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Foreigner #8
Pretender
Exhausted from a two-year rescue mission to a distant sector of space, and with resources strained by four thousand extra mouths to feed, the crew of the starship Phoenix yearns for the luxuries of home. But when the ship makes the final jump into atevi space, they learn the supplies to their home station have been cut off; civil war has broken out on the atevi mainland; the powerful Western Association has been overthrown; and Tabini-aiji is missing and may be dead.
In a desperate move, Bren Cameron - brilliant human paidhi to the atevi court, and powerful ally of Tabini-aiji, the missing atevi ruler - and Tabini's grandmother llisidi, the aiji-dowager, along with Cajeiri, Tabini's eight-year-old son and heir, succeed in making planetfall.
With the help of Bren's brother, they make a dangerous ocean crossing from the human-inhabited island of Mosphiera to the war-torn atevi mainland.
Can one elderly ateva and an eight-year-old boy - himself a prime target for assassination - protect Bren in a civil war that most atevi believe he caused?
In a desperate move, Bren Cameron - brilliant human paidhi to the atevi court, and powerful ally of Tabini-aiji, the missing atevi ruler - and Tabini's grandmother llisidi, the aiji-dowager, along with Cajeiri, Tabini's eight-year-old son and heir, succeed in making planetfall.
With the help of Bren's brother, they make a dangerous ocean crossing from the human-inhabited island of Mosphiera to the war-torn atevi mainland.
Can one elderly ateva and an eight-year-old boy - himself a prime target for assassination - protect Bren in a civil war that most atevi believe he caused?
327 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2006
About the author
C.J. Cherryh
281 books3,439 followersCurrently resident in Spokane, Washington, C.J. Cherryh has won four Hugos and is one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed authors in the science fiction and fantasy field. She is the author of more than forty novels. Her hobbies include travel, photography, reef culture, Mariners baseball, and, a late passion, figure skating: she intends to compete in the adult USFSA track. She began with the modest ambition to learn to skate backwards and now is working on jumps. She sketches, occasionally, cooks fairly well, and hates house work; she loves the outdoors, animals wild and tame, is a hobbyist geologist, adores dinosaurs, and has academic specialties in Roman constitutional law and bronze age Greek ethnography. She has written science fiction since she was ten, spent ten years of her life teaching Latin and Ancient History on the high school level, before retiring to full time writing, and now does not have enough hours in the day to pursue all her interests. Her studies include planetary geology, weather systems, and natural and man-made catastrophes, civilizations, and cosmology…in fact, there's very little that doesn't interest her. A loom is gathering dust and needs rethreading, a wooden ship model awaits construction, and the cats demand their own time much more urgently. She works constantly, researches mostly on the internet, and has books stacked up and waiting to be written.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
April 17, 2017
I'll just admit something to ya'll. This is my go-to series when I want to see great characters, great world-building, exciting politics and, of course, ALIENS.
The Atevi are hands down my favorite species of any series or franchise, and it's not because they're human-like black gods of such mathematical prowess as to make who university departments cower in fear, but because they're so *close* to us.
*close* But not THAT close. It's the differences that are a real killer. Just ask the Assassin's, Guild. Or the civil war or that niggling little feeling that a human can *just* about understand them at the core, but that understanding is nearly always *flawed* in such a way as to create world wars.
In this case, Bren, our wonderful interpreter and quickly-rising political nightmare, is caught in the middle of this world's civil war, with Tabini-aji struggling to regain control of the continent and space-footing.
It's full of great action and, dare I say it, TRAIN HIJINX. :) I really love this stuff. :) I have to say this one probably has the most action and political maneuverings out of all the other books, and I can't say it suffers any for it. Otherwise, it's pretty simple. :) And always fun.
The Atevi are hands down my favorite species of any series or franchise, and it's not because they're human-like black gods of such mathematical prowess as to make who university departments cower in fear, but because they're so *close* to us.
*close* But not THAT close. It's the differences that are a real killer. Just ask the Assassin's, Guild. Or the civil war or that niggling little feeling that a human can *just* about understand them at the core, but that understanding is nearly always *flawed* in such a way as to create world wars.
In this case, Bren, our wonderful interpreter and quickly-rising political nightmare, is caught in the middle of this world's civil war, with Tabini-aji struggling to regain control of the continent and space-footing.
