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Foreigner #20
Resurgence
The twentieth book in the beloved Foreigner saga returns to the trials of diplomat Bren Cameron, as he navigates the tenuous peace he has struck between human refugees and the alien atevi.
Bren Cameron, diplomat in residence, usually represents the ruler of the atevi state. But Ilisidi, the dowager, has been known to borrow his services from time to time--and she has her own notions how to solve the simmering hostilities in the south of the atevi continent, playing one problem against another.
This time, she is betting the hard-won northern peace--and the lives of the people--on being right. She has commandeered the Red Train, taken aboard what passengers she chooses, and headed for the snowy roof of the world, where a hard-scrabble town and its minor lord are the first pieces she intends to use.
Bren Cameron, diplomat in residence, usually represents the ruler of the atevi state. But Ilisidi, the dowager, has been known to borrow his services from time to time--and she has her own notions how to solve the simmering hostilities in the south of the atevi continent, playing one problem against another.
This time, she is betting the hard-won northern peace--and the lives of the people--on being right. She has commandeered the Red Train, taken aboard what passengers she chooses, and headed for the snowy roof of the world, where a hard-scrabble town and its minor lord are the first pieces she intends to use.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
152 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Cherryh
292 books3,559 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 130 reviews
February 17, 2020
I'm usually the one to start raving at the wonderful worldbuilding, complex politics, and absolutely fantastic detailed alien psychology and how it conflicts with human psychology in these Foreigner books. Normally, I'd be excited as hell to pick up the next book and find out if the mainland is finally getting its crap together, see if the refugee humans are settling in, whether the human island is safe at last, or ANY NUMBER of possible combinations, including more space-travel, a third alien incursion, or long-separated humans arriving to make a mess of everything that everyone else has worked SO HARD to find a balance with.
And it's a testament to a writer who can STILL make such complexities INTERESTING over such a long haul.
Hell, even this book kept my interest the entire time, with all the focus on a little naughty animal and giving him away to a shelter, endless cycles of tea, meeting with a barely-remembered mischievous lord from a conflict-ridden province, and a seemingly endless number of passages of straight exposition to remind us, readers, the lay of the political landscape.
Okay. Maybe I got a little tired of the exposition. A lot of it is necessary, to be sure, but it could have been summed up or put into the story in such a way that it didn't drag on so much.
And then there was the other problem I had with the book:
Nothing happened.
In the other recent books, there was at least the storming of the Assassin's Guild or retaking the capital or running through the countryside. This one? Some guerilla action near the end? Action that didn't progress much of any plot? It's almost like this book was supposed to be twice as long with something really JUICY happening during the second half, but the publishers chopped it in half without looking at the contents.
Plenty of build-ups. No payoffs.
And yet, I still ENJOYED the writing. It's always like coming home when I pick up this series. I know and love everyone. I just wish I didn't catch them all on their day off.
And it's a testament to a writer who can STILL make such complexities INTERESTING over such a long haul.
Hell, even this book kept my interest the entire time, with all the focus on a little naughty animal and giving him away to a shelter, endless cycles of tea, meeting with a barely-remembered mischievous lord from a conflict-ridden province, and a seemingly endless number of passages of straight exposition to remind us, readers, the lay of the political landscape.
Okay. Maybe I got a little tired of the exposition. A lot of it is necessary, to be sure, but it could have been summed up or put into the story in such a way that it didn't drag on so much.
And then there was the other problem I had with the book:
Nothing happened.
In the other recent books, there was at least the storming of the Assassin's Guild or retaking the capital or running through the countryside. This one? Some guerilla action near the end? Action that didn't progress much of any plot? It's almost like this book was supposed to be twice as long with something really JUICY happening during the second half, but the publishers chopped it in half without looking at the contents.
Plenty of build-ups. No payoffs.
And yet, I still ENJOYED the writing. It's always like coming home when I pick up this series. I know and love everyone. I just wish I didn't catch them all on their day off.
January 6, 2020
Book twenty in the Foreigner series is only for long term fans. You would think that after 19 previous books the world building would be done but no. Much of this brings up the history of the clans and the present danger. What it does not do is solve anything. I came to the last page and could not believe that the book was done. This is a set up for the next book but not a complete story in its self. As a long term fan I will be waiting the next book and not give up on the series just because this on was so slow and tedious to read.
January 14, 2020
Cherryh is one of my favorite authors of all time, and I love this series. But this is one of the weakest entries by far. Very little happens, tension is nonexistent (way too much space devoted to Cajeiri's laundry), and it ends on a cliffhanger. Felt like 1/4 of a book.
At this point I'm in it for the long haul, but I really hope the next book delivers. This is the first time I wish I'd skipped an entry in the Foreigner series.
At this point I'm in it for the long haul, but I really hope the next book delivers. This is the first time I wish I'd skipped an entry in the Foreigner series.
January 6, 2020
Addictive!
Like Bren Cameron, the paidhi-aiji (the translator who connects the governments of the Mospherians, human occupants of the Atevi planet whom Atevi allowed to inhabit that island enclave) I quailed when the communique came from his home at Najida that the Aiji-Dowager Ilisidi, grandmother of Tabini (the Aiji, ruler of the Atevi) had come calling. Let's not equivocate! This is not a good portend for Bren leisurely sailing home from Mospheira across the straits using some well deserved down time after all that's happened. (How I love the Dowager. Always the wild card! Although her great grandson Cajeiri, and heir to Tabini has been running a close second!).
The Resurgence focuses on the Midlands and the Ajuri clan. A troubled place where holdouts from the Shadow Guild are still operating. The dowager's nose is somewhat out of joint as Tabini's consort Damiri (of the Ajuri clan) having family connections to this area, has made inroads into securing political power here, and has taken under her wing, a cousin, Nomari, a new claimant to lordship of this area. Nomari "has been living and working as Transportation Guild ... A rail worker... He currently leads a band of other survivors, about whom we know far less, who also seem to have been fugitives" from the deceased Shishogi, founder of the Shadow Guild. Where the guild infiltrated and who is still operational is a big question.
Meanwhile the young gentleman, Cajeiri is coming along nicely. As he puts it "his circle is expanding" and it's instructive to watch his decision making in the light of his past experiences.
Bren is as always in the midst of the troubles, along with the Dowager. The Dowager is wary of how the new Midlands situation might influence things.
Machigi—Lord of the Taisigin Marid and chief lord of the Association of the Southern Marid has an interest in rail links. The Dowager is not beyond using rail building as a way into this area, all the more interesting to me as this appears to be a somewhat tenuous link at this stage with the cousin claimant, Nomari. But perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Still with the Atevi and the Dowager anything is possible!
I was so enthralled by the new twists in this ongoing saga that I let out an Oh No! wail when I came to the end.
Once again Cherryh had me riveted to the various political changes and shifting of loyalty allegiances (man'chi) amongst the Atevi.
