Protector

Foreigner Sequence 5, Book 2

By: C. J. Cherryh

Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May

Audie Award Finalist, Science Fiction, 2014

It's coming up on Cajeiri's birthday. The boy has been promised he can have the young human children he knew from his voyage sent down from the space station for a two week stay. But there's a far darker business going on in the background - a major split compromising the Assassins' Guild, which furnishes security and law enforcement to the whole continent. Tabini's consort's own father has been barred from court, and may be involved in a new conspiracy against him.

For safety reasons, Tabini wants Bren and Ilisidi to take charge of Cajeiri, and protect him and his young guests. They themselves are very likely targets of whatever's going on, no question of it. So is Cajeiri. But having the targets separated and contained is an advantage. It's Bren's responsibility to entertain the guests, keep the security problem secret...and let a lonely eight-year-old prince reestablish his controversial relationship with the only other children he's ever met...inside the best security they can manage.

©2013 C.J. Cherryh (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Outstanding!

If you could sum up Protector in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, unique funny

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brin. His character was so well developed and so unique. Not your usual hero.

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

He does an excellent job with the different voices and his dialog delivery is excellent.

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

All of it.

Any additional comments?

This entire series is addictive. I can't wait for the next book.

The only book better than the first one.

She writes like she's been there. And I just love this guy's voice. Combined, it just works out as the best book in the series so far. This is the third time I've restarted it.

second book of sequence 5

check the first book in this sequence for the full review.

This continues where thing's left off in the last book and there is 1 more book left in this sequence so if you have read this one you have to go to the next one to really get an ending, as I have said a few times before these are 1 book split into 3 for the sequences.

Another fun ride with Bren Cameron the Paidhi-aiji

A great entry into the Foreigner universe. I have read and reread this books for years, and have always enjoyed the political back and forth throughout these books. The wonderful points of view, Bren and Cajieri's lives are always interesting and fraught with danger. Illsidi with her sharp wit and distinctive rap of her cane.
My problem with Mrs. C.J. Cherryh is she seems to be retconning the story in these latter books. For example, all of a sudden the reasons for the mission to Reunion Station seems to have changed or peoples motivations shift. Its is slightly jarring to find things from the earlier trilogies that were set down in print seem not to apply anymore. I understand changing things here and there to keep the flow even and not have two or three chapter of "What Has Come Before" exposition, but some of it almost seems lazy writing.
Don't misunderstand this series is one of my all time favorites. Also the Fortress series is wonderful, along with the Hammerfall books and the Faded Sun trilogy introduced me to the amazing world building and realms of political space dramas in my teenaged years.
I understand that in the Foreigner universe they are continually examining the politics and motivations to more deeply explore the world.... arrg.... other fans may have noticed or not. I can't seem to put it into words.
The narrator was great as was the story. The buildup to Cajieri's birthday and that Cherryh is finally getting back to such characters as Jase and Kaplin is fantastic. Four out of five instead of 3 out of 5...... well because its more Foreigner...... but.... but....

Heading is required, although shown as "optional"?

I loved it. Ms. Cherry portrays characters not just well, but exceptionally well - (from elder, opinionated-yet-regal dowagers to precocious, not-yet-nine-but-wise children). I know I'll discover something new about her characters in each recurring listen...and as for Bren, what CAN be said???? My thanks to Daniel Thomas May for narration - which is always exceptional.

As good as ever! Best SF series! Marvellous.

Would you listen to Protector again? Why?

Yes I will listen to this many times more. The political intrigues and the wit of both aiji dowager Illiidi and Bren Cameron is so good. I just love The way Bren, Illisidi and their allies work together. Casijie is growing up very well and I find him so amusing and loveable at times. I love Daniel Thomas May's performance so very, very much. I already have a collection of the books and now I'm collecting the audiobooks as well!!. Can't wait for the next book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bren - he is so smart and admirable and so diplomatic. He is able to sort things out o well.

Have you listened to any of Daniel Thomas May’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He is very good indeed.

Each Story Is Better!

Cherryh's stories are always better than the last! Daniel Thomas May is an incredible narrator.

good syfy drama

It go's good in the series. it has a good story . It leads well it to the next book and if you are looking for a great series this is one that you should try but you will need to start at book 1 or book 3

another great book in the series

well written it as always with plot depth. lots of mystery and continued history of the great world that the author has created.it's really important to read and listen to the other books in the series first to have a sense of what's going on. the performance was outstanding this particular performer really gives an inner vision of all the different characters his voices are consistent for each character which makes for a very good performance.

New to the Series? Don't Start Here

I was listening to this book and it occurred to me that someone who had not been following the Foreigner series would probably be totally lost. So I would urge anyone who is interested in this book to go to the first volume in the set and read forward. I have found a lot of pleasure in reading these books over the years but the worlds and cultures created by Cherryh are complex and full of concepts that may require a glossary and a character list for first time readers.

We are back on the home world of the atevi. The son of the ruler of the Western Association, Cajeiri, is approaching his ninth birthday. The number nine in this culture as particular significance. His father has agreed to allow him to have a visit from three of his human friends from the space station. But, as usual where the atevi (and the humans) are concerned there is a witches brew of politics. And in the middle of it is Bren Cameron, the translator/diplomat whose tenure has seen the most incredible changes in the human/atevi interface.

the narrator is also quite good with consistent pronunciation of the many unusual words and names used.