A review by essinink
Betrayer by C.J. Cherryh

5.0

Collective wisdom of the paidhiin before him had said, Don't interfere when it came to atevi dealing with atevi.

What the hell else had he done in his whole career but interfere?

This subtrilogy is so satisfying! I have wanted to see Bren with his back actually to the wall for a while now. He has SO many connections and so much support that--even when the stakes are high--there's a sense that there's an army behind him. Not so much here. Everyone is spread thin, and Bren is basically down to his aishid.

Meanwhile, at Najida, Cajeiri has undergone a great deal of growing-up. And he (and therefore the reader) is finally starting to understand the difference between friendship and man-chi.

Lots of interesting insights here, from atevi regional politics to just how atypical Bren's household is compared to atevi norms (and resulting troubles). And it leaves off on a very tentative note... so on to the next books!