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Foreigner #21
Divergence
The twenty-first book in the beloved Foreigner saga continues the adventures of diplomat Bren Cameron, advisor to the atevi head of state.
The overthrow of the atevi head of state, Tabini-aiji, and the several moves of enemies even since his restoration, have prompted major changes in the Assassins' Guild, which has since worked to root out its seditious elements—a clandestine group they call the Shadow Guild. With the Assassins now rid of internal corruption, with the birth of Tabini's second child, and with the appointment of an heir, stability seems to have returned to the atevi world. Humans and atevi share the space station in peaceful cooperation, humans and atevi share the planet as they have for centuries, and the humans' island enclave is preparing to welcome 5000 human refugees from a remote station now dismantled, and to do that in unprecedented cooperation with the atevi mainland.
In general Bren Cameron, Tabini-aiji's personal representative, returning home to the atevi capital after securing that critical agreement, was ready to take a well-earned rest—until Tabini's grandmother claimed his services on a train trip to the smallest, most remote and least significant of the provinces, snowy Hasjuran—a move concerning which Tabini-aiji gave Bren a private instruction: protect her. Advise her.
Advise her—perhaps. As for protection, she has a trainload of high-level Guild. But since the aiji-dowager has also invited a dangerously independent young warlord, Machigi, and a young man who may be the heir to Ajuri, a key northern province—the natural question is why the dowager is taking this ill-assorted pair to Hasjuran and what on this earth she may be up to.
With a Shadow Guild attack on the train station, it has become clear that others have questions, too. Hasjuran, on its mountain height, overlooks the Marid, a district that is part of the atevi nation only in name—a district in which Machigi is one major player, and where the Shadow Guild retains a major stronghold.
Protect her? Ilisidi is hellbent on settling scores with the Shadow Guild, and her reasons for this trip and this company now become clear. One human diplomat and his own bodyguard suddenly seem a very small force to defend her from what she is setting in motion.
The overthrow of the atevi head of state, Tabini-aiji, and the several moves of enemies even since his restoration, have prompted major changes in the Assassins' Guild, which has since worked to root out its seditious elements—a clandestine group they call the Shadow Guild. With the Assassins now rid of internal corruption, with the birth of Tabini's second child, and with the appointment of an heir, stability seems to have returned to the atevi world. Humans and atevi share the space station in peaceful cooperation, humans and atevi share the planet as they have for centuries, and the humans' island enclave is preparing to welcome 5000 human refugees from a remote station now dismantled, and to do that in unprecedented cooperation with the atevi mainland.
In general Bren Cameron, Tabini-aiji's personal representative, returning home to the atevi capital after securing that critical agreement, was ready to take a well-earned rest—until Tabini's grandmother claimed his services on a train trip to the smallest, most remote and least significant of the provinces, snowy Hasjuran—a move concerning which Tabini-aiji gave Bren a private instruction: protect her. Advise her.
Advise her—perhaps. As for protection, she has a trainload of high-level Guild. But since the aiji-dowager has also invited a dangerously independent young warlord, Machigi, and a young man who may be the heir to Ajuri, a key northern province—the natural question is why the dowager is taking this ill-assorted pair to Hasjuran and what on this earth she may be up to.
With a Shadow Guild attack on the train station, it has become clear that others have questions, too. Hasjuran, on its mountain height, overlooks the Marid, a district that is part of the atevi nation only in name—a district in which Machigi is one major player, and where the Shadow Guild retains a major stronghold.
Protect her? Ilisidi is hellbent on settling scores with the Shadow Guild, and her reasons for this trip and this company now become clear. One human diplomat and his own bodyguard suddenly seem a very small force to defend her from what she is setting in motion.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2020
105 people are currently reading
435 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 96 reviews
July 31, 2020
Twenty-one books! Of course, I think that's a real feat, considering that we're following the SAME sets of characters over many years and situations on an alien world and this has NONE of the feel of a Urban Fantasy OR a long crime series.
Indeed, it's ALL about alien politics. And it REMAINS GOOD after twenty-one books! Are you amazed? I'm amazed. :) Just ask anyone. Do you think a book about translation errors and alien assassinations as a basis for good government could carry your interest for twenty-one books?
Well, it does! :) And if you're reading this review, you're probably already a fan or you're wondering if you should pick up the series again and I'm here to say: It's STILL GOOD. :)
I just can't say anything because of spoilers. And damn, there's a big spoiler coming up. The great-grandson of our wonderful Dowager is growing up. Bren is almost like an elder statesman now. It's fascinating to see the dynamics and politics. :)
Indeed, it's ALL about alien politics. And it REMAINS GOOD after twenty-one books! Are you amazed? I'm amazed. :) Just ask anyone. Do you think a book about translation errors and alien assassinations as a basis for good government could carry your interest for twenty-one books?
Well, it does! :) And if you're reading this review, you're probably already a fan or you're wondering if you should pick up the series again and I'm here to say: It's STILL GOOD. :)
I just can't say anything because of spoilers. And damn, there's a big spoiler coming up. The great-grandson of our wonderful Dowager is growing up. Bren is almost like an elder statesman now. It's fascinating to see the dynamics and politics. :)
July 16, 2020
Divergence is the 21st Book in C. J. Cherryh's Foreigner Series, so I recommend not reading this book first.
This is a "series" arranged in trilogies with short plot arcs and one long, over-reaching plot arc for the entire story of Bren Cameron, a human translator sent among non-humans.
Divergence is all about power-politics, and how the Atevi (the Aliens) avoid the sort of all-out War humans tend to use to settle matters.
All of these novels are tightly focused on Bren Cameron's point of view, but with occasional accompaniments of a young (ruler to be) Atevi child who has learned to understand humans (somewhat).
Divergence emphasizes how Bren Cameron has come to understand, on a deep level, just how much he will never, ever, understand about Atevi. He now lives among Atevi, is honored by (some) of them, and his human friends and family find him truly odd because he's become so very Atevi in behavior. In fact, Bren finds himself a little odd.
So in Divergence, Bren takes action only once, and perfectly properly, then sits out action-situations that he formerly would have plunged into and derailed by his human reactions. He uses mature good sense instead of human impulse, and tweaks the Atevi politics just a bit, here and there, helping to bring peace to a troubled region of the Atevi civilization.
The novel ends off with a springboard into the next novel, as Bren and a train load of Atevi head for the estate Bren now calls home, anticipating a little time to breathe before the next emergency. I don't think they'll have much time.
Much of Divergence is simply Bren thinking over the salient moves by Atevi in previous novels, understanding now (as never before) how these moves have led to the current opportunity to make peace. It is a long reprise of previous events, reminding the reader of which events are the most significant for understanding what must come in the next novel. This makes the book almost one, lone, expository lump. But Cherryh's writing is so deft, so cogent, so tightly pointed, that it is an absorbing good read. The previous novels are so well written, the characters so vividly portrayed, that the reader remembers each of these movers sand shakers of the Atevi world as they are mentioned -- full context.
That is why I recommend this series so highly, but start with the first novel, Foreigner.
If you're a writer, and have been reading the Foreigner Series, study Divergence closely for exposition techniques. Long-long passages summarizing and reminding of previous novels in the series, but re-interpreting events you thought you understood but now know ever so much more about.
