Babylon 5 Books

If you love Babylon 5 and are interested in Bester(a great performance by Walter Koenig)--you love to hate him--this is the book for you.

While it definitely can be used as an adjunct to the role-playing games associated with Dungeons and Dragons, it is written unobtrusively so.

Therefore , you can enjoy the book as a stand-alone book. It is a great companion book to the other ( Mongoose publishing) books which include a wealth of information suitable for either the role-player--or for someone wishing to learn about the history of Babylon 5 and the worlds and associations connected with it.

I reviewed this book in the International Journal of Not-for-Profit Law several years ago (Volume 6, Issue 4, September 2004). Dillon proposes important parallels between the gift exchange rituals of ancient societies and the organized technical assistance programs of modern industrial nations. He believes these parallels should guide the architects of foreign aid to a new understanding of the recipient cultures' attitudes and needs,leading to more productive methods of spreading the physical tools and the intellectual know-how of foreign aid to the developinng world. Productive and appreciated aid programs are very much in the donar nations interest, for third world poverty now affects our common enviornment, health, and political interests.

The first book in the series could get a little boring for some readers as it deals solely with the background and history of the organization, the Psi Corps in Babylon 5. Other than that I'd say the series was a success!

The second book features Al Bester (the loved Psi Cop from the popular hit series, Babylon 5) starting off his adventures as a young boy instead of the policy enforcing, back stabbing villain in the Babylon 5 series. Keyes does a downright amazing job of fleshing out the character of Al Bester. The only complaint is that Keyes skips portions of Bester's life midway through the book... then again though, it doesn't matter since what he has to present is just as good (if not better than) Bester's childhood.

Rich with details and imagery one wouldn't expect from a book made from a television series, Bester's childhood story and background behind why he thinks the way he does as an adult is matched only by the beauty of the last and final book. Many reviewers have said that this was their least favorite book but in my opinion it was just as beautiful as the second (his childhood meets what he's become and the convictions he must live with surrounded by the beauty of Paris, nothing can beat that).

Anyhow, great series - I certainly hope more people post their previous reviews for the independent books here instead showing their support for a series well-done.

This book should be required reading in every school district in the country. I first read it 35 years ago when I was beginning my career. But, the information in this very short read will stand on its own merits forever. Please buy this for yourself, for your child or for your grandchildren.

The books does a pretty good job of filling in missing details about what happened to Commander Sinclair between leaving Babylon 5 and taking off to become Valen.

I'm impressed by the author's ability to fill in many of the missing spaces left there by the television series. This book has revealed to me how life was for Sinclair after he left Babylon 5, and the process of how he got the title and position of Entil'Zha (or "Ranger One"). We get to see more clearly the difference between the two worlon embassadors Kosh and Ulkesh, and get an idea about how this difference is going to manifest in the future of the series.

I can recommend this book to every Babylon 5 fan, and have to admit that after I recieved it, it was a delight to sit down and just read it from the beginning until the end!

Even the casual Babylon 5 fan will love 'To Dream in the City of Sorrows'. It ties together the disappearence of Sinclair from B5, what happened to his relationship with Catherine Sakai, how she was lost and his desparate hope he can find his love on the other side of the time rift.

I have worn out one copy and am working on my second. A must have for anyone who watched Babylon 5.

Definitely the best B5 book out there. SO much backstory, so many pieces put into place. Here we finally discover what happened to Jeff SInclair on Minbar and the tale of his dearest love. ANy B5 fan should definitely read it.

This has to be the best of the B5 books that were written. If you want to know what Sinclair was up to after the end of Season 1 and before his return in the two part "War Without End" this is a must read. You won't be dissappointed!

Great reading. You need to read all 3 books to get the full picture.

Peter David fleshes out Michael Straczynski's outline on whatever happened to Londo Mollari after the series Babylon 5 completed its five-year run. The three novels--The Long Night of Centauri Prime, Armies of Light and Dark, and Out of the Darkness detail the tragic fall of Emperor Mollari at the hands of the vengeful Drahk and Vir's quest to undermine Centauri Prime's enemy and reveal them as the agents working to destroy his homeworld from within the government.

Aside from some rather unbelievable coincidences and some rather stupid "superior aliens" (who cannot figure out that Vir is leading the guerilla movement), the novel is well-crafted and well plotted. In fact, the novels are more satisfying B-5 fare than the Psi-Corp trilogy written by J. Gregory Keyes a few years back; here there is definitely a sense of closure to the characters and their actions make sense. And, should you even be interested, there are some characters from Straczynski's short-lived follow-up series Crusader appearing, apparently an attempt to tie the novels in with the television show. Of course, the show had come and gone before the series had even been completely published.

