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Foreigner #15
Peacemaker
At last—Cajeiri has his young guests from the starship, three young folk entranced by weather and trees and creatures with minds of their own. It’s all he dreamed of...
But now safety is foremost: Cajeiri’s grandfather has been assassinated, hostile Assassins Guild invaded Great-uncle’s house, and now Bren Cameron, paidhi-aiji, who was sent to keep the aiji’s son safe, has more than the young guests on his mind. The aiji-dowager knows who’s to blame for the attacks, and they’re going after him.
The fact that the person responsible is in the heart of Assassins’ Guild Headquarters, the most closely guarded fortress on the continent, is not going to stop her.
Bren Cameron has the pieces now, of a decades-old plot that’s been threaded through Guild actions going back before his arrival on the continent, and more—he knows the person responsible is going to find out he knows, and find out within hours.
They have no choice. If they don’t move, the other side will.
And the lives of the boy, the guests, the entire ruling family are at stake.
But now safety is foremost: Cajeiri’s grandfather has been assassinated, hostile Assassins Guild invaded Great-uncle’s house, and now Bren Cameron, paidhi-aiji, who was sent to keep the aiji’s son safe, has more than the young guests on his mind. The aiji-dowager knows who’s to blame for the attacks, and they’re going after him.
The fact that the person responsible is in the heart of Assassins’ Guild Headquarters, the most closely guarded fortress on the continent, is not going to stop her.
Bren Cameron has the pieces now, of a decades-old plot that’s been threaded through Guild actions going back before his arrival on the continent, and more—he knows the person responsible is going to find out he knows, and find out within hours.
They have no choice. If they don’t move, the other side will.
And the lives of the boy, the guests, the entire ruling family are at stake.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
About the author
C.J. Cherryh
306 books3,379 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 131 reviews
November 12, 2017
Wow. It's almost impossible to describe what these books to do me, but I'll try. For anyone who's been a fan of this long series, you've got to be in love with exploring an alien society and love, equally, how difficult it is for humans to understand, navigate, and pull through in a world dominated by a species that thinks differently on a fundamental level to us.
The grand sweep of 15 books has built, layer upon layer upon layer, to our own deep understanding, and between the absolutely fascinating politics and the hope for peace finally becoming a real possibility and not just a house of cards, I'm stunned by the weight of the collective story.
Epic? Enormous? It can't even begin to describe how we've gone from an alien society locking off a castaway humanity on a small island in their homeworld, a humanity that, after misunderstandings built up, caused a war that they lost, is now required to hand over technology at a rate deemed *non-destructive* to the natives. A single translator/diplomat on the human side oversees this. The latest was Bren.
Fast-forward through 15 books, many political upheavals, hundreds of hidden dangers and pitfalls, broken communications and promises on both sides of the species, and throw in the returned human starship after generations of living among aliens, and another alien threat out among those stars. The Atevi are thrust into high-technology, getting the capability for orbital insertion before cell-phones or cars on the road, and see just how the traditionalists hate humans.
And here... on the eve of real peace in book 15, I'm sitting in stunned wonder at the long, exciting path that all of this has taken. I never imagined that translation, diplomacy, alien politics and psychology, and even just the oddities of tightly-controlled technology, can turn into something so... grand! Truly. The worldbuilding is one of the most awesome I've ever read, and I'm certain I would have gotten tired of it long before if it hadn't been for how much I'm invested-in and love the main characters. Bren primarily.
I know you guys can't see this, but I'm forced to wipe a tear from my eye. It's kinda overwhelming. I can honestly say that I've never read anything that has been able to quite pull this off... not just the fact of it, but the quality as well. :)
Am I a bit gonzo about this? Perhaps. I have a lot of investment in the series and I've seen it pay off in spades, so I consider this a partnership of sorts. A very happy partnership. I can't simply let the tales fly through my mind like normal popcorn fiction, easily forgotten even if I had a great time during the fluff. This kind of series has very, very deep roots. I'm intellectually invested in ways I can't even begin to describe with efficacy.
Do I recommend the whole series? Hell yeah. Double Hell Yeah.
The grand sweep of 15 books has built, layer upon layer upon layer, to our own deep understanding, and between the absolutely fascinating politics and the hope for peace finally becoming a real possibility and not just a house of cards, I'm stunned by the weight of the collective story.
