Betrayer

Foreigner Sequence 4, Book 3

By: C. J. Cherryh

Narrated by: Daniel May

The 12th novel in Cherryh’s Foreigner space-opera series, a groundbreaking tale of first contact and its consequences....

In the wake of civil war, Bren Cameron, the brilliant human diplomat of the alien atevi civilization, has left the capital and sought refuge at his country estate, Najida. But now he is trapped inside Najida—which has been surrounded by enemies—with Ilisidi, the powerful grandmother of his ally, Tabini-aiji, atevi leader of the Western Association. But Ilisidi, the wily and dangerous aiji-dowager, is not inclined to be passive and in a brazen maneuver sends Bren into enemy territory, to the palace of Machigi, the leader of the rebels.

Bren's mission is to negotiate with Machigi—a young atevi lord who has never actually seen a human—and somehow persuade him to cease his hostile actions against the West. Bren knows that the autocratic Machigi rules a fractious clan and that his hospitality is not guaranteed. Bren's genius for negotiation enable him to make a daring trade offer to Machigi—one that seems to interest the young warlord. But Machigi is suspicious of Ilisidi's motives and, to Bren's utter shock, evokes an ancient law that jeopardizes Bren's life. Can Bren stay alive and not alienate Ilisidi or Tabini, while also representing the interests of their enemy?

The long-running Foreigner series can also be enjoyed by more casual genre listeners in sub-trilogy installments. Betrayer is the 12th Foreigner novel and the third book in the fourth subtrilogy.

©2011 C.J. Cherryh (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

The story continues

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you've been reading the Foreigner series, then you won't want to miss this book! The fighting is in and around Bren Cameron's country estate, as Bren must negotiate with Machigi to prevent a full out civil war. Again.

If this is your first contact with Cherryh's Foreigner series, stop! You really need to go back to the very beginning of the series. There is way too much that you've missed to start with this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ilisidi and the young son, Cajeri. The dowager continues to be a powerful and unpredictable force, with an agenda of her own. And Cajeri is a continuing surprise.

What does Daniel May bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Excellent narration, though a bit slow. But the Atevi voices feel right.

Any additional comments?

A great series. Highly recommended!!

A comfortable old friend

Revisiting this series after a number of years has been lovely - the characters feel like old friends and the storylines keep my interest.

This is impossible!!!!!!!!!!!

I never thought I would find the series I like so much!!!!!
There's nothing I can write, because any molecule of information may spoil your enjoyment of the series.

One thing is definite The Series is in my TOP 10 LIST!!!!!!!!!!!

An Excellent Series

Like Dune without the mysticism and ugly violence. I am listening to the whole series over again and picking up a lot more detail.

I am addicted

I am now 12 books into the series an loving it. the characters are well developed and you come to care about them, even wish to meet them. the books and their ideas stay with me even when they are done.

another good book in this series

I think in this particular series it's really important to have read the previous books in order to have a sense of what's going on. for those of you that have read the series this is a really good. The additional voice of the young aji is a welcome contrast in the series to the human characters. if you haven't read any of the books in the series I say lucky you and get back into the beginning and start from the beginning and you are in for a treat.

the last book in this 4th sequence

This is like the other reviews that I have done the real review is really in the first book in the sequences for each group of them so go there and read that.

This being the last book in the sequence doesn't end in a cliff hanger so you can wait if you need and read the next sequence later.

Excellent conclusion to this sequence

James Bond meets Downton Abbey. I love the combination of intrigue and courtly manners. Cherryh’s Atevi are fantastically well thought out and three dimensional. Outstanding characters, both relatable and alien at once. Love this series!

This series is getting better!

Where does Betrayer rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high. Absolutely riveting.

What did you like best about this story?

So many intriguing elements in this book make it stand out in the series. Manchi is awakened in Cajeri, and the emotional descriptions are fascinating, as are Bren, Ilsidi and Cajeri's strategic thought processes. Barb learns some important lessons at last. Interior guild politics are more openly described. Things really happened. The world changed.

What does Daniel May bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voices are very distinct and feel right for the characters, except for Tabini.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

So many! There were two for Cajeri: 1. His internal realization of what manchi feels like, and also his awakening grasp of strategy on a global scale. 2. When he saves the day with his slingshota. For Bren, his chiropractic session in the enemy palace and his brilliant/terrifying negotiations with Magichi. Also loved the whole side plot with Cajeri's new guild brother/sister team. Great addition and plot device.

World Conflict

Would you listen to Betrayer again? Why?

Yes. This is the capstone book for the forth sequence of the Foreigner series. Cherryh has pulled off something that is very difficult, if not impossible. She has kept the series fresh, yet informs new readers during the introduction of each book of the action that has occurred previously. In this series, Bren Cameron is back on the world, and we are introduced again to Cajeiri, who is growing into his role as heir apparent with a considerable lack of grace -- although he is trying hard to behave and do as he should.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cajieri. His antics and immature thougts reflect Cherryh's background as an educator. His antics get him into a lot of hot water, but also serve to help drive the main plotline. Like many children, he lives encapsuled by an adult world which affects him, but which he can affect only minimally.

Which scene was your favorite?

In this third book, Cajieri is starting to mature, as he moves toward his ninth birthday. I think my favorite part is where he is trying to help his grandmother, and when bombs are thrown at Cameron's house, he is knocked down. But his main concern as he comes to himself is that he broke the tea service.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. I had a hard time breaking away to do other things I needed to do.

Any additional comments?

Concurrent with listening to this series, I re-read Cyteen, Regenisis and Forty Thousand in Gehenna. Cherryh is an author I re-read periodically, as a reminder of how good plotting and excellent writing actually work. Her writing is dense, packed with information on every page, yet well-paced and enjoyable.