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story identification - Novel where the protagonist is integrated into alien society of desert dwellers


A space-faring human is paid/contracted to integrate with a desert people who are VERY in-touch with the desert - a la Avatar?


I remember the desert people were taller and thinner than humans, used Saracen-style Scimitar swords, had their own alien language, and over the course of the book (books?) integrated this man into their society.



He ultimately went native -- I remember this because he would wear their robes, bathe with sand, and shave all of his body hair.


It's a book I read in the early 90's, and I would like to read it again, but my Google-Fu has failed me. :(


EDIT: The desert people are used as bodyguard/mercenaries due to their excellent swordsmanship/fighting prowess and their very strict honor/belief system similar to Bushido. They eschew technology, but are exposed to it enough that space travel is a non-issue. The protagonist is also a space/war hero type person and generally considered an adept fighter until he meets the desert people.


I appreciate any pointers!



Answer



That would be "The Faded Sun" trilogy by C. J. Cherryh.!


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composed of "Kesrith", "Shon'jir" and "Kutath".


Comments

  1. Jonas Smith22 November 2021 at 12:40

    I know more about the Swords now than I did then, thanks for the sharing relevant query ..

    Longsword
    Swords

    ReplyDelete

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