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Babylon 5: Saga of Psi Corps #1
Babylon 5. Dark Genesis. The Birth Of The PSI Corps
Long before the Babylon 5 space station brought Humans face-to-facewith alien races, they discovered an extraordinary breed among their very own . . .
The year is 2115. Shock waves follow in the wake of astonishing news: science has proven the existence of telepaths. Amid media frenzy, panic, and bloodshed, Earth's government steps in to restore order--and establish tight control over the newfound special population . . . by any means necessary.
Ambitious senator Lee Crawford spearheads the effort, overseeing the creation of the Psi Corps--an elite unit charged with tagging and monitoring all telepaths "for their own protection." But the real agenda behind the crackdown is one of government control. Many question the telepaths' origins, while others view them as a coveted weapon. As the Corps tightens its iron grip, the stage is set for a cataclysmic confrontation--one in which the future of Earth will be decided.
The year is 2115. Shock waves follow in the wake of astonishing news: science has proven the existence of telepaths. Amid media frenzy, panic, and bloodshed, Earth's government steps in to restore order--and establish tight control over the newfound special population . . . by any means necessary.
Ambitious senator Lee Crawford spearheads the effort, overseeing the creation of the Psi Corps--an elite unit charged with tagging and monitoring all telepaths "for their own protection." But the real agenda behind the crackdown is one of government control. Many question the telepaths' origins, while others view them as a coveted weapon. As the Corps tightens its iron grip, the stage is set for a cataclysmic confrontation--one in which the future of Earth will be decided.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 29, 1998
16 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
Greg Keyes
84 books653 followersGregory Keyes is a writer of science fiction and fantasy who has written both original and media-related novels under both the names J. Gregory Keyes and "Greg Keyes".
Greg Keyes was born in to a large, diverse, storytelling family. He received degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia before becoming a fulltime writer.
He lives in Savannah, Georgia.
Greg Keyes was born in to a large, diverse, storytelling family. He received degrees in anthropology from Mississippi State and the University of Georgia before becoming a fulltime writer.
He lives in Savannah, Georgia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
February 21, 2019
This is book 1 of the Psi Corp Trilogy, stories written in the world of Babylon 5. I've finished the trilogy, and this is by far the best of the three stories. It goes back about a hundred and fifty or so years before the time of Babylon 5 and sets the stage for how and why the Psi Corp was formed. It is very thought provoking, interesting and well told. It goes all the way back to discovering the first human telepaths and the time before we've found the existence of other races in the galaxy. The characters and the decisions they have to make are well formed and it really gives you an appreciation for the reason why the Psi Corp exists in Babylon 5 and why joining Psi Corp is mandatory for all telepaths unless they agree to take "sleeper injections" which removes their telepathic abilities. If you love Babylon 5, this entire trilogy is a must read, but in particular, this first book is even more so and is highly recommended. All the books in this trilogy are considered canon in the Babylon 5 universe.
November 28, 2024
I found some of this super interesting and some of it a little on the boring side, so on average it was pretty enjoyable.
It was partly what you'd expect as the Psi Corps emerges alongside the development of psi-abilities - a harsh justification of the circumstances which came to allow such an authoritarian organisation.
But also, on the other hand, I was honestly taken somewhat by surprise by the path that it took.
These psi-abilities are a genetic feature that is sprung onto an unexpecting global society, almost concurrent with our meeting of other intelligent species. The population on Earth, (both teeps and normies), react with impulsive immaturity and the result is a bit brutal really. This explosion is the birth of the idea for the Psi Corps but in its wake lies the shadow of any opposition that had come up against it
The story takes place about 150 to 100 years before the time we're familiar with on the station, but to keep us interested there's a Winters and an Alexander and a reference to the author Alfred Bester which might be a covert explanation for how our favourite Psi Corps menace was named.
Not sure how to end this review so how about abruptly.
It was partly what you'd expect as the Psi Corps emerges alongside the development of psi-abilities - a harsh justification of the circumstances which came to allow such an authoritarian organisation.
But also, on the other hand, I was honestly taken somewhat by surprise by the path that it took.
