I just finished Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card.

Pathfinder is fantasy masquerading as science fiction.  Or maybe it's the other way around.  The main story takes place in medieval-ish, low tech world where a few rare people have strange abilities.  But there is a second story, told in the start of each chapter, that covers how these people got to this world, why they are separated from each other, and most likely where these abilities came from.

The writing is up to Card's usual high standards, so the characters are well drawn and the story moves along well, but there isn't anything particularly special about the story or the characters.  And to much time is spent debating the qualities of the characters abilities.

I might read the sequel when it comes out, but I'm not holding my breath.