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Babylon 5: Legions of Fire #1
The Long Night of Centauri Prime
In this first novel of a new trilogy based on the Hugo Award-winning TV series, the malevolent beings are reshaping the Centauri Republic into a secret seat of power from which to launch deadly strikes against Interstellar Alliance President John Sheridan and the Earth itself.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 7, 1999
14 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,362 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 25, 2010
4.5 stars. This is a fantastic book though I will say at the outset that it may not have the same impact for someone who is not (a) a fan of Babylon 5 and (b) familiar with the character of Londo Mollari who is the central character of this story. With that preamble aside and as someone who fits squarely into both (a) and (b) above, this is an excellent book. The atmosphere that Peter David creates around Londo and turmoil he is faced to endure is incredibly well done and turns the once "great villian" into a figure that you will truly sympathize with. Without giving away any major spoliers, I will say that the "punishment" imposed upon Londo by tyhe Drakh on the Centauri throne was "haunting" and brilliantly done. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
August 15, 2017
I really enjoyed the TV series, Babylon 5, and particularly enjoyed the exploits of Londo Mollari and Vir Cotto. This book is the first of a trilogy set right at the end and after of the TV series. It brought Londo and Vir back to life for me and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It was a bit slow in places, without a lot of action, but for me the chance to revisit the characters really made up for that.
December 8, 2019
I went to a little restaurant in Italy once. After an hour and a half, my food still hadn't arrived and I asked the waiter if they'd forgotten. 15 minutes later, he came stomping out of the kitchen with a whole, roasted chicken on a coffee saucer.
That's what this book feels like if you're a B5-fan desperate to fill in some gaps or just reunite with the characters.
When I put this book down, and it was with a slam, I was convinced I had read the worst book I could possibly get my hands on.
The characters I had missed after going through Babylon 5's seasons, movies and spin off-series over and over were no longer present. Everyone been transformed into shadows (get it) of themselves. There's a kind of sexism that's so outdated it's bordering on funny, and it affects both men and women.
Londo is the only one who seems at least a bit like himself, but it's not nearly enough.
David has this curious habit of introducing characters that are only relevant for one chapter, but makes sure to include their sexual preferences, their family history and sometimes even their personal hygiene-status.
And this only begins the childish humor and obsession with bodily functions. You wanna see Londo soil himself? It's here!
I must be a glutton for punishment, because despite not having cringed so hard since I read the first book in the Twilight series, I kept going.
So this is my insistent plea to anyone out there who's currently dug into the Centauri Chronicles, or who are planning on reading them:
GET OUT NOW!
This is somehow as good as it gets!
That's what this book feels like if you're a B5-fan desperate to fill in some gaps or just reunite with the characters.
When I put this book down, and it was with a slam, I was convinced I had read the worst book I could possibly get my hands on.
The characters I had missed after going through Babylon 5's seasons, movies and spin off-series over and over were no longer present. Everyone been transformed into shadows (get it) of themselves. There's a kind of sexism that's so outdated it's bordering on funny, and it affects both men and women.
Londo is the only one who seems at least a bit like himself, but it's not nearly enough.
David has this curious habit of introducing characters that are only relevant for one chapter, but makes sure to include their sexual preferences, their family history and sometimes even their personal hygiene-status.
And this only begins the childish humor and obsession with bodily functions. You wanna see Londo soil himself? It's here!
I must be a glutton for punishment, because despite not having cringed so hard since I read the first book in the Twilight series, I kept going.
So this is my insistent plea to anyone out there who's currently dug into the Centauri Chronicles, or who are planning on reading them:
GET OUT NOW!
This is somehow as good as it gets!
June 11, 2008
A great read for any B5 fan. If you aren't a B5 fan... well start watching the old shows so you can become one.
Just when Londo thinks his past is behind him, his world (and his body) are infiltrated by the Drakh. The start of Londo's final downward spiral and Vir's ascent.
Just when Londo thinks his past is behind him, his world (and his body) are infiltrated by the Drakh. The start of Londo's final downward spiral and Vir's ascent.