The real hero of Divergence is The Dowager. In fact, she's the real hero of the whole series, according to this new interpretation of events.
And now she's feeling her mortality.
This is a "series" arranged in trilogies with short plot arcs and one long, over-reaching plot arc for the entire story of Bren Cameron, a human translator sent among non-humans.
Divergence is all about power-politics, and how the Atevi (the Aliens) avoid the sort of all-out War humans tend to use to settle matters.
All of these novels are tightly focused on Bren Cameron's point of view, but with occasional accompaniments of a young (ruler to be) Atevi child who has learned to understand humans (somewhat).
Divergence emphasizes how Bren Cameron has come to understand, on a deep level, just how much he will never, ever, understand about Atevi. He now lives among Atevi, is honored by (some) of them, and his human friends and family find him truly odd because he's become so very Atevi in behavior. In fact, Bren finds himself a little odd.
So in Divergence, Bren takes action only once, and perfectly properly, then sits out action-situations that he formerly would have plunged into and derailed by his human reactions. He uses mature good sense instead of human impulse, and tweaks the Atevi politics just a bit, here and there, helping to bring peace to a troubled region of the Atevi civilization.
The novel ends off with a springboard into the next novel, as Bren and a train load of Atevi head for the estate Bren now calls home, anticipating a little time to breathe before the next emergency. I don't think they'll have much time.
Much of Divergence is simply Bren thinking over the salient moves by Atevi in previous novels, understanding now (as never before) how these moves have led to the current opportunity to make peace. It is a long reprise of previous events, reminding the reader of which events are the most significant for understanding what must come in the next novel. This makes the book almost one, lone, expository lump. But Cherryh's writing is so deft, so cogent, so tightly pointed, that it is an absorbing good read. The previous novels are so well written, the characters so vividly portrayed, that the reader remembers each of these movers sand shakers of the Atevi world as they are mentioned -- full context.
That is why I recommend this series so highly, but start with the first novel, Foreigner.
If you're a writer, and have been reading the Foreigner Series, study Divergence closely for exposition techniques. Long-long passages summarizing and reminding of previous novels in the series, but re-interpreting events you thought you understood but now know ever so much more about.
The real hero of Divergence is The Dowager. In fact, she's the real hero of the whole series, according to this new interpretation of events.
And now she's feeling her mortality.
September 8, 2020
Bren Cameron and the Aiji-dowager, Ilisidi --in the thick of Atevi politics!
In this, the 21st in the Foreigner series, I find myself still as fascinated with the Atevi and theirtheir culture and politics as ever! Including the space station inhabitants. (Given the new space race to be in, the space station seems all too real.) There are three distinct groups the Atevi, the humans from the Mospheiran enclave, and the Space Station humans--all the humans being foreigners (indeed the humans are distinct foreign groups to each other) to this Atevi world.
The aiji-dowager, Ilisidi , in her own inimitable way, has decided the time is ripe to settle once and for all the fermentation in the South supported by Lord Tiajo in the Dojisigin Marid—and the outlawed Assassins Guild splinter group, the Ghost Guild. She has taken the Red Train south along with some key players she sees as important to that outcome.
Bren Cameron, paidhi-aiji, the ambassador interpreter and the chief negotiator for Tabini-aiji accompanies her with the Aiji's words ringing in his ears, "Keep her safe. Tabini’s final order to him, hours before he boarded the train."
As always the feisty Atevi Dowager is five moves ahead and six sideways of everyone else. She is one of my favorite characters.
Bren does reminiscence about his first meeting and testing with the dowager. I do think that was one of my favorite tales.
The entourage move towards the troubled areas with important relevant lords, Lord Bregani, his wife and daughter; Lord Machigi of the Taisigin. A new treaty has been proposed. Felicitous Three for the agreement including nand’ Bren. (Numbers have a religious imprimatur for the Atavi)
Lord Geigi on the space station, friend and ally to the Duchess manages to surprise even her.
On board the Red Train is "Nomari, a railway worker, favored candidate to take on the lordship of Ajuri. This brings the important personnel to felicitous seven. The aiji-dowager has decided to test Nomari's mettle.
Meanwhile Cajeiri, Tabini-Aiji's son has turned fortunate nine and finds himself a keeper of knowledge and given greater understandings about his parents relationship and reasons for their actions. He gives us a brief outline of much that has occurred up to now.
A lot of political jockeying is at the forefront. Man’chi (commitment and loyalty) is tested.
Nomari reveals more of himself. Bren manages to bring some plans to fruition but not without his Atevi priectors becoming somewhat disturbed.
As the aiji-dowager and the Assasins Guild look to root out the renegade and entrenched Shadow Guild, Bren finds himself facing a direction that will take nerve and strength.
I am constantly amazed by Cherryh. It continually dazzles me as to how she's able to maintain this world so cleverly and how the series continues to engage my interest right from the very first novel to the latest. I'm never disappointed!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
In this, the 21st in the Foreigner series, I find myself still as fascinated with the Atevi and theirtheir culture and politics as ever! Including the space station inhabitants. (Given the new space race to be in, the space station seems all too real.) There are three distinct groups the Atevi, the humans from the Mospheiran enclave, and the Space Station humans--all the humans being foreigners (indeed the humans are distinct foreign groups to each other) to this Atevi world.
The aiji-dowager, Ilisidi , in her own inimitable way, has decided the time is ripe to settle once and for all the fermentation in the South supported by Lord Tiajo in the Dojisigin Marid—and the outlawed Assassins Guild splinter group, the Ghost Guild. She has taken the Red Train south along with some key players she sees as important to that outcome.
Bren Cameron, paidhi-aiji, the ambassador interpreter and the chief negotiator for Tabini-aiji accompanies her with the Aiji's words ringing in his ears, "Keep her safe. Tabini’s final order to him, hours before he boarded the train."
As always the feisty Atevi Dowager is five moves ahead and six sideways of everyone else. She is one of my favorite characters.
Bren does reminiscence about his first meeting and testing with the dowager. I do think that was one of my favorite tales.
The entourage move towards the troubled areas with important relevant lords, Lord Bregani, his wife and daughter; Lord Machigi of the Taisigin. A new treaty has been proposed. Felicitous Three for the agreement including nand’ Bren. (Numbers have a religious imprimatur for the Atavi)
Lord Geigi on the space station, friend and ally to the Duchess manages to surprise even her.
On board the Red Train is "Nomari, a railway worker, favored candidate to take on the lordship of Ajuri. This brings the important personnel to felicitous seven. The aiji-dowager has decided to test Nomari's mettle.
Meanwhile Cajeiri, Tabini-Aiji's son has turned fortunate nine and finds himself a keeper of knowledge and given greater understandings about his parents relationship and reasons for their actions. He gives us a brief outline of much that has occurred up to now.
A lot of political jockeying is at the forefront. Man’chi (commitment and loyalty) is tested.
Nomari reveals more of himself. Bren manages to bring some plans to fruition but not without his Atevi priectors becoming somewhat disturbed.
As the aiji-dowager and the Assasins Guild look to root out the renegade and entrenched Shadow Guild, Bren finds himself facing a direction that will take nerve and strength.