Epic? Enormous? It can't even begin to describe how we've gone from an alien society locking off a castaway humanity on a small island in their homeworld, a humanity that, after misunderstandings built up, caused a war that they lost, is now required to hand over technology at a rate deemed *non-destructive* to the natives. A single translator/diplomat on the human side oversees this. The latest was Bren.
Fast-forward through 15 books, many political upheavals, hundreds of hidden dangers and pitfalls, broken communications and promises on both sides of the species, and throw in the returned human starship after generations of living among aliens, and another alien threat out among those stars. The Atevi are thrust into high-technology, getting the capability for orbital insertion before cell-phones or cars on the road, and see just how the traditionalists hate humans.
And here... on the eve of real peace in book 15, I'm sitting in stunned wonder at the long, exciting path that all of this has taken. I never imagined that translation, diplomacy, alien politics and psychology, and even just the oddities of tightly-controlled technology, can turn into something so... grand! Truly. The worldbuilding is one of the most awesome I've ever read, and I'm certain I would have gotten tired of it long before if it hadn't been for how much I'm invested-in and love the main characters. Bren primarily.
I know you guys can't see this, but I'm forced to wipe a tear from my eye. It's kinda overwhelming. I can honestly say that I've never read anything that has been able to quite pull this off... not just the fact of it, but the quality as well. :)
Am I a bit gonzo about this? Perhaps. I have a lot of investment in the series and I've seen it pay off in spades, so I consider this a partnership of sorts. A very happy partnership. I can't simply let the tales fly through my mind like normal popcorn fiction, easily forgotten even if I had a great time during the fluff. This kind of series has very, very deep roots. I'm intellectually invested in ways I can't even begin to describe with efficacy.
Do I recommend the whole series? Hell yeah. Double Hell Yeah.
July 3, 2024
Book 15
Finally we see the Shadow Guild being dealt with! After all the political manipulations and assassinations! However, we do still have a birthday to celebrate and familial matters to be seen to... Cherryh still excels in portraying this complex society with layers upon layers of conflicting motivations.
Finally we see the Shadow Guild being dealt with! After all the political manipulations and assassinations! However, we do still have a birthday to celebrate and familial matters to be seen to... Cherryh still excels in portraying this complex society with layers upon layers of conflicting motivations.
April 20, 2017
4.5. Birthday party, politics, and family matters. Fun!
November 7, 2017
4.5 stars. This book marks the end of a very long story arc, running back many books. Bren gets to affect policy, in a very non-diplomatic way, while Cajeiri's human guests continue to be dazzled by the textures, sounds, colours and flavours of the Atevi world. I'm really liking how Irene is beginning to distinguish herself from the very shy girl we first met in the previous book. Banichi is funny, in his very dry way, while what the heck would the Atevi world do without Ilsidi, Tabini and Bren and their oh so lethal assassins?
I think I want to try a piece of Cajeiri's orangelle-icing birthday cake.
I think I want to try a piece of Cajeiri's orangelle-icing birthday cake.
March 4, 2021
A very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy; this is a great series
June 23, 2024
The 15th book in the series and the last one in another subtrilogy. Cajeiri‘s birthday hasn’t gone as planned yet. Not unexpected. There have been fights, people have been injured, buildings were damaged. Steps have to be taken to finally solve the situation with the Shadow Guild. Bren is the one who has to walk into the lion’s den, so to speak…
The letters! The fighting! The injuries! The blood-splatter! The reception and the speech! The baby! The birthday! Well, this was pretty spectacular… Delightful, loved it.
The letters! The fighting! The injuries! The blood-splatter! The reception and the speech! The baby! The birthday! Well, this was pretty spectacular… Delightful, loved it.
April 6, 2014
I'm so conflicted about this one.
I've always loved the politics and diplomacy and relationships and action in this series, but this time around there seemed to be too little of everything. What was there was pretty much as brilliant as Cherryh always is, but it kind of got overshadowed by recaps and rehashing and more recaps. And a bit of a weird pacing.
As always, Cherryh is heavy on the recapping, but this is the first time it seriously actively bothered me. Maybe because I've just reread the entire series in preparation for this one, and there's a lot of recapping done in every book, but still, this one was particularly loaded with it.