November 15, 2021
I have been reading the "numbered" B5 books, and none of them really connected. But this book is fantastic! It follows Londo from when we last see him on the TV series - a keeper being forced on him, as he is crowned emperor of the Centauri Republic. We then follow him in the next few days and years. We also get catch up with Vir, the fated emperor-to-be. I enjoyed seeing Londo's perspective (who, I'll argue, is secretly the protagonist of the TV series) and learning what fate befell the Centauri. I can't recommend this book enough to any B5 fans. I understand this book may be difficult to obtain, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 25, 2009
At the end of season 5 of Babylon 5 one of the story lines that are wrapped up is the story of Londo Mollari and his coming to inherit the emperorship of the Centauri Republic. We find that his story is a cursed, tragic one, because just as he reaches the pinnacle of power in his star nation, he is utterly robbed of it by the insidious Drakh and their minions. The series ends with pictures of a lonely Emperor Mollari sitting on his throne, puppet to the machinations of the evil Drakh. "The Long Night" continues that story almost from the very moment that the television series drops it off. We accompany him as he makes his lonely way to the temple where he will be officially crowned, amidst the rubble of his ruined, beloved Centauri Prime.
This story is a long, haunted one, but one that I found particularly entertaining. The first time I read this series (this is my second time) I had barely watched the B5 series, so I was unaware of some of the main connections in the story, such as Senna, daughter of the murdered Lord Refa, or Timov, wife of Londo Mollari who, though having the tongue of a shrew, knows the right thing to do, and does it. Having now watched the series several times and well conversant with all its major players, going back to read the story once again adds a significant depth to the story and my enjoyment of the story. The only complaint I have with it is that the timeline is marginally out of whack with the actual series. The largest glaring error is that Garibaldi is still minister of security for the Alliance eight months after the Fall of Centauri Prime, when we all know that he was essentially fired shortly after Mollari took the throne.
Though I gave it only four stars, that's because I made a covenant with myself that I would not let enthusiasm for the story drive my judgment on quality. Because it does not utterly captivate me and make me dream of Centauri Prime in my sleep, I gave it the second best rating. That, however does not mean that the story is not worthy of reading, and reading again, and perhaps reading a third time, if one so chooses. This series is cult science fiction at its best. Peter David excels at bringing the characters to life and giving them dimension and breath. The series ties up a lot of loose ends and answers a lot of questions about what happens next in the B5 universe. Any fan of the series should consider this a *must* read.
This story is a long, haunted one, but one that I found particularly entertaining. The first time I read this series (this is my second time) I had barely watched the B5 series, so I was unaware of some of the main connections in the story, such as Senna, daughter of the murdered Lord Refa, or Timov, wife of Londo Mollari who, though having the tongue of a shrew, knows the right thing to do, and does it. Having now watched the series several times and well conversant with all its major players, going back to read the story once again adds a significant depth to the story and my enjoyment of the story. The only complaint I have with it is that the timeline is marginally out of whack with the actual series. The largest glaring error is that Garibaldi is still minister of security for the Alliance eight months after the Fall of Centauri Prime, when we all know that he was essentially fired shortly after Mollari took the throne.
Though I gave it only four stars, that's because I made a covenant with myself that I would not let enthusiasm for the story drive my judgment on quality. Because it does not utterly captivate me and make me dream of Centauri Prime in my sleep, I gave it the second best rating. That, however does not mean that the story is not worthy of reading, and reading again, and perhaps reading a third time, if one so chooses. This series is cult science fiction at its best. Peter David excels at bringing the characters to life and giving them dimension and breath. The series ties up a lot of loose ends and answers a lot of questions about what happens next in the B5 universe. Any fan of the series should consider this a *must* read.
June 24, 2025
I adore Babylon 5. In my opinion, it's the greatest sci-fi series out there. Everyone should watch it (it's streaming on Prime as we speak!). I've seen the entire series including spin-offs and movies...so of course now I have to dive into the books (though I'll only be reading those considered "canon" by the creator)!
A true synopsis would contain spoilers for those who haven't seen the show. Suffice it to say that this book is primarily concerned with the events of Centauri Prime after season 5 of the tv show, and it follows the character of Londo Mollari.
Honestly, I truly enjoyed this book. It really felt like it was just picking up from where the show left off. The character voices were accurate, the pacing was good, and I liked how it fleshed out certain events that we only see snippets of on film. Londo's fate is a real tragedy, and this book stays true to his arc and intentions. It had both the levity and the depth that we find in the tv series, and it also provides views into the characters' heads, which we obviously don't get in the show, but which still felt genuine. As a real fan, I'm very pleased with it.
