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Inheritor: A Foreigner Cherryh Saga That Explores Alien Societies and Human Nature

Israel Bell

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Published in Inheritor (Foreigner 3) C J Cherryh

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Cover Of Inheritor By C.J. Cherryh, Depicting A Group Of Humans And Aliens In An Alien Landscape Inheritor (Foreigner 3) C J Cherryh

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Inheritor is a science fiction novel by C.J. Cherryh, first published in 1979. It is the second book in the Foreigner universe, following the events of Downbelow Station. Inheritor continues the story of Bren Cameron, the "Foreigner" who is the human ambassador to the alien atevi people. In this novel, Bren and the atevi are faced with a new challenge: the arrival of a third alien species, the sholen.

Inheritor (Foreigner series Book 3)

by C. J. Cherryh

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1148 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	464 pages

The Story:

Inheritor begins with the arrival of the sholen at Station Athshe. The sholen are a nomadic species who have been traveling for centuries. They are a peaceful people, but they are also very different from the atevi. The atevi are a hierarchical society, while the sholen are more egalitarian. The atevi are also very territorial, while the sholen are more nomadic.

Bren Cameron is tasked with mediating between the atevi and the sholen. He must help them to understand each other and to find a way to live together peacefully. However, this is not an easy task. The atevi and the sholen have very different ways of life, and they are both suspicious of each other.

Bren must also deal with his own personal challenges. He is still grieving the death of his wife, and he is struggling to adapt to his new life as the Foreigner. He is also lonely and isolated. The only person he can really talk to is Ilisidi, the atevi who is his bodyguard and friend.

Over the course of the novel, Bren learns a great deal about himself and about the atevi and the sholen. He comes to understand that there is more to these two alien species than meets the eye. He also learns that peace is not always easy to achieve, but it is always worth fighting for.

Themes:

Inheritor explores a number of important themes, including:

* The nature of identity: Bren is a human, but he is also the Foreigner. He is not fully accepted by either the atevi or the sholen. He must learn to find his own identity and to accept himself for who he is. * The importance of communication: Bren must learn to communicate with the atevi and the sholen. This is not an easy task, as they have very different languages and cultures. However, Bren is determined to build bridges between these two species. * The power of peace: Bren believes that peace is possible, even between the most different of species. He is willing to work hard to achieve peace, even if it means putting himself in danger.

Characters:

Inheritor features a number of memorable characters, including:

* Bren Cameron: The human ambassador to the atevi people. Bren is a complex and sympathetic character. He is a brilliant diplomat, but he is also lonely and isolated. He is determined to make peace between the atevi and the sholen, but he knows that it will not be easy. * Ilisidi: The atevi bodyguard and friend of Bren Cameron. Ilisidi is a loyal and courageous warrior. He is also a good friend, and he is always there for Bren when he needs him. * Cajeiri: The sholen leader who comes to Station Athshe. Cajeiri is a wise and compassionate leader. She is also a skilled negotiator, and she is determined to find a way for the sholen to live peacefully with the atevi.

Setting:

Inheritor is set on Station Athshe, a space station that is located in the atevi home system. Station Athshe is a meeting place for the atevi and the sholen. It is also a place where Bren Cameron can learn about these two alien species and work towards peace.

Critical Reception:

Inheritor was well-received by critics. The New York Times praised the novel's "richly detailed alien cultures" and its "thoughtful exploration of human nature." The Washington Post called Inheritor "a complex and rewarding novel that will stay with you long after you finish it."

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Inheritor is a classic science fiction novel that explores important themes such as the nature of identity, the importance of communication, and the power of peace. The novel features a number of memorable characters and a fascinating setting. Inheritor is a must-read for fans of science fiction and anyone who is interested in the human condition.

Inheritor (Foreigner series Book 3)

by C. J. Cherryh

4.6 out of 5