Another special journey with these characters I so admire.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
Like Bren Cameron, the paidhi-aiji (the translator who connects the governments of the Mospherians, human occupants of the Atevi planet whom Atevi allowed to inhabit that island enclave) I quailed when the communique came from his home at Najida that the Aiji-Dowager Ilisidi, grandmother of Tabini (the Aiji, ruler of the Atevi) had come calling. Let's not equivocate! This is not a good portend for Bren leisurely sailing home from Mospheira across the straits using some well deserved down time after all that's happened. (How I love the Dowager. Always the wild card! Although her great grandson Cajeiri, and heir to Tabini has been running a close second!).
The Resurgence focuses on the Midlands and the Ajuri clan. A troubled place where holdouts from the Shadow Guild are still operating. The dowager's nose is somewhat out of joint as Tabini's consort Damiri (of the Ajuri clan) having family connections to this area, has made inroads into securing political power here, and has taken under her wing, a cousin, Nomari, a new claimant to lordship of this area. Nomari "has been living and working as Transportation Guild ... A rail worker... He currently leads a band of other survivors, about whom we know far less, who also seem to have been fugitives" from the deceased Shishogi, founder of the Shadow Guild. Where the guild infiltrated and who is still operational is a big question.
Meanwhile the young gentleman, Cajeiri is coming along nicely. As he puts it "his circle is expanding" and it's instructive to watch his decision making in the light of his past experiences.
Bren is as always in the midst of the troubles, along with the Dowager. The Dowager is wary of how the new Midlands situation might influence things.
Machigi—Lord of the Taisigin Marid and chief lord of the Association of the Southern Marid has an interest in rail links. The Dowager is not beyond using rail building as a way into this area, all the more interesting to me as this appears to be a somewhat tenuous link at this stage with the cousin claimant, Nomari. But perhaps I'm reading too much into it. Still with the Atevi and the Dowager anything is possible!
I was so enthralled by the new twists in this ongoing saga that I let out an Oh No! wail when I came to the end.
Once again Cherryh had me riveted to the various political changes and shifting of loyalty allegiances (man'chi) amongst the Atevi.
Another special journey with these characters I so admire.
A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley
January 15, 2020
The summary of this book should be changed to "Bren went to the stationary store and watched Ilicidi buy some stationary."
Cajeri continued to think about getting rid of Boji, which started in the last book and will conclude 6 books from now, and then be made into a major motion picture.
I am going to expand on what I mean by Atevi becoming more like humans. I probably shouldn't, but I will. We are told that Atevi have short term contract marriages, usually for children. Most of the families we see are one-parent households. It is so extreme that one parent, almost always the mother, is considered so unimportant that she isn't even mentioned. Jago's mother is never hinted at. Tabini's mother is never named or talked about, other than to say she was Taibeni clan. In book 20, Banichi tells Bren that his mother was Talidi clan, but he has no connection to her or her family at all, and no loyalty whatsoever to Talidi. Tano talks only about his father. Ilicidi's father is mentioned. Baiji is married, produces a child, which belongs solely to his wife, and then his wife leaves him to possibly marry his uncle. Jago won't allow Bren to say endearments or express affection. Their relationship is framed as purely physical on her side, and separate from her feelings of loyalty as a bodyguard. The only exception is when Regiri mentions that he talks to his mother even though his parents are no longer married. And Tabini. We know Tabini is a good guy because he behaves like a human.
Right, so in this book we learn that actually, despite everything we have been shown, the word "marriage" in Ragi ONLY refers to a life-long, monogamous partnership. And lots of Atevi are "married" in the human sense. Huh? Furthermore, Bregani seems to "love" his wife and daughter, and shield them with his body when danger arrives, even though he is the highest ranked/highest value asset.
I could name a hundred more things. Cajeri regularly uses the word lonely in Ragi, which is not supposed to exist as a word or as a feeling. Atevi are appalled by round tables, so Bren devises a compromise in the form of a triangular table. This book has both a round and a triangular table in the red car. Bren often says that Atevi don't take hostages; the Shadow Guild constantly takes hostages. The importance of hierarchy is chipped away at constantly. Man'chi becomes more and more flexible. Wasn't the whole point of the war of the landing that humans made alliances across clans which should never have been allied? Because Atevi are not even capable of empathy outside their man'chi? Bren sure talks about it a lot, but nothing we see supports this. He and Ilicidi are actively trying to make alliances with every clan on the planet.
The biggest problem though, is that everyone is too perfect. If I hear one more time that someone is "not a fool," so help me. No one makes mistakes. No one has a different opinion, at least not one that can't be changed in 30 seconds. None of Bren's human instincts or values ever conflict with the Atevi. Misunderstandings don't happen. Everyone is just awed by Ilicidi and cooperates. They accept Bren. Cajeri learns to stay in his room. Tabini does nothing. Everyone in these books acts exactly the way Atevi convention says they should act based on their profession and rank. Most of the cast is lifeless and invisible. They have no individuality. It's so boring.
In the first three books, Bren grew and changed. Not since. His relationship with Jago started out rocky and then they got together. Nothing of note has happened between them since. Banichi and Jago were disturbed by his human loyalty. He references that event a lot, but nothing has happened since. There are some surprising man'chi related events, like Jago turning down Tabini and Algini having man'chi to Tano, that are never explored. Bren's relationship with Ilicidi develops in the first three books. Never again. The book gets away with it by having some exciting plot developments and new characters, but that has all disappeared in the last two books. What is left is an empty stage where everything stagnates.
Cajeri continued to think about getting rid of Boji, which started in the last book and will conclude 6 books from now, and then be made into a major motion picture.
I am going to expand on what I mean by Atevi becoming more like humans. I probably shouldn't, but I will. We are told that Atevi have short term contract marriages, usually for children. Most of the families we see are one-parent households. It is so extreme that one parent, almost always the mother, is considered so unimportant that she isn't even mentioned. Jago's mother is never hinted at. Tabini's mother is never named or talked about, other than to say she was Taibeni clan. In book 20, Banichi tells Bren that his mother was Talidi clan, but he has no connection to her or her family at all, and no loyalty whatsoever to Talidi. Tano talks only about his father. Ilicidi's father is mentioned. Baiji is married, produces a child, which belongs solely to his wife, and then his wife leaves him to possibly marry his uncle. Jago won't allow Bren to say endearments or express affection. Their relationship is framed as purely physical on her side, and separate from her feelings of loyalty as a bodyguard. The only exception is when Regiri mentions that he talks to his mother even though his parents are no longer married. And Tabini. We know Tabini is a good guy because he behaves like a human.
Right, so in this book we learn that actually, despite everything we have been shown, the word "marriage" in Ragi ONLY refers to a life-long, monogamous partnership. And lots of Atevi are "married" in the human sense. Huh? Furthermore, Bregani seems to "love" his wife and daughter, and shield them with his body when danger arrives, even though he is the highest ranked/highest value asset.