I am constantly amazed by Cherryh. It continually dazzles me as to how she's able to maintain this world so cleverly and how the series continues to engage my interest right from the very first novel to the latest. I'm never disappointed!
A DAW ARC via NetGalley
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
August 6, 2021
2.5 stars. This is better than the previous book, so I’m tempted to sing its praises. However, there’s no getting around the fact that it consists almost entirely of stilted, repetitious political conversations. At least this time there is some exciting stuff happening in the background. Some of the conversations happen on a moving train, which is being shot at! Some of them happen in a building where the off-stage action is almost audible! There’s even a bus ride! Disappointingly, nobody shoots at the bus.
This episode is a direct continuation of the last book, and they could easily have been condensed into a single volume. Bren and party are still on the train. There are a very few scenes with Cajeiri having yet more stilted conversations with his parents. They do have a nice moment where they tell him about their courtship and marriage.
I’m hooked on the language of these books, or I wouldn’t keep reading them. Cherryh’s writing requires almost more patience than I have, but I try to be charmed rather than annoyed by the frankly ridiculous amount of rehashing she inflicts on her readers. I love the characters, but they have gone completely stale over the last several books.
I’ve just picked up the first two books in this series and re-read them. The first one is as awkward as I remember, but the second one is much better. The most striking thing I noticed was that the atevi around Bren display actual personalities. In recent books they do little except stand around and approve of whatever Bren is doing.
This episode is a direct continuation of the last book, and they could easily have been condensed into a single volume. Bren and party are still on the train. There are a very few scenes with Cajeiri having yet more stilted conversations with his parents. They do have a nice moment where they tell him about their courtship and marriage.
I’m hooked on the language of these books, or I wouldn’t keep reading them. Cherryh’s writing requires almost more patience than I have, but I try to be charmed rather than annoyed by the frankly ridiculous amount of rehashing she inflicts on her readers. I love the characters, but they have gone completely stale over the last several books.
I’ve just picked up the first two books in this series and re-read them. The first one is as awkward as I remember, but the second one is much better. The most striking thing I noticed was that the atevi around Bren display actual personalities. In recent books they do little except stand around and approve of whatever Bren is doing.
September 23, 2020
Arrggh! It kills me to rate this so low, as this series is fantastic. But this book falls flat. After a brief flurry of excitement, all of the action occurs off-screen. Our heroes are being shot at, but since they are on a windowless train, all we get is "ping" off the armor.
The rest of the book is talking and negotiating and getting reports of things that happened elsewhere. Yes, these things are interesting, but the entire book is so passive...
Plus we get only a few pages with Cajeiri and his human ashid. They bring a delightful perspective to the stories, and their absence is noted.
Last, the normal rhythm over 20 books has been mini-trilogies, so this book should have completed the current story arc, but it didn't.
But the words continue to be elegant, descriptive, and flowing. Wonderful prose.
I will read the next one, because I love her writing and I have enjoyed the series for 20 years.
The rest of the book is talking and negotiating and getting reports of things that happened elsewhere. Yes, these things are interesting, but the entire book is so passive...
Plus we get only a few pages with Cajeiri and his human ashid. They bring a delightful perspective to the stories, and their absence is noted.
Last, the normal rhythm over 20 books has been mini-trilogies, so this book should have completed the current story arc, but it didn't.
But the words continue to be elegant, descriptive, and flowing. Wonderful prose.
I will read the next one, because I love her writing and I have enjoyed the series for 20 years.
August 23, 2022
"Are you afraid, paidhi?"
"Not since the first cup of tea, aiji-ma." It was a risky, a brash answer. "I have drunk every cup since that without question."
This picks up right on the heels of the last book, because really, it's an extension of the last book. A bit more going on than the previous installment, and a great deal of reflection on past occurrences, like Cherryh wanted the reader to really sit up and say "wow, look at all the character development from the last 20 novels." (It works. Don't ask me how.)
Bren is more tired than we've seen him for a while. Finishing this on a Monday, I found the mood relatable.
Bren took his turn in the accomodation, shed clothes, shaved and washed--then leaned, forehead against the cold metal of the wall and shut his eyes a moment, thinking. . . one more hour. One more hour of sleep would have set him up.
(by the way: that's 4 commas, an em-dash, and an elipsis in one sentence. Conservative, for Cherryh.)
Is it worth its own installment? Yes and no. Honestly, I think the last four books (Convergence, Emergence, Resurgence, Divergence) could have been condensed into 2 or 3 volumes instead of 4. There's been a sense in these latest books of wrapping things up just enough to call it an ending, only to come back with a "But wait! There's more!" and adjust some small detail to extend the existing plotline. It gives the whole story a stutter-step, overstretched feeling that I don't remember experiencing in the earlier "subtrilogy" arcs. But this book at least feels fairly cohesive. It's mostly tarnished by it's predecessor.
Emergence was stronger (by far) than Convergence. Similarly Divergence seems stronger (in lesser degree) than Resurgence.
Some Overall Closing Thoughts on the Foreigner Series:
Obviously, Cherryh did not set out to write a 21 volume series back in the 90s. She had a trilogy. It was awesome! And then the world and characters she'd made said something like "but why stop there?" and here we are.
It's been a ride. A wonderful, messy, occasionally convoluted ride with plenty of retcons and inconsistencies (minor and major). There have been times I was frustrated, times I rolled my eyes, and even a couple times when I started muttering "Just get on with it already, Cherryh," under my breath. But at the end of the day, I've enjoyed it. It's been a LONG time since I found a book world I was this invested in. And I'm not ready to say goodbye.
Thankfully, I don't have to, because Cherryh is apparently working on YET ANOTHER Foreigner book.
Bren started this series on an emotional edge, but he's found peace through all of it. Small wonder that various Mospheiran contacts start commenting on how he seems "better" or "settled." I was skimming back through my Foreigner highlights before writing this review and... yeah. bb!Bren's all grown up and fairly sane now.
It's a series that inspires a tangled response. The writing is good, the continuity less. The characters are good, the pacing varies. The world is good, but the depth of focus is all over the place. Rating the series as a whole, I'd say 3.5 to 4 stars. Most of them are worth a reread. One or two I'd hesitate over (Convergence.........).
October 17, 2020
I've felt since Visitor that this series has been heading toward an ending, and Divergence has solidified that impression. Visitor closed off the plotline of contact with the kyo, Convergence and Emergence settled most of the human politics including providing for successors for Bren, and Resurgence and Divergence turn their attention back to the politics of the Marid and the matter of the Shadow Guild, with Ilisidi facing her mortality and the life's work of continent-wide peace, long-standing matters of politics she has been working to see stabilized and settled.
Divergence calls back to questions asked in the series' earliest installments: can a human really understand the alien instincts that bind atevi together? What is man'chi if it's not love? Is it possible to reconcile a society without love with the seemingly default nuclear family arrangements we see among important characters in the series, such as Tabini and Damiri's marriage, and the presence of sexual but not and never romantic attraction in atevi society? We spend the book almost entirely in Bren's head as he acts as Ilisidi's proxy in a tense situation where she can't risk her life, he realizes the power he actually wields within atevi society by virtue of being the person in the midst of negotiations even if his authority comes from someone else, and as his aishid informs him that he is the primary enemy of the Shadow Guild, the architect of everything they see as evil human influence. Divergence ends with the foreshadowing of this conflict coming to a head, with the Shadow Guild forced to retreat to territory close to home--.
