Both books were rather thick. I want to say the authors name was christie something, or something christie. The main character is a diplomat posted to a a newly found world where she goes missing and is sucked into a lot of internal politics stuff. The alien race is unusual in that when the children are born they are non gendered. when they hit puberty they go through a sickness that sometimes kills them, and then become either male or female. they had manes and claws.

[GrendelRex]

"Golden Witchbreed" and "Ancient Light" by Mary Gentle. Both books are narrated by the human diplomat/ambassador --- "Lynne de Lisle Christie".

"Golden Witchbreed" and "Ancient Light" by Mary Gentle. Both books are narrated by the human diplomat/ambassador --- "Lynne de Lisle Christie".

That is indeed them.....I could even picture the covers in my head, but could not see the titles for my life. Thank you for figuring it out!!! Now if only I can find them on the site!! **crosses fingers**