I could name a hundred more things. Cajeri regularly uses the word lonely in Ragi, which is not supposed to exist as a word or as a feeling. Atevi are appalled by round tables, so Bren devises a compromise in the form of a triangular table. This book has both a round and a triangular table in the red car. Bren often says that Atevi don't take hostages; the Shadow Guild constantly takes hostages. The importance of hierarchy is chipped away at constantly. Man'chi becomes more and more flexible. Wasn't the whole point of the war of the landing that humans made alliances across clans which should never have been allied? Because Atevi are not even capable of empathy outside their man'chi? Bren sure talks about it a lot, but nothing we see supports this. He and Ilicidi are actively trying to make alliances with every clan on the planet.
The biggest problem though, is that everyone is too perfect. If I hear one more time that someone is "not a fool," so help me. No one makes mistakes. No one has a different opinion, at least not one that can't be changed in 30 seconds. None of Bren's human instincts or values ever conflict with the Atevi. Misunderstandings don't happen. Everyone is just awed by Ilicidi and cooperates. They accept Bren. Cajeri learns to stay in his room. Tabini does nothing. Everyone in these books acts exactly the way Atevi convention says they should act based on their profession and rank. Most of the cast is lifeless and invisible. They have no individuality. It's so boring.
In the first three books, Bren grew and changed. Not since. His relationship with Jago started out rocky and then they got together. Nothing of note has happened between them since. Banichi and Jago were disturbed by his human loyalty. He references that event a lot, but nothing has happened since. There are some surprising man'chi related events, like Jago turning down Tabini and Algini having man'chi to Tano, that are never explored. Bren's relationship with Ilicidi develops in the first three books. Never again. The book gets away with it by having some exciting plot developments and new characters, but that has all disappeared in the last two books. What is left is an empty stage where everything stagnates.
February 17, 2020
It’s book 20, and we're back in the messy politics of the Marid and the Central Association's troublesome Ajuri clan. Ilsidi-ji is annoyed by the possible Ajuri hopeful who's come forward, and supported by Uncle Tatiseigi, her great-grandson, and her grand-daughter-in-law. Nobody told Sidi-ji they were going to put the new guy, Nomari, forward, and she's pretty pissed off with everyone but Bren. And Machigi shows up, wanting to make a small change to the plan he agreed to with Ilsidi, which, of course, raises her legitimate suspicions about this slippery and smart clan head and best hope for peace in the Marid.
Ilsidi drags Bren along with her to deal with all these fractious young men, and hopefully make some real change within the Marid. Meanwhile, Cajeiri's household grows and he must demonstrate to his parents that all his recent experiences have taught him some sense and maturity.
The Marid politics are detailed and byzantine in this book, as always, and I dearly want some peace in this region, as it would be great if things could settle down enough that Bren and his aishid finally get a well-deserved holiday. It’s been great watching Cajeiri grow; it’s both wonderful and a little sad to see Cajeiri slowly feel his way to a greater maturity, even while realizing the costs of minding his elders and recognizing his lack of trusted peers within the atevi court. Pretty heavy stuff for someone only fortunate nine to deal with. It was a little heartbreaking also, to listen to the boy chat with his human friends; his loneliness comes through loud and clear, and his understanding of how privileged and difficult his position in his society is.
Bren's his usual smart self while on Ilsidi’s mission, and Sidi-ji, well, what can I say? I love that lady and her ability to think many moves beyond most everybody around her.
Ilsidi drags Bren along with her to deal with all these fractious young men, and hopefully make some real change within the Marid. Meanwhile, Cajeiri's household grows and he must demonstrate to his parents that all his recent experiences have taught him some sense and maturity.
The Marid politics are detailed and byzantine in this book, as always, and I dearly want some peace in this region, as it would be great if things could settle down enough that Bren and his aishid finally get a well-deserved holiday. It’s been great watching Cajeiri grow; it’s both wonderful and a little sad to see Cajeiri slowly feel his way to a greater maturity, even while realizing the costs of minding his elders and recognizing his lack of trusted peers within the atevi court. Pretty heavy stuff for someone only fortunate nine to deal with. It was a little heartbreaking also, to listen to the boy chat with his human friends; his loneliness comes through loud and clear, and his understanding of how privileged and difficult his position in his society is.
Bren's his usual smart self while on Ilsidi’s mission, and Sidi-ji, well, what can I say? I love that lady and her ability to think many moves beyond most everybody around her.
April 19, 2025
The Yarn is Beyond Tangled. It is Tied in Knots.
The 20th book in the Foreigner series. First book in a very long time that I read in print due to lack of an audiobook adaptation. I think I only read the first two books in print. I had hoped for a glossary of oll the names and clans in the printed version, but that didn’t happen. At least I know how to pronounce all the names!
Bren returns from Mospheira, but instead of resting for a bit at his estate, he is immediately embroiled in one of Illisidi‘s plots. The situation in the Marid is still unsettled and she whisks away Bren and his aishid on a dangerous trip on the Red Train to solve hostilities in the south of the continent. And maybe to strike a beneficial deal for various factions.
I liked that we are still alternating between Bren and Cajeiri and get to see the action on the Red Train as well as Cajeiri at the Bujavid, dealing with Boji. He is very much a side character in this story though.
I mostly enjoyed this. There was an overabundance of names, clans, connections and complicated relationships, explained in minute detail over and over again. That was a bit tedious and made my eyes glaze over at times. It resulted in some very light skimming. I guess it‘s the same in the other books, but not a noticeable in audio.
The ending had a nice bit of action and I am looking forward to the next book.
🚂🚂🚂¾
The 20th book in the Foreigner series. First book in a very long time that I read in print due to lack of an audiobook adaptation. I think I only read the first two books in print. I had hoped for a glossary of oll the names and clans in the printed version, but that didn’t happen. At least I know how to pronounce all the names!
Bren returns from Mospheira, but instead of resting for a bit at his estate, he is immediately embroiled in one of Illisidi‘s plots. The situation in the Marid is still unsettled and she whisks away Bren and his aishid on a dangerous trip on the Red Train to solve hostilities in the south of the continent. And maybe to strike a beneficial deal for various factions.
I liked that we are still alternating between Bren and Cajeiri and get to see the action on the Red Train as well as Cajeiri at the Bujavid, dealing with Boji. He is very much a side character in this story though.
I mostly enjoyed this. There was an overabundance of names, clans, connections and complicated relationships, explained in minute detail over and over again. That was a bit tedious and made my eyes glaze over at times. It resulted in some very light skimming. I guess it‘s the same in the other books, but not a noticeable in audio.
The ending had a nice bit of action and I am looking forward to the next book.
🚂🚂🚂¾
February 1, 2020
These stories are always chewy, with lots of intrigue and machinations. Of the 20, all but 3 I rated as 5-stars, and those were all transition books. As is this one.
Oh my, the number of different cities, regions, clans, families, and individuals listed throughout the story is daunting. Yes they all have meaning and importance, but it requires the reader to pay very close attention, which detracts from the enjoyment of the tale and the locations. CJ's descriptions of the mountains, valleys, cliffs, and oceans are all wonderful, but I really wished for a global map (which is on her website) to keep track of where we were going and which fiefdom was neighbors with which ally or hereditary enemy.
Still, the characters are delightful, and I look forward to the next book - where something exciting is bound to happen.