It's full of great action and, dare I say it, TRAIN HIJINX. :) I really love this stuff. :) I have to say this one probably has the most action and political maneuverings out of all the other books, and I can't say it suffers any for it. Otherwise, it's pretty simple. :) And always fun.
October 7, 2022
Halloween Bingo 2022
This novel picks up right where the last one left off and the reader is plunged into the action immediately. Once again, Bren Cameron is in the company of the Dowager and Cajieri, the heir, newly returned from space and running from hostile forces. They have sought refuge with Lord Tatiseigi, who isn't quite sure how he feels about their presence, at least until some of his neighbours attack his stately home to harm his guests. Incensed, he helps with a plan to get the Dowager, Tabini, Damiri, and Cajieri back to the capital, where Tabini should be able to deal with the pretender to the throne.
Usually, Bren finds himself mounted on a massive mecheita, hoping to goodness he doesn't fall off, riding out of a bad situation. This time, he is on a massive bus, driving cross country from Tatiseigi's estate to the capitol, with Tabini's heir under his care. Being human, he has become emotionally attached to his security staff, who are ruthlessly clearing the way for those they are bound to protect. This is when Bren has the revelation that the Assassins' Guild is more complex than he realized and he is unnerved by his own lack of understanding.
A lot of ammunition is fired, many things explode, and snipers are a constant worry. Cajieri is determined to be in the middle of things and is desperate to get to fire a gun. In some ways, he is a typical eight year old, but Bren seems to be able to get him to simmer down and to think strategically about their circumstances. Cajieri has made it clear that Bren is an important person in his circle and Bren worries that conservative atevi will disapprove of his human influence on the young gentleman.
This book was perfect for the Lost in Space Bingo square, as the humans in this series are completely cut off from humanity and are learning to coexist with the atevi on the atevi home world. I was able to double-dip, as it is also Book number 474 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
This novel picks up right where the last one left off and the reader is plunged into the action immediately. Once again, Bren Cameron is in the company of the Dowager and Cajieri, the heir, newly returned from space and running from hostile forces. They have sought refuge with Lord Tatiseigi, who isn't quite sure how he feels about their presence, at least until some of his neighbours attack his stately home to harm his guests. Incensed, he helps with a plan to get the Dowager, Tabini, Damiri, and Cajieri back to the capital, where Tabini should be able to deal with the pretender to the throne.
Usually, Bren finds himself mounted on a massive mecheita, hoping to goodness he doesn't fall off, riding out of a bad situation. This time, he is on a massive bus, driving cross country from Tatiseigi's estate to the capitol, with Tabini's heir under his care. Being human, he has become emotionally attached to his security staff, who are ruthlessly clearing the way for those they are bound to protect. This is when Bren has the revelation that the Assassins' Guild is more complex than he realized and he is unnerved by his own lack of understanding.
A lot of ammunition is fired, many things explode, and snipers are a constant worry. Cajieri is determined to be in the middle of things and is desperate to get to fire a gun. In some ways, he is a typical eight year old, but Bren seems to be able to get him to simmer down and to think strategically about their circumstances. Cajieri has made it clear that Bren is an important person in his circle and Bren worries that conservative atevi will disapprove of his human influence on the young gentleman.
This book was perfect for the Lost in Space Bingo square, as the humans in this series are completely cut off from humanity and are learning to coexist with the atevi on the atevi home world. I was able to double-dip, as it is also Book number 474 of my Science Fiction and Fantasy Reading Project.
April 22, 2023
4.5 - 8th book (middle book of third trilogy)
The fight against the usurper Murini continues with the political alliances between the various clans shifting and tightening, and Bren is of course once more in the middle of it all... Fights ensue, followed by a mad dash using quite a few methods of transport.
It is such a lovely thing to come back every month to have my dose of Cherryh's writing and be once more immersed in the ateva world. These characters have become old friends, each new 'episode' cementing personalities, relationships and events. I've mentioned before that I don't usually like reading series because invariably the quality goes down and the plots become ridiculous. Not the case here - at all! It feels very realistic, and I guess this is due to the author's focus on psychology.
N.B: I have been listening to the audiobooks and these are very well read/voiced by Daniel Thomas May.
