Publisher's Weekly Review
Readers unfamiliar with Cherryh's Foreigner series (most recently 2007's Deliverer) are likely to be somewhat at sea in this complex and sophisticated 10th installment, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a space opera where ideas are as important as action. This book continues chronicling the experience of Bren Cameron, who serves as the paidhi-aiji, the interpreter for human colonists stranded on the planet of the alien atevi. Cameron's current concern is the spread of human technology, which has the potential to wreak havoc with the formal communication protocols the atevi rely on to maintain their societal structure. Cameron must engage in subtle diplomacy and political maneuvering while evading attempts on his life and keeping track of a headstrong young atevi nobleman. The lack of basic background may discourage new readers, but fans will be delighted. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Library Journal Review
Just as the human Bren Cameron learned the customs of the alien atevi, who ruled the world except for an island ceded to a group of stranded human colonists, now young Cajeiri, son of an atevi leader, must struggle to understand human customs as he survives a political assassination attempt. This tenth volume in Cherryh's long-running "Foreigner" series begins a fourth trilogy that brings human-alien relations into a new generation. Her lucid storytelling conveys enough backstory to guide newcomers without boring longtime series followers. The characters are well drawn, and Cherryh's depiction of both human and alien cultures is riveting. Expect fan demand. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.