Jack the bodiless - Julian May

Earth stands on the brink of acceptance into the Galactic Milieu, a benevolent political and telepathic alliance of alien races. But some are wary, as their new supervisors have introduced stringent new laws. Leading humanity is the powerful Remillard family, but a ruthless entity known only as the Fury has its own agenda for the Galactic Milieu. It starts to murder those with metapsychic talents, triggering a chaos that could delay Earth's inclusion.

At this delicate juncture, Teresa, wife of clan leader Paul Remillard, conceives a child who could represent humanity's future. But Jack's birth is illegal under Milieu law and she will need the formidable mental abilities of Uncle Rogi and Jack's older brother Marc to cover her tracks. Young Jack promises to be the most powerful mental talent ever seen. But he's destined to be destroyed by his own DNA, unless the Fury gets to him first.

'Galactic-scale intrigue ... engaging' Publishers Weekly, 'A compelling vision of humanity's future ... Highly recommended' Library Journal