The fight against the usurper Murini continues with the political alliances between the various clans shifting and tightening, and Bren is of course once more in the middle of it all... Fights ensue, followed by a mad dash using quite a few methods of transport.
It is such a lovely thing to come back every month to have my dose of Cherryh's writing and be once more immersed in the ateva world. These characters have become old friends, each new 'episode' cementing personalities, relationships and events. I've mentioned before that I don't usually like reading series because invariably the quality goes down and the plots become ridiculous. Not the case here - at all! It feels very realistic, and I guess this is due to the author's focus on psychology.
N.B: I have been listening to the audiobooks and these are very well read/voiced by Daniel Thomas May.
April 16, 2023
The second book in this particular sub-trilogy. In the last book Bren and company came back to their homeworld to find the planet in a political upheaval, Tabini having being deposed by a pretender. In this book it‘s all about Tabini retaking control of the government.
Nice amount of action, I really liked the interpersonal dynamics in this one, especially between Bren and his staff and guards. I never doubted the outcome of the general plot, which made it all a little too predictable.
Nice amount of action, I really liked the interpersonal dynamics in this one, especially between Bren and his staff and guards. I never doubted the outcome of the general plot, which made it all a little too predictable.
August 3, 2020
The eighth volume in the Foreigner series picks up right were the previous volume left off, with the return of Tabini (the 'king') to his clan. Tabini had been hiding from the coup waiting for the starship Phoenix's return, and with it, Bren, the Dowager and his son the heir. The question quickly becomes what to do now?
Supporters of Tabini start flocking to the country villa of an ally of Tabini's, where everyone was reunited. They can stay there and await the current regimes wrath (and possible military intervention) or go to the capitol to seek redress. Of course, this being the atevi, there are all kinds of political intrigue, including foremost who is loyal and who might be a traitorous assassin waiting for the opportunity to off Tabini for good. This is even more complicated owing to the fact that the assassins guild, supposedly a neutral body, seems to be taking sides with the ruling 'king' against Tabini.
What kicked off the revolt/coup in the first place comes down to basically a reaction against the new tech and ideas being introduced into atevi society via Tabini and his human advisor Bren. In less then a generation, the atevi went from steam powered railways to building space shuttles after all (and things like TVs!). Needless to say, with such rapid changes, there will be some fall out.
Tabini in the end decides The same frenetic pace that characterized this series is back in spades. Like the first volume in this trilogy, all the events take place in a week or so. Thankfully, Cherryh decided (or maybe her editor) to skip the endless references to the backstory that make the previous volume a bit of a drag/slog. 3.5 stars rounding to 4
Supporters of Tabini start flocking to the country villa of an ally of Tabini's, where everyone was reunited. They can stay there and await the current regimes wrath (and possible military intervention) or go to the capitol to seek redress. Of course, this being the atevi, there are all kinds of political intrigue, including foremost who is loyal and who might be a traitorous assassin waiting for the opportunity to off Tabini for good. This is even more complicated owing to the fact that the assassins guild, supposedly a neutral body, seems to be taking sides with the ruling 'king' against Tabini.
What kicked off the revolt/coup in the first place comes down to basically a reaction against the new tech and ideas being introduced into atevi society via Tabini and his human advisor Bren. In less then a generation, the atevi went from steam powered railways to building space shuttles after all (and things like TVs!). Needless to say, with such rapid changes, there will be some fall out.
Tabini in the end decides The same frenetic pace that characterized this series is back in spades. Like the first volume in this trilogy, all the events take place in a week or so. Thankfully, Cherryh decided (or maybe her editor) to skip the endless references to the backstory that make the previous volume a bit of a drag/slog. 3.5 stars rounding to 4
September 6, 2024
"Pretender" is the 8th book in the Foreigner series.
After the events of the previous volume, Bren and Tabini must join forces to survive the rebellion. This volume was one of the more exciting of the series. Generally, this is a series more focused on inter-species communication and culture, emphasizing how cultural diplomacy works to solve a myriad of problems.
But this volume had a great deal of conflict as assassins target Bren and the Tabini family. It was also a good look at the complex hierarchies that govern the Atevi and the simmering conflicts that were under the surface.
This has been an epic series that highlights C.J. Cherryh's considerable talents as a storyteller.
