Transition

Transition is a novel by Iain Banks, first published in 2009.

It is based on the premise that a virtually infinite number of parallel dimensions do indeed exist. Set between the dismantling of the Berlin Wall and the destruction of the Twin Towers, Transition centres on a shadowy organisation called 'The Concern' whose members can transport their consciousness into the bodies of unsuspecting people in other dimensions by ingesting a drug called Septus and thus meddle with the socio-political development of other Earths.

This book provides examples of:

"The Philospher: I do draw the line at children. Some of my colleagues will happily obligue when a child must be tortured to force a parent to talk, but I think this is both morally objectionable and suspect in principle.""
 * Ancient Conspiracy
 * Body Snatcher & Body Surf
 * Even Evil Has Standards:

"The Philospher: "I do not enjoy what I do, though I am not ashamed of it, and it would be no exaggeration to say that I am proud of it. It is something that has to be done, and somebody has to do it""
 * Good People Have Good Sex
 * Jack Bauer Interrogation Technique
 * Knight Templar: several, e.g. Madame d'O
 * The Masquerade: Depending on wether you're living in an open or in a closed world a Marsquerade will or will not be in place
 * Necessarily Evil:
 * The Masquerade: Depending on wether you're living in an open or in a closed world a Marsquerade will or will not be in place
 * Necessarily Evil:

""Apparently I am what is known as an Unreliable Narrator, though of course if you believe everything you're told you deserve whatever you get.""
 * Psychic Powers: Trackers, Blockers, Transitioners, Forseers, etcpp.
 * The Multiverse
 * The Vamp: Madame d'O, or at least she tries...
 * Unreliable Narrator:

"The Transitioner: "I look up, hoping for airships. I always like when there are airships, but I can't see any." (later, on another world:) "Into the street. Still no airships. Dommage!""
 * Well Intentioned Extremist: several (e.g. the Christian Terrorists)
 * You Did the Right Thing: Creepy when a torturer tells you this
 * Edges into Your Approval Fills Me With Shame.
 * Zeppelins From Another World: Played with.