These psi-abilities are a genetic feature that is sprung onto an unexpecting global society, almost concurrent with our meeting of other intelligent species. The population on Earth, (both teeps and normies), react with impulsive immaturity and the result is a bit brutal really. This explosion is the birth of the idea for the Psi Corps but in its wake lies the shadow of any opposition that had come up against it
The story takes place about 150 to 100 years before the time we're familiar with on the station, but to keep us interested there's a Winters and an Alexander and a reference to the author Alfred Bester which might be a covert explanation for how our favourite Psi Corps menace was named.
Not sure how to end this review so how about abruptly.
May 11, 2017
I absolutely loved the television series. It probably still stands as one of the best science fiction shows of all time. It's funny that I never considered reading the books before and this was my first. I think I want to rewatch the series now because this book was amazing. Babylon 5 is unique in the fact that most of material released, including novels, comics, and short stories are considered canon and are based of outlines by the show's creator. I think I will watch the show again and read the novels where they fit in the timeline. If you are a Babylon 5 fan don't skip the books!
March 10, 2009
Ok, this book is not rocket science. Oh wait...it might be as it is science fiction. Anyway, for five years at the end of the last century, I was hooked on the TV show, Babylon 5. It was an amazing science fiction show and I have seen every episode and loved them. It was full of intrigue with hints in every show about the future and always left you wanting more.
One of the occasionally recurring characters was Bester, a Psi Cop and member of the Psi Corp - a large organization for all telepaths, mandated by law and required membership for all telepaths. The organization was always a bit sinister, and the worse of them were the Psi Cops, whose main job was to hunt down rogue telepaths who didn't want to be in the Corp. It was Bester's belief and those of the Corp, that some day there would be a war between telepaths and normals.
Bester was a P12, the highest rating possible for telepathic ability. But, one of the unanswered questions at the end of the show's 5 year run was the fate of Bester and was there ever a war?
Bester was brilliantly played by actor Walter Koenig, of Star Trek fame. He was both funny and deadly, likable and despicable.
This book is the first of three books by Gregory Keyes, from an original outline suggested B-5 Creator, J.Michael Straczynski. Book one is about the birth of Psi Corps, Book 2 is about the rise of Bester, and book 3 is about the fate of Bester.
So, the first two books take place before the introduction of the character in the first TV show. This book, weaves an eleborate plot from the first confirmation that there are indeed a number of human telepaths on earth, to the actual creation of the Psi Corps to both protect them and the normal human population from each other.
There is a lot of violence and bloodshed against telepaths in the the beginning and an ambitious senator who tries to organize and protect them for his own political agenda. The book covers about 70 years and we meet a few character who are the ancestors of characters we later meet in the TV show.
One of the predominant themes of the book is how did telepaths suddenly appear on earth in such great numbers. Of course, TV show fans know the answer to that.
Our friend Bester doesn't put in an appearance until the end of the book as a baby, born of the two most powerful resistance leaders in the anti-Psi Corp movement.
I liked the story, but am not crazy about the way the author writes. He leaves me a bit cold and I think he could have done a better job expounding on the original outline. I felt like the glass was only half full. But, I will read the other two books just to find out what happens to my friend Bester
One of the occasionally recurring characters was Bester, a Psi Cop and member of the Psi Corp - a large organization for all telepaths, mandated by law and required membership for all telepaths. The organization was always a bit sinister, and the worse of them were the Psi Cops, whose main job was to hunt down rogue telepaths who didn't want to be in the Corp. It was Bester's belief and those of the Corp, that some day there would be a war between telepaths and normals.
Bester was a P12, the highest rating possible for telepathic ability. But, one of the unanswered questions at the end of the show's 5 year run was the fate of Bester and was there ever a war?
Bester was brilliantly played by actor Walter Koenig, of Star Trek fame. He was both funny and deadly, likable and despicable.
This book is the first of three books by Gregory Keyes, from an original outline suggested B-5 Creator, J.Michael Straczynski. Book one is about the birth of Psi Corps, Book 2 is about the rise of Bester, and book 3 is about the fate of Bester.
