Shards of earth - Adrian Tchaikovsky
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Eighty years ago, Earth was destroyed by an alien 'Architect'. Some escaped, but millions died. So to protect its colonies, humanity shaped the minds of Idris and others into weapons and sent them into battle. Then the Architects disappeared.
Heroes like Idris have been forgotten, and he's glad of it. He'd rather retire to a shabby salvage vessel than be anyone's living weapon. Until this small ship makes a huge discovery.
Hunted by gangsters, governments and spies, Idris and his allies race across the galaxy searching for answers. For they have found something of incalculable value that many would kill to obtain. They have proof the Architects are back, and that the war never really ended.