Oh my, the number of different cities, regions, clans, families, and individuals listed throughout the story is daunting. Yes they all have meaning and importance, but it requires the reader to pay very close attention, which detracts from the enjoyment of the tale and the locations. CJ's descriptions of the mountains, valleys, cliffs, and oceans are all wonderful, but I really wished for a global map (which is on her website) to keep track of where we were going and which fiefdom was neighbors with which ally or hereditary enemy.
Still, the characters are delightful, and I look forward to the next book - where something exciting is bound to happen.
October 22, 2021
I hope CJ has a plan for how to finish the series
February 14, 2020
A disappointingly uneven entry in the series that, with the kyo arc seemingly wrapped up back in Visitor three books ago, and a pin stuck in the station refugee plotline at the end of the last book, turns back to the Marid and the Shadow Assassin's Guild, with Bren and Ilisidi getting involved in the Ajuri succession plotline that was Cajeiri's half of the story last time- and that seemed to have been settled at the end, with Nomari accepting the nomination, but is again unsettled without explanation for the discontinuity here. Instead, we get a road trip story- or train trip, rather- with Machigi from the Marid showing up at Najida and proposing a train route to Ilisidi, and Ilisidi appropriating Bren, Machigi, and Nomari all to a remote regional capital to meet with one of Machigi's neighbors in an attempt to secure his support and further marginalize the Shadow Guild.
There's a lot of setup here, and I can't say I enjoy the deaths of beloved characters, but the plot armor is a bit too in evidence in the action scenes we do have, with attacks from dangerous enemies largely fizzling out and doing absolutely nothing. Bren doesn't feel like himself throughout either- the constant ruminating and overthinking anxiety that is a hallmark of his character to me is absent, which doesn't help the odd lack of urgency- after nineteen books, I am pretty accustomed to how a protagonist behaves and reacts, and his narration seemed oddly relaxed in a way that failed to sell the ostensible war that atevi society is on the brink of. Cajeiri's narrative felt weak as well, a story of his organizing his own household where little happens to progress the plot, but which also doesn't deepen our understanding of him, his parents, or atevi society at all, and instead made me feel like the dual-POV structure is something that might be more properly abandoned in future installments unless there is a plot-relevant reason for it.
It does continue to feel like the series is tying off loose ends, with Cajeiri coming of age, and I expect a conclusion for Ilisidi in this arc, possibly a very final one with the foreshadowing warnings about her health and that this was her greatest and final political ambition. I hope it's a good send-off.
There's a lot of setup here, and I can't say I enjoy the deaths of beloved characters, but the plot armor is a bit too in evidence in the action scenes we do have, with attacks from dangerous enemies largely fizzling out and doing absolutely nothing. Bren doesn't feel like himself throughout either- the constant ruminating and overthinking anxiety that is a hallmark of his character to me is absent, which doesn't help the odd lack of urgency- after nineteen books, I am pretty accustomed to how a protagonist behaves and reacts, and his narration seemed oddly relaxed in a way that failed to sell the ostensible war that atevi society is on the brink of. Cajeiri's narrative felt weak as well, a story of his organizing his own household where little happens to progress the plot, but which also doesn't deepen our understanding of him, his parents, or atevi society at all, and instead made me feel like the dual-POV structure is something that might be more properly abandoned in future installments unless there is a plot-relevant reason for it.
It does continue to feel like the series is tying off loose ends, with Cajeiri coming of age, and I expect a conclusion for Ilisidi in this arc, possibly a very final one with the foreshadowing warnings about her health and that this was her greatest and final political ambition. I hope it's a good send-off.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
1.5 stars. This one is only for die-hard fans, who at least will be entertained by the train rides. (“Twelve cars in all, the engine making felicitous thirteen… the dowager’s car occupies auspicious ninth position, and yours felicitous seventh… Nomari, least in consideration, has risky fourth.”)
They might also be amused, as I am, by the extreme concern for the state of Nand’ Bren’s bus. They could be moderately interested to see young Cajeiri learn to take control of his new household and its excess of laundry. They may be excited by the single off-camera explosion which provides the only hint of action.
However, the vast majority of the book consists of tedious, repetitive political conversation. I didn’t bother to follow all of it because Cherryh will explain it again, in detail, in the next book.
One night I fell asleep just after reading the scene where Bren and Jago are in bed together on the train (even their pillow talk is boring politics) and Bren thinks about this being “risky”, and I wondered if their relationship was a secret. I then dreamed that everyone found out and it was a big scandal. The next day I was disappointed to realize that this wasn’t actually in the book, because it was by far more interesting than what was happening on the page.
I hope the next book is better. I still love the speech patterns, if nothing else.
They might also be amused, as I am, by the extreme concern for the state of Nand’ Bren’s bus. They could be moderately interested to see young Cajeiri learn to take control of his new household and its excess of laundry. They may be excited by the single off-camera explosion which provides the only hint of action.
However, the vast majority of the book consists of tedious, repetitive political conversation. I didn’t bother to follow all of it because Cherryh will explain it again, in detail, in the next book.
One night I fell asleep just after reading the scene where Bren and Jago are in bed together on the train (even their pillow talk is boring politics) and Bren thinks about this being “risky”, and I wondered if their relationship was a secret. I then dreamed that everyone found out and it was a big scandal. The next day I was disappointed to realize that this wasn’t actually in the book, because it was by far more interesting than what was happening on the page.
I hope the next book is better. I still love the speech patterns, if nothing else.
January 21, 2025
2025 re-read: my opinion hasn't changed. I do like Topari more now, though, and that he's presented in a different light being at home and with his own clan.
--
I've been putting off this book because I was waiting for the audiobook to release. But as I'm now behind by two books in the series, I decided to grab the ebook.
It's hard switching after 19 books, so I'm not 100% sure if I was following as well as I would normally because I am used to certain names said as opposed to spelled.
This is clearly a middle-arc story, so it's mostly setting things up. Still, I remain a massive fan, and I will absolutely be buying this in audiobook if/when that ever happens.
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I've been putting off this book because I was waiting for the audiobook to release. But as I'm now behind by two books in the series, I decided to grab the ebook.
It's hard switching after 19 books, so I'm not 100% sure if I was following as well as I would normally because I am used to certain names said as opposed to spelled.
This is clearly a middle-arc story, so it's mostly setting things up. Still, I remain a massive fan, and I will absolutely be buying this in audiobook if/when that ever happens.
January 9, 2020
Entertaining as usual
After all the years of following these characters, they and world they inhabit are treasured. However, there is so little new content in this last book that it seem more like novella or a short story. I would hate for this book to be an introduction to this series for anyone new, as the most interesting parts involve household management.
Nevertheless, I will continue to follow this series wherever it may lead. There is so much yet to be explored, especially with the younger generation...just hope I am here to read about it.
After all the years of following these characters, they and world they inhabit are treasured. However, there is so little new content in this last book that it seem more like novella or a short story. I would hate for this book to be an introduction to this series for anyone new, as the most interesting parts involve household management.
Nevertheless, I will continue to follow this series wherever it may lead. There is so much yet to be explored, especially with the younger generation...just hope I am here to read about it.