I found the Guild arc one of the more interesting ones of all the trilogies, but somehow the resolution fell flat to me. Maybe because there wasn't a confrontation with the mastermind on screen, maybe because that all got resolved at about 60% of the book. I'm only sure I'm still waiting for more, and now it's over.
I've always loved this series for the surprising emotional punches it throws, and those weren't missing here either. The letters Bren wrote almost made me cry, because argh.
However, while there was plenty of emotional farewells going around with everyone, there wasn't really one with his aishid, and since I read this series mostly for that relationship I was terribly disappointed.
I almost liked the Cajeiri plotline better, and that consisted of 95% just waiting around. I so very much love all the kids.
I never thought I'd say this, because in general I find the atevi politics more interesting than the human ones, but I'm ready for the whole Reunion plotline to explode, preferable with the kyo thrown in for good measure.
It wasn't bad per se, but I had such high expectations, I'm pretty disappointed.
I've always loved the politics and diplomacy and relationships and action in this series, but this time around there seemed to be too little of everything. What was there was pretty much as brilliant as Cherryh always is, but it kind of got overshadowed by recaps and rehashing and more recaps. And a bit of a weird pacing.
As always, Cherryh is heavy on the recapping, but this is the first time it seriously actively bothered me. Maybe because I've just reread the entire series in preparation for this one, and there's a lot of recapping done in every book, but still, this one was particularly loaded with it.
I found the Guild arc one of the more interesting ones of all the trilogies, but somehow the resolution fell flat to me. Maybe because there wasn't a confrontation with the mastermind on screen, maybe because that all got resolved at about 60% of the book. I'm only sure I'm still waiting for more, and now it's over.
I've always loved this series for the surprising emotional punches it throws, and those weren't missing here either. The letters Bren wrote almost made me cry, because argh.
However, while there was plenty of emotional farewells going around with everyone, there wasn't really one with his aishid, and since I read this series mostly for that relationship I was terribly disappointed.
I almost liked the Cajeiri plotline better, and that consisted of 95% just waiting around. I so very much love all the kids.
I never thought I'd say this, because in general I find the atevi politics more interesting than the human ones, but I'm ready for the whole Reunion plotline to explode, preferable with the kyo thrown in for good measure.
It wasn't bad per se, but I had such high expectations, I'm pretty disappointed.
May 4, 2014
The Foreigner series is definitely an acquired taste: it's a lot like Game of Thrones without the bloodshed, action, weirdness, and fantasy. If you see what I mean. But if you're a longtime fan, just spending time with with the characters and their world is a great delight, an annual spring ritual. I've often said I'd happily read 300 pages of Bren Cameron going about his day - and sometimes Cherryh just about obliges.
The previous few novels were fast-paced, full of action and plot developments, and really gripping - after a run of "Bren going about his day." Peacemaker covers little more than one day, ending a 9-book arc spanning two birthdays of Caijieri, the heir presumptive to the atevi government. It's Caijieri's 9th birthday, auspicious in atevi numerology, and I think also in Cherryh's series structure. It may also be the ending of an arc of fortunate 15 books, leading to the start of something new in book 16. Threads have come together to settle the aishiditat, the now-global atevi nation, and they may be ready for the alien visitors expected since Book 6.
Peacemaker is wonderful comfort food, but it's very thin on anything actually happening,or on developments in any of the long-running plots. Still, I'll probably read it a few more times before next year's book, because Bren et al. are just such wonderful company.
The previous few novels were fast-paced, full of action and plot developments, and really gripping - after a run of "Bren going about his day." Peacemaker covers little more than one day, ending a 9-book arc spanning two birthdays of Caijieri, the heir presumptive to the atevi government. It's Caijieri's 9th birthday, auspicious in atevi numerology, and I think also in Cherryh's series structure. It may also be the ending of an arc of fortunate 15 books, leading to the start of something new in book 16. Threads have come together to settle the aishiditat, the now-global atevi nation, and they may be ready for the alien visitors expected since Book 6.
Peacemaker is wonderful comfort food, but it's very thin on anything actually happening,or on developments in any of the long-running plots. Still, I'll probably read it a few more times before next year's book, because Bren et al. are just such wonderful company.
July 25, 2014
A rather disappointing entry in the lengthy but most excellent "Foreigner" series. No one does anthropological sci-fi like Ms.Cherryh. I still think her "Chanur" series was her best work. She's still my favorite Science Fiction author and I hope for more quality offerings from her in the future.