However, I don't think this book would hit the same for anyone who hasn't seen the series first. There are references to past events and people that just aren't going to have as much significance to someone who is just picking this book up cold. It assumes the reader already knows the races, places, and arcs of the series and includes very little in terms of exposition, which I thought was great, but a reader with no knowledge of the show would probably find confusing.
Overall, I totally loved it and definitely recommend it to other B5 fans. If you're not one of those, go check out the show! The effects are definitely dated, but the acting and storyline are bar none. I'll absolutely be continuing with this series. That cliffhanger left me little choice!
A true synopsis would contain spoilers for those who haven't seen the show. Suffice it to say that this book is primarily concerned with the events of Centauri Prime after season 5 of the tv show, and it follows the character of Londo Mollari.
Honestly, I truly enjoyed this book. It really felt like it was just picking up from where the show left off. The character voices were accurate, the pacing was good, and I liked how it fleshed out certain events that we only see snippets of on film. Londo's fate is a real tragedy, and this book stays true to his arc and intentions. It had both the levity and the depth that we find in the tv series, and it also provides views into the characters' heads, which we obviously don't get in the show, but which still felt genuine. As a real fan, I'm very pleased with it.
However, I don't think this book would hit the same for anyone who hasn't seen the series first. There are references to past events and people that just aren't going to have as much significance to someone who is just picking this book up cold. It assumes the reader already knows the races, places, and arcs of the series and includes very little in terms of exposition, which I thought was great, but a reader with no knowledge of the show would probably find confusing.
Overall, I totally loved it and definitely recommend it to other B5 fans. If you're not one of those, go check out the show! The effects are definitely dated, but the acting and storyline are bar none. I'll absolutely be continuing with this series. That cliffhanger left me little choice!
March 29, 2021
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.
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.
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July 21, 2018
"Дългата нощ на Кентаврия Първа":
Когато Сенките напускат галактиката заедно с останалите Първи, оставяйки я на младите раси, те оставят и своето горчиво наследство - технологии, всяващи ужас. Дракх, една от расите, поддръжници на Сенките, решава да използва тези технологии за да завладее познатата ни галактика.
Лондо Молари, някога посмешище и посланик на Вавилон 5 (двете неразривно свързани), после виновник за смазването на Режима на Нарн, сега е Император на Република Кентаврия. Седейки на трона, пред него се разкрива горчивата истина, че колкото по-голяма е властта, която олицетворява, толкова по-малко е личната му свобода; че колкото и да е голям, винаги ще има по-големи от него..., по-страшни...
Пазител, впит във врата на император Молари, го "предпазва" от постъпки, които биха навредили на плановете на Дракх.
Как да действаш срещу враг, който е винаги с теб, който следи всяко твое действие, и слуша почти всяка твоя мисъл? Това е история за началото на края на Лондо Молари.
Когато Сенките напускат галактиката заедно с останалите Първи, оставяйки я на младите раси, те оставят и своето горчиво наследство - технологии, всяващи ужас. Дракх, една от расите, поддръжници на Сенките, решава да използва тези технологии за да завладее познатата ни галактика.
Лондо Молари, някога посмешище и посланик на Вавилон 5 (двете неразривно свързани), после виновник за смазването на Режима на Нарн, сега е Император на Република Кентаврия. Седейки на трона, пред него се разкрива горчивата истина, че колкото по-голяма е властта, която олицетворява, толкова по-малко е личната му свобода; че колкото и да е голям, винаги ще има по-големи от него..., по-страшни...
Пазител, впит във врата на император Молари, го "предпазва" от постъпки, които биха навредили на плановете на Дракх.
Как да действаш срещу враг, който е винаги с теб, който следи всяко твое действие, и слуша почти всяка твоя мисъл? Това е история за началото на края на Лондо Молари.
July 25, 2019
I wasn’t expecting a lot from a old TV tie-in novel, part one of a trilogy, but what a surprise. Well written, nicely paced, full of emotion for characters that I already knew from the TV series.
I found myself caring for what happened to them. Don’t get me wrong the story unfolds slowly (being part one), but it felt right, so much so, I had to get parts two and three (good old EBay).