So, the first two books take place before the introduction of the character in the first TV show. This book, weaves an eleborate plot from the first confirmation that there are indeed a number of human telepaths on earth, to the actual creation of the Psi Corps to both protect them and the normal human population from each other.
There is a lot of violence and bloodshed against telepaths in the the beginning and an ambitious senator who tries to organize and protect them for his own political agenda. The book covers about 70 years and we meet a few character who are the ancestors of characters we later meet in the TV show.
One of the predominant themes of the book is how did telepaths suddenly appear on earth in such great numbers. Of course, TV show fans know the answer to that.
Our friend Bester doesn't put in an appearance until the end of the book as a baby, born of the two most powerful resistance leaders in the anti-Psi Corp movement.
I liked the story, but am not crazy about the way the author writes. He leaves me a bit cold and I think he could have done a better job expounding on the original outline. I felt like the glass was only half full. But, I will read the other two books just to find out what happens to my friend Bester
February 17, 2017
Disclaimer: I'm a big fan of Babylon 5.
This book was thoroughly enjoyable, even if it didn't take place in one of my favourite sci-fi universes. The premise is great: How would a human society react to the sudden discovery of people with telepathic abilities. The reaction makes sense, and the way the subject is handled feels like it really would be the reaction that humans would have to people who can read minds. The fear of these new people is believable, but so is the political posturing to control these new capabilities.
Here's a breakdown of the good and the bad:
The Good
The setting: It takes place in an earlier time of the B5 universe. A universe that's not that far removed from our own. Earth is slowly uniting, with all the growing pains that would bring.
The characters: The characters are interesting and all are both great and flawed in their own unique ways. The book goes over multiple generations, showing how society adapts over time in how the generations react to similar problems.
The Bad
The speed: Everything goes at a very rapid pace and this goes at the cost of depth. I would like to read more about all of the major sections of the books and lots more about how telepaths read and work.
This book was thoroughly enjoyable, even if it didn't take place in one of my favourite sci-fi universes. The premise is great: How would a human society react to the sudden discovery of people with telepathic abilities. The reaction makes sense, and the way the subject is handled feels like it really would be the reaction that humans would have to people who can read minds. The fear of these new people is believable, but so is the political posturing to control these new capabilities.
Here's a breakdown of the good and the bad:
The Good
The setting: It takes place in an earlier time of the B5 universe. A universe that's not that far removed from our own. Earth is slowly uniting, with all the growing pains that would bring.
The characters: The characters are interesting and all are both great and flawed in their own unique ways. The book goes over multiple generations, showing how society adapts over time in how the generations react to similar problems.
The Bad
The speed: Everything goes at a very rapid pace and this goes at the cost of depth. I would like to read more about all of the major sections of the books and lots more about how telepaths read and work.
October 24, 2010
I love Babylon 5. All of it. But I have to say that I had some difficulty getting through the first part of this first book in this series. It was slow and truly I just never came to care about the people in it. Later on the story did pick up and I got through it. But if this hadn't been a Babylon 5 book and I not been such a huge fan of the whole B5 universe? I would never have stuck with it as long as I did.
October 27, 2021
Engaging background of Psi Corp
August 14, 2024
I already knew the MC from the show, and I really loved reading a separate storyline that featured him. All the characters are fully developed and the story is well written.
April 9, 2012
So now to add another review - first off I will admit when Babylon 5 was aired I was a fan - ok the stories were a little ropy the special effects were sometimes showing their "experimental" roots too much and the acting a little wooden - I am sure there are plenty more criticisms out there - BUT I religiously watched it each week waiting for the next instalment. I was glued.
Then then pulled the plug and the series was cancelled. However what it has left is many more shows where green screening is the norm (where shows now can be made where budgets are at least possible), where science fiction series are no longer afraid to share a story that runs longer than the "to be continued...." end of series cliff hanger and where everyday subjects can be given a fantastical and imaginary turn, oh and a whole string of spin off books.
Well that is where Dark Genesis comes in - its an attempt at explain how the PSI Corps came in to being and charts the rise and fall of the TV series most enigmatic and hated characters - Alfred Bester (and yes they make no secret that that its a nod to the Author himself).