After the events of the previous volume, Bren and Tabini must join forces to survive the rebellion. This volume was one of the more exciting of the series. Generally, this is a series more focused on inter-species communication and culture, emphasizing how cultural diplomacy works to solve a myriad of problems.
But this volume had a great deal of conflict as assassins target Bren and the Tabini family. It was also a good look at the complex hierarchies that govern the Atevi and the simmering conflicts that were under the surface.
This has been an epic series that highlights C.J. Cherryh's considerable talents as a storyteller.
February 8, 2023
A little worse paced than usual. Lots of Bren overthinking and nothing at all actually happening for the first half of the book or so. Things did get more interesting after that, but so far it doesn't hold a candle to the previous arc. Oh well. I'm honestly surprised it took so long until I hit a mediocre one. Onwards!
Enjoyment: 3/5
Excution: 3/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
Enjoyment: 3/5
Excution: 3/5
More reviews on my blog, To Other Worlds.
August 3, 2018
Much like the other books in this series, Pretender is as slow-moving, socially complicated, and occasionally as confusing as the aliens that it portrays. However, the mind-bending psychology of the aliens mixed with the coziness of a slow burn political drama is exactly what I go to the Foreigner series for, so I enjoyed myself immensely. This series might not be for everyone by if alien political drama sounds at all appealing to you, I recommend you go back and start with book one, Foreigner. This is not a story that is easily understood if started mid-series.
September 20, 2012
This one was, if anything, more exciting than the last in this truly engrossing series. I had quite a few moments where my heart stopped, several times when my eyes teared up, and most unusual, more than one belly laugh. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. But start at the beginning, please, as each story follows the next with barely a pause to draw breath. None of the books end on a cliff hanger, thank God, but only in a breathing space, with interest still engaged to wonder what will happen next as Bren negotiates the difficult world of atevi politics and the entrance of yet new species of aliens from far worlds. In addition, the bonds he forms with the atevi grow more intense and remarkable, even as other atevi resistant to change continue to try to assassinate him. His atevi bodyguards are remarkable characters, as well as the president of the world, or aiji as he is called in Ragi language, and his mother the dowager is the most remarkable of all, blunt spoken, commanding, fierce, intelligent, and Bren's biggest supporter. Wow, is all I can say.
April 28, 2023
The Foreigner roadtrip novel. The narrative picks up immediately after the events of Destroyer, with Pretender accomplishing similar goals and style. With stationary settings capping the beginning and end of the novel, much of the narrative between consists of an impressively engaging overnight busride.
While carrying much of the momentum of Destroyer, Pretender better utilizes its moments between characters, with more opportunities for them to perform or develope. Pretender very much has the feeling of nostalgic, homeward return generally lacking in Destroyer.
A gripping, hopeful, and heartwarming adventure that is excellently delivered.
While carrying much of the momentum of Destroyer, Pretender better utilizes its moments between characters, with more opportunities for them to perform or develope. Pretender very much has the feeling of nostalgic, homeward return generally lacking in Destroyer.
A gripping, hopeful, and heartwarming adventure that is excellently delivered.
January 6, 2019
3.5 stars
This one didn't hold me quite as well as the previous one, although a lot happened in the book arc.
This one didn't hold me quite as well as the previous one, although a lot happened in the book arc.
January 13, 2025
Unlike most (all?) others in this series, this one begins immediately after the events of the previous book. It's interesting to see this crisis that has been hinted to be a possibility for some time play out. A real page-turner.
December 21, 2019
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Quote:
Review:
After two years in space and a hell of a journey, we're finally back to the Atevi homeworld. Everyone is looking forward to being back. Only, because this is Foreigner, and this is Bren and Ilisidi and the chaos demon known as Cajeiri, nothing can ever go right. They get back to earth and drop into a civil war. Almost literally. Tabini is missing, presumed dead but hopefully alive, a new faction has asserted their dominance over the aishidi'tat, and none of our main characters want this. As soon as they get back they are flying off to see if Tabini is still alive and if they can end the civil war.
Destroyer was soooo gooooood. Oh my god. I didn't want to stop reading. Ever! Holy shiiiiit! I thought the previous trilogy and book were more action packed. It had nothing on Destroyer. The entire situation was incredibly precarious the entire time, plus some added action scenes as well. Sheeeesh! Why do good books have to end?
