First of a new series based in the Foreigner universe (Foreigner novel number ten).

Diplomatic Attaché to the ruler of the Western Association Bren Cameron is working on a presentation intended to limit cell phone use among the Atevi when another shift in politics results in a need to move his household within the next day. Deciding it is time to look in on the holding gifted to him by the ruler Tabini-aiji, he removes to the countryside on the west coast and arranges to meet his brother in hope they can overcome their estrangement. Tabini-aiji has taken over the training of his young son Cajeiri, an in-auspicious eight years of age and it is quite a change from his life on the space station. Fretting against the restrictions, Cajeiri determines to follow Bren to his home, and perhaps have a few adventures.

Although peace appears to reign on the surface, long-laid and well-hidden plans are forced into the light with the official visit of Bren Cameron to the region, putting into play circumstances that not only risk the life of young Cajeiri, but the precarious stability of the government. Cajeiri's grandmother Ilisidi and her seasoned warriors appear in Bren's household to ensure the safety of them both. As the plot is uncovered, Ilisidi seizes the opportunity to right an old wrong done to the peoples displaced when humans first landed, making her son, the ruler's life even more complicated.

Cherryh has done it again. You can always count on her for a terrific read in an engrossing world. She has a gift for guiding a reader through the complex social forms of an alien species while not losing track of the heart of the story, its characters, and the relationships among them.