LitPick Review
Disparate to the first few arcs of C. J. Cherryh's Foreigner series, which focused on the establishment of human-alien relations planet, the Conspirator commences the third arc, which instead discourses on the escalating regional fracas in the alien atevi culture. In previous arcs, it has been revealed that the humans on the atevi planet are descendants of those on an astray starship suffering systems failure. Although originally on a mission to establish a new solar colony on the outskirts of Earth's pecuniary empire, the ship is forced to land upon the nearest habitable planet, which they find to be the home of an alien culture, known as the atevi. The deeply varying social customs and inconsistencies in emotive aptitudes results in the War of Landing, where, despite their vast technology advantage, the humans are defeated. It is then decided that humans will settle on the Island of Mospheira, separate from the atevi geographically. The only human allowed to live among the atevi is the paidhi¸ responsible for all communication between the two societies. The story resumes after 200 years, focusing on the current paidhi, Bren Cameron. A recent civil war has profoundly distorted previous sectional associations, with the southern Marid area seeking to assert independence and a separate sphere of influence to the aishiditat alliance, and only recent has the Western alliance been able to institute a tentative peace in the planet. It is at this point that Conspirator begins. Paidhi Bren is forced to leave for his coastal enclave, due to the occupation of his apartment by southerners sympathizers who proclaim themselves loyal to the confederation; the tenuous situation in the South and emerging political conflicts prevents him from reacquiring his residence so as not to offend the Southern district. However, disappointed by Bren's decision to leave, the aijii's son, Cajeiri, decides to escape his father and leave for the coast as well. Emboldened by the fertile latency to eliminate both the heir to the throne and the aiji's most favored advisor in a single, efficient swoop, Southern separatists ambush Bren and Cajeiri. The novel focuses equally on the escalating political tensions and physical conflict resulting from these actions.
Opinion:
To one unfamiliar with the Foreigner series, such as me, it is difficult to adjust to the world of the atevi. However, after acclimatization, Conspirator proves a richly gratifying and technically salient read sure to please old hands and fresh partakers alike. Although inexperienced with the space opera genre, I was pleasantly surprised with Cherryhs facility to elucidate composite, multifaceted conceptions and drama so as to complement, rather than degrade, the traditional science fiction intrigues of action, suspense, and combat. Cherryhs certitude to maintain suspense and conflict through a tight, third-person accent greatly enhances the ambiance of the novel, and harmonizes with the ornately cultivated and mature characters. The plot is similarly well produced, clearly arranging the foundation for the successive novels in the arc. However, it is the very plot itself that retains the primary deficiencies in Conspirator. Due to the necessity of providing further momentum for subsequent novels, the plot seems to be composed of trivial, insignificant, and frivolous occurrences, which while satisfying initially, seem insubstantive after concluding the novel. However, the beautifully rendered writing and style are able to redeem the core of the story, and serve to propel Conspirator to excellence. Overall, an excellent read for those seeking quality based, elegant writing in a science fiction package.