And Bren himself? Oh gods alive, I love Bren and his anxiety ridden ass. He is exhausted the entire book. The book starts off fine enough and then drops into gogogo mode. He never has enough time to sleep. He never has enough time to recover. It is perfect. It adds to the ambience.
Everything about this was just good. I loved the pace, I loved the story, I loved the characters. This is not the book you want to be starting on. Fuck, I'm lowkey obsessed with this series right now. (Future keikii here: change lowkey to absolutely 100% completely obsessed give me more I needs it.)
Quote:
"We value you,” she said. “Our compass. Our true lodestone of virtue.”
“One is glad of some usefulness, aiji-ma.” He was not comforted. The old spark had entered the dowager’s eye this morning, ever since that turn of events in the camp. Ilisidi in this mode was dangerous. Lethal.
And sometimes frighteningly honest. She reached out a hand and touched his arm.
“Protect the truth, paidhi-ji. Do not swerve from that. We wondered when, not if, you would come to consult us about the future.”
His face still burned.
“And what future, aiji-ma? One regrets not to know, but one has no understanding at all.”
“Nor will you. Nor can you. Nor can we. We will know when we see Tatiseigi.”
Review:
After two years in space and a hell of a journey, we're finally back to the Atevi homeworld. Everyone is looking forward to being back. Only, because this is Foreigner, and this is Bren and Ilisidi and the chaos demon known as Cajeiri, nothing can ever go right. They get back to earth and drop into a civil war. Almost literally. Tabini is missing, presumed dead but hopefully alive, a new faction has asserted their dominance over the aishidi'tat, and none of our main characters want this. As soon as they get back they are flying off to see if Tabini is still alive and if they can end the civil war.
Destroyer was soooo gooooood. Oh my god. I didn't want to stop reading. Ever! Holy shiiiiit! I thought the previous trilogy and book were more action packed. It had nothing on Destroyer. The entire situation was incredibly precarious the entire time, plus some added action scenes as well. Sheeeesh! Why do good books have to end?
And Bren himself? Oh gods alive, I love Bren and his anxiety ridden ass. He is exhausted the entire book. The book starts off fine enough and then drops into gogogo mode. He never has enough time to sleep. He never has enough time to recover. It is perfect. It adds to the ambience.
Everything about this was just good. I loved the pace, I loved the story, I loved the characters. This is not the book you want to be starting on. Fuck, I'm lowkey obsessed with this series right now. (Future keikii here: change lowkey to absolutely 100% completely obsessed give me more I needs it.)
March 26, 2015
I found this book a struggle. Purely a transition book, intended to get the characters from point A, through point B, to final destination of Point C. There is a fair amount of travel involved, lots of personal angst from Bren as he decides the whole Atevi muck-up is his fault, and concerns well out of Bren's control or realm of human comprehension.
It is well understood there was a political upheaval that ousted the current regime and forced them into hiding. No, not everything was the paidhi's fault. Other people made decisions as well. Bren, get over yourself. The young heir was perhaps the most interesting aspect of this as it was a look at a young atevi, how they are raised, and how the "next generation" will be interacting more with humans.
So ultimately, I became bored. I don't care for books where the sole purpose is to move characters around to prepare for the next book. Yes, I count the Two Towers by Tolkien in with this, and pretty much the entire Wheel of Time series.
I'm not implying that Cherryh's writing is in anyway lacking, the world building, the look at an Atevi Civil war, and - as I noted above - the young gentleman himself, is fascinating. The plot...not so much. However, this won't stop me from reading the next one.
Recommended with slight reservations if you've been reading the the Foreigner series. Not a stand alone book.
It is well understood there was a political upheaval that ousted the current regime and forced them into hiding. No, not everything was the paidhi's fault. Other people made decisions as well. Bren, get over yourself. The young heir was perhaps the most interesting aspect of this as it was a look at a young atevi, how they are raised, and how the "next generation" will be interacting more with humans.
So ultimately, I became bored. I don't care for books where the sole purpose is to move characters around to prepare for the next book. Yes, I count the Two Towers by Tolkien in with this, and pretty much the entire Wheel of Time series.