For Babylon V fans, getting more on what is occuring on Centauri Prime is a boon. Londo, now emperor, was involved with the Shadows, but betrayed them, something that the Drakh have not forgiven.

This book reintroduces us to some familiar characters, former Ambassador, now Emperor, Londo Mollari, his former aide de camp, now ambassador in his own right, Vir Cotto, Londo's divorced wive Mariel, and the one he kept Timov.

The storyline itself was written by J. Michael Straczinski, but the quality of the writing was not up to the level of the story itself. For Babylon V fans, this is a must read due to the background info we gain about the situation on Centauri Prime. If you are not family with Babylon V, I recommend getting familiar with it before reading this book, because it does assume a familiarity with the general plot line of the series, particularly as they played out over the last two or three seasons.

First off I would like to say the authors like Peter David are what has killed sci-fi literature. This book, and the others in the series, only offers stale and emotionless sequence actions taken by the fairly flat characters in the book. It would have been more enjoyable as a two-page outline of events. At least then I would not have felt cheated.

Babylon 5 is simply one of the best SciFi tv shows that I have ever seen. This book picks up from the tv series where Londo Mollari has acended to the position of Emperor. In the last three tv episodes, much is alluded to as to what happened to Londo and his friend Vir Cotto. This book jumps right into what is alluded to, and how Londo handles his "hidden enslavement" to the Drakh. The twists and turns the plot takes are excellent reminders of the twists and turns that Londo's scheming and planning took the entire tv show over its five seasons. Very good beginning to a series, and it leaves you wanting more in the final pages.

When I saw the $40+ price on a used copy (no new copies available) I suspected there was a reason for it. And I wasn't disappointed. This is probably THE best book of all in that it wraps up the story of David, the son of Sheridan and Delen, after the TV series left us hanging with the one-eyed Drakh keeper sealed in an ancient Centauri urn as a gift to their new-born son.

Peter David writes a generally believable novel here which wraps up most extant plot threads from the previous 2 stories, as well as pieces from War Without End.

The Drakh story thread is mostly resolved, though this is written with almost no reference to the human efforts against the drakh. The reasons G'kar, sheridan and delenn are on centauri prime are offered, as well as resolution of the thread of the keeper left for their son. Vir (whose changes in previous books make him an almost unrecognizable character) continues to lead an insurgency which eventually places him on the throne. In a piece I wonder was included as a requirement, it even offers a reason for Londo to narrate the film In the Beginning - because he asked delenn for her side of the story while she was a prisoner. This was probably the only piece in the story I felt overly contrived.

Great resolution, doesn't insist on tearing up what we saw in tv episodes (unlike the techno-mage trilogy), however actually getting this book is a problem.

Out of the Darkness is an excellent wrap up book three in the Babylon 5: Legions of Fire Trilogy, but difficult to find.
Books one and two were no problem to locate, plenty out there new or used.
I lucked in this one at a used book store by chance.
*** Come on Ballantine/Del Rey, how about a 2nd printing? ***
To pay $49.95 on Amazon, bid $25.00 or more for it on Ebay is ridiculous for a paperback retailing for $6.50!

Vir Cotto, Hero! Vir Cotto, Emperor! Of course, Babylon V fans knew that Vir would become Emperor after Londo. We also knew that G'Kar would kill Londo and that the capital city of Centauri Prime would be in flames. We also knew that Sheridan would be in time limbo. However, this book, which covers the years 2274-2278 tells us how we got to that point.

The Centauri, under the malevolent guidence of the Drakh, have been building their war machine and are just about ready to strike. Vir has been leading an underground that has cause minor irritation to the plans of Durla, and ultimately, the Drakh, but it didn't put an end to them. That is until Durla was at the final moment of triumph when the underground attacked Durla in his position of strength.

However, getting there, what was the trick. Along the way, there was intrigue, betrayal, and love both won and lost. This was a wonderful storyline, completely consistant with what we already knew about the Babylon V timeline. In fact, this novel fills in a lot of holes that were left in the series, especially considering that this covers the future from the perspective of the Babylon TV series, a future that we got only a glimpse of through prophecy and time distortions.

For the Babylon V fan, this entire trilogy is a must read. I will definately be reading some more Babylon V books, hoping they are as good as this series has been.

The final book of the trilogy, and it does not disappoint. Vir rises up and becomes the leader of his people before he even wears the crown. The final days of Londo are filled with mystery and intrigue, along with some excellent witty commentary between himself and his nemesis/friend G'Kar. Overall, an excellent ending to a most excellent side-story in the Babylon 5 storyline. All three books are well worth your time to pick up and read, especially if you enjoyed the sniping between Londo and G'Kar in the tv series.