If you can find the “Legions of Fire” trilogy by Peter David, and you’re a fan or at least enjoyed Babylon 5, then I can thoroughly recommend it.
On to book two.
I found myself caring for what happened to them. Don’t get me wrong the story unfolds slowly (being part one), but it felt right, so much so, I had to get parts two and three (good old EBay).
If you can find the “Legions of Fire” trilogy by Peter David, and you’re a fan or at least enjoyed Babylon 5, then I can thoroughly recommend it.
On to book two.
July 4, 2022
At last, I found the books that detail what happened between the penultimate episode of B5 and the final one! Londo Mollari is now emperor of the Centauri Empire, but at a cost: he's controlled by the Drakh, the former servants of the Shadows (this isn't a spoiler, it was in The Fall of Centauri Prime in season 5.) This and the other two books show what happened to Londo, to Senna, Vir, Durla and of course, the Drakh. I found some of the B5 books unreadable but the Legions of Fire trilogy, the original B5 tie-ins #7 and 8 are all really good. Highly recommended!
November 5, 2023
The good - Londo. Londo is such an amazing character in a Greek tragedy sort of way that I think you could talk me into reading more and more about him alone.
The bad - there wasn't a lot about the other characters in this and there wasn't a lot that you'd call action in any way. It was a very political and character driven space drama, much more so than even the usual for Babylon 5 unfortunately.
I'm onto the second one though! How can I not be as a fan?
The bad - there wasn't a lot about the other characters in this and there wasn't a lot that you'd call action in any way. It was a very political and character driven space drama, much more so than even the usual for Babylon 5 unfortunately.
I'm onto the second one though! How can I not be as a fan?
Read
September 27, 20253.5
adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
A great start to "season 6" of Babylon 5. I'd only recommend this to fans of the franchise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts
adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
A great start to "season 6" of Babylon 5. I'd only recommend this to fans of the franchise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts
March 9, 2021
This begins the fill-ins for so many questions left hanging at the end of the television series. This begins the twisting within Londo's heart and soul. And, the re-introduction of a group I did not expect to encounter. It sets many stages for the future of Centauri Prime and its emperors.
January 7, 2022
If you watched the series this provides a rich story to fill in some obvious gaps. The characters have smoothly made a transition from the TV screen to the pages of the book (no rewriting or redefining was made). Really enjoyable read.
November 7, 2024
For a book that was a sequence of character studies and character interactions, it still somehow managed to hold my attention. Vir has always been a favourite of mine, so I'm enjoying his journey immensely.
June 10, 2017
Great read!
August 31, 2019
I'm prejudiced because I love Babylon 5 but this book keep me turning the pages. I am anxious to finish the series and learn the story behind Londo's reign and Vir's accession.
August 21, 2020
While it's not literary fiction, it's well-done and it was a treat to have it to read when I finished the series and I wanted more.
November 25, 2013
I was the dawn of the Third Age of Mankind, ten years after the Earth-Minbari War. The Babylon Project was a dream given form. Its goal: to prevent another war by creating a place where humans and aliens could work out their differences peacefully. It's a port of call, home away from home for diplomats, hustlers, entrepreneurs, and wanderers. Humans and aliens wrapped in two million, five hundred thousand tons of spinning metal, all alone in the night. It can be a dangerous place, but it's our last, best hope for peace. This is the story of the last of the Babylon stations. The year is 2258. The name of the place is Babylon 5.
Good god, I love Babylon 5 so much that I can even recite the opening scrawl from memory.
Babylon 5 is a show that started in 1994, and lasted until 1998. It was ground breaking for the time, as the first show to ever use CGI heavily, and was well known for it's writings on love, life, religion, politics, and what it means to be a member of the Younger Races.
Taking off just after the season finale, the novel concentrates on the remarkable bastard, Londo Mollari just after he becomes head of the Centauri Republic, which is a monarchy by the way.
Having bonded with an alien parasite, Londo starts down the path of madness that may ultimately consume him as he struggles with his new-found power, the Drakh parasite that is controlling him, and trying to cope with atrocities he watched happen only years before.
Londo Mollari is a magnificent bastard whose way of speaking, mannerisms, flamboyant presence, and complicated relationship with G'Kar are brought to life within these pages.
Peter David seems to have a thing for Sci-Fi and expanding the universes of well known TV shows and movies, and you can certainly tell that he was having fun as he wrote this book, and helped to keep the Babylon flame burning.
