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Precursor (Foreigner)

4.7 out of 5 stars (751)
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Book details

  1. Book 4 of 22
    Foreigner
  2. Print length
    464 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    DAW
  5. Publication date
    October 1, 2000
  6. Dimensions
    4.22 x 1.24 x 6.73 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    9780886779108
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0886779108
  9. See all details
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Book overview

The fourth novel in Cherryh’s Foreigner space opera series, a groundbreaking tale of first contact and its consequences…

Over three years have passed since the reappearance of the starship Phoenix, which two centuries before left an isolated colony of humans on the world of the volatile atevi. Since that time, humans have lived in exile on the island of Mospheira; but the unexpected return of the Phoenix has shattered the fragile political balance of these two nearly incompatible races. For the captains of the Phoenix offer the atevi something the Mospheiran humans never could—access to the stars.

For three breakneck years, the atevi labor to build a space shuttle which will bear their representatives to the Phoenix, to strengthen connections with their new human allies and retain their bid for control of their world. But as soon as the shuttle proves spaceworthy, the captains of the Phoenix suddenly recall their planetary delegates, breaking diplomatic contact and initiating a vicious bid for political dominance.

But the powerful head of the atevi's Western Association is not to be outmaneuvered, and he sends his own diplomat, or paidhi, Bren Cameron, into space to negotiate. Thrust into a political maelstrom with almost no preparation, can Bren gain control of the station and political supremacy for the atevi without sparking a three-sided interspecies war?

Review

"A powerful look at the effects of alienation on individuals and societies...probably the best series installment of the year, and a welcome return from one of our very best writers." —Locus

"The novel features well-developed characters and Cherryh's trademark sophisticated political negotiations and strong prose. Of particular note is the author's ongoing exploration of the atevi, one of the more fascinating alien cultures ever imagined. Taken as a whole, this series represents mainstream SF at its very best." —Publishers Weekly

"Cherryh continues to explore the rich culture portrayed in the Foreigner trilogy with this first novel in a new series. Combining hard SF with realistically complex characters, this blend of adventure and intrigue in the far reaches of space belongs in most SF collections." —Library Journal

"Superior alien-contact series...another intriguing human/alien struggle." —Kirkus

"Once again, readers can revel in Ms. Cherryh's ravishing characterization and sensitive exploration of cultural subtleties." —RT Reviews

About the Author

C. J. Cherryh planned to write since the age of ten. When she was older, she learned to use a typewriter while triple-majoring in Classics, Latin, and Greek. With more than seventy books to her credit, and the winner of three Hugo Awards, she is one of the most prolific and highly respected authors in the science fiction field. Cherryh was recently named a Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master by the Science Fiction Writers of America. She lives in Washington state. She can be found at cherryh.com.

About the author

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C. J. Cherryh
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I've written sf and fantasy for publication since 1975...but I've written a lot longer than that. I have a background in Mediterranean archaeology, Latin, Greek, that sort of thing; my hobbies are travel, photography, planetary geology, physics, pond-building for koi...I run a marine tank, can plumb most anything, and I figure-skate.

I believe in the future: I'm an optimist for good reason---I've studied a lot of history, in which, yes, there is climate change, and our species has been through it. We've never faced it fully armed with what we now know, and if we play our cards right, we'll use it as a technological springboard and carry on in very interesting ways.

I also believe a writer owes a reader a book that has more than general despair to spread about: I write about clever, determined people who don't put up with situations, not for long, anyway: people who find solutions inspire me.

My personal websites and blog: http://www.cherryh.com

http://www.cherryh.com/WaveWithoutAShore

http://www.closed-circle.net

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From the Publisher

Foreigner Series, CJ Cherryh

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
751 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book fantastic, suspenseful, and full of action. They also say the writing quality is well-written, with a decent grasp of basic grammar. Opinions are mixed on the pace, with some finding it quick, while others say it's slow.

