Explorer (Second Foreigner Series #3) Book

6th book in the Foreigner series (end of the second trilogy)

Cherryh once more gives us a taut psychological and political thriller, in space. As always, there are more factions than you can count, all wanting different things, overtly manipulating events, and holding out vital information.

I can't figure out whether the reason I loved this instalment is due to the plot, or to having had already 5 previous books that have built and cemented this world and characters in my mind. More than likely, both. Whichever way you look at it, this one is just brilliant. Travel in space to rescue humans left on an abandoned space station, and to cap it, the possible threat of another alien nation!

The author does make this one a lot more suspenseful. Bren is an amazing character, as is Ilisidi (of course), Cajeiri, and Jason. The way these four are instrumental is just a delight to read. I also loved how the Atevi's customs, such as polite ceremony (tea, good food, proper attire), succeed in breaking barriers.

This is proving to be one of my favourite series ever. Roll on book 7 next month.