Book Review: Deliverer

Reviewed By: Cheryl - RAM

Deliverer     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
C. J. Cherryh
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction
Series: Foreigner # 9
Daw, 2007

'Deliverer' is a worthy addition to the lengthy Foreigner series. As Cherryh's numerous admirers know, the Foreigner books are the most recent and longest examples of her brilliant and innovative worldbuilding skills.

With eight earlier volumes, a lesser writer might have exhausted the possibilities provided by the efforts of the humans to get along with their own factions while managing their interactions with alien societies. But the re-entry of Bren, Ilisidi and Cajeiri to a world in turmoil, begun in "Pretender", propels the story into new territory. The earlier books focussed on the sometimes bloody attempts of the humans and atevi to forge a relationship between species who, at the most instinctive level, do not experience relationships with others the same way. In 'Delivererer', Cajieri, who has spent so long with humans, must develop the appropriate emotional responses towards his own species - a new experience in the joint histories of the humans and atevi.

Cherryh's story and world weaving skills remain superb. The plot, which might have degenerated into an example of 'hide and seek in the backwoods', in fact is well-paced, and suspense is sustained by the twists and turns of the plots among the various factions. All in all, this is an excellent addition to Cherryh's work.

Cheryl - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Cheryl - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.