Finity's End

I read this book when it first came out; just finished rereading it. It remains one of my favority science fiction books of all time. Good story, strong characters. You care about what happens to the crew. Very well written story. Cherryh is always a good author; this book is one of her best.

A terrific read whether you are a teenager or over fifty. Cherryh's ship family books are well done, her characters well developed and her ability to present teenagers as enjoyable characters superb. Enjoyable, smooth and fast reading.

FINITY'S END by C.J. Cherryh a book review by R.C. McDonald In Finity's End C J Cherryh returns to the universe made popular in her Merchanter and Cyteen series, some of which books earned her science fiction's coveted Hugo award. This book continues the tale of a centuries-long dispute between the two political entities which rule known human space and the loosely-knit alliance of merchant ships who supply and connect them. Within this gritty and appealing portrayal of a very believable and very human future you will find the story of one ship in particular, the Finity's End, and of one boy in particular, torn through no fault of his own between the world of the alien hisa and the that of a merchanter family starship. You can expect to learn some new ideas about how you view your own world after looking at life through the eyes of this book. There is no need to have read the books previously written in this universe - each book, including this one, is self explanatory, and yet manages to avoid over-repetitive explanations for those who have read the others - the mark of a very skilled writer indeed! Finally, on a note near and dear to any science fiction reader's heart, strict attention is paid to the laws of nature and the workings of science. All in all, a superlative book, one to be cherished and read repeatedly.

I met Fletcher Neihart and his family and friends and re-visited the trials of youth. With open mouth awe, I also met the hisa on their alien world. I heard my boots ringing on metal docks and smelled strange odors as I tromped around space stations, wide-eyed. Most of all, I felt the exhilaration and real fears of being aboard a working merchant spaceship out among the stars.This was a new trip, but not a new experience. I have been a vagabond traveler on many a far flung voyage around the universe compliments of Ms. Cherryh. Once again, she mesmerized me and took me a-sailing. I thank her profusely.

"Finity's End", the latest in C.J.Cherryh's merchenter universe series grabbed my interest from the begining, and never let it go. Coming at theend of the Company wars, the novel describes a system in transition, a universe plauged by smugglers and the ever present threat of war fleets hanging at the edge of civilized space. Thrown into the mix is Fletcher Neihart, refugee from Pell, a child grown to manhood among strangers, more at home with the primitive natives of Downbelow, than with his fellow humans. I found this to be one of the best sci/fi books I have read in years.