Read
April 4, 2014Another politically taut conclusion to a trilogy segment in this series. If you liked the others, this one keeps the standard, in force, with a double entendre.
May 27, 2014
I had this on preorder and it arrived at my front door at 9pm on release day. I had it read by morning, and I was mulling over how to review it until today.
I am a tremendous fan of the Foreigner series and have read every book since the first one usually the day it is released. Some multiple times each year. Ms. Cherryh is the master of alien and human interaction. (Cooko's egg, down below station, etc). Her characters and their interactions and the humer of trying to figure out how to relate to someone who does not think like "you" the human reader is always amazing. It is well edited, and well written.
Now to the reason it is only a three-three and a half star book.
This series is suffering from long series Fatigue. (Think Mr Martin game of thrones or Jordan' wheel of time). After a while, there is only so much more you can do to the characters, discover about the world or politics before you are retreading old paths. The major climax happens halfway through the book, and then the rest is sort of a long drawn out single chapter. For the first time in this entire series I started to loose interest. Favorite characters are reduced to mostly background especially after setting up the middle of the book climax (Islidi, Tabini, Jase, Jago etc) barely have anything to contribute until the very end.
The human children I don't find particularly interesting, and they did not function very well as a foil for the Aetivi prince no matter what Irine' "problematic" connections are. Her one strange conversation with Damiri was so out of character I was momentarily thrown out of the story. (I am sorry, I never liked Cajeri and his whining bratty attitude so since half of the book was from his PoV I struggled to get through it). There is a lot of discussion between people and much of it was "can I help? ....Nothing I can do? Ok, I think I will rest/sit/think".
By this point in the series, the reader is very aware of the differences between Aetivi and human. Aetivi are different than humans, and Bren' struggle to bridge that gap was what made books one to three great. I wanted something fresh and original, a new character with new dynamic (like Machigi) or space travel to a new planet (like at Reunion). This one felt a little too comfortable. While sitting and thinking and recovering from wounds is a great thing to do in real life, it makes for a slow story.
The original three books were fantastic, and are some of my favorite sci-fi of all times. I reread them every year. I am not sure I will reread this most recent book other than as prep for when (and if) another book is released.
I am a tremendous fan of the Foreigner series and have read every book since the first one usually the day it is released. Some multiple times each year. Ms. Cherryh is the master of alien and human interaction. (Cooko's egg, down below station, etc). Her characters and their interactions and the humer of trying to figure out how to relate to someone who does not think like "you" the human reader is always amazing. It is well edited, and well written.
Now to the reason it is only a three-three and a half star book.
This series is suffering from long series Fatigue. (Think Mr Martin game of thrones or Jordan' wheel of time). After a while, there is only so much more you can do to the characters, discover about the world or politics before you are retreading old paths. The major climax happens halfway through the book, and then the rest is sort of a long drawn out single chapter. For the first time in this entire series I started to loose interest. Favorite characters are reduced to mostly background especially after setting up the middle of the book climax (Islidi, Tabini, Jase, Jago etc) barely have anything to contribute until the very end.
The human children I don't find particularly interesting, and they did not function very well as a foil for the Aetivi prince no matter what Irine' "problematic" connections are. Her one strange conversation with Damiri was so out of character I was momentarily thrown out of the story. (I am sorry, I never liked Cajeri and his whining bratty attitude so since half of the book was from his PoV I struggled to get through it). There is a lot of discussion between people and much of it was "can I help? ....Nothing I can do? Ok, I think I will rest/sit/think".
By this point in the series, the reader is very aware of the differences between Aetivi and human. Aetivi are different than humans, and Bren' struggle to bridge that gap was what made books one to three great. I wanted something fresh and original, a new character with new dynamic (like Machigi) or space travel to a new planet (like at Reunion). This one felt a little too comfortable. While sitting and thinking and recovering from wounds is a great thing to do in real life, it makes for a slow story.
The original three books were fantastic, and are some of my favorite sci-fi of all times. I reread them every year. I am not sure I will reread this most recent book other than as prep for when (and if) another book is released.
August 14, 2022
It was his birthday, and they were talking about going to war again. The 'counters said everything happened because of the numbers.
But what were the numbers of his birthday that made these things always happen on that day?