This book really charts the creation of the Crops and the eventual introduction of characters we will see during the TV shows - some more obvious than others. The story is like some dynastic history where specific events from certain peoples lives are chronicled - then the next chapter or section many years have jumped forward - till eventually you are introduced to the child who will become Bester.
The book is a strange one in that there are many names and hints that make it feel a B5 story however no references (apart from the cover) to where it is going. as such as a standalone book with no prior knowledge of what it is part of its a rather flat read - not bad just wondering where it will go - i guess the next in the trilogy is where things start getting interesting and familiar. I shall wait and see...
Then then pulled the plug and the series was cancelled. However what it has left is many more shows where green screening is the norm (where shows now can be made where budgets are at least possible), where science fiction series are no longer afraid to share a story that runs longer than the "to be continued...." end of series cliff hanger and where everyday subjects can be given a fantastical and imaginary turn, oh and a whole string of spin off books.
Well that is where Dark Genesis comes in - its an attempt at explain how the PSI Corps came in to being and charts the rise and fall of the TV series most enigmatic and hated characters - Alfred Bester (and yes they make no secret that that its a nod to the Author himself).
This book really charts the creation of the Crops and the eventual introduction of characters we will see during the TV shows - some more obvious than others. The story is like some dynastic history where specific events from certain peoples lives are chronicled - then the next chapter or section many years have jumped forward - till eventually you are introduced to the child who will become Bester.
The book is a strange one in that there are many names and hints that make it feel a B5 story however no references (apart from the cover) to where it is going. as such as a standalone book with no prior knowledge of what it is part of its a rather flat read - not bad just wondering where it will go - i guess the next in the trilogy is where things start getting interesting and familiar. I shall wait and see...
March 29, 2021
J. Michael Straczynski really fizzled when it came to sustaining a memorable story arc regarding the PSI Corps on the series Babylon 5. Getting the chance to have a fifth and final season, he creates an impending war between the PSI Corps and normal humans ("Mundanes") then never delivers. Fortunately, he allows J. Gregory Keyes to flesh out the full story, starting from its chaotic inception. The novels are dark and brooding. The first novel, Dark Genesis: The Birth of the Psi Corps ends with Bester's birth and deliverance to the corps (after the loss of his parents). While it is interesting, most of it is hack.
The trilogy really takes off with the second edition, Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant, delineating Bester's PSI Corps training and rise to the top. It is full of delicious details and insights. Unfortunately, it ends with Bester planning a visit to Babylon 5 to round up Jason Ironheart.
The third installmentFinal Reckoning: The Fate of Bester picks up the tale of Bester well after the telepath war is finished. He leaves the fate of Lyta Alexander to speculation and instead concentrates on Garibaldi's quest for revenge. Much of this novel is poorly written and hack. In the end Keyes manages to deliver a decent resolution which ties his trilogy together. I will not provide spoilers, but this novel is certainly a must for anyone interested in whatever happened to Mr. Garibaldi and Mr. Bester.
The trilogy really takes off with the second edition, Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant, delineating Bester's PSI Corps training and rise to the top. It is full of delicious details and insights. Unfortunately, it ends with Bester planning a visit to Babylon 5 to round up Jason Ironheart.
The third installmentFinal Reckoning: The Fate of Bester picks up the tale of Bester well after the telepath war is finished. He leaves the fate of Lyta Alexander to speculation and instead concentrates on Garibaldi's quest for revenge. Much of this novel is poorly written and hack. In the end Keyes manages to deliver a decent resolution which ties his trilogy together. I will not provide spoilers, but this novel is certainly a must for anyone interested in whatever happened to Mr. Garibaldi and Mr. Bester.
November 8, 2020
Dark Genesis is an interesting novel. It's a Babylon 5 tie-in that, really, has very little to do with the TV series it is based on. It's set over one-hundred years before and the only connections it has to the storyline proper is a few surnames and organizations. When I first read it as a teenager, I was disappointed by that.
