Reclamation by Sarah Zettel

 

Reclamation is, on the one hand, about the human race dividing into various societies based on genetics, ideologies, etc.   On the other hand, it is about some groups seeking the roots of the human race.  For the Vitae, the search for the planet of human origins is of a religious nature.  As sophisticated as they may be in some ways, they mutilate themselves and await finding Earth before they will fix the mutilations.  We also see religion playing a role in other societies.

 

Two of the characters come from a world founded to be a simpler place without hi tech.  Eric was unwilling to live like that and left.  We later discover the people of that world are genetically altered -- their DNA is so short it has clearly had extensive engineering.  This fact also means that some human societies would deny that they were human.  In this way, the question is raised of what is or is not human.  As the story develops we find genetics plays a role in the mysteries.

 

An important part of the plot is the intrigue between the Vitae, a competing group called the Unifiers and the protagonists.  As the Vitae try to capture the protagonists, there is a major chase subplot to the story.  And there are mystery elements about the planet of origins, about the genetically-engineered people and about the intentions of the Vitae.

 

After-note:

 

One of the main characters, Eric, has an ability - something like telekinesis - although it seems to be used more to affect the working of devices, rather than to move an object across a table or room.  I prefer not to have such superstitious stuff in my SF, but it is even taken one step further here.  He is able to perceive and effect the processing in a [non-sentient] computer.  Even if both telekinesis and telepathy (as they are normally portrayed) existed, neither would account for his murky interactions with computers.  Perhaps his talents will appeal to fans of cyberpunk who are more lenient towards this sort of hocus pocus.