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ReadabilitySuspensefulWriting qualityPace
ReadabilitySuspensefulWriting qualityPace
13Customers mention
13Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book fantastic, full of action without sacrificing the intellectual. They say it's a great book by C.J. Cherry and worth the wait. Readers also mention it'll be a nice beginning to the second Bren trilogy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...A fantastic read, full of action without sacrificing the intellectual questions regarding culture, race, and what it means to be human." Read more

"...several years for PRECURSOR, and I'm delighted to say it was worth the wait...." Read more

"...This book is a kick. Active, with questions and suspense...." Read more

"I don't like the characterization above. The book is perfect Cherryh, deep and thoughtful and with a new and perfectly acceptable world populated..." Read more

10Customers mention
10Positive
0Negative

Customers find the book suspenseful, full of action, and thought-provoking. They say it keeps the reader interested and does a great job of carrying on a consistent story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...A fantastic read, full of action without sacrificing the intellectual questions regarding culture, race, and what it means to be human." Read more

"...As with the previous books, there is lots of intrigue and this time the race you are in the dark about is human ironically...." Read more

"...Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I found fascinating and highly immersive...." Read more

"...This book is a kick. Active, with questions and suspense...." Read more

5Customers mention
5Positive
0Negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book well-written in terms of craft. They appreciate the decent grasp of basic grammar. Readers also say the pace is good, the undertext is fascinating, and the world the author creates is superb and extensive.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...with two wildly different cultures in a forced interaction is extremely well written - especially from the viewpoint of the paidhi - the one..." Read more

"...The pace is good, the under-text is fascinating, no preaching, and good writing. Go out and buy it." Read more

"...Longer on angst than action but ends with a flash. Well written in terms of the craft." Read more

"...I love the world the author creates and love to run around in it in my head." Read more

8Customers mention
3Positive
5Negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pace of the book. Some mention it picks up quickly, while others say the details are an annoyance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

"...Pace picks up quickly as players play a game of deception, cultures clash, and Bren struggles to resolve the rapidly degrading situation before..." Read more

"...note that some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. For myself, I was riveted to all but the beginnings of the books...." Read more

"...There are no holes in the plot, it is tight and it is fast. Better than most writers, Cherryh writes well about very bright people under pressure...." Read more

"...A bit slow at the start, but picks up fairly quickly." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

TM Drechny
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
First book of the Second trilogy in the Foreigner Series
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2022
In this first book of the second trilogy of the Foreigner series, translator and human representative Bren Cameron finds himself launched once more into the depths of intrigue, this time literally. For two hundred years the humans and the Atevi have shared the planet.... See more
In this first book of the second trilogy of the Foreigner series, translator and human representative Bren Cameron finds himself launched once more into the depths of intrigue, this time literally.
For two hundred years the humans and the Atevi have shared the planet. Peace is tentative and conducted via a paidhi - or translator/representative. Technology is exchanged at a careful rate. Enter the Phoenix star ship, the ship that first brought humans to the system, returning with word of hostile aliens who could potentially be on their way with destructive weapons to wage war.
Three years later, the Atevi have achieved what was previously thought impossible, building and launching a space shuttle to revive the aging space station. It looks to be the beginning of a new association between humans and Atevi when suddenly the Phoenix recalls their own representative without notice. Once more Bren finds himself in the middle of three way cultural differences, intrigue and hostilities that threaten the tentative peace currently in place.
The book starts out a little slow, but helps to ease the reader back into the Foreigner universe. Pace picks up quickly as players play a game of deception, cultures clash, and Bren struggles to resolve the rapidly degrading situation before there is bloodshed.
A fantastic read, full of action without sacrificing the intellectual questions regarding culture, race, and what it means to be human.
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Be Marston
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2023
I continue to enjoy this series. CJ Cherryh writes Sci Fi that is unlike any that I have read. I really enjoyed that this one was about negotiations. Bren has become a Lord and powerful member of the Atevi court. As with the previous books, there is lots of intrigue and... See more
I continue to enjoy this series. CJ Cherryh writes Sci Fi that is unlike any that I have read. I really enjoyed that this one was about negotiations. Bren has become a Lord and powerful member of the Atevi court. As with the previous books, there is lots of intrigue and this time the race you are in the dark about is human ironically. Looking forward to the next one!
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Mary Soon Lee
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Hugely enjoying this series. (Yes, I've read the first four books in two weeks.)
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2021
This is book four in a long-running science fiction series that began with Foreigner (1994) and currently numbers twenty-one books. I've greatly enjoyed the first four books and will begin with general remarks that apply to them collectively, before progressing to comments... See more
This is book four in a long-running science fiction series that began with Foreigner (1994) and currently numbers twenty-one books. I've greatly enjoyed the first four books and will begin with general remarks that apply to them collectively, before progressing to comments on book four in particular. Mild spoilers ahead.

