Perhaps the Stars is the fourth novel in a science fiction quartet called Terra Ignota, written by the American author Ada Palmer.

Set in the year 2454, the Earth of the Terra Ignota quartet has seen several centuries of near-total peace and prosperity, but now has been engulfed by war.

In that book Mycroft reflects on the shortcomings of humanity and their ambitions to be greater and writes: "Complacent reader, we no longer aim for Earth nor Atom...".

A sub-war between Brillist Gordian and Utopia for the future of humanity is exposed - should they focus on improving life on Earth or exploring space?

Mason eventually unites the world, ends the war, and builds a new global structure, more balanced and hopefully able to last many more centuries.