When I revisited it later, I found it to be a really fascinating novel. Ultimately, it's one of the best novels I've read that concerns the idea of 'what if supernatural beings suddenly emerged among us?' Dark Genesis is about how the world changes when telepaths emerge seemingly out of nowhere. It's concerned with who prospers, who suffers, who manipulates them, and how the world changes as a consequence.
In that sense, it's a shame that it's a tie-in. Ultimately, the story in this novel could be a trilogy of its own. As it is, the novel rushes through decades of history and explores around three generations of characters, for better or worse. At points, it reads less like a sci-fi novel and more like a history book. I wish that there were more books like Dark Genesis, focusing on the societal ramifications and big questions raised by such an event. If your neighbour might be able to read your mind without you knowing, might be able to make you do things just by thinking it, how would the world look? Not pretty, Keyes posits.
Keyes is a solid writer. The plot flows well and the dialogue is fun. There's a lot of interesting ideas, but the characters suffer from how quickly they live, breathe, and die. Lee Crawford, Kevin Vacit, and the others are all interesting enough but, in a way, deserved more than one novel. But it's a good story and Keyes takes full advantage of being able to write so far removed from the core Babylon 5 timeline.
When I revisited it later, I found it to be a really fascinating novel. Ultimately, it's one of the best novels I've read that concerns the idea of 'what if supernatural beings suddenly emerged among us?' Dark Genesis is about how the world changes when telepaths emerge seemingly out of nowhere. It's concerned with who prospers, who suffers, who manipulates them, and how the world changes as a consequence.
In that sense, it's a shame that it's a tie-in. Ultimately, the story in this novel could be a trilogy of its own. As it is, the novel rushes through decades of history and explores around three generations of characters, for better or worse. At points, it reads less like a sci-fi novel and more like a history book. I wish that there were more books like Dark Genesis, focusing on the societal ramifications and big questions raised by such an event. If your neighbour might be able to read your mind without you knowing, might be able to make you do things just by thinking it, how would the world look? Not pretty, Keyes posits.
Keyes is a solid writer. The plot flows well and the dialogue is fun. There's a lot of interesting ideas, but the characters suffer from how quickly they live, breathe, and die. Lee Crawford, Kevin Vacit, and the others are all interesting enough but, in a way, deserved more than one novel. But it's a good story and Keyes takes full advantage of being able to write so far removed from the core Babylon 5 timeline.
November 20, 2021
I never want to feel any sympathy nor understanding for Bester but this book makes that happen. It is quite twisty. Because it's not a topic that was covered in any real depth during the television series, it leaves the story's path wide open and it delivers for me.
Update: I first read through this book so quickly I only absorbed the ENDING. For some reason I glossed over the real story. It was so easy to rush because I was looking for Bester's story, not a story about the Psi Corps. Glad I decided to go back and become a 'better reader'. My advice is, 'let go of Bester and read the story of how Psi Corps got its start'.
Update: I first read through this book so quickly I only absorbed the ENDING. For some reason I glossed over the real story. It was so easy to rush because I was looking for Bester's story, not a story about the Psi Corps. Glad I decided to go back and become a 'better reader'. My advice is, 'let go of Bester and read the story of how Psi Corps got its start'.
May 15, 2023
The picture of Bester on the front is wild to me now that I've read it, but I guess you have to sell this one with him on some level, he's only in the very end of the book, I won't spoil how, but if you're reading just for him you'll be disappointed.
With that out of the way, the book itself is a lot of fun. Really solid narrative of the early folks involved in the Psi-Corps and the Resistance. I really enjoyed the characterizations and the plot, even if there were literally no characters from the show involved, we did meet some of their predecessors.
With that out of the way, the book itself is a lot of fun. Really solid narrative of the early folks involved in the Psi-Corps and the Resistance. I really enjoyed the characterizations and the plot, even if there were literally no characters from the show involved, we did meet some of their predecessors.
August 5, 2009
I am a slow reader. it can take me weeks to finish the average paperback, but I devoured Dark Genesis in less than a day. Then I had to run out and get the rest of the trilogy.
The book fills in parts of the back story of the B5 universe in amazing detail. You are carried along with the characters. I learned to understand Bester, his motivations and desires. I don't like him but I can respect him.
