Review of 'The Charnur Saga'
The Charnur Saga by C.J. Cherryh
This omnibus edition consists of three books in the “Chanur” series that introduces us to the “Compact” universe telling the story of “Pyanfar” the captain of the Hani mechant ship “The Pride of Chanur” and how she was reluctantly dragged into a massive political game revolving around the discovery of a new space-faring race: The humans. The books included are:
- The Pride of Chanur - The human “Tully” escapes from his Kif captors at Meetpoint (space) Station to find refuge on the Pride where he is taken in and becomes one of their crew. The Kif are not happy and set out in pursuit of the ship as it races to the Hani homeworld aided by the mysterious Knn.
- Chanur's Revenge - Two years following the first story, Pyanfar is reunited with Tully who informs them that a fleet of human ships are approaching with unknown intentions threatening the uneasy security of the Compact. The crew of the Pride are forced into an alliance with one side of a Kif civil war.
- The Kif Strike Back - The Pride as part of it's alliance with the Kif Sikkukkut is forced to enter Kif space where tensions are high as rival Kif Akkhtimakt attacks.
I found this series' action focused around talking (often in disjointed ways as the different species always seem to struggle to make themselves understood), docked at a space station, or travelling to a space station (in that order) with not a lot of what you would normally consider action, as in, physical combat, actually happening. This coupled with the confusion of trying to figure out the different races and names of the characters, meant it was quite a slow and often difficult read (tip: read the appendix describing the different races before you get too into reading the book). In particular the political stuff I found incredibly tedious and difficult to follow. Though, it has to be said, the characters are wonderful having distinctive personalities that Cherryh really brings to life.
Now that I have read these first three books in the Chanur series I will likely, if I stumble across them, read the following books having already invested the time. Those finding political intrigue interesting or those who like trying to figure out a new universe with very little information to go on, will find this an interesting series. Those who perhaps like their SF a bit lighter should look elsewhere.
Rating: “It is OK but I have some issues”
Review Date: 2025-01-26
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Daw Books
Publication Date: 1981
ISBN: 0886779308