I will certainly look into the other books, and never forget the Babylon 5 Mantra dear reader.
Ivanova is always right,
I will listen to Ivanonva,
I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations,
Ivanova is God.
Good god, I love Babylon 5 so much that I can even recite the opening scrawl from memory.
Babylon 5 is a show that started in 1994, and lasted until 1998. It was ground breaking for the time, as the first show to ever use CGI heavily, and was well known for it's writings on love, life, religion, politics, and what it means to be a member of the Younger Races.
Taking off just after the season finale, the novel concentrates on the remarkable bastard, Londo Mollari just after he becomes head of the Centauri Republic, which is a monarchy by the way.
Having bonded with an alien parasite, Londo starts down the path of madness that may ultimately consume him as he struggles with his new-found power, the Drakh parasite that is controlling him, and trying to cope with atrocities he watched happen only years before.
Londo Mollari is a magnificent bastard whose way of speaking, mannerisms, flamboyant presence, and complicated relationship with G'Kar are brought to life within these pages.
Peter David seems to have a thing for Sci-Fi and expanding the universes of well known TV shows and movies, and you can certainly tell that he was having fun as he wrote this book, and helped to keep the Babylon flame burning.
I will certainly look into the other books, and never forget the Babylon 5 Mantra dear reader.
Ivanova is always right,
I will listen to Ivanonva,
I will not ignore Ivanova's recommendations,
Ivanova is God.
February 10, 2023
This first installment in Peter David's Legions of Fire trilogy, based on the scifi TV show Babylon 5, picks up almost immediately where the show left Londo Molari. He has been crowned Emperor of the new Centauri republic, but he also has been implanted with a Keeper by the Drakh. The Keeper is a sort of psychic symbiont that transmits Londo's thoughts and feelings to his Drakh guardian. The Drakh plan to use the Centauri to launch an attack against the Alliance, and in particular, its president, John Sheridan. Londo is walking a fine line between rebuilding the Centauri Empire in his way and keeping the Drakh from knowing his defiance.
I loved Babylon 5, and have been reading the novels associated with the show for a long time. This one was a favorite, I have to admit. Mostly because Londo has always been a favorite character, and it was good to watch him grow and change over the course of the series. Here, he is left to lead the Centauri in their efforts to rebuild their planet after the Narn essentially destroyed it. But there are others with plans for the Centauri, as well. Particularly the Drakh who want to unravel the Alliance and bring down Sheridan.
The book here is not an action packed space adventure. This is much more internal, focusing on Londo's troubled reign as emperor and his efforts to thwart the Drakh as best he can. Londo has changed from his first appearance on the Babylon 5 station, and here he continues to move along the new path he has chosen, even though he knows it can't end well for him. His one-time assistant when stationed on B5, Vir, is here also, returning to Centauri Prime to find things have changed in the palace, and things have not. The entire story is more introspective and personal than action-adventure.
I enjoyed the book. I liked Londo as a character, and it was good to have some more insight into his character, motives, and plans.
I loved Babylon 5, and have been reading the novels associated with the show for a long time. This one was a favorite, I have to admit. Mostly because Londo has always been a favorite character, and it was good to watch him grow and change over the course of the series. Here, he is left to lead the Centauri in their efforts to rebuild their planet after the Narn essentially destroyed it. But there are others with plans for the Centauri, as well. Particularly the Drakh who want to unravel the Alliance and bring down Sheridan.
The book here is not an action packed space adventure. This is much more internal, focusing on Londo's troubled reign as emperor and his efforts to thwart the Drakh as best he can. Londo has changed from his first appearance on the Babylon 5 station, and here he continues to move along the new path he has chosen, even though he knows it can't end well for him. His one-time assistant when stationed on B5, Vir, is here also, returning to Centauri Prime to find things have changed in the palace, and things have not. The entire story is more introspective and personal than action-adventure.
I enjoyed the book. I liked Londo as a character, and it was good to have some more insight into his character, motives, and plans.
July 24, 2016
Babylon 5: Legions of Fire: #1 The Long Night of Centauri Prime by Peter David It took only the n-th rerun of Babylon 5 for me to finally pick up this first part of the Centauri-Prime-trilogy...