The book fills in parts of the back story of the B5 universe in amazing detail. You are carried along with the characters. I learned to understand Bester, his motivations and desires. I don't like him but I can respect him.
January 22, 2015
Quite a good book if you liked Babylon 5 TV series. I thought it would be just a regular book, purely entertaining but nothing else. Of course, this is not a book where to look for philosophical thoughts or poetical writing, but it is quite well written, very dynamic and explains not only the birth of psi corps but the origin of human telepaths themselves. As far as I remember, it is very accurately linked to Babylon 5 universe. In fact, this trilogy is considered canon.
May 12, 2017
I first read this shortly after finishing Babylon 5, it was fascinating to discover the history of the Psi Corp as well as forgotten family ties between characters from B5. Now after my most recent re-watch of Babylon 5 I found the book once again. Now I can see it's imperfections clearer but also how Keyes works in themes from the show too that i missed the first time. Overall it's a good read for any B5 fan interested in learning more about the Psi Corp etc.
September 25, 2013
This is by far the best of the trilogy and one of the better B5 books. It shows how society unravels at the discovery of psionic powers, and then rights itself back up in the structure that we come to know on the show. It is the very bit that is missing in (the real) Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man to understand how the world came to be.
July 20, 2019
Yet another read through and still a brilliant book.
July 2, 2019
I don’t know why I never gave the Babylon 5 books a try. This was a wonderful return to the series!
February 4, 2023
Normally a book or books based on a TV series are pretty simple and straightforward. The concepts are pretty simple the writing style is pretty simple. Even if it’s aimed at adults, it stays a pretty easy read. That’s fine i have read dozens of tv based books that were fantastic! But, they were still an easy read.
I rarely write long reviews but this series justifies it.
So, i finally get around to reading this series of books about the psi core. I am a huge fan and knowledgeable about the whole B5 universe. I’m here to tell you this series of books is fantastic! I mean it is loaded with deep thinking deep multi generational story telling by Mr. Keyes. The three books are set in three time periods & yet it flows smoothly.
You do need to be a fan of the series and watched the whole show to really understand what’s going on. But my goodness, let me keep going, when you read a good book with a super intelligent worldly wise author they have lots of quote-able quotes. LoL. There are several I want to cut out and post on the wall. I was even educated in some things like proper police investigation theory. Ha, who would of thought! That’s how you know you’ve got a fantastic intelligent well read author.
Gregory Keys well done my friend well done.
I rarely write long reviews but this series justifies it.
So, i finally get around to reading this series of books about the psi core. I am a huge fan and knowledgeable about the whole B5 universe. I’m here to tell you this series of books is fantastic! I mean it is loaded with deep thinking deep multi generational story telling by Mr. Keyes. The three books are set in three time periods & yet it flows smoothly.
You do need to be a fan of the series and watched the whole show to really understand what’s going on. But my goodness, let me keep going, when you read a good book with a super intelligent worldly wise author they have lots of quote-able quotes. LoL. There are several I want to cut out and post on the wall. I was even educated in some things like proper police investigation theory. Ha, who would of thought! That’s how you know you’ve got a fantastic intelligent well read author.
Gregory Keys well done my friend well done.
May 5, 2025
DO NOT READ this book, if you're not a fan of the tv show Babylon 5, you will not understand references, etc. This series progresses in order the life of Alfred Bester and PSI Corps itself.
While this series is 3 books, for all intent and purposes, it is 4, books 1 & 2, then the tv series, then book 3.
In 2115, it is announced that telepaths exist, and they live among us. People living in fear, turn against those they believe to be telepaths. In order to establish order, the PSI Corps are created to tag and monitor telepaths, and ultimately to use them. PSI Corps was created by senator Lee Crawford for this purpose, not realizing his assistant, has one of the highest psi ratings out there, he doesn't register, and he too has plans. Rogue telepaths not wishing to "join", flee and exist on the run as nomads. One such couple is Fiona & Matthew Dexter, hoping to raise their son, free.