January 24, 2020
I had to go back and read Foreigner to remind myself why I've read 20 books in this series. What a contrast between the two. The first in series is filled with all sorts of activity and world buliding, this one is dull dull dull where nothing happens. The first 20% of the book is the same exact background info repeated over and over.
Complete and utter waste of time.
Complete and utter waste of time.
August 22, 2022
If we hadn't hit "long series fatigue" before, we definitely have now. Probably I think we hit it with Convergence.
Cherryh's done some minor retconning between books before, but this seems like a new high. Now, I was under the impression that Nomari and the Ajuri problem were pretty well settled at the end of the last book, but apparently not. He's back to being "Nomari-nadi" here. There's also some direct contradiction in terms of when Ilisidi got to Najida, and whether or not Machigi met her there.
It's not all bad. We get to see a new piece of the atevi landscape, and Bren's interested enough to give us lots of place detail. Lord Topari is a very, very minor character, but I enjoyed seeing his little district. And, of course, there are some nice character interactions. I have missed Jago's dry wit! And in the other PoV, Cajeiri FINALLY figures out a solution to Boji in this book, which is a good thing.
I did enjoy reading this, the same way one enjoys visiting with an old friend, but the plot is thinner than the mountain air. Still a stronger book than Convergence. 3*
Cherryh's done some minor retconning between books before, but this seems like a new high. Now, I was under the impression that Nomari and the Ajuri problem were pretty well settled at the end of the last book, but apparently not. He's back to being "Nomari-nadi" here. There's also some direct contradiction in terms of when Ilisidi got to Najida, and whether or not Machigi met her there.
It's not all bad. We get to see a new piece of the atevi landscape, and Bren's interested enough to give us lots of place detail. Lord Topari is a very, very minor character, but I enjoyed seeing his little district. And, of course, there are some nice character interactions. I have missed Jago's dry wit! And in the other PoV, Cajeiri FINALLY figures out a solution to Boji in this book, which is a good thing.
I did enjoy reading this, the same way one enjoys visiting with an old friend, but the plot is thinner than the mountain air. Still a stronger book than Convergence. 3*
January 14, 2020
In this 20th volume of C.J. Cherryh's incomparable Foreigner series, the aged but indomitable Ilisidi continues her life-long goal: to bring the Atevi together within the sphere of the ashidi'tat. Here, she does so by attempting to build coalitions within the troublesome Marid, using the age-old technological strategy of Atevi coalition building: constructing a new rail line between two formerly feuding provinces. Along for the ride are the now fully acculturated paidhi, Bren Cameron with his trusty Guild bodyguards, the presumptive Ajuri noble Nomari and the potentially treacherous Lord Machigi. Meanwhile, back in the Bujavid, a maturing Cajeiri works to find a suitable home for his pet parid’ja, Boji. It's a reasonably good story with a cliffhanger ending.
Although the author provides a brief introduction to the overarching Foreigner narrative, I strongly recommend starting with the first volume, Foreigner. This book will find its most appreciative readers among those who have devoured the previous 19 volumes and wish to learn more about their favorite characters.
I enjoyed reading Resurgence but I wouldn't rank it among the best in the Foreigner series. The bo0k seemed surprisingly short, and there wasn't much action. There are a couple of inconsistencies with Emergence that bothered me. But I recommend it to those who have followed the series and, like me, can't wait for more.
Although the author provides a brief introduction to the overarching Foreigner narrative, I strongly recommend starting with the first volume, Foreigner. This book will find its most appreciative readers among those who have devoured the previous 19 volumes and wish to learn more about their favorite characters.
I enjoyed reading Resurgence but I wouldn't rank it among the best in the Foreigner series. The bo0k seemed surprisingly short, and there wasn't much action. There are a couple of inconsistencies with Emergence that bothered me. But I recommend it to those who have followed the series and, like me, can't wait for more.
October 3, 2020
I had speculated at the conclusion of Emergence (#19) that Emergence felt like an ending, a conclusion to the series. It was not. While I am happy to delve back into the world of Bren and the Atevi, I admit I'm beginning to wonder if it's time to bring this series to a conclusion. I honestly don't expect every book to be a "knock my socks off Wow! that was spectacular!" installment, but I would like something other than perceived crisis after crisis.
Resurgence brings Bren back to the Atevi mainland and right into another one of Ilisidi's machinations. As Ilsidi's plot unwinds, I realized Bren's role was actually quite small and, honestly, mostly irrelevant. A crisis where there was no crisis, a Padhai where there didn't need to be one, a terrorist attack to add action and so much repetitive exposition.
What kept me reading was Cajeri's plot line - his success from Tirnamardi and his relationship with his Mother, his interaction with his household, his father and the (finally) decision to re-home Boji. I found myself wanting to skip Bren's plot line to get to Cajeri.
Ultimately, when all was said and read, this is a straight-up transition book. Characters were maneuvered into place for the next installment. That's it, nothing more.
And yet, this is still a good read. It's a Cherryh book through and through. Recommended if you've read the first 19 books.
Resurgence brings Bren back to the Atevi mainland and right into another one of Ilisidi's machinations. As Ilsidi's plot unwinds, I realized Bren's role was actually quite small and, honestly, mostly irrelevant. A crisis where there was no crisis, a Padhai where there didn't need to be one, a terrorist attack to add action and so much repetitive exposition.
What kept me reading was Cajeri's plot line - his success from Tirnamardi and his relationship with his Mother, his interaction with his household, his father and the (finally) decision to re-home Boji. I found myself wanting to skip Bren's plot line to get to Cajeri.
Ultimately, when all was said and read, this is a straight-up transition book. Characters were maneuvered into place for the next installment. That's it, nothing more.
And yet, this is still a good read. It's a Cherryh book through and through. Recommended if you've read the first 19 books.
January 29, 2020
The first quarter of the book gives readers all the background of the series going back to the first volume, as though volume 20 would be a good entry point for anyone new. There is no action is this story. It mostly told though exposition and interior monologues. Most of the novel is simply characters sitting around discussing politics. Probably the weakest volume in the series.
My favorite line, "an excellent dinner, and none of us poisoned." Not true. Is boredom a poison? This book would have benefited from a poisoning or assassination or something to move the story along.
My favorite line, "an excellent dinner, and none of us poisoned." Not true. Is boredom a poison? This book would have benefited from a poisoning or assassination or something to move the story along.
January 26, 2020
I enjoyed the plot summaries in the beginning and some of the explanations of relationships throughout...there has been a lot going on in this world. Great to see how Cajeiri is growing up and always fun to have Sidi-ji do her thing. I love this world. Of the most recent books, this has the least amount of action (not to say there is none), so overall a more sedate pace. It is very much a set up for the next book; looking forward to what is next.
November 16, 2021
I'm a huge fan of this series, but I'm really struggling with this one. Info dump after info dump. I know some of this is Cherryh's style, and I usually like her deep diving into politics, but this is slower than usual. I will try to persevere and hope that the next book is better.