I'm not implying that Cherryh's writing is in anyway lacking, the world building, the look at an Atevi Civil war, and - as I noted above - the young gentleman himself, is fascinating. The plot...not so much. However, this won't stop me from reading the next one.
Recommended with slight reservations if you've been reading the the Foreigner series. Not a stand alone book.
August 4, 2022
Dare these fools in the south say it was the paidhi's choice? It was yours! It was nothing but yours!
Maybe it's just my history with the Alliance-Union books, but I'm still feeling utterly spoiled by all the environments in this sub-trilogy. Pretender picks up mere moments after Destroyer's conclusion, with breathing space provided only by Bren's introspection. This is not a waiting book, it is a march, and Bren's uncertainty about his own position and role in events has to take a backseat to some very straightforward atevi politicking.
One thing that stands out, and that I like, is that as much as Bren is a flashpoint... in the end the larger course of events isn't really about him. The atevi handle their own affairs. He's supplement, not savior, even as high as he's climbed. (And he has climbed! From clerk to lord.)
...And I feel like anything else I would say here was already covered in my review of the last book. Bravo, Cherryh. I am ensnared.
June 29, 2012
The eighth book in the Foreigner series, and the second in the third trilogy, I have given it three stars. It's not bad, but honestly it didn't set the heather on fire either. I love this series because of how they describe and let you into alien thinking - two sets of aliens in the last series. But this book should have been combined with the previous book - there was no real delineation at all. The padhi comes back from space to find the Atevi world in uproar. In book 7, he meets up with the Aiji; in book 8 they regain power. It just wasn’t as good an innovative as the previous series. I find that every small incedent (and there weren't that many) gets blown up to 50 pages. I exaggerate, but you get the picture. I am used to the cycle of the Foreigner books - think, think, think, then action, but this had a paucity of new thinking and too much reminiscing. I'll read book 9 to finish this trilogy, but it'll be a while before I read number 10-12.
August 27, 2010
In the 8th book of the Foreigner series, Bren Cameron returns from the two year mission to the world of the Atevi, and discovers that things have gone very awry. Tabini is missing, and the Western Association is going through rebellion. Quite a ride, and the final sequence is madly intense.
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Preten...
For the complete review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Preten...
June 5, 2017
The mecheiti aren't crashing through Uncle Tatisegi's hedges; instead, everyone else in the Padi Valley and the west seem to be crashing Tatisegi's in a show of support for Tabini. Bren worries, and there are priceless tea sets set out and many tea cakes devoured over fractious political discussions. And Cajeiri's in the middle of everything, Tabini's and canny Ilsidi's hope for peace on the continent. And Bren makes a definitive political statement.
June 29, 2013
I really enjoyed the first six books in this series. But, for some reason I'm finding the third trilogy almost unbearably boring. This book, volume 8, was by far the most difficult for me to get through in the entire series so far. Even by CJ Cherryh standards very little happens here inside unusually long, meandering chapters. Ugh. I dread moving on to book 9 at this point but perhaps this trilogy will finally turn into something in the third book.
June 4, 2010
More like 2.5. Some interesting societal glimpses, and character development. But the pacing feels wrong.
Also I realized part of the issue with these books, or well, am able to articulate it. I recognize C.J. Cherryh's style of dialogue and monologue, and it's distracting enough that it sort of takes me out of the story.
Also I realized part of the issue with these books, or well, am able to articulate it. I recognize C.J. Cherryh's style of dialogue and monologue, and it's distracting enough that it sort of takes me out of the story.
August 9, 2015
This begins mere moments after the events of the previous book. It's essentially about a road trip with explosions: Bren and his staff accompany the atevi leader as he flings himself at the capital to drive out the pretender. It’s a decent read within the series, but not one of my favorites, as it’s rather repetitive and mostly consists of Bren musing over the atevi political situation.
November 16, 2015
Action plus! I really liked this 8th book in the Foreigner series. Bren is in his usual self-doubting state, but there is serious action in this segment. This is not a standalone book. You must have read the preceding installments to understand what is going on. If you have, you will likely enjoy how the usurper is defeated.
August 29, 2023
This is one of my favorite Foreigner books. Tabini and Damiri turn up at Tatiseigi's home where Bren, Illisidi and Cajeiri are fending off Murini's followers and then there's a mad dash to Shejidan to oust the userper and right all wrongs. Great stuff. Rereading in preparation for the new book in October.
