The Distant Suns — Michael Moorcock

Humanity is on the brink of extinction. It is the 21st century and Earth is overcrowded, underfed, and teetering on the brink of worldwide chaos. Their best and last hope rests among the stars, in finding another world able to sustain human life. Enter Colonel Jerry Cornelius, hero and adventurer extraordinaire. Along with his wife Cathy and good friend, Professor Frank Marek, he will brave the madness of space and the dangers of an alien world. But there is more to this world than meets the eye. Secrets are buried here, in its earth and in its history. Uncovering them could hold the keys to planet Earth's salvation as well as its past. But time is against Jerry Cornelius. His friend has gone mad, his wife has gone missing, and with each tick of the clock planet Earth draws closer to its end. Bereft of friends, loved ones, and all he has ever known, Jerry Cornelius will hold the fates of two worlds in his hands. It will take all his strength, smarts, and courage to save everyone in time ...and even that might not be enough in the end.