SOLVED. Science Fiction (possibly YA) space opera, possibly series; heroes with psionics; also a potential linked book [s]

[Paksarra]

I read this book (possibly 'these books') in the mid-90s or late 90s. I have the general impression that they were a few books in a series, but they might have been just books with a similar setting and theme that have blurred together. They were paperback, for older teens if they were YA.

The series was a sci-fi about a heroic organization who went to different planets as peacekeepers and problem solvers. Yes, I realize how generic that is. The only scene I really remember clearly is a scene where the main character (female I think) was captured by the antagonists and ended up in a sensory deprivation tank as a means of torture; it bumped up her psychic powers enough that she was able to get help. I think there was another book about training to get into the service.

The reason why this is bugging me-- aside from just wondering what this series WAS-- is that, a while after I read this book, I read another one that didn't seem to be part of the series, about a man whose planet was contaminated with some form of fallout that left the water undrinkable (it caused sterility, among other issues.) Midway through the book, some peacekeepers came along to check on the situation, and I had the distinct impression that they were the characters from the other series (despite it being seemingly unlinked.) Unfortunately, I couldn't refer back to the first books and see if it was the same author at that point.

Thank you for your time!

[Andy]

Possibly the Telzey Amberdon series by James Schmitz? Telzey Amberdon Telzey is fairly young, has psychic powers and works as an agent for the Federation.

[Paksarra]

Andy wrote: "Possibly the Telzey Amberdon series by James Schmitz? Telzey Amberdon Telzey is fairly young, has psychic powers and works as an agent for the Federation."

That sounds like a really awesome book (I'm probably going to try to track down a copy of it) but I'm fairly sure this was published too late to be it. Thank you, though!

[Andy]

Paksarra wrote: "Andy wrote: "Possibly the Telzey Amberdon series by James Schmitz? Telzey Amberdon Telzey is fairly young, has psychic powers and works as an agent for the Federation."

That sound..."

The Telzey stories are from the 60s and 70s. I guess goodreads has the date of the most recent reprinting, not the original publication date.

[Miranda]

this one maybe? In one of the later books she gets stuffed into one of those deprevaton chambers Stardoc

[Paksarra]

Andy wrote: The Telzey stories are from the 60s and 70s...

I stand corrected. I'm still fairly sure they're not it (and they sound interesting anyway.)

Miranda wrote: "this one maybe? In one of the later books she gets stuffed into one of those deprevaton chambers Stardoc"

Maaaybe-- I don't remember the main character being a doctor, but given how long it's been I could very well be wrong. I'll see if I can track any of those down, too.

[Banjomike]

The OPs description is not of a Telzey (or Trigger) story or any James H. Schmitz work.

[Andy]

Banjomike wrote: "The OPs description is not of a Telzey (or Trigger) story or any James H. Schmitz work."

Thanks.

[Adele]

This is The Far Side of Evil by Sylvia Engdahl.

The companion book where the protagonist of that book is not yet in the service is Enchantress from the Stars

The other series that cross-connects with members of the service coming to help out the planet with contaminated water is Children of the Star. First book: This Star Shall Abide

Incidentally, Engdahl has now started a new series that is set before the service comes into existence and describes how they got their psychic powers. First book in this series is Stewards of the Flame

Can you tell Sylvia Engdahl is one of my favorite authors? :-)

[Andy]

Adele wrote: "This is The Far Side of Evil by Sylvia Engdahl.

The companion book where the protagonist of that book is not yet in the service is Enchantress from the Stars

The oth..."

I should have recognized these - I've read two of them...

[Michele]

This is most definitely the Engdahl books. The sensory deprivation tank is in The Far Side of Evil. The one with the planet that's toxic to humans is This Star Shall Abide.

[Paksarra]

That's it! :D I wasn't crazy!

I'll move it to Solved. Thanks for the poke/reminder, I'd forgotten I even posted this...