Mazes of Power

Readers are encouraged to first read this short blog entry, which describes the various castes of Varin society, to enhance their understanding of this story.

This is science fiction set in the underground of what appears to be a post-apocalyptic planet (possibly Earth?), but is really a story of different kinds of slavery: because of lack of genetic diversity caused by centuries of inbreeding, the ruling caste has become progressively less able to produce live, healthy babies, so women are essentially breeding stock valued only for their ability to reproduce, while their own desires and personhood are considered irrelevant.

Members of the lower castes have a much healthier genetic base, but are groomed from birth to serve as slaves for their rulers in strictly-defined career paths, rather than having lives of their own.

This is also a story of how people can be psychologically programmed into accepting and even actively working for their own oppression. The plot features lots of political intrigue, with some progressive characters who are working for reform of their badly-broken social system.

It took me a while to really get absorbed in the first book, but once I did, then I really flew through it and the sequel. I definitely recommend starting with the prequel novella The Persistence of Blood, which is not strictly required but does provide some good background setup for the novels.