EDITED: It did improve, once I got past all the info dumps. But it feels a bit like an in-between book. Things she needed to get out of the way so she could get to the interesting stuff. Not one of my favourites.
EDITED: It did improve, once I got past all the info dumps. But it feels a bit like an in-between book. Things she needed to get out of the way so she could get to the interesting stuff. Not one of my favourites.
January 12, 2020
To read more of my reviews, check out my blog at keikii Eats Books!
Quote:
Review:
Another installment in the Foreigner series, another book where things are going as they go and then Bren has to take off on a mode of transportation to do something only he can do very, very quickly. If you're surprised, you really shouldn't be. This is book twenty. Resurgence both continues the story of the previous books and creates a potential for a new story going forward. And I really, really liked it.
In Emergence, the previous book, Bren finished what he was doing on Mospheira, and is on his way home to Shejidan to brief the aiji and return to daily life. Only before he can get there, Ilisidi is waiting for him at his home in Najida. And she is really angry because she was left out of the to-do involving her great grandson, Cajeiri, and Tatiseigi, and a bunch of danger at Tatiseigi's home. Which all involved Cajeiri's mother's family, anyway. Ilisidi just likes to be in the middle of everything like the nosy old woman she is. However, everything is settled there now, so she just came to Bren to complain. They're just waiting for the train to get free so they can head back to the capital.
But not before Machigi, the leader of the southern Marid, stops in, freaking out the security of everyone, and looking for an amendment to the treaty they already had together. This time he wants to add some provisions to improve the trains going to the Marid. Which Ilisidi goes for, because it is her life goal to see the Marid in the Aishiditat before she dies. Which is going to be a long time, since Ilisidi is never going to die, being too stubborn to even consider the notion. Plus, I'd cry, and I don't wanna.
Meanwhile, Cajeiri has gone back home with his mother and uncle to Shejidan, to sit around worrying about things. Mostly worried about how awesome he's doing, the precious little thing. Plus he's getting rid of that damned monkey which HALLELUJAH PRAISE EVERYTHING! GET RID OF THE THING ALREADY! This best move in the entire series takes a while, and some money. But also, Cajeiri is expanding his household because of increased responsibility, and he's doing so good my dear little Cajeiri. I'm so proud. In contrast with the books before this, where he was right in the middle of things, Cajeiri is actually on the periphery and Bren is in charge this book.
And Bren is in charge because Ilisidi takes off like a bolt of lightning to both set out to enact Machigi's new plan, and to stir shit up. Mostly she wants to stir things up and see what falls out and falls in line. So Bren, Ilisidi, Machigi (who has never left the Marid before and this is a pretty big deal), and the new lord-of-the-ajuri-to-be and former-spy-for-Machigi, Narida, set out to one of the provinces of the Marid to make known to that lord there what is going to be happening in his territory. Which just happens to be one of the places Narida spied on during the Troubles books and books back now. Ilisidi: professional beehive poker.
I love that woman.
Resurgence is first and foremost a political book. It has built upon books and books of previous backstory and political intrigue. While some of the players may be new, the people who matter aren't and their plans have been in motion for quite a while now. This goes exactly like every other book in the series. It is fun. It is well written. And I can't wait to read the next book.
ARC received from DAW/Berkley Publishing Group on Netgalley. This did not affect my review.
Quote:
"They cannot anticipate your reactions; and sometimes your advice comes from directions one would have sworn were a blank wall. That, I can say."
Review:
Another installment in the Foreigner series, another book where things are going as they go and then Bren has to take off on a mode of transportation to do something only he can do very, very quickly. If you're surprised, you really shouldn't be. This is book twenty. Resurgence both continues the story of the previous books and creates a potential for a new story going forward. And I really, really liked it.
In Emergence, the previous book, Bren finished what he was doing on Mospheira, and is on his way home to Shejidan to brief the aiji and return to daily life. Only before he can get there, Ilisidi is waiting for him at his home in Najida. And she is really angry because she was left out of the to-do involving her great grandson, Cajeiri, and Tatiseigi, and a bunch of danger at Tatiseigi's home. Which all involved Cajeiri's mother's family, anyway. Ilisidi just likes to be in the middle of everything like the nosy old woman she is. However, everything is settled there now, so she just came to Bren to complain. They're just waiting for the train to get free so they can head back to the capital.
But not before Machigi, the leader of the southern Marid, stops in, freaking out the security of everyone, and looking for an amendment to the treaty they already had together. This time he wants to add some provisions to improve the trains going to the Marid. Which Ilisidi goes for, because it is her life goal to see the Marid in the Aishiditat before she dies. Which is going to be a long time, since Ilisidi is never going to die, being too stubborn to even consider the notion. Plus, I'd cry, and I don't wanna.
Meanwhile, Cajeiri has gone back home with his mother and uncle to Shejidan, to sit around worrying about things. Mostly worried about how awesome he's doing, the precious little thing. Plus he's getting rid of that damned monkey which HALLELUJAH PRAISE EVERYTHING! GET RID OF THE THING ALREADY! This best move in the entire series takes a while, and some money. But also, Cajeiri is expanding his household because of increased responsibility, and he's doing so good my dear little Cajeiri. I'm so proud. In contrast with the books before this, where he was right in the middle of things, Cajeiri is actually on the periphery and Bren is in charge this book.
And Bren is in charge because Ilisidi takes off like a bolt of lightning to both set out to enact Machigi's new plan, and to stir shit up. Mostly she wants to stir things up and see what falls out and falls in line. So Bren, Ilisidi, Machigi (who has never left the Marid before and this is a pretty big deal), and the new lord-of-the-ajuri-to-be and former-spy-for-Machigi, Narida, set out to one of the provinces of the Marid to make known to that lord there what is going to be happening in his territory. Which just happens to be one of the places Narida spied on during the Troubles books and books back now. Ilisidi: professional beehive poker.
I love that woman.
Resurgence is first and foremost a political book. It has built upon books and books of previous backstory and political intrigue. While some of the players may be new, the people who matter aren't and their plans have been in motion for quite a while now. This goes exactly like every other book in the series. It is fun. It is well written. And I can't wait to read the next book.
ARC received from DAW/Berkley Publishing Group on Netgalley. This did not affect my review.
May 20, 2021
Author C, J. Cherryh (http://www.cherryh.com) published the novel “Resurgence” in 2020. This is the 20th novel in the author's Foreigner’ series. Mr. Cherryh has published more than 35 novels.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains some violence. The story is set in the far future. The primary character is diplomat, Bren Cameron.
The dowager Ilisidi takes the famous Red Train to a remote town. Onboard are Cameron as well as a diverse assortment of characters. Her plan is to make a deal that will bring a close to the hostilities in the south of the Atevi continent. She is playing a risky game of intrigue and politics with Cameron at the center.
I enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 347-page science fiction novel. I found it a little slow and confusing. While I had read book 17 (Visitor) in this series back in 2016, it was a little difficult to pick up this novel. I would certainly recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the most out of the novel. While there is some excitement, this book is more about politics and intrigue. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘PG’ because it contains some violence. The story is set in the far future. The primary character is diplomat, Bren Cameron.