This is a well-written novel spinoff from the Babylon 5 and Crusade television series.

Writing is enjoyable, the author appears to have the background data down correctly, and while only 1 character spent any time as a tv character (galen, probably less than 10 crusade episodes + call to arms?) 'early year' books always get some leeway on character development. Obviously Elric was a character in 'geometry of shadows' but 5 minutes of dialogue (if that) is just the bare-bones of a written character.

It was an enjoyable read, and didn't feel contrived or poorly constructed.

My main complaint is why anyone wants to read about the adventures of Anna as a shadown warship cpu. Those pages were skipped. Maybe there is a future plot reason to bring it out now.

The fact book 2 is apparently out of print and sold for multiples of original cover price (as well as the 3rd centauri prime book) is absurd. I am not sure I have ever heard of a published paperback only a few years old being hoarded or sold at absurd mark-ups to this degree....clearly the publisher is in need of a market economics course.

Cavelos has created the best B-5 trilogy yet. Her novels (Casting Shadows, Summoning Light, and Invoking Darkness) flesh out the background of the techno-mages and Galen's past. She meshes her material with the television series seamlessly and brings out nuances in character and situation. The relationship between the techno-mages and the Shadows is revealed in a striking manner that will satisfy any B-5 fan.

Though the most exciting B-5 trilogy I have yet read, Cavelos has a tendency to focus on emotional-turmoil and bringing the pacing of the plot to a complete and utter halt so a character can brood, mope, brood some more, mope again. Making matters worse, she repeats the same trite descriptions describing these feelings of melancholy and worthlessness over and over. But the rewards of completing this trilogy is worth the pitfalls in the prose. A must for any B-5 fan.

I, as a big Bab 5 fan, really liked this. It fills in alot of background for the Tchno-mages and their actions parallel to the series, as well as some things about Galen, who featured so much in Crusade. To some extent, it would do well as a stand-alone, so I look forward to the next two books of the series.

I'd certainly like to be an objective reviewer and say something about how non-B5-fans might feel about this book, but it's hardly possible. And, after all, it really is a Babylon 5 book, from the very first page on - the first chapter has both Shadows and Vorlons, and Morden plays a noticeable role in the book, which was enough to capture a fan's attention. So, 5 stars from a sworn B5-fan, and others, well, I guess you've just got to read and see. There is action and adventure, there is magic and romance, so it's pretty much got everything your regular science-fantasy would.

As the series title says, "Casting Shadows" is about the technomages, who didn't get a whole lot of attention in the series, and just a bit more in the spin-off, Crusade. The characters feel real, and through their way of showing off with illusions and such, even minor characters get clear personalities. The plot has its surprises and twists, as always, when the Shadows are involved... And there is romance as well, but the way it's written, it doesn't feel overly sugar-coated.

The only thing that momentarily annoyed me is the author's way of reusing the exactly same phrases several times. It might be a way of creating connections to the earlier moments, but somehow it feels a bit awkward, because surely there would've been some other way of saying those things instead of using the exact same words. Anyway, that's a small nitpicky thing. Overall, this was one of the best TV-show based books I've read, and I'm really looking forward to reading the next one.

The 3 vol. series is an excellent tie-in to and novelization of the B5 t.v. series. Based on the Mysterious characters known as Techno-Mages who "use science to create Magic" We learn how the Mages work their Magic? With the aid of a programmable alien symbiotic implant at the base of thier skulls, of course. With it they can acomplish the same feats as the Wizards and Sorcerers in the Fantasy Novels. Endless streams of exploding fireballs, protective shields around their bodies, invisible highspeed platforms of levitation for movement, holographic dragons. Guided by the Circle and dedicated to the code. We also learn that Techno Mages go through various levels of training such as apprentis, chrystalis, initiate then Mage, apparently each candidate spends a couple of years at each stage. But now a new initiate (Galen the charactar from B5 & Crusade) Has discovered the long lost spell of distruction. Just as a large and unusual and sudden amount of activity is being detected on the rim. maybe the Shadows? I've heard from B5 websites that the Techno Mages where made up of numerous different species? but these Novels only describe human and centauri.

You need to keep going if you read the first one. You will not be disappointed if you want to find out how Vir becomes who he is.

Great reading. You need to read all 3 books to get the full picture.

I am a lomg-time B5 fan, who purchased and retaina all video versions and spin offs, which I dust off and re-watch ever other year or so.

This is My first printed story by independent authors following outlines by B5 creator, J. Straczynski. I liked the book and in my opinion it was credible, well-written, entertaining, and followed the B5 story line well. I thank the author, Peter David, for his effort in writing the Final Reckoning - The Fate of Bester. I have no negative comments about the book or the author, and I hope he will write more B5 stories. I will probably buy all the B5 paperbacks eventually.

