Divergence: Foreigner 21 by C.J. Cherryh: A Science Fiction Masterpiece

C.J. Cherryh's Foreigner series is a landmark in science fiction, and Divergence: Foreigner 21 is a standout installment. Set on the alien planet of Athshe, the series follows the adventures of Bren Cameron, a human diplomat tasked with negotiating a peace treaty between the Athsheans and their human overlords.

In Divergence, Cameron finds himself caught in a web of political intrigue and betrayal. The Athsheans, a proud and technologically advanced people, are deeply divided over their relationship with the humans. Some factions believe that the humans are a threat to their way of life, while others see them as a potential ally.

Cameron must navigate these treacherous waters, all while trying to protect his own people and find a way to end the conflict. Along the way, he learns more about the Athsheans and their culture, and he begins to question his own assumptions about humanity.

Divergence (Foreigner Book 21)

by C. J. Cherryh

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1781 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	346 pages

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Divergence is a complex and thought-provoking novel that explores the themes of cultural difference, diplomacy, and the human condition. Cherryh's writing is both lyrical and suspenseful, and she creates a world that is both believable and utterly alien.

The novel opens with Cameron being summoned to the Athshean capital of Kibsa by Tabini-aiji, the leader of the Athshean ruling council. Tabini reveals that he has been poisoned, and he believes that the humans are responsible. Cameron is horrified by the accusation, but he knows that he must find the truth if he wants to clear his people's name.

Cameron begins his investigation by questioning the members of Tabini's household. He soon learns that there are many factions within the Athshean government, and that some of them are more hostile to the humans than others. Cameron must carefully navigate these factions, all while trying to find the evidence he needs to prove his people's innocence.

As Cameron investigates, he begins to suspect that the poisoning may have been an inside job. He learns that there are some Athsheans who believe that Tabini is too conciliatory towards the humans, and that they may have wanted to remove him from power.

Cameron eventually uncovers a plot to assassinate Tabini and frame the humans. He races against time to stop the plotters and save Tabini's life. In the end, Cameron is successful in proving his people's innocence and in preventing the assassination. However, he knows that the conflict between the Athsheans and the humans is far from over.

• Bren Cameron: A human diplomat who is tasked with negotiating a peace treaty between the Athsheans and the humans. Cameron is a skilled diplomat and a brave warrior. He is also a deeply compassionate man who cares for the people of both his own world and Athshe.
• Tabini-aiji: The leader of the Athshean ruling council. Tabini is a wise and just ruler who wants to find a way to coexist peacefully with the humans. However, he is also aware of the deep divisions within his own people.
• Ilisidi: A high-ranking Athshean official who is hostile to the humans. Ilisidi believes that the humans are a threat to the Athshean way of life. He is determined to drive the humans off of Athshe, by force if necessary.
• Jameth: A young Athshean woman who is sympathetic to the humans. Jameth is intelligent and open-minded. She believes that there is more to the humans than meets the eye.
• Betan: Cameron's personal assistant. Betan is a loyal and resourceful woman who is always ready to help Cameron with his investigations.

• Cultural difference: The novel explores the challenges of communication and understanding between two very different cultures. The Athsheans and the humans have very different ways of life, and they often find it difficult to understand each other's motives.
• Diplomacy: The novel also examines the role of diplomacy in resolving conflict. Cameron is a skilled diplomat who believes that negotiation and compromise are the best ways to achieve peace. However, he also knows that there are times when diplomacy fails and force must be used.
• The human condition: The novel also explores the human condition. Cherryh creates a complex and believable cast of characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The novel shows that even in the most difficult of circumstances, humans are capable of great love and compassion.

Divergence: Foreigner 21 is a masterpiece of science fiction. Cherryh's writing is both lyrical and suspenseful, and she creates a world that is both believable and utterly alien. The novel explores complex themes of cultural difference, diplomacy, and the human condition. Divergence is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone who is interested in the human condition.

Divergence (Foreigner Book 21)

by C. J. Cherryh

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1781 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	346 pages

FREE