Series: Babylon 5 | Publication Date: July 3, 2001
The explosive space epic continues, as the techno-mages come face-to-face with the devastating evil of the Shadows . . .
War against the Shadows is inevitable, and the ruling Circle has ordered the techno-mages into hiding. Many are unhappy with this decision--none more so than Galen, the only mage who has faced the Shadows and lived. But the Shadows aren't Galen's only enemy--he is driven to hunt and kill Elizar, the traitor who murdered the beautiful mage Isabelle while Galen stood by helplessly, his hands tied by the Circle's sacred code he had sworn to follow.
Now a new mission awaits as the Circle contrives a plan that may enable the five hundred mages to escape without leaving a trace. Dispatched to the Shadow's ancient capitol to uncover the enemy's plans, Galen will find everything he so desperately seeks--including a shocking legacy that threatens to consume his very soul.
The explosive space epic continues, as the techno-mages come face-to-face with the devastating evil of the Shadows . . .
War against the Shadows is inevitable, and the ruling Circle has ordered the techno-mages into hiding. Many are unhappy with this decision--none more so than Galen, the only mage who has faced the Shadows and lived. But the Shadows aren't Galen's only enemy--he is driven to hunt and kill Elizar, the traitor who murdered the beautiful mage Isabelle while Galen stood by helplessly, his hands tied by the Circle's sacred code he had sworn to follow.
Now a new mission awaits as the Circle contrives a plan that may enable the five hundred mages to escape without leaving a trace. Dispatched to the Shadow's ancient capitol to uncover the enemy's plans, Galen will find everything he so desperately seeks--including a shocking legacy that threatens to consume his very soul.
Babylon 5 created by J. Michael Straczynski
About the Author
Jeanne Cavelos began her professional life as an astrophysicist, working in the Astronaut Training Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Her love of science fiction sent her into a career in publishing. She became a senior editor at Dell Publishing, where she ran the science fiction/fantasy program and created the Abyss horror line, for which she won the World Fantasy Award. A few years ago, Jeanne left New York to pursue her own writing career. She is the author of The Science of Star Wars, The Science of The X-Files, and the Babylon 5 novels The Shadow Within and Casting Shadows. Jeanne is also the director of Odyssey, an annual summer workshop for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. You can visit her Web site at www.sss.net/people/jcavelos or contact her at jcavelos@sff.net.
J. Michael Straczynski is one of the most prolific and highly regarded writers currently working in the television industry. In 1995, he was selected by Newsweek magazine as one of their Fifty for the Future, described as innovators who will shape our lives as we move into the twenty-first century. His work spans every conceivable genre--from historical dramas and adaptations of famous works of literature (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) to mystery series (Murder, She Wrote), cop shows (Jake and the Fatman), anthology series (The Twilight Zone), and science fiction (Babylon 5). He writes ten hours a day, seven days a week, except for his birthday, New Year's, and Christmas.
I am a writer, editor, scientist, and teacher. I began my professional life as an astrophysicist, working in the Astronaut Training Division at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
After earning my MFA in creative writing, I moved into a career in publishing, becoming a senior editor at Bantam Doubleday Dell, where I created and launched the Abyss imprint of psychological horror, for which I won the World Fantasy Award, and the Cutting Edge imprint of literary fiction. I also ran the science fiction/fantasy publishing program. In addition, I edited a wide range of fiction and nonfiction. In my eight years in New York publishing, I edited numerous award-winning and best-selling authors and gained a reputation for discovering and nurturing new writers.
In 1994, I left New York to pursue my own writing career. My latest book is Invoking Darkness, the third volume in the best-selling trilogy The Passing of the Techno-Mages, set in the Babylon 5 universe (Del Rey). The Sci-Fi Channel called the trilogy "A revelation for Babylon 5 fans. . . . Not 'television episodic' in look and feel. They are truly novels in their own right." My nonfiction book The Science of Star Wars (St. Martin's) was chosen by the New York Public Library for its recommended reading list, and CNN said, "Cavelos manages to make some of the most mind-boggling notions of contemporary science understandable, interesting and even entertaining." The highly praised The Science of The X-Files, (Berkley) was nominated for the Bram Stoker Award. Publishers Weekly called it "Crisp, conversational, and intelligent."
My first published book, the Babylon 5 novel The Shadow Within (Dell), has been reissued by Del Rey with a new cover. Dreamwatch magazine called it "one of the best TV tie-in novels ever written."