The second book of the trilogy depicting the reign of Emporer Mollari and the hidden occupation by the Drakh. This particular book deals with the further fall from grace of Emperor Mollari, and the beginning of the rise of Ambassador Vir Cotto to prominence as the leader of an underground revolution. The twists and turns of the plot continue to be well done. There are numerous mentions to the Babylon 5 series "Crusade" through the eyes of the TechnoMage Galen. A very good book that will keep you turning its pages throughout the night.

I have to say that I really like the way Vir is developing as a character in this book. Vir was always the bumbling aide de camp for Londo, but he has taken on an entirely new role during this crisis faced by his homeworld, and I must say that it rather becomes him.

This volume covers the time period from 2267-2273. Centauri Prime is falling deeper and deeper into the abyss and there is nothing Emperor Londo Mollari can do about it. Durla has all but taken over all of the functions of government in Centauri Prime and the anti-foreigner campaign is taking a new life among the Centauri.

A small number are prepared to resist this new order, led by Vir. Vir has help, namely from the mysterious technomages.

Garibaldi and G-Kar come into the story about halfway through the book, and President Sheriden at the end. This story very skillfully brings us from a hurting world, smarting from the beating it took at the hands of the Alliance to the subterfuge Durla and his followers use to rebuild Centauri strength.

Sure, Earth parallels are in evidence, as I suppose seem to be inevitable. However, for Babylon V fans, this storyline makes a lot of sense and is compelling. For those not familiar with the Babylon V universe, get familiar with it and read book one before picking up this volume. While this isn't heavy reading, the background information is highly useful for understanding what goes on in the book.

This book {Paperback} is in very good conditon,and I recieved it in record time after ordering it from to Seller. I'am very happy with my order and hope to do business with the Seller again. S.H.

Originally Posted March 14, 1999

J. Gregory Keyes's second installment of the Psi Corp trilogy `Deadly Relation -Bester Ascendant' is a wonderful addition the Babylon 5 tapestry. The first book of the trilogy, `Dark Genesis -The Birth of the Psi Corps', explores the Psi Corps itself, its conception, birth and the struggles faced during its adolescence. The second installment focuses on a single character, the celebrated antihero Al Bester. We learn of Bester's childhood, education, adolescence and development into the Psi Cop Babylon 5 fans love to hate. Keyes's excellent writing provides the loyal Babylon 5 fan with a superbly convincing treatment of Al Bester offering character development and dimensions unattainable in the television show. Considering what Walter Koenig's acting and Straczynski's writing have brought to this character, this is saying a lot.
The non-Babylon 5 fan should enjoy this installment of the trilogy as much as the first. Fitting the ideal of a Babylon 5 story, the novel is thoroughly enjoyable in its own yet brilliantly connected to the larger Babylon 5 universe. The only aspect that might appear strained to the non-B5 fan is an out-of-the-blue reference to the Earth-Minbari war. For the non-fan, this war is the subject of the film and novel `In The Beginning' and an essential part of the series Babylon 5.

The true Babylon 5 fan will appreciate the story even more. Series creator J. M. Straczynski provided the outline for the story and reviewed the final product; series editor Fiona Avery provided some assistance and control as well. Besides the mentioned reference to `In The Beginning' there are tie-ins to the television series spanning from the first to the fifth year, a nice connection to the 7th novel `The Shadow Within', and a nod to DC comic #11 `The Psi Corps and You' that is a real grabber. We also see the events of comic series #5 to 8 from Bester's point-of-view. The connections are not forced, strained or redundant making the story wonderfully satisfying in its own right.

Finally, some additional credit should go to Keyes's care as a writer and the assistance he received from members of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Lab. The Martian climate and geology are accurate (compared to one of the early B5 novels) and he does a convincing job describing Lunar and Martian colonization. The combination of science fiction, mystery and politics together with outstanding character development makes this novel a worthy addition to the Babylon 5 universe.

A good read, and good storyline on the Psi Corp's origin and also the origins of rebel telepaths. True to the Babylan 5 storyline

If you wanna know why Bester is the way he is, this book will tell you. You might even feel sorry for him at times, and will see things from his -twisted- point of view. If you liked Babylon 5 and particularly the Psi Corps episodes, I guarantee you're going to like it!

Reading the background of a complex character is very interesting. Monsters do not see themselves as monsters because they had their own very good reasons for doing what they did. Knowing the reasons they did things make them more real, and less a monster. I would have given this book a 5 star rating on content and story but I took a point away because of some technical writing errors. Any fan of B5 would enjoy this book.