January 22, 2016
Review to come! : D
April 30, 2021
This is book eight in a long-running science fiction series that began with Foreigner (1994) and currently numbers twenty-one books. I've greatly enjoyed the first eight books and will begin with general remarks that apply to them collectively, before progressing to comments on book eight in particular.
The series, at least thus far, centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator and mediator living among aliens. Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I found fascinating and highly immersive. This careful meticulous detail reminds me of reading L. E. Modesitt, Jr., though Cherryh's themes are not Modesitt's. I note that some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. I do not.
Spoilers ahead.
I'm captivated by the series, the characters, the interplay of humans, aliens, technology, politics. Whether the story stays planetside with a comparatively tight focus, as in book eight, or whether it broadens out and encompasses space and additional alien species, I am captivated.
4.5 out of 5 imperiled stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
The series, at least thus far, centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator and mediator living among aliens. Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I found fascinating and highly immersive. This careful meticulous detail reminds me of reading L. E. Modesitt, Jr., though Cherryh's themes are not Modesitt's. I note that some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. I do not.
Spoilers ahead.
I'm captivated by the series, the characters, the interplay of humans, aliens, technology, politics. Whether the story stays planetside with a comparatively tight focus, as in book eight, or whether it broadens out and encompasses space and additional alien species, I am captivated.
4.5 out of 5 imperiled stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
March 24, 2022
Bren Cameron, the paidhi-aiji who mediates between the atevi and the humans who are aliens in the world; Ilisidi, the aiji's grandmother; and Cajeiri, the aiji's son, have returned from a two-year mission to Reunion Station to rescue the humans stranded there, in danger from the kyo, an alien race which doesn't seem to know how to sever connections once they're in place. And they've returned to a Western Association in turmoil - Murini has overthrown Tabini, the rightful aiji, and rules in the Bu-javid in the capital city, Shejidan.
C.J. Cherryh loves to focus on politics and psychology and other soft sciences, and all that quickly loses me. But her depiction of aliens is superb - I think she's the most consistent in this in the history of science fiction. Frank Herbert presents a host of aliens in Whipping Star and The Dosadi Experiment, but aside from the Calebans they sometimes seem to have the exact same emotions and notifications as humans, even though their appearances are very different. But whether it's the atevi, or the kyo, as in this series, or the calibans in 40,000 in Gehenna, Cherryh's aliens fit Robert Silverberg's dictum - they're alien.
And watching Bren Cameron navigate what he calls the "interface" between his native human nature and culture, and the culture and nature of the atevi and then the kyo, is what makes these books so good. Through the paidhi's eyes we see just how different the aliens are, not just in appearance, but in their fundamental nature. The atevi don't have the ability to like anyone as humans do - their emotional attachments are entirely different - and "salad" is a running joke, because the nearest you can come to expressing the human concept of liking someone is to use a word that means, among other things, that you like the salad you're eating. There are none of Star Trek's aliens here, who look slightly different and speak different languages but are exactly alike in their motivations and emotions. Cherryh's aliens are alien, and her gift shows itself in the fact that she can take this alienness and make it comprehensible.
C.J. Cherryh loves to focus on politics and psychology and other soft sciences, and all that quickly loses me. But her depiction of aliens is superb - I think she's the most consistent in this in the history of science fiction. Frank Herbert presents a host of aliens in Whipping Star and The Dosadi Experiment, but aside from the Calebans they sometimes seem to have the exact same emotions and notifications as humans, even though their appearances are very different. But whether it's the atevi, or the kyo, as in this series, or the calibans in 40,000 in Gehenna, Cherryh's aliens fit Robert Silverberg's dictum - they're alien.
And watching Bren Cameron navigate what he calls the "interface" between his native human nature and culture, and the culture and nature of the atevi and then the kyo, is what makes these books so good. Through the paidhi's eyes we see just how different the aliens are, not just in appearance, but in their fundamental nature. The atevi don't have the ability to like anyone as humans do - their emotional attachments are entirely different - and "salad" is a running joke, because the nearest you can come to expressing the human concept of liking someone is to use a word that means, among other things, that you like the salad you're eating. There are none of Star Trek's aliens here, who look slightly different and speak different languages but are exactly alike in their motivations and emotions. Cherryh's aliens are alien, and her gift shows itself in the fact that she can take this alienness and make it comprehensible.