At long last, the day has come. It's Cajeiri's birthday, and the planned festivities are--frankly--a security nightmare. The aiji's son and his human guests have already seen their original plans overturned a couple times, and now the ship kids are about to get full exposure to the heights of atevi formal society. Meanwhile, issues with the Guild have reached the breaking point, and Bren and his aishid have to act under Tabini's authority to set things to rights once and (hopefully) for all.
For once, the PoV balance between Bren and Cajeiri is excellent. The cast is still fairly large, but there's more explicit overlap in their experiences, so it feels like a cohesive narrative. Bren is fairly busy, as he always is. As for the kids? Ninth birthdays are a Big Deal in atevi society, and doubly so with Cajeiri's position (and his incoming sibling). Thematically, it's the end of one era and the beginning of another; a setting-to-rights of things that have been misaligned since Bren first went to space many volumes previous.
The ship kids--Gene, Artur, and Irene--are decently-written, and very clearly on their best behavior. Irene, especially, who's been repeatedly characterized as "timid," is also clearly brilliant, and picks up on local language and manners with no missteps to speak of. If I have a criticism, it's that the kids almost hold up too-well. Their friendship with Cajeiri is positively idyllic, and I would love to see some actual friction at some point. That said, such friction would have been a step too far for this sub-trilogy, so maybe in the future.
But at the end of it all? This is about the closest Cherryh comes to a neat and happy ending. Quite probably it's the neatest "pause point" we've had for the plot since the third book. The only thing that really mars the book is the fact that the last chapter is actually a recap-epilogue, ostensibly written by Lord Geigi with commentary from Bren. Maybe it's set out as more appendix-like in print form, but the ebook formatting didn't even insert a chapter break. Since I've been reading this all straight through, I didn't find the recap engaging in the least.
4 shiny birthday stars for the young aiji.
January 20, 2019
Cherryh, in this series, seems to use pacing in which you can identify where you are in any given sub-trilogy by the pacing of the book. The first book is usually the set up and often comes with a lot of action and new information. The second book usually feels like filler, only contributing to the narrative in that it increases our exposure to the characters and helps us to continue developing empathy with them, and the third book usually shines and brings it all home.
This was no exception, and it was a third in a sub trilogy so Peacemaker shines.
This was no exception, and it was a third in a sub trilogy so Peacemaker shines.
October 24, 2022
Cajeiri is such a good, nice boy.
Someone introduce him to Maia.
Someone introduce him to Maia.
April 14, 2014
I love this series, it's the best of CJ, and I've read almost all of her stuff.
As the 15th book, it is the end of a trilogy story arc, and even more than that, it is the end of a longer phase. With that, it wraps up a little too nicely. In addition, there is a fairly long intro to reset the scene. Since it's been a year between books, but only an hour or so since the end of the previous story, maybe it was necessary for most readers. But I remembered where they were and what had happened, so it was a bit tedious for me. Does the editor/publisher really think a new reader would start with #15?
But between the intro and the appendix, the story is classic Foreigner intrigue. How will they repair the damage done? Who will align with whom? Will the young human guests ruin the festivities? All rapidly told, almost deliberate and flat, except the tension remains. The story takes place in roughly 72 hours, and a lot happens.
I hope this is not the end of the series, but it could be.
As the 15th book, it is the end of a trilogy story arc, and even more than that, it is the end of a longer phase. With that, it wraps up a little too nicely. In addition, there is a fairly long intro to reset the scene. Since it's been a year between books, but only an hour or so since the end of the previous story, maybe it was necessary for most readers. But I remembered where they were and what had happened, so it was a bit tedious for me. Does the editor/publisher really think a new reader would start with #15?
But between the intro and the appendix, the story is classic Foreigner intrigue. How will they repair the damage done? Who will align with whom? Will the young human guests ruin the festivities? All rapidly told, almost deliberate and flat, except the tension remains. The story takes place in roughly 72 hours, and a lot happens.
I hope this is not the end of the series, but it could be.
