Note: this is about the first four novels of the series I've read, not this singular copy nor the whole series.
The Ambassador Series by Patty Jansen
I truly have no idea how I got hooked on it. First, it has a striking resemblance to C.J. Cherryh's Foreigner series. Which, all things considered, isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Ambassador series is a lot easier to digest, a less monumental series but a good and fun read.
Also, I have no clue as to why I keep reading it since I really don't like the protagonist. I think he is a moron. Almost as clueless as I am for why I'm wolfing down each volume. Admittedly, that sounds bad because it somehow implies that the story isn't very good. That's not the case at all, the stories are captivating, set in a wonderfully crafted world. So, yes, you can enjoy reading a couple of novels while detesting the protagonist.
Having said all that, the story is about Cory Wilson, ambassador of Earth to the gamra, the administration of the Exchange, which is the network connecting the inhabited star systems. Humans of Earth are, as every other known species, descendants of the Aghyrans, who colonised many planets in the galaxy. Until a meteorite struck their home world of Asto, 50,000 years ago, stopping any expansion and rendering the Aghyrans almost extinct. Today, the Aghyrans are reduced to being a minority power. The Coldi, once created by the Aghyrans, are not only capable of living on the hot and toxic Asto, but are by far the largest power in gamra.
Over time the inhabitants of the former Aghyran colonies developed into different humanoid species with vastly different cultures. Gamra is the organisation, remotely like the United Nations, which is supposed to minimise friction between these societies. It itself is more like a massive bureaucracy than a government but its members, delegates, pretend it is working, and so does everybody else, mostly.
Following the mostly clueless protagonist through the labyrinthine interactions between species would be hard if it weren't for the other characters around him, and the wonderful description of those interactions. Cory at one time even admits that he is keen on feeling like being in control and doesn't bother to check if he really is. And thus, while he is content with the illusion of control, he stumbles from one conspiracy into the next. Ignorant, hapless and rarely able to switch perspectives Cory, thanks to literally everybody else, somehow manages to avert disaster. In its own and very bizarre way that's more fun to read as it would be if he would be the classical hero, or even knew what he was doing. He is like the ball in a pinball machine, and those around him seem to be able to aim him to wherever he can achieve the best results.
Having written all that, I'm really looking forward to the next book. Regardless of Cory Wilson.
Bottom line — a thoroughly enjoyable read. Thank you, Patty.