The dowager Ilisidi takes the famous Red Train to a remote town. Onboard are Cameron as well as a diverse assortment of characters. Her plan is to make a deal that will bring a close to the hostilities in the south of the Atevi continent. She is playing a risky game of intrigue and politics with Cameron at the center.
I enjoyed the 11+ hours I spent reading this 347-page science fiction novel. I found it a little slow and confusing. While I had read book 17 (Visitor) in this series back in 2016, it was a little difficult to pick up this novel. I would certainly recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the most out of the novel. While there is some excitement, this book is more about politics and intrigue. I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.
You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).
February 18, 2022
Bren Cameron, after representing the Atevi in Mospheria, arrives home on his brother's ship, hoping for a bit of time to relax, to find Ilisidi there and his bus gone. Ilisidi is not happy about a number of things and an unhappy Ilisidi is dangerous. Cajeiri, now a felicitous nine, is behaving maturely and controlling his desires. His mother and his father are happy with him. He wants to go with his great grandmother Ilisidi as she leaves the capital but he knows that would be foolish and make everyone unhappy with him. He worries though.
Bren is accompanying Ilisidi on her latest bold and risky plan to gain an alliance with the South and get rid of the crazy young woman. She takes over, in addition to Bren, with her and picks up another head of state along the way. Ilisidi's plan is working but with each step forward the risk increases. The Guild, as well as everyone else, is on high alert and then, as almost the end of this book, a transformer is blown up. No one dies, but someone has gotten through the security.
While very tense, there is little action in this book. There is, however, a lot of Atevi politics. I have grown to love this series.
Bren is accompanying Ilisidi on her latest bold and risky plan to gain an alliance with the South and get rid of the crazy young woman. She takes over, in addition to Bren, with her and picks up another head of state along the way. Ilisidi's plan is working but with each step forward the risk increases. The Guild, as well as everyone else, is on high alert and then, as almost the end of this book, a transformer is blown up. No one dies, but someone has gotten through the security.
While very tense, there is little action in this book. There is, however, a lot of Atevi politics. I have grown to love this series.
October 30, 2021
I had to round up for this. It was still pretty hard to get through. It just seemed like it was all world building because the political situation is going farther afield. So there was a ton more exposition about that part of the world and the politics and very little movement.
In fairness I had trouble adjusting to J.P. Linton's narration, not because of any inadequacy by him but simply because I am so accustomed to Daniel Thomas May's narration that every pronunciation that wasn't the same as May's was jarring enough to take me out of the story (which was difficult enough to remain engaged with).
I'm going to chalk this one up as my least favorite of the series so far and move on. Perhaps I'll get accustomed to Linton's pronunciations in the next.
In fairness I had trouble adjusting to J.P. Linton's narration, not because of any inadequacy by him but simply because I am so accustomed to Daniel Thomas May's narration that every pronunciation that wasn't the same as May's was jarring enough to take me out of the story (which was difficult enough to remain engaged with).
I'm going to chalk this one up as my least favorite of the series so far and move on. Perhaps I'll get accustomed to Linton's pronunciations in the next.
July 7, 2020
Hello old friends.
Bren you are getting quite predictable. Cajeri YOU are delightful!
Bren you are getting quite predictable. Cajeri YOU are delightful!
January 15, 2020
Like many books late in a series, I believe this book will not be of interest to readers unfamiliar with the Foreigner universe. (This, by the way, is the origin of my 3-star rating). Although a detailed introduction is given, the complex political storyline requires great familiarity with the atevi world, and my sense is there is not enough tension and climax within this single book to hold an unfamiliar reader. I also don't think the book is compelling enough to motivate most unfamiliar readers to go back and read the entire series from the beginning.
That being said, for readers familiar with the atevi universe, this book (and to some extent Emergence) seem to be providing foundation material for a more significant climax in the next book (which I believe is called Divergence). We'll just need to wait and see!
Resurgence describes Ilisidi continuing to extend her associations (and thus, indirectly, those of Tabini's) to new atevi clans. More specifically, this story centers on developing trade enabled by railroad. At a high level, the story has some similarities to the story arc in Deceiver (book 11) and Betrayer (book 12) involving the establishment of an association between Illisidi and Machigi - although in the Deceiver/Betrayer case the story centered on trade enabled by port access and shipping overseas.
Like the prior book Emergence (but unlike many of the other books in this series) this is a quiet book, with much of the storyline simply expanding on the political environment of the Foreigner universe. The reason I call it a "quiet" book is that is climax is much less intense than earlier books and there is less of a sense of urgency in the story. This differs quite a bit from the Deceiver/Betrayer case, where there is a much stronger sense of urgency and the climax is much more vivid. This is also a complex book, as the politics of the mainland clans is expanded in more detail than perhaps any of the prior books.
The primary characters in the main storyline are Ilisidi, Bren, Machigi, Nomari, Topari (yes the one that called Bren an "excellent creature"), and Bregani.
In addition to the main story line, there is a co-running story with Cajeiri and Boji.
The secondary storyline (told from Cajeiri's viewpoint) involves Tabini, Damiri, Cajeiri, and the usual staff in Shejidan.
That being said, for readers familiar with the atevi universe, this book (and to some extent Emergence) seem to be providing foundation material for a more significant climax in the next book (which I believe is called Divergence). We'll just need to wait and see!
Resurgence describes Ilisidi continuing to extend her associations (and thus, indirectly, those of Tabini's) to new atevi clans. More specifically, this story centers on developing trade enabled by railroad. At a high level, the story has some similarities to the story arc in Deceiver (book 11) and Betrayer (book 12) involving the establishment of an association between Illisidi and Machigi - although in the Deceiver/Betrayer case the story centered on trade enabled by port access and shipping overseas.
Like the prior book Emergence (but unlike many of the other books in this series) this is a quiet book, with much of the storyline simply expanding on the political environment of the Foreigner universe. The reason I call it a "quiet" book is that is climax is much less intense than earlier books and there is less of a sense of urgency in the story. This differs quite a bit from the Deceiver/Betrayer case, where there is a much stronger sense of urgency and the climax is much more vivid. This is also a complex book, as the politics of the mainland clans is expanded in more detail than perhaps any of the prior books.
The primary characters in the main storyline are Ilisidi, Bren, Machigi, Nomari, Topari (yes the one that called Bren an "excellent creature"), and Bregani.
In addition to the main story line, there is a co-running story with Cajeiri and Boji.
The secondary storyline (told from Cajeiri's viewpoint) involves Tabini, Damiri, Cajeiri, and the usual staff in Shejidan.
April 11, 2020
Another okay but largely forgettable continuation in a series of frequently overly complex and okay but forgettable entries. Perhaps the biggest event in this book is how Boji's situation is handled, and when that is an achievement to be considered of sole importance, that's depressing. All entries since the original trilogy outside the overarching plots (e.g., Cajeiri's birth, getting to the station, space travel, returning, general Mospheira stuff, two big things that happened in "Visitor", and honestly I completely forgot about the rather big deal assassination attempt last book(?)), have had this problem. Maybe if I reread the entire series, but honestly I really don't want to. At least each book is rather short for how complex the events therein are.
