Customer Reviews

Summoning Light (Babylon 5: The Passing of the Techno-Mages, Book 2)

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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

This book tells more of the secrets of the Techno-Mages. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK OF BEING FRAYED!! May the Bleesings of Wierden be with you

It's a great book. You follow Galen as he learns about the beginings of the Techno Mages as well as his confrontation with Elizar and the Shadows. The War is heating up and the Techno Mages are going into hiding, perhaps for good as this might be the last generation of Techno Mages ever, especially so if some in the Vorlon Empire have their way. Great book!

I could not believe the twists this book took us on. The technomages are no longer what we thought they were, but are wildly different. This trilogy is a classic and deserves to be read by all!

The second book is better than the first. There is a wonderful integration of story elements with the TV series and books. There is even an explanation of the purple/green Drazi conflict. If you are a fan of B5, this is a perfect summer book. Better than any movie out there, and cheaper!

The Techno-Mages have elected to go into hiding to avoid the shadow war. To throw the shadows off their trail Elric and a few others are sent to Babylon 5. A large portion of this book covers the events that occurred in Babylon 5 episode 203 The Geometry of Shadows. When I first saw that episode I thought it was pretty dull and that the techno-mages were kind of [weak] but the other day I found myself yelling at my brother for saying pretty much the same thing I just did. This book certainly adds new depths to that episode although, hard core Londo fans might want to avoid it. It really doesn't paint a pretty picture of him.

Meanwhile, Galen and Blaylock head off to a shadow base to gather information but Galen is also after revenge. Galen has really changed since the first book. He's pretty [angry] and he's not dealing with it very well. This is the Galen we saw in the Crusade episode The Path of Sorrows. This series just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to see what happens in the final book in the trilogy.

In this second installment to the B5 novelization emphisizing the Techno Mage characters. We learn about the secret history of the ancient technology called the Chrystalis and where it came from. We learn about the ecstacy and agony of the Mages. Their limitations and the extent of their dedication to; 'The Code'. However, I have heard that The Techno Mages are made up of numerous different species? Yet these novels only talk about two, Centauri and Human?

This book is excellent, and kept me riveted through every chapter. As Galen discovers secrets he wasn't meant to know, the reader is drawn further into the story. If you haven't read a Babylon 5 series yet, read this one, it is fantastic.