... and I'm glad I finally did. "The Long Night..." picks up from Londo's coronation to Emperor up till 2267. It shows how Londo's keeper and the Drakh influence him and Centauri politics, how they turn the Centauri Republic into some form of police state (even with some parallel to Hitler's Youth), how Londo internally rails against this but is powerless to actually interfere. And the book ends on a bleak note: Vir and Londo's wife are essentially exiled because they came too close to discovering what's going on, leaving Londo even more isolated with only Reefa's daughter Senna as some kind of light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But how long will that last inkling of light be allowed to last - especially if it leads to Londo being recalcitrant?
Londo never was one of my favourite characters in the series, but David manages to breathe life into the background of events that were depicted in the series and/or the movies, such as Londo's leaving the urn with a keeper for Sheridan's son on Minbar. And he even lays the groundwork for the Shadow-weapon that's deployed later on as revenge already. Somehow, the most cruel part is that the Drakh, except for Londo whom they control via the Keeper attached to his neck, everyone else on Centauri Prime just plays into their hands with their ambition, hurt pride and jealousy. Isn't that kind of a parallel to how things often work in politics in the so-called real world?
Definite recommendation here - I'm looking forward to the next part.
... and I'm glad I finally did. "The Long Night..." picks up from Londo's coronation to Emperor up till 2267. It shows how Londo's keeper and the Drakh influence him and Centauri politics, how they turn the Centauri Republic into some form of police state (even with some parallel to Hitler's Youth), how Londo internally rails against this but is powerless to actually interfere. And the book ends on a bleak note: Vir and Londo's wife are essentially exiled because they came too close to discovering what's going on, leaving Londo even more isolated with only Reefa's daughter Senna as some kind of light at the end of a very dark tunnel. But how long will that last inkling of light be allowed to last - especially if it leads to Londo being recalcitrant?
Londo never was one of my favourite characters in the series, but David manages to breathe life into the background of events that were depicted in the series and/or the movies, such as Londo's leaving the urn with a keeper for Sheridan's son on Minbar. And he even lays the groundwork for the Shadow-weapon that's deployed later on as revenge already. Somehow, the most cruel part is that the Drakh, except for Londo whom they control via the Keeper attached to his neck, everyone else on Centauri Prime just plays into their hands with their ambition, hurt pride and jealousy. Isn't that kind of a parallel to how things often work in politics in the so-called real world?
Definite recommendation here - I'm looking forward to the next part.
May 17, 2016
This is the first book of a Babylon 5 tie-in trilogy, based on a detailed outline JMS (the series creator) wrote. It tells the story of Centauri Prime after the Shadow War, expanding on some of the points in time we see in one of the TV movies stretching from the end of the series into the remaining 20 years of life Sheridan has as president of the Interstellar Alliance. Over the course of all three books, we get more story of some my favorite characters, esp. Londo Mollari and Vir Coto, but also working in many of the other characters in a satisfying way.
The first book begins as Londo is implanted with his keeper by a member of the Drakh Entire and settles into being puppet emperor while Centauri Prime rebuilds after being bombed by the Alliance.
Aside from the fact that the author has a tendency to get in a character's head and have them go over the same thoughts just in slightly different wording two or three paragraphs in a row, which gets frustrating after a while and is hard to believe no one helped him edit out so many redundancies and duplications, it's a well written book with a strong, driving plot and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Babylon 5 television series.
The first book begins as Londo is implanted with his keeper by a member of the Drakh Entire and settles into being puppet emperor while Centauri Prime rebuilds after being bombed by the Alliance.
Aside from the fact that the author has a tendency to get in a character's head and have them go over the same thoughts just in slightly different wording two or three paragraphs in a row, which gets frustrating after a while and is hard to believe no one helped him edit out so many redundancies and duplications, it's a well written book with a strong, driving plot and I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Babylon 5 television series.
July 9, 2012
The first book in the Legions of Fire-trilogy is definitely a must-read for every B5 viewer.
The trilogy is written by Peter David, possibly the best of all the various Star Trek authors, whose rich Trek novels I recommend to every Trekkie. And once again he fulfills expectations with this Babylon 5 trilogy that answers so many of the questions left unanswered during the TV-show.
This first novel of the trilogy is all about setting ground, characterization, and good writing, introducing many fascinating characters and re-introducing some old ones. It was nice to see David resurrect Londo Mollari’s three wives who he created himself in “Soul Mates,” a second season script of the TV show.