April 26, 2014
4.5 stars. Though I avoid reading books about diplomacy, international intrigue, and political maneuvering set in our world, I eagerly devour each installment of the FOREIGNER series. PEACEMAKER is a little slow at times, becoming bogged down in detail about the different Atevi factions and the possible motivations driving them. But if you've stuck with the series this long, PEACEMAKER is an important piece of the Atevi/Human puzzle, giving further insight into the game being played by Tabini and his associates, the potential for Human/Atevi relations to continue to blossom, and the ultimate role Humans may play in Tabini's vision for his people's future. If you haven't had the opportunity to read the short stories linked to this series, I highly recommend them as well, particularly Invitations, which tells the story of Bren's arrival in his new position as Paidhi (available at http://www.closed-circle.net/cjs-short-fiction/)
April 9, 2014
I have enjoyed the entire series, rereading it several times. But I think this 15th book may be the strongest offering so far. A terrific blend of action and thought - I found myself contemplating Cajeiri's lessons as they might apply to my own life.
They do.
A wonderful read. I can only imagine that the story won't make much sense unless you've at least read the two prior books, and better, all 14 prior books, but the depth of this story stands on it's own. Mani, Damiri, the Guild, the Reunioner children, Bren - in this story, we get tells of so much of where the story is going, even if it never gets there. We can map it out in our mind, all the paths and possibilities.
These characters stay with you.
They do.
A wonderful read. I can only imagine that the story won't make much sense unless you've at least read the two prior books, and better, all 14 prior books, but the depth of this story stands on it's own. Mani, Damiri, the Guild, the Reunioner children, Bren - in this story, we get tells of so much of where the story is going, even if it never gets there. We can map it out in our mind, all the paths and possibilities.
These characters stay with you.
January 28, 2015
I love this series, and I was really looking forward to this book. I liked it, and it did keep me reading, but somehow it didn't quite live up to the other books preceding it. To me, it had a slow start, with a little too much recap, which was part of it. Some of it was excellent (Bren's letters), but somehow I just wasn't fully satisfied when I realized it was done. Still, I will look forward to more new books from Ms. Cherryh, one of my absolute favorite authors.
December 6, 2016
Same review as I posted for the previous novel:
Somewhere in all the pages of this book and the previous one, there is an excellent 4 star novel. But since that novel is, unfortunately, padded to within an inch of its life to make it stretch across 2 books, it's only fair that each book get half. So 2 stars per pop.
Somewhere in all the pages of this book and the previous one, there is an excellent 4 star novel. But since that novel is, unfortunately, padded to within an inch of its life to make it stretch across 2 books, it's only fair that each book get half. So 2 stars per pop.
March 23, 2014
Just finished reading Peacemaker. First half of the book is politics, then there's shooting, then more politics -- which means no cliff-hanger ending. Some loose ends are neatly tied up in a white ribbon, which is all the spoiler you get. I am told that the next trilogy is in progress.
May 13, 2021
This is book fifteen in a long-running science fiction series that began with Foreigner (1994) and currently numbers twenty-one books. I've hugely enjoyed the first fifteen books.
The series centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator and mediator living among aliens. Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I find 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. I also note that I found the starts of many of the books their weakest point.
Spoilers ahead. Only six more books left in the series, alas. Highly recommended.
4.5 out of 5 invested 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 centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator and mediator living among aliens. Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I find 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. I also note that I found the starts of many of the books their weakest point.
Spoilers ahead. Only six more books left in the series, alas. Highly recommended.
4.5 out of 5 invested 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).
September 26, 2022
I've commented on the formulaic nature of the Foreigner novels many times, and I won't belabor the point here. I will reiterate that Cherryh is the foremost science fiction writer (at least as far as I know) at depicting aliens who are genuinely alien, with emotions and motives utterly foreign to humanity. And she does an excellent job of depicting atevi society, and the way in which humans have to adapt to it.
This book also gives us much more information about Bren Cameron's predecessor as paidhi-aiji, Wilson. From the very first book in the series I've wanted to know more about Wilson, who was the last paidhi in the traditional mold, concentrating on the Mosphei'/Ragi dictionary and the rate at which the atevi will obtain human technology - and who couldn't speak Ragi, though of course he could write it. He seems to have been a very closed-off man, at least by human standards, though of course the atevi don't show emotion except in certain circumstances, so Wilson would have learned to control his own emotional expressions. And apparently his long exposure - even though not on the level of Cameron's - to the ateva made him strange in other ways. Getting even a glimpse of him is worth the flaws that attend this series, and which become more and more obvious with each installment.
This book also gives us much more information about Bren Cameron's predecessor as paidhi-aiji, Wilson. From the very first book in the series I've wanted to know more about Wilson, who was the last paidhi in the traditional mold, concentrating on the Mosphei'/Ragi dictionary and the rate at which the atevi will obtain human technology - and who couldn't speak Ragi, though of course he could write it. He seems to have been a very closed-off man, at least by human standards, though of course the atevi don't show emotion except in certain circumstances, so Wilson would have learned to control his own emotional expressions. And apparently his long exposure - even though not on the level of Cameron's - to the ateva made him strange in other ways. Getting even a glimpse of him is worth the flaws that attend this series, and which become more and more obvious with each installment.
November 5, 2021
4 stars.
I was wondering if Cajeiri will ever have a felicitous 9th birthday! It's been quite a year for the poor kid. First coming back from a 2 year space odyssey and learning his father has been overthrown and is in hiding. Then straight into dangerous action by his great-grandmother to reinstate his father. And just when you think things are looking up and you were allowed a few human kids from Reunion Station to your birthday celebrations, you learned that the supposedly impartial Assassin Guild has been taken over by factions who wanted you dead. But you have to keep a calm face and pretend everything is fine for your guests....at only 9 year old! Not to forget that your mum and dad appears to be going through a very bad patch!
In the meantime, Bren and his bodyguards had to take some big risks to reinstate the old Assassin Guild. I was on tenterhooks to find out how Cajeiri will ever get to celebrate his birthday in style. Well, it was in style all right, but I doubt it's what a 9 yo would have wanted. I'm hoping he does get to have some stress free fun with his friends before they have to go back to the Space Station.
I was wondering if Cajeiri will ever have a felicitous 9th birthday! It's been quite a year for the poor kid. First coming back from a 2 year space odyssey and learning his father has been overthrown and is in hiding. Then straight into dangerous action by his great-grandmother to reinstate his father. And just when you think things are looking up and you were allowed a few human kids from Reunion Station to your birthday celebrations, you learned that the supposedly impartial Assassin Guild has been taken over by factions who wanted you dead. But you have to keep a calm face and pretend everything is fine for your guests....at only 9 year old! Not to forget that your mum and dad appears to be going through a very bad patch!
In the meantime, Bren and his bodyguards had to take some big risks to reinstate the old Assassin Guild. I was on tenterhooks to find out how Cajeiri will ever get to celebrate his birthday in style. Well, it was in style all right, but I doubt it's what a 9 yo would have wanted. I'm hoping he does get to have some stress free fun with his friends before they have to go back to the Space Station.
May 5, 2023
One of my favorite in the Foreigner series.
In anticipation of the next Foreigner book finally set to come out, I decided to pick a spot a bit further back and re-read some of the somewhat recent books of the series.
As much as I love the beginning books, and the travel to Reunion arc, this book is a great place to pick up if you want to start somewhere in the middle, going toward the more recent books.
This book has it all-- emotional developments Cajeiri's continuing development, theHuman kids, politics, and Atevy/Human relations. I especially enjoy Bren's emotions and relationship with his ashid.
Geigi's notes on history from the Atevi perspective (with Bren'scommentary) is a particularly nice addition as well.
If you've never read any of the series be sure to start with number one and work. Your? Way through it all in order. There are some nice omnibus versions to get you started. But if you have read the whole series but want to revisit part of it, before reading the newest book, this is a particularly good place to get back up to speed on the world and characters.
In anticipation of the next Foreigner book finally set to come out, I decided to pick a spot a bit further back and re-read some of the somewhat recent books of the series.
As much as I love the beginning books, and the travel to Reunion arc, this book is a great place to pick up if you want to start somewhere in the middle, going toward the more recent books.
This book has it all-- emotional developments Cajeiri's continuing development, theHuman kids, politics, and Atevy/Human relations. I especially enjoy Bren's emotions and relationship with his ashid.
Geigi's notes on history from the Atevi perspective (with Bren'scommentary) is a particularly nice addition as well.
If you've never read any of the series be sure to start with number one and work. Your? Way through it all in order. There are some nice omnibus versions to get you started. But if you have read the whole series but want to revisit part of it, before reading the newest book, this is a particularly good place to get back up to speed on the world and characters.
May 26, 2017
I do love the Foreigner series. This is #15 - the last in Sequence 5. It wraps up the restoration of Tabini to Ajii and establishes Cajieri as the Young Ajii. Cajieri's Reunioner friends are at Sherijan, experiencing Cajieri's very high profile, public felicitous birthday event. Bren, Cenedi, and Bren's guards take out the brains of the Shadow Guild and the old Guild leaders return to put things right. The book ends with Lord Guigi's draft of the history of the Atevi/Mospherin relationship and Bren's additions. Don't start this series anywhere except at the beginning, i.e., with sequence 1. While there is always some recapping in each new addition to the series there is no way to appreciate the long term relationships between the primary characters without starting at the beginning.
April 27, 2024
This is still a fantastic series and a great book BUT I do finally take issue with the women characters after trying to ignore the problem for a long time.
15 books in and apart from Ilisidi and Jago, all major female characters, and especially all female human characters, are moody, difficult, anxious, difficult to please, whiny and generally annoying.
I used to think Bren simply hates human females and that is why we get such a negative and narrow view of them, but now even Damiri is described in derogatory stereotypical female ways (moody unpredictable pregnant woman, anyone?) and why are almost all the other minor power figures (clan lords) male, when the Atevi law clearly allows for female succession?
This is not cool and could so easily be avoided.
15 books in and apart from Ilisidi and Jago, all major female characters, and especially all female human characters, are moody, difficult, anxious, difficult to please, whiny and generally annoying.
I used to think Bren simply hates human females and that is why we get such a negative and narrow view of them, but now even Damiri is described in derogatory stereotypical female ways (moody unpredictable pregnant woman, anyone?) and why are almost all the other minor power figures (clan lords) male, when the Atevi law clearly allows for female succession?
This is not cool and could so easily be avoided.
March 1, 2021
C. J. Cherryh's long-running series is complex and convoluted, and in "Peacemaker," she spends a lot of time recapping the situation so far -- which makes for less interesting reading than is usually the case. In addition, there's an appendix (written by a peripheral though important character) that also supplies background.
If you have the patience, read the appendix first, then the 50 or so pages of synopsis that begins the book, and you'll be totally up to speed when the action starts. And that action, both political and physical, is typical of the books so far, and just as enjoyable.
All that said, though, that's still a lot of recapping to digest before something new happens.
If you have the patience, read the appendix first, then the 50 or so pages of synopsis that begins the book, and you'll be totally up to speed when the action starts. And that action, both political and physical, is typical of the books so far, and just as enjoyable.
All that said, though, that's still a lot of recapping to digest before something new happens.
July 23, 2024
Read this book for the "cozy" box on my Seattle library book bingo summer 2024.
It did not disappoint. I love the world-building in this series. I love the high-stakes politics (way more fun when it is fictional). I love the characters (I know you're not supposed to say you love an atevi). I love the linguistics, the cultural nuance, the relationships, the action, the intrigue, the clothes, even the birthday cake sounds really tasty.
Don't sleep on this series just because it is many, many mass market paperback books. That gives you more to enjoy, and unlike plenty of other long series, this one actually keeps evolving and stays interesting.
It did not disappoint. I love the world-building in this series. I love the high-stakes politics (way more fun when it is fictional). I love the characters (I know you're not supposed to say you love an atevi). I love the linguistics, the cultural nuance, the relationships, the action, the intrigue, the clothes, even the birthday cake sounds really tasty.
Don't sleep on this series just because it is many, many mass market paperback books. That gives you more to enjoy, and unlike plenty of other long series, this one actually keeps evolving and stays interesting.
March 1, 2020
Assassin’s Guild politics! Good stuff. The first 15% of the book is a recap and the last 9% is an endnote describing the history of human/ Atevi interaction; they both actually helped me to cement my big-picture understanding of the books. Not so very much happened, maybe, in this book- but I was very engaged in the detail of what was happening. Cajeiri irritates me less. And as I said, I loved the guild politics. This is the first time I’ve read this book- I guess I stopped at the last book before this my first time through. Ready to continue now!
January 5, 2020
Bren and his aishid taking on the Assassin's Guild was quite exciting, considering the secrecy under which this organisation has always operated. Meanwhile and completely unrelated, I didn't know I could be this nervous about a little kid having to hold an important speech!
Peacemaker is a great wrap-up not just for this trilogy but for the whole series so far, and if it had ended there it wouldn't have been terrible (though I'm glad there's more).
Peacemaker is a great wrap-up not just for this trilogy but for the whole series so far, and if it had ended there it wouldn't have been terrible (though I'm glad there's more).
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