Emergence by CJ Cherryh (Foreigner #19)

Emergence by C.J. Cherryh

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Jacket blurb:  The nineteenth book in C.J. Cherryh's beloved Foreigner space opera series begins a new era for diplomat Bren Cameron, as he navigates the tenuous peace he has struck between human refugees and the alien atevi.

Alpha Station, orbiting the world of the atevi, has taken aboard five thousand human refugees from a destroyed station in a distant sector of space. With supplies and housing stretched to the breaking point, it is clear that the refugees must be relocated down to the planet, and soon. But not to the atevi mainland: rather to the territory reserved for human, the island of Mospheira.

Tabini-aiji, the powerful political head of the atevi, tasks his brilliant human diplomat, Bren Cameron, to negotiate with the Mospheiran government. For the Alpha Station refugees represent a political faction that the people of Mospheira broke from two centuries ago, and these Mospheirans are not enthusiastic about welcoming these immigrants from space.

If you're just coming across this series now, start with #1. Otherwise the book(s) won't make any sense - the plot builds on the previous book and spans something like 20 years.

In this latest installment, Bren is on Mospheira preparing the way for Cajeiri's human associates to come down from the Space Station to begin integration into human life and society after years of living in space. He fully recognizes these children may some day replace him.

Meanwhile, Cajeiri is at Uncle Tatiseigi's estate for what he hoped would be a vacation, only to find himself embroiled in politics that involve events put into motion by the Shadow Guild. Nomari, a distant cousin to his Mother is asking to be recognized as the Ajuri heir, Great Aunt Geidaro has attacked the padhi's borrowed bus laden with wounded and supplies, and Mother has shown up with his baby sister.

Most of the action in this installment is with Cajeiri - Bren's role on Mospheira is spent getting the children's housing, education and safety squared away. Tabini-ajji warns him he may be pulled back to Tabini's side pending what happens at Tirnanardi. Which is kinda what Bren was doing in book #18.

What we do see is Cajeiri growing in maturity and understanding, we see him connecting with his Mother, and we get to see the Ajji-da's role and character filled out. This is, really Cajeri's story and not Bren's, a rather significant shift in perspective.

Who we don't get to see in this installment is Grandmother. But I was alright with that. She has had such a prevalent role through this series that I didn't mind seeing the other characters shine.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this story - Cajeiri's thoughts, insight and actions just pull the reader along. While Bren has his usual angst, very little is actually in Bren's direct control and he recognizes that. If you've read the previous books, you won't be disappointed.

NOTE: Significant speculation ahead that contains spoilers.
(view spoiler)[
I also came away with the impression, that if the series were to end, it could end on this book. All goals and objectives have ultimately been resolved. Sure, there are some small items left, but that leaves the resolution up to the imagination of the reader. The big items tho:

The Cajeiri's human associates have landed to pave the way for the rest of the Reunioners, Mospheira and the Reunioners will experience growing pains in acclimatizing 5000 space faring people to a planet and (this is key) it's NOT Bren's problem.

The Shadow Guild has been further decimated.

An heir has been picked for Tirnanardi.

An ruler has been chosen for Ajuri.

Cajeiri and his mother have reconciled.

Bren is going home.

It does make one wonder... (hide spoiler)]



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