Cajeiri gets a few key scenes, but not a full B-plot this time around, having himself been settled into the position as his father's heir. It was nice to see more of Tabini and Damiri through his eyes, and I was grateful we just spent more time with Bren instead of having it divided. Continuity is still rough with Nomari, whose age seems to slide around a bit and who displays unexpected skills as the plot requires. I could see this wrapping up in two more books like the last plotlines or three like the earlier sequences, but either way I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Divergence calls back to questions asked in the series' earliest installments: can a human really understand the alien instincts that bind atevi together? What is man'chi if it's not love? Is it possible to reconcile a society without love with the seemingly default nuclear family arrangements we see among important characters in the series, such as Tabini and Damiri's marriage, and the presence of sexual but not and never romantic attraction in atevi society? We spend the book almost entirely in Bren's head as he acts as Ilisidi's proxy in a tense situation where she can't risk her life, he realizes the power he actually wields within atevi society by virtue of being the person in the midst of negotiations even if his authority comes from someone else, and as his aishid informs him that he is the primary enemy of the Shadow Guild, the architect of everything they see as evil human influence. Divergence ends with the foreshadowing of this conflict coming to a head, with the Shadow Guild forced to retreat to territory close to home--.
Cajeiri gets a few key scenes, but not a full B-plot this time around, having himself been settled into the position as his father's heir. It was nice to see more of Tabini and Damiri through his eyes, and I was grateful we just spent more time with Bren instead of having it divided. Continuity is still rough with Nomari, whose age seems to slide around a bit and who displays unexpected skills as the plot requires. I could see this wrapping up in two more books like the last plotlines or three like the earlier sequences, but either way I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
February 13, 2022
Please start at the beginning with this series. While Divergence was fine, I was disappointed. CJ Cherryh is not in the best of health. Rather than continuing to expand the arc, I feel like she and her coauthor need to be working much harder to figure out how to quickly bring this beloved and long-running series to a concluding point.
June 15, 2022
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You would think that after 21 books, this series would get stale. It doesn’t. it somehow gets even more exciting with time. I cannot fathom how Cherryh manages to make this series continuously interesting through 21 books, but I’m so thankful because this series is always a sure thing.
I don’t recommend this to be your introduction to the series. In fact, even if you had read this series and looking to see if this is a good pick up point, I would caution against it. Divergence takes up immediately after the end of Resurgence without barely a pause. One thing Cherryh has been better (or worse?) about is making it harder to find an ending point as a reader. Every book ends with just more questions, with more things to find out in the next book. And Divergence isn’t an exception. I was definitely just left wanting more at the end of the book. Though, that isn’t a surprise to me.
I just loved where Divergence took the story. This is very much a series of journey not destination. Much to the contradiction to the ending of every single book where Bren has to hop on train/plane/macheita and get somewhere else very very quickly to save the day. If this were a series about journey I doubt it would have gone on for 21 books.
In a lot of ways Divergence felt like a book of setups. Ilisidi is fucking planning something. I want in on her plans because I know they’re going to be amazing. Unfortunately for Bren, this also means he is left in the dark to her full plans, too. So in a lot of ways this book feels like it is just killing time. But when reading it doesn’t feel that way. You’re just hooked in and desperate for answers.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to no end.
ARC received from DAW on Netgalley. This did not affect my review.
You would think that after 21 books, this series would get stale. It doesn’t. it somehow gets even more exciting with time. I cannot fathom how Cherryh manages to make this series continuously interesting through 21 books, but I’m so thankful because this series is always a sure thing.
I don’t recommend this to be your introduction to the series. In fact, even if you had read this series and looking to see if this is a good pick up point, I would caution against it. Divergence takes up immediately after the end of Resurgence without barely a pause. One thing Cherryh has been better (or worse?) about is making it harder to find an ending point as a reader. Every book ends with just more questions, with more things to find out in the next book. And Divergence isn’t an exception. I was definitely just left wanting more at the end of the book. Though, that isn’t a surprise to me.
I just loved where Divergence took the story. This is very much a series of journey not destination. Much to the contradiction to the ending of every single book where Bren has to hop on train/plane/macheita and get somewhere else very very quickly to save the day. If this were a series about journey I doubt it would have gone on for 21 books.
In a lot of ways Divergence felt like a book of setups. Ilisidi is fucking planning something. I want in on her plans because I know they’re going to be amazing. Unfortunately for Bren, this also means he is left in the dark to her full plans, too. So in a lot of ways this book feels like it is just killing time. But when reading it doesn’t feel that way. You’re just hooked in and desperate for answers.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series to no end.
ARC received from DAW on Netgalley. This did not affect my review.
August 17, 2025
Not much plot. Endless re-hashing of very little for most of the book. And the little bits of plot we did get was mostly telling and no showing. I really wasn’t in the mood for that, so I skimmed a lot.
Ilisidi, Bren and various Lords are still on that train in Hasjuran. Certain events make them move the train to a beleaguered town, Koperna, Lord Bregani‘s capital.
A little over halfway into this book I had lost the will to live and had no interest to keep up with the discussion of who had trouble with whom and why. I was just going through the motions, being committed on finishing the series. If this had been anything else but the Foreigner series, I would have DNFd this a third into the book.
I get all the political difficulties and that the various factions have problems dealing with each other. But do we really have to read about it again and again without any changes? I feel as if we had all those explanations already in the previous book(s). Can we just get on with it and move the overarching storyline along a little?
The most interesting thing happening during the train ride: Lord Geigi dropping one of his relay stations onto the planet. The action towards the end was not bad. But all things considered I was bored. The amount of plot we had would have been fine as a novella. This was much too repetitive and had too much padding.
🚂🚂¾
Ilisidi, Bren and various Lords are still on that train in Hasjuran. Certain events make them move the train to a beleaguered town, Koperna, Lord Bregani‘s capital.
A little over halfway into this book I had lost the will to live and had no interest to keep up with the discussion of who had trouble with whom and why. I was just going through the motions, being committed on finishing the series. If this had been anything else but the Foreigner series, I would have DNFd this a third into the book.
I get all the political difficulties and that the various factions have problems dealing with each other. But do we really have to read about it again and again without any changes? I feel as if we had all those explanations already in the previous book(s). Can we just get on with it and move the overarching storyline along a little?
The most interesting thing happening during the train ride: Lord Geigi dropping one of his relay stations onto the planet. The action towards the end was not bad. But all things considered I was bored. The amount of plot we had would have been fine as a novella. This was much too repetitive and had too much padding.
🚂🚂¾
November 20, 2023
If you haven't read previous books in this series, don't start here, as nothing will make sense.
And there is no way to talk about this entry in this long-running series, without some background:
The Dojisigin have been a blight on the Marid for years, preying on their neighbours, while the Marid as a whole has been difficult to outright responsible for many of the instabilities within the aishididat. Ilsidi has been trying for years, since Tabini's father's time as ruler to now, many years later, to settle the contentiousness of the Marid.