While this series is 3 books, for all intent and purposes, it is 4, books 1 & 2, then the tv series, then book 3.
In 2115, it is announced that telepaths exist, and they live among us. People living in fear, turn against those they believe to be telepaths. In order to establish order, the PSI Corps are created to tag and monitor telepaths, and ultimately to use them. PSI Corps was created by senator Lee Crawford for this purpose, not realizing his assistant, has one of the highest psi ratings out there, he doesn't register, and he too has plans. Rogue telepaths not wishing to "join", flee and exist on the run as nomads. One such couple is Fiona & Matthew Dexter, hoping to raise their son, free.
November 20, 2024
This was great. It kept me turning the pages and I whizzed through this and the rest of the trilogy.
Having rewatched Babylon 5 again recently, I thought I really ought to try and read some of the books that address the plot threads that continue beyond the 5 year arc of the show. Getting hold of them is not easy either.
I won't write a long review, but this book is interesting because of the history it covers and that it, essentially, doesn't feature characters introduced during the show. I could have gone for 4 stars if I was being very picky, but I enjoyed this - and that's what counts.
If you can get hold of these books, and you were into B5, I thoroughly recommend them.
Having rewatched Babylon 5 again recently, I thought I really ought to try and read some of the books that address the plot threads that continue beyond the 5 year arc of the show. Getting hold of them is not easy either.
I won't write a long review, but this book is interesting because of the history it covers and that it, essentially, doesn't feature characters introduced during the show. I could have gone for 4 stars if I was being very picky, but I enjoyed this - and that's what counts.
If you can get hold of these books, and you were into B5, I thoroughly recommend them.
May 26, 2024
I have always been intrigued with the Telepath War from Babylon 5 as it was hinted at multiple times during the show. This book starts off that War in the past, and as such sets the stage. It is well written, but since none of the characters here are actually in the TV show, it is more difficult to get into it. It does reveal multiple things about the origin story of Bester, though, which is pretty interesting.
February 17, 2025
I had watched Babylon 5 series years back and had loved it. There are very few series in sci-fi genre so I am always looking out for more.
I had been reluctant to read books on Babylon - I thought they wouldn’t match the visual drama and may also be boring with technicalities of psi-corps world building.
I was wrong. It was fast paced and interesting. I am glad I picked it and the right one in the series.
I had been reluctant to read books on Babylon - I thought they wouldn’t match the visual drama and may also be boring with technicalities of psi-corps world building.
I was wrong. It was fast paced and interesting. I am glad I picked it and the right one in the series.
April 10, 2020
This book was okay. I did enjoy the idea, being the birth of PSI Corps, but was a bit disappointed as it often got bogged down in action scenes that did little to move the story on.
The best parts were the understanding of how and why the telepaths evolved.
I’ll read the next two in the sequence as I’m under lockdown.
Not bad.
The best parts were the understanding of how and why the telepaths evolved.
I’ll read the next two in the sequence as I’m under lockdown.
Not bad.
June 3, 2024
An interesting prequel that covers the time period when telepaths were appearing on Earth in great numbers. The portrayal of politics in the 22nd century reminds one of now, just as it reminds a viewer of the politics in Babylon 5 - basically, this charts a believable trajectory between the time periods of our present and the show's present. But I think this book could have been better... the writing is the weakest aspect, followed closely by the treatment of female characters throughout its pages (oof don't get me started lol). So I was interested, but not engrossed or terribly impressed.
Side note: this is the 95th book I have read this month, which is a new record for me.
Side note: this is the 95th book I have read this month, which is a new record for me.
March 7, 2021
Was very disappointed with this book and I had wanted to read this for so long. Something seemed to be missing and I didn't feel invested in any of the characters. This doesn't live up to the B5 name.
March 25, 2017
I nice recollection back to Babylon 5. Always wondered what the back story was for the Psi Corp. Now at least I know why they were such a pain in the a** in B5. I still can't think of the Psi Corp. without picturing Koenig. Generally a entertaining read.
May 27, 2017
ripping read!
July 3, 2017
Some really interesting ideas in this book. Almost a shame that it's confined to the B5 universe.
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