Reviews

Pretender: Foreigner Sequence 3, Book 2 by C.J. Cherryh

lissajean7's review against another edition

5.0

They found Tabini! Now they need to take back the capital...and not get killed in the process. This is the first book that I don't feel has a solid ending without the next book ready to read. Just giving you a heads up. Every other book manages to at least gain a state of equilibrium, but this one doesn't. Have the next one at hand before you finish this one.

fryguy451's review against another edition

4.0

Intense! Fast paced and filled with intrigue. Nicely done.

twentythree_sunrise's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Foreigner roadtrip novel. The narrative picks up immediately after the events of Destroyer, with Pretender accomplishing similar goals and style. With stationary settings capping the beginning and end of the novel, much of the narrative between consists of an impressively engaging overnight busride. 
While carrying much of the momentum of Destroyer, Pretender better utilizes its moments between characters, with more opportunities for them to perform or develope. Pretender very much has the feeling of nostalgic, homeward return generally lacking in Destroyer.
A gripping, hopeful, and heartwarming adventure that is excellently delivered.

cathepsut's review against another edition

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

The second book in this particular sub-trilogy. In the last book Bren and company came back to their homeworld to find the planet in a political upheaval, Tabini having being deposed by a pretender. In this book it‘s all about Tabini retaking control of the government.

Nice amount of action, I really liked the interpersonal dynamics in this one, especially between Bren and his staff and guards. I never doubted the outcome of the general plot, which made it all a little too predictable.

essinink's review against another edition

5.0

Dare these fools in the south say it was the paidhi's choice? It was yours! It was nothing but yours!

Maybe it's just my history with the Alliance-Union books, but I'm still feeling utterly spoiled by all the environments in this sub-trilogy. Pretender picks up mere moments after Destroyer's conclusion, with breathing space provided only by Bren's introspection. This is not a waiting book, it is a march, and Bren's uncertainty about his own position and role in events has to take a backseat to some very straightforward atevi politicking.

One thing that stands out, and that I like, is that as much as Bren is a flashpoint... in the end the larger course of events isn't really about him. The atevi handle their own affairs. He's supplement, not savior, even as high as he's climbed. (And he has climbed! From clerk to lord.)

...And I feel like anything else I would say here was already covered in my review of the last book. Bravo, Cherryh. I am ensnared.

buuboobaby's review against another edition

5.0

4.75 Stars

This is my favorite installment to date. Packed with action and suspense as Bren tries to desperately keep the Western alliance from fracturing, there's a real sense of dread because Bren knows that the planet will soon have visitors from another world. If they believe that the leadership on the planet is has degenerated and the is no strong leader, there might soon be the threat of a war both on and off planet.

I am really enjoying the character development, all of the supporting cast, and who stressed poor Bren is. This guy is solely responsible for keeping peace on the planet, among both the atevi and the humans, and soon, another species from the heavens. Poor guy needs a vacation, but he's not going to get it in Pretender. Maybe he'll get to catch his breath in Destroyer?

I love this series, and I'm amazed that after 8 books, I'm still invested in the story and the characters.

applequinn's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

malmer's review against another edition

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.25

kalanadi's review against another edition

adventurous tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

nanaofnaia's review against another edition

4.0

Lots of action in this book and shifting loyalties at all levels--the personal ones particularly moving for me.

I love these books! Thank you, C.J. Cherryh for this wonderful series!!