The new audiobook is out and I very impressed. First, I am going to concentrate on the audiobook. I am not going to rehash the plot. Suffice it to say that Cherryh manages to write a wonderfully complicated but satisfying book giving Hilfy Chanur center stage. I have read a whole bunch of Foreigner books since I first read this book, I can see certain similar themes-- Hilfy was once protocol officer on her aunt's ship which has diplomatic overtones, but Cherryh stays true to her vision of the Hani and other aliens she created in this series.Now to the audiobook-- The narrator Dina Pearlman had narrated a lot of audible books including the Weather Warden and Kris Longknife books but somehow I have never run into her until now. Her reading is measures-- not too fast, not to slow-- but never drags. She does a fabulous job with the something tongue twisting alien names and words. Her species/character delineation is very good. I was never in doubt as to who was speaking.Very, very pleased although I would like Cherryh to add to this series.
The culmination of the tale that began with Pride of Chanur. I was disappointed at first that it was told from Hilfy's point of view, with a new crew of characters, but have come to view this as the best of the series. Cherryh explores the nuances of culture-clash with just the right amount of tension and adventure, and in her world you can never be entirely sure of who is an ally and who is an enemy. Start from the beginning of Pride of Chanur and immerse yourself in the world until you reach Legacy; I re-read this series about once a year when I feel the need to roam the stars with the Chanur clan again.