With Machigi's compliance, thanks to the sweet trade deal she brokered between his region, Taisigin, and her beloved Malguri, and his taking over of neighbouring land, she's achieved what no one before her has. But it's not enough. Tiajo, head of the Dojisigin, has been terrible for all atevi, especially her own people, and Ilsidi has had it. Now that she has a possible contender for the Ajuri lordship, Nomari, and the blunt lord Topari in Hasjuran in the mountains to deal with, she snags all the assets she wants (Machigi, Nomari, a bunch of Guild, and Bren-paidhi, of course) and hightails it on the Red Train to sit above Senjin, and give its Lord, Bregani, a tough choice: Deal (this is Ilsidi, after all), as Ilsidi has her sights on Senjin's neighbour, Dojisigin. Ilsidi's feeling her age, and she wants her final major achievement to be settling the fractious Marid for everyone's benefit.
Now for this book:
That she and Tabini have the same goal but a different timetables for it causes conflict over the course of this entertaining book. Of course, there is a lot of reiteration of older history as laid out in previous books, but there is enough tension created over this installment as Bren had to smooth the sentiments of multiple lords after Sidi-ji's typical aggressive tactics and highhandness. And her brilliant tactics. She knows Bren will soften and mitigate where necessary, but will still get the compliance she wants out of the various prickly rulers she needs to fall in line with her way of thinking. Is there much tea drinking along the way? Yes. Is Bren at sea but trying desperately to satisfy both Sidi-ji's and Tabini's wills, while making sure as little shooting happens? Is his aishid the best? Of course!
We see a new area of this world, getting a somewhat better sense of what Senjin is like, and its ruler, and the stresses he has been under as Tiajo's neighbour. And Bren gets to watch Brengani's teenaged daughter possibly fall for an unattached young man, which we've not seen before in this series.
We also see an almost ten-year-old Cajeiri realizing that there are so many undercurrents between his parents, Mani, and Uncle, and though all want similar things, they all have their own ways of going about it. He's also beginning to more fully understand the responsibilities of having his expanded aishid, as well as how his words can bridge the differences amongst the people he cares for.
I totally enjoyed this entry, and am anxious to get to the next book, as this one ends with a number of story threads open.
And there is no way to talk about this entry in this long-running series, without some background:
The Dojisigin have been a blight on the Marid for years, preying on their neighbours, while the Marid as a whole has been difficult to outright responsible for many of the instabilities within the aishididat. Ilsidi has been trying for years, since Tabini's father's time as ruler to now, many years later, to settle the contentiousness of the Marid.
With Machigi's compliance, thanks to the sweet trade deal she brokered between his region, Taisigin, and her beloved Malguri, and his taking over of neighbouring land, she's achieved what no one before her has. But it's not enough. Tiajo, head of the Dojisigin, has been terrible for all atevi, especially her own people, and Ilsidi has had it. Now that she has a possible contender for the Ajuri lordship, Nomari, and the blunt lord Topari in Hasjuran in the mountains to deal with, she snags all the assets she wants (Machigi, Nomari, a bunch of Guild, and Bren-paidhi, of course) and hightails it on the Red Train to sit above Senjin, and give its Lord, Bregani, a tough choice: Deal (this is Ilsidi, after all), as Ilsidi has her sights on Senjin's neighbour, Dojisigin. Ilsidi's feeling her age, and she wants her final major achievement to be settling the fractious Marid for everyone's benefit.
Now for this book:
That she and Tabini have the same goal but a different timetables for it causes conflict over the course of this entertaining book. Of course, there is a lot of reiteration of older history as laid out in previous books, but there is enough tension created over this installment as Bren had to smooth the sentiments of multiple lords after Sidi-ji's typical aggressive tactics and highhandness. And her brilliant tactics. She knows Bren will soften and mitigate where necessary, but will still get the compliance she wants out of the various prickly rulers she needs to fall in line with her way of thinking. Is there much tea drinking along the way? Yes. Is Bren at sea but trying desperately to satisfy both Sidi-ji's and Tabini's wills, while making sure as little shooting happens? Is his aishid the best? Of course!
We see a new area of this world, getting a somewhat better sense of what Senjin is like, and its ruler, and the stresses he has been under as Tiajo's neighbour. And Bren gets to watch Brengani's teenaged daughter possibly fall for an unattached young man, which we've not seen before in this series.
We also see an almost ten-year-old Cajeiri realizing that there are so many undercurrents between his parents, Mani, and Uncle, and though all want similar things, they all have their own ways of going about it. He's also beginning to more fully understand the responsibilities of having his expanded aishid, as well as how his words can bridge the differences amongst the people he cares for.
I totally enjoyed this entry, and am anxious to get to the next book, as this one ends with a number of story threads open.
October 29, 2020
Most of the book consists of Bren's mind-numbingly trivial and dull reminiscences while he's sitting on a train, waiting on external events. In his mind, he rehashes politics, history, and personal relationships. There's a lot of repetition. The tiny bit of action again comes mostly at the end, and both times it involves a young woman disappearing.
Cajeiri is back in the capital, waiting at a remote distance to hear news from the train. He does have a moving moment with his mother, and his parents begin to treat him as more of an adult. Cajeiri gains insight into why his mother thinks and behaves as she does.
This used to be my favorite series, but this time I skimmed much of it. It's become more of a character study than an adventure saga.
Cajeiri is back in the capital, waiting at a remote distance to hear news from the train. He does have a moving moment with his mother, and his parents begin to treat him as more of an adult. Cajeiri gains insight into why his mother thinks and behaves as she does.
This used to be my favorite series, but this time I skimmed much of it. It's become more of a character study than an adventure saga.
July 6, 2020
The twenty-first book in the Foreigner saga continues the adventures of diplomat Bren Cameron. Once again Bren is In the middle of the action. The problem - there is little action and a lot of in the head thinking and remembering. This was just a slow read - I think I said the same thing about book twenty. I waded through the story and will continue to read the series but I do hope it get more interesting.
May 12, 2021
Sorry for the lengthy review, but I love this series
This is another fun and engrossing read from the award winning author of so many epic Sci-Fi series. This is the 21st book of the Foreigner series, and as usual, I can’t wait for the next book. This book continues the saga of the Atevi and the human Padhi Ajji as they move forward to continue to solidify the associations among the southern Marid and confront additional issues with the Shadow Guild. Led by the Ajii Dowager, they have traveled to the Marid on the red train. She has laid her own spiderweb of plans in place. In the interim, unknown by her and her party, Tabini-ajii has begun his own moves in the region with the assistance of Lord Geigi and the space station. Another thread continues, involving Cajeri, who is growing in age as well as political knowledge. Watching his relationship and perspective change is well done. It only gets better from here and your favorites are all present. New characters are added, enhancing and shifting alliances. Fans will not be disappointed, except that they will have to wait for the next book to see what happens next.
If you have not read any of the Foreigner novels, unfortunately, this book is not for you. The ongoing social, political, and moral background concepts that support this series have gotten too complex to start at the end. What started as a simple landing by desperate humans onto what was thought to be an unpopulated planet has evolved into a complex and fascinating story line. It’s a long series, but if you start at an early point, this is a series you will enjoy, and like the rest of us, be anxious that we have to wait for the next book.
