The last third of the book was excellent, but there were a bit too many and long explanations of politics, however interesting, in the earlier parts, which is why four stars and not five. <3 the series though!

A rather slow book and very disjointed. I find atevi politics as difficult to follow as any Mospheiran, and the story meandered about between different factions and times in a confusing fashion. Still, the characters grew, there were interesting developments for the overall series, and I enjoyed just spending time on the atevi world.

This series is very well-crafted. The characters are interesting, the political intrigue captivating, and the pace consistent.
Cherryh closes the loops on various plot lines that began as early as the first book while introducing new mysteries and information to pull the reader forward into the next installment to find out what happens next.

This is the third book in a long-running science fiction series that (at least thus far) centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator/mediator embedded among aliens. I find Bren highly likable and his detailed viewpoint immersive. I also love the complex, fascinating alien civilization. I've gobbled up three books in short order, and will be progressing straight to book four. That said, the level of detailed introspection is not everyone's cup of tea. The beginning of book three didn't hold my attention as well as the remainder, partly because very little happens, and partly because Bren's early thoughts repeat much that was familiar from the earlier books (presumably to help readers new to the series).

Small spoilers ahead.

Spoiler

A quick note that I especially enjoy the principal alien assassins (Banichi, Jago, Cenidi) and it pleased me that there is a notable development in Bren's connection to one of these. I also considerably enjoy the elderly female leader, Ilisidi.

Highly recommended. Four out of five pensive stars.

Update 7/6/2021: just finished re-reading this and enjoyed it very much.

Spoiler

On second reading, I was immediately aware that Jase was lying about his father's death and, to my surprise, that made those sections more striking to me rather than less.

About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).

It is very easy to imagine how this (fun) series could proceed for 22 books without resolving anything.

I like Jase Graham. He's a bit of a struggle in this one, but he gets better. And the dynamic of Bren trying to teach him is fascinating. Stupid Heritage Party. So good though!

The first book in the trilogy was a bit slow to start and frustrating, since it’s just pages and pages of Bren being totally bewildered, but it keeps getting
better from there. Still mostly a lot of being inside Bren’s head, but it’s a more entertaining place when he has a better grasp of what’s going on. All the politics and subtle maneuvering and the ongoing struggle to truly communicate effectively with Atevi (and in turn how being immersed in Atevi culture makes it hard for Bren to communicate with humans) are extremely my shit.