Other works include essays in Star Wars on Trial and Farscape Forever, a novella, "Negative Space" (which was given honorable mention in The Year's Best Science Fiction), in the anthology Decalog 5: Wonders, and an essay, "Innovation in Horror," which appears in both On Writing Horror: A Handbook by the Horror Writers Association and The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing (Writer's Digest Books). I've published short fiction, essays, and reviews in many magazines.
I'm currently at work on a science thriller about genetic manipulation and cloning, titled Fatal Spiral.
I also put together my first anthology, The Many Faces of Van Helsing, which was published by Berkley in 2004 and nominated for a Bram Stoker Award.
I run Jeanne Cavelos Editorial Services, a full-service freelance company that provides editing, ghostwriting, consulting, and critiquing services to publishers, book packagers, agents, and authors. Among its clients are major publishers and best-selling and award-winning writers.
Since I love working with developing writers, I created and serve as director of Odyssey (www.odysseyworkshop.org), an annual six-week workshop for writers of fantasy, science fiction, and horror held at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH. Guest lecturers have included George R. R. Martin, Harlan Ellison, Terry Brooks, Ben Bova, Jane Yolen, and Dan Simmons.
During the school year, I am an English lecturer at Saint Anselm College, where I teach writing and literature.
I've lectured widely at venues as varied as the Smithsonian Institute, the United States Air Force Revolutionary Technologies Division, the American Chemical Society, Dartmouth College, the Intel International Science Fair, the Discovery Channel, the Sci-Fi Channel, the History Channel, Turner Entertainment, the Art Bell radio program, and many others.
This review is from: Summoning Light (Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
It is such a pleasure to read a book like this that is highly entertaining, well written and adds further depth to the Babylon 5 universe. Where the first book in the series concentrates on the coming-of-age of Galen in settings that were almost entirely new to B5 fans, this novel weaves in one of the best episodes of the series, set on the station early in the tenure of Captain John Sheridan. By adding back-story and additional details, Jeanne Cavelos has created depth and character development that benefits both this novel, and the original TV episode! She even is able to weave in the rescue of Matthew Gideon, of the "B5: Crusade" series in a way that clarifies, enlightens and intrigues.
As the Techno-mages prepare to leave the galaxy, rather than fight in the Shadow War, secrets are exposed, deceptions are played at numerous levels, and sacrifices are made. The personal losses of Galen are nearly overwhelming (both to the character and to the reader) and his motivations become almost a zombie-like search for Elizar, the renegade Techno-mage who has apparently teamed up with the Shadows, who killed Isabelle. Elric, Galen's teacher and mentor, makes sacrifices of his own and tries to balance his commitment to the Circle as well as his commitment to Galen.
Highlights to further entice you: Anna Sheridan is present in her incarnation as the heart of a Shadow vessel, Mordden makes his appearance as the constant Shadow dupe, and Kosh keeps up the enigmatic Vorlon role as observer of the younger races. Truly this is a book that no Babylon 5 fan can pass by. Highly Recommended.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Summoning Light (Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
Yes, I know - media tie-in books are supposed to be pot-boilers. When it comes to the Babylon 5 series of books (dismissing 75% of the earlier series from Dell), prepare to re-evaluate this mind-set. The reasons for these are varied, but primarily they are because a) the universe J. Michael Straczinski created is so rich and deep b) the Babylon 5 television series was a real "Winds of War" type maxi-series that left many side-stories unexplored c) the self-same J. Michael Straczinski provided the plot and structure for this book and d) JEANNE CAVELOS! She amazes me. Many writers would be daunted working with characters that have already had thier futures/fates established by events on the television series not to mention the constrictions of working with another noted author's plot and guidelines. But Ms. Cavelos makes the characters vibrant and captivating. The pages sing with the obvious joy she imbues her writing. As for the story itself - it - well - is very animated; A real "page turner". If you enjoyed Babylon 5 and the much missed short Crusades series - be forwarned! This book is very hard to close once opened!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Summoning Light (Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)
I'll be brief. It was a quick read because it had exciting action, a few gut busting laughs, and simply fun. Readers will find a few very interesting new threads in the Babylon 5 universe. Though a sci-fi/fantasy book, I enjoyed its realism insofar as people die. The 'entire crew of the Enterprise' would not always survive in a Jeanne Cavelos B5 book (I wouldn't recommend such a 'Trek' story line.). Its been days after and I really am thinking about the story. I wouldn't say I have a better understanding of the universe and my humble purpose in it; I was not expecting that. This was great fun. I'm ordering book 3, which is to be available in November.
These books are greatly increasing my appetite for a return of "Crusade". Is there room for both a "Legends of the Rangers" and "Crusade" series on the Sci-fi channel?
Cheers
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