This is another fun and engrossing read from the award winning author of so many epic Sci-Fi series. This is the 21st book of the Foreigner series, and as usual, I can’t wait for the next book. This book continues the saga of the Atevi and the human Padhi Ajji as they move forward to continue to solidify the associations among the southern Marid and confront additional issues with the Shadow Guild. Led by the Ajii Dowager, they have traveled to the Marid on the red train. She has laid her own spiderweb of plans in place. In the interim, unknown by her and her party, Tabini-ajii has begun his own moves in the region with the assistance of Lord Geigi and the space station. Another thread continues, involving Cajeri, who is growing in age as well as political knowledge. Watching his relationship and perspective change is well done. It only gets better from here and your favorites are all present. New characters are added, enhancing and shifting alliances. Fans will not be disappointed, except that they will have to wait for the next book to see what happens next.
If you have not read any of the Foreigner novels, unfortunately, this book is not for you. The ongoing social, political, and moral background concepts that support this series have gotten too complex to start at the end. What started as a simple landing by desperate humans onto what was thought to be an unpopulated planet has evolved into a complex and fascinating story line. It’s a long series, but if you start at an early point, this is a series you will enjoy, and like the rest of us, be anxious that we have to wait for the next book.
April 25, 2022
This is the Book #21 in the Foreigner Series. It was published in 2020. While this ended Bren and Iliside headed North to Bren's estate on the Big Red Train, I am anxious about when the next installation of the series will arrive. The author is getting along in years and so am I!
This book was focused more on Bren doing his diplomatic functions than action. In fact, all the action took place off stage. There was quite a bit of it, but the reader was not in the middle of it as has often happened in the past. That does not mean there was no tension. There was plenty, as we waited to learn if the kidnapped daughter of Lord Bregani would be rescued and for the Assassin's Guild to make the port safe and to track down members of the Shadow Guild. Cajeiri was heard from on occasion, as he demonstrated his maturity and was provided information by his father, mother, and uncle. But this book was mostly Bren mulling over the various possibilities of the situation in his head. He was given less information than usual by Ilisidi and by Tabini, but he's no novice at Atevi politics and was able to reach the right conclusions and take the appropriate actions.
It would appear that Ilisidi has brokered agreements in the South that will aid in bringing the various parts of country together but in doing so, the Shadow Guild is fleeing North with the intention of creating more havoc as it tries to stay in business.
This review will be meaningless to anyone who has not read this series. It's a review that will remind me of the basics so I can be ready to dive into the next installment when it appears.
This book was focused more on Bren doing his diplomatic functions than action. In fact, all the action took place off stage. There was quite a bit of it, but the reader was not in the middle of it as has often happened in the past. That does not mean there was no tension. There was plenty, as we waited to learn if the kidnapped daughter of Lord Bregani would be rescued and for the Assassin's Guild to make the port safe and to track down members of the Shadow Guild. Cajeiri was heard from on occasion, as he demonstrated his maturity and was provided information by his father, mother, and uncle. But this book was mostly Bren mulling over the various possibilities of the situation in his head. He was given less information than usual by Ilisidi and by Tabini, but he's no novice at Atevi politics and was able to reach the right conclusions and take the appropriate actions.
It would appear that Ilisidi has brokered agreements in the South that will aid in bringing the various parts of country together but in doing so, the Shadow Guild is fleeing North with the intention of creating more havoc as it tries to stay in business.
This review will be meaningless to anyone who has not read this series. It's a review that will remind me of the basics so I can be ready to dive into the next installment when it appears.
March 6, 2025
I do feel torn. Divergence is not among the strongest of Cherryh's Foreigner series as it exemplifies the most tendencious of her latter tendencies. Dramatic beats are extended to full series, days becomes the meter by which novels are measured, and repetition like a kaleidoscope risks deadening the thrills as events are discussed and re-discussed with different perspectives. So all that is true.
But at heart, there is something so fascinating in Cherryh's patient, loving extension of the concept: her characters, her world, and her tenacious grasp of political negotiations in a best-case world. The allure of competence, which has driven science fiction as different as Jack Vance or Elizabeth Moon, here becomes inscripted into an almost Victorian dedication to the serial and to the quotidian. There is very little like it, and I wish Cherryh all the best as she pursues Bren, the dowager, and precious Cajeiri as far as her interest takes her. Every book is a reward and a gift.
But at heart, there is something so fascinating in Cherryh's patient, loving extension of the concept: her characters, her world, and her tenacious grasp of political negotiations in a best-case world. The allure of competence, which has driven science fiction as different as Jack Vance or Elizabeth Moon, here becomes inscripted into an almost Victorian dedication to the serial and to the quotidian. There is very little like it, and I wish Cherryh all the best as she pursues Bren, the dowager, and precious Cajeiri as far as her interest takes her. Every book is a reward and a gift.
June 29, 2021
This one was very slow. An alternate title could be "An incident in the life of an important bureaucrat." But there was a bit of excitement at the end, in typical Cherryh style, and I will certainly read the next one when it comes out. There is something just charming about the main character Bren. Even though the book took me two and a half months to finish, I did finish it.
(I'm giving it a two star rating based on the Goodreads "It was okay" meaning.)
(I'm giving it a two star rating based on the Goodreads "It was okay" meaning.)
February 10, 2022
Did C. J. Cherryh write the latest installment of her Foreigner science fiction series with COVID in mind? The first half is so claustrophobic, taking place on a single train, then the action shifts to a town under martial law, where everyone must shelter in place while Guild factions battle. It seemed to sum up 2020 so well. As usual, Cherryh’s intricate exploration of an alien culture is exquisite.
July 15, 2021
It feels like we are approaching the end of Foreigner now. The dowager has been slowing down for some time now, but she's talking more and more about the end of her life now. She's sleeping more. She's sitting more. It's going to be a very sad read when she gets her final rest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2020
A good, solid read.
March 15, 2021
First Foreigner book I've given less than 4 stars. Just didn't seem to accomplish anything, plot wise.
September 12, 2020
Good
I love the Foreigner series. I'm also ready for a spin off. Maybe next time Cajeiri can be the star.
I love the Foreigner series. I'm also ready for a spin off. Maybe next time Cajeiri can be the star.
November 3, 2021
3+
I can't say that I hated this one but when I heard the narrator say "Epilogue" my thought was "finally."
I think Cherryh is building to expanding the world considerably, but the world building and slice of life stuff, which she's usually exceptionally good at, isn't as engrossing as usual for me. My life is upside down at the moment, so it's entirely possible it's me.
I can't say that I hated this one but when I heard the narrator say "Epilogue" my thought was "finally."
I think Cherryh is building to expanding the world considerably, but the world building and slice of life stuff, which she's usually exceptionally good at, isn't as engrossing as usual for me. My life is upside down at the moment, so it's entirely possible it's me.
November 27, 2021
Bren Cameron, the paidhi-aiji on a world far from the solar system, has the task of mediating between the humans who are foreign to the world, and the native atevi. And over the years his task has grown to include mediating between various atevi leaders and factions - which is how he's come to be in the Marid, a collection of southern provinces that have never quite assimilated into the Western Association, the ashidi'tat, which includes almost all atevi. But his efforts, and those of Ilisidi, a lord of the east and herself a former aiji of the aishidi'tat, to peacefully bring the Marid fully into the association run into a very large snag.
