A Confusion of Princes, by Garth Nix

Nix once again demonstrates his versatility by entering the genre of science fiction. The empire takes millions of selected babies from their parents, genetically enhances them and raises them in cold privilege as princes of the empire with the potential to one day become emperor. They must constantly compete against each other, with assistance from priests and assassins, and almost anything goes. If the imperial mind deems them worthy they can be reborn to continue the brutal fight for ascendency, if not they are cannon fodder to the imperial machine. The story centres on Prince Khemri, who believes he is destined for greatness. He receives extra assistance in his struggle from the imperial mind that tends to bear out his beliefs. His climb is diverted by a special mission, which sees him learn how much he doesn’t know about the empire. A Confusion of Princes is an apt title as Nix’s empire is a confusing place with a plethora of technical detail sometimes crowding out the exciting plot. A bonus short story set in the same universe adds value to the whole.