The book begins with the powerful scenes from the fifth season episode "The Fall of Centauri Prime" where Londo is taken over by a creature able to control his actions. The novel shows us the following five years, concentrating mainly on Londo’s psychological breakdown.
The book offers the reader some remarkable insights into the character of Londo Mollari. David really make you think about the character and analyze him in ways you maybe wouldn't have thought of.
The trilogy is written by Peter David, possibly the best of all the various Star Trek authors, whose rich Trek novels I recommend to every Trekkie. And once again he fulfills expectations with this Babylon 5 trilogy that answers so many of the questions left unanswered during the TV-show.
This first novel of the trilogy is all about setting ground, characterization, and good writing, introducing many fascinating characters and re-introducing some old ones. It was nice to see David resurrect Londo Mollari’s three wives who he created himself in “Soul Mates,” a second season script of the TV show.
The book begins with the powerful scenes from the fifth season episode "The Fall of Centauri Prime" where Londo is taken over by a creature able to control his actions. The novel shows us the following five years, concentrating mainly on Londo’s psychological breakdown.
The book offers the reader some remarkable insights into the character of Londo Mollari. David really make you think about the character and analyze him in ways you maybe wouldn't have thought of.
May 24, 2012
I gave a pretty harsh review of the later 2 books in this series so I thought I should give the positive review for the book I adored. Peter David does an excellent job here portraying Londo and Vir in character. They have some fantastically witty lines and the slow build up of conflict as Londo learns the extent of the challenges he faces against the Drakh is just heart-wrenching . The scene with Timov at the end had me literally in tears. Peter David has shown here and in the novelization of "In the Beginning" that he has a fantastic ear for Londo's character, the witty aphorisms, snark, and philosophical insights are incredibly well done. This book is a fantastic addition to the Babylon 5 universe. I only regret that the second two books in the trilogy do not live up to the promise of this first one, otherwise it would be one of my favorite trilogies of all time (and this from someone who is fairly widely read across multiple genres).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2008
The events depicted in The Long Night of Centauri Prime occur immediately after those of the fifth and final season of the Babylon 5 TV program. While the author tries to work bits of backstory into the book, the simple fact is that the characters and events of the novel of built from the incredibly deep and complex plot of the TV show. Anyone who tries to read this story without the background in the TV series will find themselves lost. If you possess this background however, the novel is an almost seamless transition piece from screen to paper. Fans of the TV show will not not be disappointed.
December 11, 2010
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.
February 7, 2011
Estupendo libro para los seguidores de Babylon 5. La serie de las legiones de fuego nos narra la historia de Centauri Prime y Londo Mollari desde que éste llega al trono y los Drakh lo hacen su siervo, hasta el final de sus días y la liberación de Centauri Prime. En este primer tomo estamos muy cerca de donde terminó la serie, cuando Londo entra como emperador y el guardián se le pega al hombro. Personajes de la serie original y algunos nuevos se entremezclan en una trama de gran intriga y que nos deja con ganas de leer los siguientes libros.
September 22, 2012
An unimaginative tie-in with crude chracterization and crass politics (did the unofficially official paper really need to be called Pravda?).
This book lifts way too much content from the TV show (in contrast with the first installment of the Psi-Corps trilogy). And when it does something new, it's often even less smart than the show. Granted, this show was smarter than most but I expect books to be smarter than TV.
I found this book marginally enjoyable when it wasn't infuriating. So if you don't mind deja vu and you really want to read about Londo, I guess you could give it a shot.
This book lifts way too much content from the TV show (in contrast with the first installment of the Psi-Corps trilogy). And when it does something new, it's often even less smart than the show. Granted, this show was smarter than most but I expect books to be smarter than TV.
I found this book marginally enjoyable when it wasn't infuriating. So if you don't mind deja vu and you really want to read about Londo, I guess you could give it a shot.
March 9, 2014
The struggle for Centauri Prime begins as Emperor Londo accepts his fate. Or does he? And how much can he do against his new masters when they know every thought he thinks? The characters are strong and just like their TV personas. And since this is one chapter I wish we'd gotten more of from the final season, I loved it. It does change a little of the timeline from that final season, but it is a minor issue.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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