The series, at least thus far, centers on Bren Cameron, a human translator and mediator embedded in an alien civilization. Bren's thoughts are shown in a depth that I found fascinating and highly immersive. This careful meticulous detail reminds me of reading L. E. Modesitt, Jr., though Cherryh's themes are not Modesitt's. I note that some readers find the level of detail an annoyance and the pace slow. For myself, I was riveted to all but the beginnings of the books. (Book one has two introductory sections before moving to Bren; subsequent books were slowed down by recapping earlier material.)

Through Bren, the books conjure an intricate alien civilization, one in which words such as "friend" and "love" have no close equivalent, and in which there is an official, highly-respected Assassins Guild. Bren is a very sympathetic character, who finds himself in difficult situations where the stakes are high. I'm also very fond of several of the supporting characters, especially the assassins Banichi and Jago, and the elderly grande dame, Ilisidi. The plot builds from book to book, with developments from the small and personal to those of a sweeping political impact.

Somewhat less mild spoilers follow for book four. In book four, the scope widens to encompass a long-abandoned orbiting space station and the return of the humans who built it. The series has me helplessly in its grip. I feel the impending menace of a hostile alien species hovering in the background. I am entirely attached to Bren and his allies, most but not all of whom are alien. I particularly enjoyed Ilisidi's entry into the novel: she is a presence simultaneously formidable and wonderful.

Four out of five orbiting stars.

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).
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ABB
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Thank you
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2024
One is grateful.
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Archer P
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Nice beginning to the second Bren trilogy
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2022
The first trilogy defined the stage and the players. This book does a great job setting the table for the second trilogy in what has become a series. I love these books and the universe they are set in. You won’t be disappointed.
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Marj
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
I heartily recommend this series!
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2016
I have written several reviews for this series - as positive as it is one of my favorites! I have most of then in hard copy and all of them in e-format and an eagerly hoping she keep on writing the series! The difficulty of two very physically similar species with two... See more
I have written several reviews for this series - as positive as it is one of my favorites! I have most of then in hard copy and all of them in e-format and an eagerly hoping she keep on writing the series! The difficulty of two very physically similar species with two wildly different cultures in a forced interaction is extremely well written - especially from the viewpoint of the paidhi - the one designated human who is the interface between the two to avoid cultural clashes that already led to one war. I would recommend you start reading at the first book, Foreigner, and then proceed through the series - and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!
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Susan Shwartz
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Satisfying Action, Long Awaited
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 1999
Since discovering C.J. Cherryh's novels about the -atevi-, I've waited several years for PRECURSOR, and I'm delighted to say it was worth the wait. Cherryh has a gift for combining breathless and sinister power politics and intricate plotting with a dry, unexpected... See more
Since discovering C.J. Cherryh's novels about the -atevi-, I've waited several years for PRECURSOR, and I'm delighted to say it was worth the wait.
Cherryh has a gift for combining breathless and sinister power politics and intricate plotting with a dry, unexpected wit that blindsides you and makes even readers familiar with her tactics laugh out loud. I count myself experienced in the ways of CJ's aliens, but this time, she startled me but good. (The people on the E train are USED to people letting out whoops of glee during rush hour, right? Oh well, they'll get over it.)
To borrow -atevi- speech constructions, I can only say that one will prove indecorously impatient for the next installment.
37 people found this helpful
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Dianna Deeley
4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Breathless Pacing
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2000
C. J. Cherryh is one of my favorite authors, and there's a good reason for that. When she is really on, she is a past mistress of pace. In this book, the tension begins on the first page and builds from there. There are no holes in the plot, it is tight and it is... See more
C. J. Cherryh is one of my favorite authors, and there's a good reason for that. When she is really on, she is a past mistress of pace.
In this book, the tension begins on the first page and builds from there. There are no holes in the plot, it is tight and it is fast. Better than most writers, Cherryh writes well about very bright people under pressure. More than that, Bren is portrayed (very well!) as someone who thinks clearly and fast under pressure.
In so far as I have a problem with Cherryh, it is her tendency to lose me in the action at the very end. This time, I didn't get lost, and I was pleased with that.
The interplay of Bren's family situation and his job when it gets tense is well done.
Another thing I appreciate about Cherryh is that she seems to proofread, and have a decent grasp of basic grammar. She remembers usage things that many other authors either never learned or simply don't bother to observe. Sometimes this is unintentionally funny, but I find it annoying.
Cherryh, perhaps deliberately and perhaps not, comes down on the side of the free market. People will work out how to make new ideas work for them, so get out of the way. If you have a problem with this belief system, you may not be too happy.
Once, in the Faded Sun books, she pointed out that we have, among ourselves, surrendered one member of a society (at least the West has) to an alien one, so that we have a translator. The position that Bren is in is emphatically that.
The pace is good, the under-text is fascinating, no preaching, and good writing. Go out and buy it.
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Top reviews from other countries

