Chanur

The Chanur Saga is a compilation of three books in Cherryh’s Chanur universe. This is the obligatory “catlike semi-humanoid spacefaring alien species” series from Cherryh; for reasons I quail at examining the basic idea is fairly popular and has received several treatments by various authors. This compilation includes an introductory novel and the first two novels of a trilogy, so if you decide to buy it, make sure you buy Chanur’s Homecoming too. The first time I read it, I neglected this step, and was left hanging a bit for lack of resolution to the series.

Chanur’s Legacy is the fifth and final book in C.J. Cherryh’s Chanur series, set after the events of the original tetralogy. Hilfy Chanur — Pyanfar’s niece — is now captain of her own merchant ship, Chanur’s Legacy. What should be a straightforward courier job, delivering a precious artifact to a distant station, spirals into factional politics among the Compact species. Hilfy has to manage a crew that includes a young male hani (still culturally unusual) and a stsho passenger whose diplomatic fragility is a constant liability. Throughout, she’s trying to establish herself as a captain in her own right rather than living in Pyanfar’s shadow.