SOLVED. Sci-Fi - Rings of Space with ever intelligent societies [s]

[BWinfield]

I saw this book described and can't re find it.

It described concentric rings of space with societies inhabiting each ring. Each step inward has a society that is more intelligent than the previous. Something about traveling inward has consequences. I don't recall that exact detail.

I do think the story also involved groups of peoples trying to control or gain advantages in some ways.

Help!

[Cumbling Michael]

Hi. That sounds a lot like Vernor Vinge's A Fire Upon the Deep. Vinge and his wife Joan wrote several other books that share the concept - they're known as the "zones of thought" series.

[BWinfield]

That's it! Thank you very much!

[Andy]

The societies get more intelligent further out, not further in, by the way.