Book Review: Babylon 5 - Out of the Darkness by Peter David (Legions of Fire #3)

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Engaging story that answers long held fan questions

Cons: None

The Bottom Line:

End of a saga

A loop back to season 3

Answering questions

Finally the Pieces Fall into Place

Out of the Darkness is the final book in the Centauri Prime trilogy. Based on the television series Babylon 5, it follows the events only hinted at during the series, but never fully explained. Now, the questions fans have had since the third season are answered as Centauri emperor Londo faces his destiny while ambassador Vir attempts to break the stronghold of Drakh power on his planet.

Centauri Prime is a hot bed of activity. Prime Minister Durla has gone power mad, trying to overthrow Londo, and with that has come paranoia. Londo still does what he can to fight the Drakh, but with their Keeper in place and monitoring every thing he does, there is little he can do. Vir, meanwhile, slowly builds an army of revolutionaries. But can they gain strength in time to avoid an all out war with the Alliance of Planets taking aim at Centauri Prime because of their illegal activities? All bets are off when the Alliance President's son, David Sheridan, is implanted with his own keeper and heads to Centauri Prime.

This is the book that Babylon 5 fans have been waiting for. It finally fills in the gaps left between season 5 and War Without End from the third season. As with the series itself, even though we know the final outcome, getting there is half the journey. The pace never lags, and there are several surprises along the way. I thought I knew what was happening in those flash forward scenes from the series, but it turns out I only had the smallest clue. Once again, Mr. David has captured the characters and series perfectly. The scenes between Londo and G'Kar, another character from the series, are some of the best anywhere, and Londo's struggle to redeem himself has never been more touching.

Out of the Darkness is an absolute must for Babylon 5 fans. You will love every minute of the story and leave satisfied. Non-fans will also enjoy the story and characters, but won't have the same connection.