Magnificat by Julian May
Humanity is enjoying the Galactic Milieu. Colonies are thriving, Earth is peaceful, and as more metapsychics are born, the goal of mental Unity with the Milieu seems close.
But a rebel group want Earth to remain separate, led by a man obsessed with human superiority. This is Marc Remillard, unknowingly influenced by Fury who is now unveiled and on the run. Marc's goal is nothing less than the elevation of human metapsychics above all others, through artificial enhancement of mental faculties. His methods are unpalatable; his goal horrific. So Marc and his co-conspirators continue their work in secret.
Only the very Unity he fears can derail Marc's plans. And only his brother Jack the Bodiless, and the young woman known as Diamond Mask can attempt the impossible: destroy Marc, Unify humanity and allow the golden age of the Galactic Milieu to begin.
'Fascinating . . . May has cemented her position as one of this generation's foremost storytellers' Library Journal, 'A certain crowd-pleaser' Kirkus Reviews