Welcome to the land of wonders, where time travel is possible, space travel a reality, and "what ifs" come to life. Join me as I explore new worlds--and old ones--filled with scientific wonders, new civilizations, and strange new mysteries to consider.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
The starship Phoenix had a mission to fulfill...but something went wrong. Instead of reaching the system they intended to go to, the Phoenix went far beyond known space. It went far beyond anything recognizable to its human passengers. The marooned travelers have no choice but to settle on the first available planet suitable for human habitation: that, or die. They choose a world that seems uninhabited, but it is, and the natives will not let the humans establish themselves without a fight.
Two hundred years later, the humans have secured an exiled existence on the island of Mospheira. No human can leave the island. Only the paidhi may live on the continent, but his existence is an exile all its own. The humans' continued survival relies upon the sacrificing of technological knowledge to the atevi, the world's original inhabitants. The paidhi is the one who reveals and disseminates that knowledge. However, he is one man alone, and there are those on both sides who desire the obliteration of the other. The paidhi is the one link between the atevi and the humans, but sometimes even the necessarily neutral human representative takes sides in the conflict.
The current paidhi, Bren Cameron, is possibly the most honorable man to serve in his position. Despite the success of his initial endeavors at maintaining peace between the two species, he becomes the target of a conspiracy to topple the atevi government. The aiji, the leader of atevi society, has entered into a stronger friendship with Bren--as much as their differences allow--than any previous aiji-paidhi relationship, and the unrest seeks one of the most vulnerable offices in the aiji's government. Bren goes into hiding with a potential enemy as the aiji and his officers work to unravel the threats to the government. Can Bren survive long enough to ensure continuing peace between the two species or will he see them step onto the road to destruction?
C. J. Cherryh offers up the first in a trilogy set on this strange and distant world. Foreigner brings us closer to the hardships of first contact than anything I have ever read before. Language problems, cultural differences, social protocols...now I can imagine how difficult it was for explorers to encounter foreign civilizations!
Buy this book in paperback or possibly the hardcover or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.
Looking for something that's no longer there? Check in the Archive to search for it.
Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.
Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews
Get your own Free Home Page