Frances
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Collecting hardbound books to replace paperbacks
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2021
This is a wonderful series. I reread it often and am replacing my paperback books with hardbound books. This could be expensive but buying used books is working out well. Precursor was delivered quickly and was in great condition.
This is a wonderful series. I reread it often and am replacing my paperback books with hardbound books. This could be expensive but buying used books is working out well. Precursor was delivered quickly and was in great condition.

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david ellis
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Very Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2021
Very good read
Very good read

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Sabine Korsukewitz
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Multikulti im Weltraum
Reviewed in Germany on September 26, 2015
Gut durchdachte Geschichte über Kolonisten, die weitab vom Schuss auf einem besiedelten Planeten landen. Dort müssen sie sich mit Einheimischen verstehen lernen, die auf einem anderen technischen Level stehen als sie selbst und die eine ganz andere Kultur haben. Begriffe...See more
Gut durchdachte Geschichte über Kolonisten, die weitab vom Schuss auf einem besiedelten Planeten landen. Dort müssen sie sich mit Einheimischen verstehen lernen, die auf einem anderen technischen Level stehen als sie selbst und die eine ganz andere Kultur haben. Begriffe wie Liebe und Freundschaft kennen sie nicht, dafür ist es legal, seine Feinde ermordenm zu lassen, wenn dies voirher angekündigt wird. Der Held: Ein Diplomat. Spannend, relevant, intelligent.
Gut durchdachte Geschichte über Kolonisten, die weitab vom Schuss auf einem besiedelten Planeten landen. Dort müssen sie sich mit Einheimischen verstehen lernen, die auf einem anderen technischen Level stehen als sie selbst und die eine ganz andere Kultur haben.
Begriffe wie Liebe und Freundschaft kennen sie nicht, dafür ist es legal, seine Feinde ermordenm zu lassen, wenn dies voirher angekündigt wird.
Der Held: Ein Diplomat. Spannend, relevant, intelligent.