We did get some more Bren and Jago time, which I liked. There wasn't much of it, but I think there were like two scenes? And I felt the ending wrapped up very well, at least on Bren's side. Cajeiri's portions were largely boring, outside of what looks like a hopeful ending for the Boji situation at long last. There is a funny friendly dig that I think Lucasi makes about Bren and Jago, which really makes me wonder just how privy to things the supposedly too-junior Cajeiri aishid are.
Overall, it simultaneously finished when it needed to (a much longer book would have been overly onerous), and stopped prematurely. Relatively little seems to happen in each entry; we've only just discovered I think in the last book or so - which would be 18 or 19 in a 20-book series with two short stories - the True Forces behind events that happened in BOOK ONE.
It gets two stars for Boji, Bren/Jago, and well... Ilisidi. I can't say I liked it, though, so it's not getting 3. I think I'll just reread "Cuckoo's Egg" if I want more Cherryh.
We did get some more Bren and Jago time, which I liked. There wasn't much of it, but I think there were like two scenes? And I felt the ending wrapped up very well, at least on Bren's side. Cajeiri's portions were largely boring, outside of what looks like a hopeful ending for the Boji situation at long last. There is a funny friendly dig that I think Lucasi makes about Bren and Jago, which really makes me wonder just how privy to things the supposedly too-junior Cajeiri aishid are.
Overall, it simultaneously finished when it needed to (a much longer book would have been overly onerous), and stopped prematurely. Relatively little seems to happen in each entry; we've only just discovered I think in the last book or so - which would be 18 or 19 in a 20-book series with two short stories - the True Forces behind events that happened in BOOK ONE.
It gets two stars for Boji, Bren/Jago, and well... Ilisidi. I can't say I liked it, though, so it's not getting 3. I think I'll just reread "Cuckoo's Egg" if I want more Cherryh.
January 29, 2020
C. J. Cherryh is one of my favorite authors of all time and her work is a huge influence on my own.
But, this series.
I loved the early installments -- I was more or less happy with things pretty much through the kyo, although even then, I was starting to sense that the narrative was passing through some kind of event horizon. The last couple of books seem to be caught in a state of slowing down more and more so that ultimately it will be impossible to reach the end. This one... maybe covered four or five days. In detail: names and more names. Pages of dialogue, well-written dialogue, but dialogue without action. Barely any sensory description -- there are some new characters, but what do they look like? What are they wearing? The first time the main characters are in danger is, I think, page 326, and then it's minor. I find my eyes glazing over at the lists of names and the minute details of political machinations that I have no reason to care about. Meanwhile, in the somewhat less granular Cajeiri timeline, it took the whole book to decide that Boji might go to a zoo. Maybe.
I don't need the books to be war stories or action thrillers. I just need more of an actual story, and the frustrating thing is, there are great stories in here, around the edges. The Guild pair whose partners may have been killed (who never even appear other than in dialogue). Nomari's career as a spy and saboteur. Machigi's political brinksmanship. Those are interesting stories and appealing characters but we'll never get anything, it seems, from their point of view, or happening in realtime on stage.
But, this series.
I loved the early installments -- I was more or less happy with things pretty much through the kyo, although even then, I was starting to sense that the narrative was passing through some kind of event horizon. The last couple of books seem to be caught in a state of slowing down more and more so that ultimately it will be impossible to reach the end. This one... maybe covered four or five days. In detail: names and more names. Pages of dialogue, well-written dialogue, but dialogue without action. Barely any sensory description -- there are some new characters, but what do they look like? What are they wearing? The first time the main characters are in danger is, I think, page 326, and then it's minor. I find my eyes glazing over at the lists of names and the minute details of political machinations that I have no reason to care about. Meanwhile, in the somewhat less granular Cajeiri timeline, it took the whole book to decide that Boji might go to a zoo. Maybe.
I don't need the books to be war stories or action thrillers. I just need more of an actual story, and the frustrating thing is, there are great stories in here, around the edges. The Guild pair whose partners may have been killed (who never even appear other than in dialogue). Nomari's career as a spy and saboteur. Machigi's political brinksmanship. Those are interesting stories and appealing characters but we'll never get anything, it seems, from their point of view, or happening in realtime on stage.
January 21, 2020
Cherryh's 'Foreigner' novels are unfailingly competent, but they are getting long in the tooth. There no longer seems to be an over-arching plot that binds the books together, so new books in the series - like 'Resurgence' - revolve around the political crisis (or political opportunity) of the day.
The current crisis/opportunity arises when a previously-troublesome neighbor seizes a chance to do well by doing good. He offers the Dowager an opportunity to stabilize his region - by strengthening him. Negotiations ensue, and Bren is one of the negotiators. Yet the best part of the book is the subplot that revolves around Cajeiri, the nine-year-old heir, who is learning to negotiate the politically-fraught landscape of his own household and family.
Cherryh is making the depth of the background work for her. The backdrop is an entire world, and she doesn't make one-world-one-language-one-culture simplifications. Neither does she make heroes-and-villains simplifications: Several important players mean well, but are in over their heads.
Three stars: It's another good book in what is now a twenty-book series, and I expect book twenty-one will be good as well, but it doesn't stand out.
The current crisis/opportunity arises when a previously-troublesome neighbor seizes a chance to do well by doing good. He offers the Dowager an opportunity to stabilize his region - by strengthening him. Negotiations ensue, and Bren is one of the negotiators. Yet the best part of the book is the subplot that revolves around Cajeiri, the nine-year-old heir, who is learning to negotiate the politically-fraught landscape of his own household and family.
Cherryh is making the depth of the background work for her. The backdrop is an entire world, and she doesn't make one-world-one-language-one-culture simplifications. Neither does she make heroes-and-villains simplifications: Several important players mean well, but are in over their heads.
Three stars: It's another good book in what is now a twenty-book series, and I expect book twenty-one will be good as well, but it doesn't stand out.
December 25, 2020
One for the fans. Nothing happens. There is no plot. A lot of explanations, exposition, talking and tea drinking.
The same story of clan loyalties is repeated several times from different view points, and is very boring every time. Found it hard to care about the extensive genealogies of the various characters we never met.
And when did Bren become such a jerk, looking down on the poorer province and it's leadership as if he was born into his lordship?
Cherryh's writing style is wonderful and keeps you reading on with the expectation that something amazing is going to happen just after the next few paragraphs. And then nothing. Nada. Zilch.
This is the 20th foreigner novel, so I had really low expectations, but even then I was disappointed.
The same story of clan loyalties is repeated several times from different view points, and is very boring every time. Found it hard to care about the extensive genealogies of the various characters we never met.
And when did Bren become such a jerk, looking down on the poorer province and it's leadership as if he was born into his lordship?
Cherryh's writing style is wonderful and keeps you reading on with the expectation that something amazing is going to happen just after the next few paragraphs. And then nothing. Nada. Zilch.
This is the 20th foreigner novel, so I had really low expectations, but even then I was disappointed.
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