Tabini, the aiji in Shejidan, has intervened. At Tabini's instigation Geigi, the atevi stationmaster aloft in the space station which humans and atevi share equally, has sent down the last remaining lander to serve as a communications relay. This enables the Assasins Guild to communicate freely without interception by the outlaw Shadow Guild, and that enables the Guild to launch an invasion of the Dojisigin Marid, where Tiajo has been both a tool and a manipulator of the Shadow Guild during her reign of terror. Ilisidi, Bren, and those with whom they have tighter or looser associations must try to survive in a land in turmoil, while their plans go off-track as Tabini - who' not on the scene - changes everything.
As I read the book immediately preceding this one - Resurgence - I considered how difficult it must be, over a course of years, to keep things fresh when the necessities of the series keep Bren Cameron running from one crisis to another. All we ever see is the eruption of a difficulty, whereupon Bren rushes to the scene and resolves it - over and over and over and over. I was beginning to think that perhaps Cherryh ought to wind up the series, which if I'm not mistaken is the longest series she's ever written, though it might be that her Alliance-Union books together number more. But here, with Divergence, Cherryh resurrects things. Instead of the book ending with the resolution of the latest cookie-cutter crisis, we're in the middle of something we've never seen before in the series, full-scale war, and Bren's heading off to try to handle it as best as he can. I am now really looking forward to the next installment.
And I need to say a word about the atevi. Robert Silverberg once said that thing about aliens is that they're alien, and alas, many science fiction writers (especially on TV or in the movies) don't grasp this. Star Trek is especially bad about this - the only difference between humans and Romulans and Klingons and Cardassians and whatnot is facial features and some external cultural characteristics. The motivations, emotions, and thinking are the same everywhere.
But C.J. Cherryh truly understands the alienness of aliens. In her best book ever, Forty Thousand In Gehenna, she presents the calibans, the most alien aliens I think I've ever encountered in decades of reading SF. And while the atevi in the Foreigner series are superficially humanoid, they're not at all human. It's not just that they're big - an average human is the size of an atevi child - but that their entire emotional makeup is different. They don't feel love, they don't even feel liking (the only way they can understand the verb "to like" is in terms of liking a salad, or something along that line), and they do feel man'chi, an emotion which resembles loyalty and resembles trust, but is neither. Cherryh has done a masterful job of creating aliens who aren't just humans in a different skin, and even if - as I've indicated above - the books in this series sometimes become far too similar, her portrayal of the atevi would keep me reading.
Tabini, the aiji in Shejidan, has intervened. At Tabini's instigation Geigi, the atevi stationmaster aloft in the space station which humans and atevi share equally, has sent down the last remaining lander to serve as a communications relay. This enables the Assasins Guild to communicate freely without interception by the outlaw Shadow Guild, and that enables the Guild to launch an invasion of the Dojisigin Marid, where Tiajo has been both a tool and a manipulator of the Shadow Guild during her reign of terror. Ilisidi, Bren, and those with whom they have tighter or looser associations must try to survive in a land in turmoil, while their plans go off-track as Tabini - who' not on the scene - changes everything.
As I read the book immediately preceding this one - Resurgence - I considered how difficult it must be, over a course of years, to keep things fresh when the necessities of the series keep Bren Cameron running from one crisis to another. All we ever see is the eruption of a difficulty, whereupon Bren rushes to the scene and resolves it - over and over and over and over. I was beginning to think that perhaps Cherryh ought to wind up the series, which if I'm not mistaken is the longest series she's ever written, though it might be that her Alliance-Union books together number more. But here, with Divergence, Cherryh resurrects things. Instead of the book ending with the resolution of the latest cookie-cutter crisis, we're in the middle of something we've never seen before in the series, full-scale war, and Bren's heading off to try to handle it as best as he can. I am now really looking forward to the next installment.
And I need to say a word about the atevi. Robert Silverberg once said that thing about aliens is that they're alien, and alas, many science fiction writers (especially on TV or in the movies) don't grasp this. Star Trek is especially bad about this - the only difference between humans and Romulans and Klingons and Cardassians and whatnot is facial features and some external cultural characteristics. The motivations, emotions, and thinking are the same everywhere.
But C.J. Cherryh truly understands the alienness of aliens. In her best book ever, Forty Thousand In Gehenna, she presents the calibans, the most alien aliens I think I've ever encountered in decades of reading SF. And while the atevi in the Foreigner series are superficially humanoid, they're not at all human. It's not just that they're big - an average human is the size of an atevi child - but that their entire emotional makeup is different. They don't feel love, they don't even feel liking (the only way they can understand the verb "to like" is in terms of liking a salad, or something along that line), and they do feel man'chi, an emotion which resembles loyalty and resembles trust, but is neither. Cherryh has done a masterful job of creating aliens who aren't just humans in a different skin, and even if - as I've indicated above - the books in this series sometimes become far too similar, her portrayal of the atevi would keep me reading.
June 8, 2021
This is book twenty-one --and currently the last -- in a long-running science fiction series that began with Foreigner in 1994. I've hugely enjoyed the series.
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. Some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. I do not. I note, however, that I found the starts of many of the books their weakest point.
Spoilers ahead. I am severely disappointed that books twenty-two and onward are not yet published. I may need to re-read one or more of my favorite books in the series as consolation.
4.5 out of five where-is-the-next-book stars.
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. Some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. I do not. I note, however, that I found the starts of many of the books their weakest point.
Spoilers ahead. I am severely disappointed that books twenty-two and onward are not yet published. I may need to re-read one or more of my favorite books in the series as consolation.
4.5 out of five where-is-the-next-book stars.
February 3, 2021
This one felt a lot more like things were actually happening. From the signing of the railroad agreement to defending it. But the remnants of the Shadow Guild actually feel like shadows now. There isn't a decisive stand and fight moment. There isn't a 'yes we overcame' moment. The ending is certainly more decisive than 18, but still ongoing. I liked Cajeiri's moments with his parents and finally learning some of those dynamics and having them begin to treat him as a little adult. Bren's parts were much longer and more frequent than Cajeiri's parts--which was to the good. I--against the opinions of literally everyone in story--like and maybe trust Machigi. I also think she did an excellent job of making me like the lord of Senjin. As for Nomari...I don't know. He's shifty. I don't feel good about him. I DO however also like Momichi and Homura, and think they're on the up and up--again, even though everyone else doesn't. I am now seriously worried about the time when Ilisidi is going to die of old age--I just can't even think about it. And I'm worried it's going to be in the next trilogy at some point. (But considering the last 6ish books all take place over a week or so, I guess she could live longer than that... I hope. Because she's the best.) I found it interesting that Banichi and Algini have tended to move as partners more recently and Bren is often left with Jago and Tano. I get that it's a seniority thing, but it feels weird. Plus, I feel like we always need more of Bren and his Aishid. Because salads. I'm totally looking forward to the next one! Can they finally finish these Shadow Guild off for good???
September 25, 2020
What a richly rewarding read! The Foreigner series never disappoints!
