Intruder
Foreigner Novel, No 13
C. J. Cherryh

Daw Books Inc
March 2012 / 978-0756407155
Science Fiction
Amazon

Reviewed by Jan Fields

Jumping into any series on the thirteenth book is challenging, but jumping into a C.J. Cherryh series on the thirteenth book is like being dropped into a foreign country. The sheer density of her created worlds make sorting out the people and protocols more than daunting. In this thirteenth book in the Foreigner series, human Bren Cameron is continuing on his diplomatic mission for the dominant Western Association of the Atevi people. His job is tricky -- build an alliance with Machigi, a long-time enemy of the Western Association with problems of his own. But the crafty Machigi makes Bren's mission both more complex and more dangerous by calling upon an ancient law that demands Bren represent both sides with equal loyalty. Since man'chi, or loyalty, is at the core of all relationships in Atevi society, this adds a totally new level of complexity to both Bren's life and the story. Amidst the staggering complexity of Bren's diplomatic work, we get charming visits with a young Atevi named Cajeiri. The combination of stiff formality (an important part of Atevi society) and youthful fun in Cajeiri's personality make his chapters a welcome break from the intensity of the Bren chapters.

Overall, this is undoubtedly a strong addition to the Foreigner series, but definitely not the book you want to use as an entry point to the Atevi world -- start with Foreigner and work your way through the series. Your brain will thank you.

Pretender , No. 8