Defiance by C. J. Cherryh and Jane S. Fancher

This is Book 22 in the wonderful science fiction series Foreigner. Foreigner is the first book, in which Bren Cameron is a linguist and diplomat, the only human on the mainland of the Atevi homeworld. This is still mostly true, with rare exceptions. Over the past four years, I’ve reread the first 20 books, and savored the two most recent titles. They have danger, diplomacy, excitement, the very intriguing Atevi, and no one of Bren’s inner circle has come to serious harm, making for thrilling reads with little anxiety. In this book, Bren has been traveling with powerful, elderly Ilisidi by train, and they are headed for trouble on the south coast. And Ilisidi’s age may finally have caught up with her, making for some very anxious moments for Bren. A rest at Bren’s coastal estate, Najida, is much anticipated. But they aren’t traveling alone on the train, and it remains to be seen how far Bren can trust Lord Machigi or the proposed new Lord Nomari. Then Banichi and Jago, his security guards and very close companions are headed into danger. A very young ally sends help, via a single engine plane. While trains are common, and the world has buses, trucks, and even a space shuttle, planes are an uncommon and slightly risky mode of travel. Of course, Bren is soon aloft, and in some peril himself. This is an exciting novel, skillfully plotted, with characters that continue to develop, as they have throughout the series. More, please!

Brenda