyes ) tells of a defeated people fleeing annihilation in search of a new home. Tulo, who helped command the failed Posleen invasion of Earth, expects annihilation at the hands of the vengeful humans, but another faction rescues Tulo and his followers. They embark upon a search for the origin of their species and discover just how cruelly their people were treated long ago when their ancestors dared to question the godlike Aldenata. Following their trail is a sentient warship bearing a contingent of human religious scholars, Swiss Guards and a most unusual trio of captive Posleen. Ringo and Kratman turn this space adventure into an intriguing discussion of the power of faith apart from the existence of God. (Oct.)