Last Enemy

"Last Enemy" by H. Beam Piper is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the intricate interactions of a society that grapples with concepts of reincarnation and the political tensions between factions that believe in different theories of reincarnation. The main character is Dallona of Hadron, a psychic researcher whose groundbreaking work on reincarnation has upset the status quo, drawing her and the assassins into a perilous political landscape. The opening of the novel sets the stage at a dinner party where Dallona nervously contemplates her experimental work on reincarnation and the philosophical implications of a recent assassination. During this gathering, the discarnate spirit of Garnon of Roxor communicates through a boy in a trance, confirming the reality of his death and triggering political upheaval as various guests scramble to react to this revelation. Following the murder, Dallona takes on Dirzed the Assassin for her protection as they navigate a society determined to suppress her research. As the political landscape shifts and tensions rise, the narrative moves toward intrigue, danger, and the struggle between scientific discovery and political power. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Beam Piper was an American science fiction writer. He wrote many short stories and several novels. He is best known for his extensive Terro-Human Future History series of stories and a shorter series of "Paratime" alternate history tales.