Rating: 
Summary: Sluggish
Review: The quality of this book, versus the first one from this series, is somewhat improved; however, I still found it to be a bit of "work" to get thru at times. Bren (the main character) doesn't second-guess himself as much in this book, but there also isn't as much action as in the first book... lots of political and diplomatic minutia.
One indisputable thing that can be said about the books from this series - they aren't short. 456 paperback pages... and not a quick read, at that.
It looks like I'm going to try to get thru all six books from this series - but it isn't going to happen overnight... there are too many other SciFi series and genres that I find I enjoy more.
At least it looks like there will be more human characters for Bren to interact with in the next book (another human translater from "The Ship" gets sent to live among the atevi)... this should allow Bren to voice his concerns more, rather than mulling things over and over in his own mind... and maybe he'll try to make a move on Jago :)
Rating: 
Summary: A solid continuation of Foreigner, but lacks bite.
Review: This book features a seamless continuation of the events portrayed in Foreigner, including enticing tidbits of the differences between Humans and Atevi, and the relationships resulting from them. However, this book lacks bite, and at some times I found myself wondering why I was reading it, what I expected to happen that would make it engaging and worthwhile. I'm afraid that it remains a mystery. However, I'm still interested in the universe and the people that inhabit it, so I believe I will continue to search for more books containing them
Rating: 
Summary: The Best
Review: This is a complex and fascinating book, as are the others in the series. The subject's thoughts and feelings form a large part of the book, but are sufficiently developed to be absorbing. I am amazed that an ex-rugby player and action addict like myself would be so taken by this theme. I am happy to be able to report that her books generally have this quality.
Rating:
Summary: Just as good on the second reading...
Review: This is a complex and fascinating book, as are the others in the series. The subject's thoughts and feelings form a large part of the book, but are sufficiently developed to be absorbing. I am amazed that an ex-rugby player and action addict like myself would be so taken by this theme. I am happy to be able to report that her books generally have this quality.
Rating:
Summary: Continues to amaze!
Review: This series continues to amaze, with the second book just as riveting. Here Cherryh shines in her development of the Atevi characters, each one distinct and complex in his/her won way. Bren Cameron is of course as appealing and it is wonderful to find him growing close to his alien friends. Of course there is the subtle hints of affection (maybe love?) between Bren and Jago which I hope Cherryh will explore deeper in future books. The pace maybe slow at the beginning but the build-up to a possible collision between the Atevi and 2 different human cultures, one on land and the other in space is exquisitely handled. Now to start the third book! Well done Cherryh!
Rating:
Summary: Even Now There Is Something to Say About This One
Review: This series of books is one that I always keep within easy reach. The series has its ups and downs, but this book is a particular favorite because in this book the whole atevi culture and Bren Cameron's place in it starts to gel. While not action packed and the time period covered by the book is short, a lot happens as Bren makes certain irrevokable decisions that are sure to cause him problems in the future. The Atevi struggle within their culture to come to some resolution as to how they will interact with humans. Bren's personal life shifts from his connection with human family, associates and lover to finding a place within Atevi culture. While the pace is slow and the writing dense, this allows the reader to start to feel comfortable in the atevi world and to appreciate the complexities of the culture. Cherryh has done a very good job of creating a nonhuman culture that touches on enough points to be comprehensible and even attractive but still alien.
Rating:
Summary: Even Now There Is Something to Say About This One
Review: This series of books is one that I always keep within easy reach. The series has its ups and downs, but this book is a particular favorite because in this book the whole atevi culture and Bren Cameron's place in it starts to gel. While not action packed and the time period covered by the book is short, a lot happens as Bren makes certain irrevokable decisions that are sure to cause him problems in the future. The Atevi struggle within their culture to come to some resolution as to how they will interact with humans. Bren's personal life shifts from his connection with human family, associates and lover to finding a place within Atevi culture. While the pace is slow and the writing dense, this allows the reader to start to feel comfortable in the atevi world and to appreciate the complexities of the culture. Cherryh has done a very good job of creating a nonhuman culture that touches on enough points to be comprehensible and even attractive but still alien.
Rating:
Summary: An incredible vision of alien culture.
Review: Upon finishing the first book of this series, I immediately went out and bought this sequel. Cherryh's vision of alien culture is immensely complicated, and I was utterly fascinated. Cherryh expands wonderfully upon the linguistic complexities and tangled atevi cultural mores she outlined in Foreigner. Cherryh's aliens ARE alien: every time the protagonist Cameron becomes complacent about his understanding of atevi thinking, he gets a jolt. Although I feel that sequels often lack something, Invader is even better than Foreigner. Cherryh fills out her development of Cameron as an intensely driven yet lonely ambassador for humankind
Rating: 
Summary: Political and Social Commentary
Review: This politically-intricate series takes place on the world of the atevi, a very violent species who keep the peace via registered assassination. Atevi alliances are complex and based on personal loyalties rather than on geography. There are several factions among the atevi, and the infighting among them seriously affects the relationships between atevi and humans. Before the first book begins, there is a war between the two species. The outcome is that the humans are confined to a large island and limit contact with the atevi via one, and only one human, the paidhi.
This particular book, second in the series, is about the return of the human starship Phoenix, after nearly five centuries, and how the return affects the delicate balance of power between the humans on the planet and the native atevi. The humans on planet are also factionalized, and political infighting is rampant. The paidhi, Bren Cameron, must deal with the situation quickly to avert social collapse. If you like Frank Herbert's Dune and The Dosadi Experiment or C. J. Cherryh's The Faded Sun series, you'll like this series. It paints three divergent social structures and the interfaces between them. The alien society is the focus, and is rich in detail -- somewhat reminiscent of feudal Japan breaking into the modern age.
Rating:
Summary: Political and Social Commentary
Review: This politically-intricate series takes place on the world of the atevi, a very violent species who keep the peace via registered assassination. Atevi alliances are complex and based on personal loyalties rather than on geography. There are several factions among the atevi, and the infighting among them seriously affects the relationships between atevi and humans. Before the first book begins, there is a war between the two species. The outcome is that the humans are confined to a large island and limit contact with the atevi via one, and only one human, the paidhi.
This particular book, second in the series, is about the return of the human starship Phoenix, after nearly five centuries, and how the return affects the delicate balance of power between the humans on the planet and the native atevi. The humans on planet are also factionalized, and political infighting is rampant. The paidhi, Bren Cameron, must deal with the situation quickly to avert social collapse. If you like Frank Herbert's Dune and The Dosadi Experiment or C. J. Cherryh's The Faded Sun series, you'll like this series. It paints three divergent social structures and the interfaces between them. The alien society is the focus, and is rich in detail -- somewhat reminiscent of feudal Japan breaking into the modern age.
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