August 1, 2022
4.75 Stars
This is my favorite installment to date. Packed with action and suspense as Bren tries to desperately keep the Western alliance from fracturing, there's a real sense of dread because Bren knows that the planet will soon have visitors from another world. If they believe that the leadership on the planet is has degenerated and the is no strong leader, there might soon be the threat of a war both on and off planet.
I am really enjoying the character development, all of the supporting cast, and who stressed poor Bren is. This guy is solely responsible for keeping peace on the planet, among both the atevi and the humans, and soon, another species from the heavens. Poor guy needs a vacation, but he's not going to get it in Pretender. Maybe he'll get to catch his breath in Destroyer?
I love this series, and I'm amazed that after 8 books, I'm still invested in the story and the characters.
This is my favorite installment to date. Packed with action and suspense as Bren tries to desperately keep the Western alliance from fracturing, there's a real sense of dread because Bren knows that the planet will soon have visitors from another world. If they believe that the leadership on the planet is has degenerated and the is no strong leader, there might soon be the threat of a war both on and off planet.
I am really enjoying the character development, all of the supporting cast, and who stressed poor Bren is. This guy is solely responsible for keeping peace on the planet, among both the atevi and the humans, and soon, another species from the heavens. Poor guy needs a vacation, but he's not going to get it in Pretender. Maybe he'll get to catch his breath in Destroyer?
I love this series, and I'm amazed that after 8 books, I'm still invested in the story and the characters.
January 9, 2023
Out of this entire series, this book is my favorite! What better way to pull together all the major and supportive characters into an action packed story that answers many questions you never thought you had. Each primary character: Bren, Tabini, Illisidi the Aiji-Dowager, Cajiri, Banichi and Jago, etc have much more rounded personalities than usual in this book than I can recall. The interchange is incredible. The events in the book are serious by trying to get the Usurper of Tabini’s role over the people. So much happens from the time they return from the “heavens” - literal light years of travel away from the planet- to the final resolution that Cherryh has split the whole period into 3 separate books. Which I love! I cannot wait! If I said anymore I’d spoil the story. Which I won’t. So if you love this series or want to dive into a great book series, this is the one to try! 😀
September 12, 2020
Given the length of this series -- and the fact I'm devouring the books like tasty snacks -- unless something drastic happens, I'll just keep posting the same review.
First note: Start with Foreigner ... if you don't, you'll miss so much of what makes the series special.
Second note: Human Bren Cameron is a linguist and diplomat who bridges the gap between humans stranded far from Earth and the aliens they encounter. He does bring a lot of angst to the table, but so far, the emotional turmoil hasn't detracted from the books.
Third note: There are a lot of political machinations going on, and a lot of Cameron trying to tease out motivations. There's physical action too, but the bigger picture is more interesting.
That's it -- I'm still reading, and on to the next volume.
First note: Start with Foreigner ... if you don't, you'll miss so much of what makes the series special.
Second note: Human Bren Cameron is a linguist and diplomat who bridges the gap between humans stranded far from Earth and the aliens they encounter. He does bring a lot of angst to the table, but so far, the emotional turmoil hasn't detracted from the books.
Third note: There are a lot of political machinations going on, and a lot of Cameron trying to tease out motivations. There's physical action too, but the bigger picture is more interesting.
That's it -- I'm still reading, and on to the next volume.
September 26, 2017
a shorter review this time:
This book definitely brings back the action. Part of what I loved about this book is you know all of the characters by this point, so this is a story of them doing the things you love best about them. It isn't all just action and adventure, however. This trilogy really gets back into the politics of the civilization that the humans blundered into and it fleshes out the idea that not everything is about the humans, but that there's also a rich long history of relationships and conflicts among the locals.
This book definitely brings back the action. Part of what I loved about this book is you know all of the characters by this point, so this is a story of them doing the things you love best about them. It isn't all just action and adventure, however. This trilogy really gets back into the politics of the civilization that the humans blundered into and it fleshes out the idea that not everything is about the humans, but that there's also a rich long history of relationships and conflicts among the locals.
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