The Companions by Sheri S Tepper

[samvara]

Ecology, feminism and aliens. Read an amusing review saying book should be read with earplugs to survive the shrieking of axes being ground. Probably best enjoyed by confirmed Tepper lovers.

Jewel Delis is a member of a semi-underground movement dedicated to the preservation of Earth species; her moody half brother Paul is a gifted linguist. They travel to the planet Moss whose indigenous inhabitants are suspected of being sentient - taking with them some genetically enhanced dogs Jewel is trying to protect. Alien races with private agendas abound.