Peacemaker: Foreigner #15    by C. J. Cherryh Order:  USA  Can Daw, 2014 (2014) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson It's hard to believe that C. J. Cherryh has sustained her exciting Foreigner saga for fifteen engaging episodes, but she's done just that, and I always look forward to spending time in her very credible alien world. As always, Bren Cameron takes center stage in Peacemaker and this time puts himself at great risk, up close and personal. Once a stranger in a strange land amongst the atevi, Bren is now more comfortable amongst them than with many of his fellow humans. A brilliant linguist and empathetic diplomat, Bren handles the treaty transfer of human technology to the aliens. He works closely with their ruler, Tabini. Other close associates are his atevi lover Jago and her father Banichi, both professional Guild assassins; Tabini's ruthless (but delightful) grandmother Ilsidi; and Tabini's precocious son Cajeiri, whose mother is unhappy with his close associations with humans and with Ilsidi. Cajeiri was strongly influenced by time spent in space and contact with Bren and with human youngsters during that period. In the previous episode, Protector, Tabini agreed to his son's shipboard friends (Gene, Artur and Irene) joining Cajeiri's birthday celebration. Their reunion was held under Ilsidi's eye at Tatiseigi's Tirnamardi country estate. Bren's old friend Jase travelled with them. And, naturally, there were complications and an unexpected eruption of violence. As this episode opens, they're all on a train back in the capital for Cajeiri's momentous birthday celebration. But before he can enjoy his big day, there are a few problems to be dealt with. Such as the rot at the core of the Assassins Guild, 'a little old man at a desk' pulling strings with far-ranging effects. A raid is planned against the Shadow Guild, and it requires Bren's official presence to open doors into Guild headquarters and its Council Chamber. Bren plays his part well - and survives, which he did not necessarily expect - after which the birthday celebration begins. And there are a few surprises during that as well, starting with a lost speech and ending with a new addition to the ruling family. Peacemaker is one of the better episodes in this long-running series. Fans will also appreciate Lord Geigi's History of the Aishidi'tat (the atevi perspective) at the back of the book. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more SF books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews