CJ Cherryh is a celebrated American science fiction and fantasy author, renowned for her intricate world-building and psychologically rich characters. Born in 1942, she has written over 80 novels since the 1970s, including award-winning works like Downbelow Station and Cyteen, both set in her expansive Alliance–Union universe.
Cherryh’s stories often explore alien cultures, political intrigue, and the complexities of communication and identity. She’s known for her “intense internal” narrative style, immersing readers deeply in her characters’ perspectives. Her Foreigner series is another long-running favorite, delving into diplomacy and cultural tension between humans and aliens.