Book 21 Divergence is a milestone because the second POV character, the Atevi ruler's son & heir Cajeiri, is now nine. Atevi children mature much faster than human children. At the age of nine, Cajeiri has already outgrown his childhood. He is beginning to become a responsible young adult.
Cajeiri has been the second POV character since he turned six and went with our main POV character Bren on the human starship to attempt a rescue mission. (Humans had set up a second space station that was now under attack from a hostile alien species so they needed to withdraw and come back to the atevi planet, where the rest of the humans were.)
Starting with this book, it is clear that Cajeiri will have even a larger role in future books as he is now a player in his own right in the delicate dance of ruling (and watching your back because enemies are always out to get you).
But the main character remains Bren in his role as the paidhi-aiji. Spokesman for the ruler Tabini at times and for Tabini's grandmother the dowager-aiji at other times. Always the neutral party representing the interests of the atevi ruler. Bren has a fine line to tread, indeed, especially as he is only human (and thus cannot fully understand the still alien atevi).
Can't wait for the next installment in this fine series! Highly recommended for series readers who have the patience to appreciate a slow pace, even if at times the action seems precipitate! Totally my favorite series for a study in human-alien relations!
Book 21 Divergence is a milestone because the second POV character, the Atevi ruler's son & heir Cajeiri, is now nine. Atevi children mature much faster than human children. At the age of nine, Cajeiri has already outgrown his childhood. He is beginning to become a responsible young adult.
Cajeiri has been the second POV character since he turned six and went with our main POV character Bren on the human starship to attempt a rescue mission. (Humans had set up a second space station that was now under attack from a hostile alien species so they needed to withdraw and come back to the atevi planet, where the rest of the humans were.)
Starting with this book, it is clear that Cajeiri will have even a larger role in future books as he is now a player in his own right in the delicate dance of ruling (and watching your back because enemies are always out to get you).
But the main character remains Bren in his role as the paidhi-aiji. Spokesman for the ruler Tabini at times and for Tabini's grandmother the dowager-aiji at other times. Always the neutral party representing the interests of the atevi ruler. Bren has a fine line to tread, indeed, especially as he is only human (and thus cannot fully understand the still alien atevi).
Can't wait for the next installment in this fine series! Highly recommended for series readers who have the patience to appreciate a slow pace, even if at times the action seems precipitate! Totally my favorite series for a study in human-alien relations!
March 18, 2021
Oh how I have come to love the Foreigner saga. Not for everyone I understand but for me the way Cherryh shows Bren's thought processes as he struggles to grasp the Atevi way of being, feeling, and thinking is marvelous--and it takes time, so there isn't always a lot of slam-bang action happening, (in fact a lot of tea-drinking while assessing. . . ) totally fine with me. Anyway, Ilisidi the dowager-aigi is making (what is likely) her final moves on the chessboard--to take down a rogue lord of a rogue clan who have hosted the Shadow Guild and caused endless trouble. The Shadow Guild's goal is to turn back the clock, exterminate all the humans, destroy all the technology they brought into the Atevi world and 'go back' to simpler times (albeit, in reality to create chaos and anarchy.) Sound familiar? In a way it is an inevitable human thing, the conservative mind shrinks in terror from the unknown and, the arrival of the human on this planet two hundred years earlier did put an unnatural pressure on the Atevi people. Yet, as it turns out the pressures in the universe, other space-faring races--not necessarily friendly ones--have turned what might have been sure annihilation for the Atevi into a fighting chance to find a place for themselves, sharing the space station, learning the technology which will enable them to enter that arena in strength when the time comes. In the meantime, however, Ilisidi is intently focused on her own lifetime goal of securing peace on the planet. As always lovely to watch Cajeiri growing up. *****
November 10, 2021
3 stars.
Unfortunately, I feel that this book and the last should have been condensed into one and heaps of those recapping edited.
We don't really need Cajeiri in multiple meetings going over the situation again and again. First it was with his father, then his mother, then his Great-Uncle, then his Guild bodyguards. And on top of that he's thinking about the whole thing again in bed!
And on the other end, we have Bren doing exactly the same thing! First with Tabini, then with the Dowager, and of course with his Guild bodyguards. He also discussed the same thing with Cajeiri's long lost spy cousin, the Dowager's new scary partner and also with the clan lords swept up in the Dowager's scheme. It's almost as if the author worried that the readers would forget what they have been told and needed reminding again and again in nearly every chapter. It just got so tedious.
In between all the talk and internal discourses, there were a couple of incidents regarding the daughter of one of the clan lords but the fighting between the legitimate Guild and the Shadow Guild is pretty much all off-page and very tame. We have some consternation of new tech landing in very conservative clan lands. And the epilogue hinted at troubles moving to Bren's own home region.
I know that some like reading the minute details of how the Atevi political landscape came about. For me, I would far rather get to sorting out the issues than the constant retelling of historical events and alliances. This was not one of my favourite instalments.
Unfortunately, I feel that this book and the last should have been condensed into one and heaps of those recapping edited.
We don't really need Cajeiri in multiple meetings going over the situation again and again. First it was with his father, then his mother, then his Great-Uncle, then his Guild bodyguards. And on top of that he's thinking about the whole thing again in bed!
And on the other end, we have Bren doing exactly the same thing! First with Tabini, then with the Dowager, and of course with his Guild bodyguards. He also discussed the same thing with Cajeiri's long lost spy cousin, the Dowager's new scary partner and also with the clan lords swept up in the Dowager's scheme. It's almost as if the author worried that the readers would forget what they have been told and needed reminding again and again in nearly every chapter. It just got so tedious.
In between all the talk and internal discourses, there were a couple of incidents regarding the daughter of one of the clan lords but the fighting between the legitimate Guild and the Shadow Guild is pretty much all off-page and very tame. We have some consternation of new tech landing in very conservative clan lands. And the epilogue hinted at troubles moving to Bren's own home region.
I know that some like reading the minute details of how the Atevi political landscape came about. For me, I would far rather get to sorting out the issues than the constant retelling of historical events and alliances. This was not one of my favourite instalments.
November 30, 2021
#21 in the Foreigner series. every year i am afraid Cherryh will stop writing them; every year one comes along as a great gift. the complexity of the world, and all the characters in it, and the complexities of the politics and its strategies, just keeps expanding. this novel opens up a number of whole new areas of the world and new plotlines to follow through on in later novels, and it ends on a cliffhanger. but more importantly, the characters are still growing, and still surprising. and being human, we become so attached to their welfare and their dreams; it is not atevi, perhaps, but we invest in them, and emotional attachment results. Cajieri, at fortunate nine, here learns so much about his parents; Ilisidi the dowager shares her long-term strategy with Bren, for a wonder; the Marid changes in spite of itself, and space brings more technology into a very traditional world. what will come of it all? it's like a physical terraforming of the world, the advent of massive change, so carefully introduced over time, so dangerous to the built environment and the bedrock of both human and atevi ways of thinking. it cannot at this point be stopped, but it is destabilizing, impossibly delicate, often brutal: a vast experiment to share a planet. could the detente some day result in actual harmony and integration? is that even desirable? stay tuned. it's only book #21, so far, and not a wasted word.
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