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Finity's end
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Direction l'espace ..
Reviewed in France on July 6, 2010
Ce volume est assez riche . C'est le quatrième volume du cycle et le premier du second « arc « de trois volumes « ... Les trois cultures et entités politiques en présence trouvent un équilibre dans leurs rapports et leur rythme de croisière dans son approfondissement . Ces...See more
Ce volume est assez riche . C'est le quatrième volume du cycle et le premier du second « arc « de trois volumes « ... Les trois cultures et entités politiques en présence trouvent un équilibre dans leurs rapports et leur rythme de croisière dans son approfondissement . Ces rapports restent assez mouvementés et insidieux . Le style de l'auteur génère beaucoup d'implications dans cet environnement dont le lecteur ne peut manquer d'avoir une conscience aigüe de ses tenants et de ses aboutissants Le lecteur est immergé dans ces milieux variés et environnements non moins variés , qui sont systématiquement prégnants de réalisme .. Le personnage du Paidhi est excessivement soigné et réussi . Il nous accompagne et nous l'accompagnons intimement grâce notamment , à ces soliloques dont l'auteur a le secret et dont c'est une des marques de fabrique . Le Paidhi est autrement plus qu'un simple fil conducteur . Dans ce tome en particulier , ses problèmes familiaux qui sont à la lisière de la politisation , sont intéressants explorer car ils l'affectent intensément . L'auteur nous embarques aussi dans ce tome , dans l'espace et c'est un terrain qu'elle connaît bien . Ces trois entités politique , ces trois cultures , dont le lecteur poursuit la découverte , sur un mode intimiste et interagissant , je les trouve passionnantes . La société du Phoenix ( le vaisseau ) est excessivement lisible et elle est absolument à même de susciter un peu de nostalgie chez le lecteur amateur de l'univers alliance et union . Cet aspect du roman m'a bluffé .. C. J. Cherryh nous ballades dans cette petite société qui finalement est née d'un accident de saut ainsi que d'une longue errance dans l'espace . La civilisation Atevi exige plus que jamais , pour sa part , un réel effort d'acculturation .. Elle est le résultat d'un effort créatif très soigné qui repose en partit sur les rapports sociaux dans le japon traditionnel . Mais le lecteur attentif verra que ce modèle a été transcendé subtilement par l'auteur . C'est une société subtilement violente , qui est complexe , déroutante , mais rien d'ennuyeux néanmoins , malgré de nombreuses redondances , de situations types par exemple , au fil du cycle et ceci du premier au dernier tome . Le style fluide du texte fait son effet en faisant ressortir les subtilités des situations A mon humble avis on est confortable dans ce roman . Du plaisir ... du confort .. à mon humble avis .. Surtout que le grand extérieur , entre dans la danse ...
Ce volume est assez riche .
C'est le quatrième volume du cycle et le premier du second « arc « de trois volumes « ...

Les trois cultures et entités politiques en présence trouvent un équilibre dans leurs rapports et leur rythme de croisière dans son approfondissement .
Ces rapports restent assez mouvementés et insidieux .

Le style de l'auteur génère beaucoup d'implications dans cet environnement dont le lecteur ne peut manquer d'avoir une conscience aigüe de ses tenants et de ses aboutissants
Le lecteur est immergé dans ces milieux variés et environnements non moins variés , qui sont systématiquement prégnants de réalisme ..

Le personnage du Paidhi est excessivement soigné et réussi . Il nous accompagne et nous l'accompagnons intimement grâce notamment , à ces soliloques dont l'auteur a le secret et dont c'est une des marques de fabrique .
Le Paidhi est autrement plus qu'un simple fil conducteur . Dans ce tome en particulier , ses problèmes familiaux qui sont à la lisière de la politisation , sont intéressants explorer car ils l'affectent intensément .

L'auteur nous embarques aussi dans ce tome , dans l'espace et c'est un terrain qu'elle connaît bien .
Ces trois entités politique , ces trois cultures , dont le lecteur poursuit la découverte , sur un mode intimiste et interagissant , je les trouve passionnantes .

La société du Phoenix ( le vaisseau ) est excessivement lisible et elle est absolument à même de susciter un peu de nostalgie chez le lecteur amateur de l'univers alliance et union .
Cet aspect du roman m'a bluffé ..

C. J. Cherryh nous ballades dans cette petite société qui finalement est née d'un accident de saut ainsi que d'une longue errance dans l'espace .
La civilisation Atevi exige plus que jamais , pour sa part , un réel effort d'acculturation ..
Elle est le résultat d'un effort créatif très soigné qui repose en partit sur les rapports sociaux dans le japon traditionnel .
Mais le lecteur attentif verra que ce modèle a été transcendé subtilement par l'auteur .

C'est une société subtilement violente , qui est complexe , déroutante , mais rien d'ennuyeux néanmoins , malgré de nombreuses redondances , de situations types par exemple , au fil du cycle et ceci du premier au dernier tome . Le style fluide du texte fait son effet en faisant ressortir les subtilités des situations

A mon humble avis on est confortable dans ce roman .
Du plaisir ... du confort .. à mon humble avis ..

Surtout que le grand extérieur , entre dans la danse ...

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Client Kindle
5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase
Cherryh is always a delight!
Reviewed in Canada on March 26, 2017
Rich characterization, clash of differing worldviews, complex intrigue full of unpredictable rebondissements. .. I strongly recommand this series. Even if Bren is a bit of a bully. ..
Rich characterization, clash of differing worldviews, complex intrigue full of unpredictable rebondissements. .. I strongly recommand this series.
Even if Bren is a bit of a bully. ..

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