Convergence by CJ Cherryh (Foreigner #18)

Convergence by C.J. Cherryh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Jacket Blurb:   Convergence is the eighteenth book in C.J. Cherryh's beloved Foreigner space opera series.

Convergence marks a new phase in the Foreigner Universe: knowledge about the dangerous situation in adjacent space rests only with Bren Cameron, the human diplomat to the alien court of the atevi, four starship captains, and the two chiefs of state—both the human and the atevi, who share the planet.

Bren is obliged to carry the just-signed treaty to the human government on an island some forty miles off the shores of the atevi-ruled megacontinent, and—without explaining the dire situation that would send the people into chaos—to arrange for the human refugees who are crowding the space station to be landed on the island, since the atevi will not grant more land to the human residents of their planet. Bren, a native of this island, is now an atevi official—trying to prepare the human inhabitants for the arrival of many more desperate human refugees from space.

Premise of the book is the kyo have left the system. Tabini has sent Bren to the mainland to deliver the Kyo/Atevi/Mospherian treaty and to pave the path for the Reunioners to come to the planet. Cajeri is growing up and beginning to understand his role in his fathers court. He is sent to Uncle's estate, where he learns about associations.

'Course I'm summarizing greatly. This is the Foreigner series after all - grandiose, sweeping political drama spread out over years and years. Yeah, no easy way to summarize.

This was one of my favorite installments. The plot moved right along, with viewpoints alternating between Bren and Cajeri. Bren back on Mospheria under the auspices of Tabini-ajii. Cajeri at his Uncles learning what it means to be heir and forming associations. I really enjoyed watching Cajeri figure things out on his own.

Meanwhile, Bren is on the island convincing the Mospherian's that yes, he represents Human and Atavi interests, and trying to reassure the government that the Kyo threat has been removed while paving the way to bring the Reunioner's down.

Both plot lines were interesting, engaging and moved along.

My one concern with the book was a perceived uptick in repetition. One of the things I like about the series is how the author reminds the reader of things that happened in previous books. However, in the last couple books there was an increase in how many times Bren repeated a certain topic. In this installment, for example, it was Cajeri and Uncle discussing the Shadow guild. I understand a couple reminders, but when it's nearly every other conversation? I started skimming.

Ultimately, another solid installment in the Foreigner series, perhaps even one of the better books. Recommended if you've read the first seventeen.



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