Armies of Light and Dark

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The Transformation of Vir - Rated
Picking up where the first book in the trilogy left off, this book focuses on Vir. At the end of THE LONG NIGHT OF CENTAURI PRIME, Vir had been banished from the palace by Londo. This book opens as the techno-mages find him and they set off to find the truth behind the excavation at K0643. But that is not the end of the evil influence of the Drakh over Centauri Prime. Slowly, Vir realizes he must start taking action if he is to save his world.

Peter David continues to shine as a writer in this book. Once again, the characterizations from the series are perfect, and the references to events in both Babylon 5 and Crusade make the book lots of fun for the devoted fan. Vir changes dramatically in this book into a leader. Yet he powerfully retains his innocence and soul. The book leaves you anxious to pick up the last book in the series to get the full picture of the events from WAR WITHOUT END.

That is my main problem with the story, however. After the build up of the first book, this one seems to drag in spots. It's like it knows it's just the placeholder between the opening and ending of the trilogy. It's still worth reading; I was just expecting a bit more after the excellent first book.

Once again, the devoted Babylon 5 fan will enjoy this look into the story hinted at but never told in the series itself. Readers not familiar with the series will still enjoy the story without being lost, but they won't fully grasp everything happening. Either way, it will leave the reader anxious for the conclusion to the story of Centauri Prime.

Excellent middle act with a few surprises - Rated
This is an excellent book that builds superbly on the scene set by both the B5 TV series, and 'The Long Night of Centauri Prime' (book 1 of the trilogy). Peter David's writing is well paced and rich, with a natural use of humour, most of which works well. Middle acts are often difficult, but in moving 'Legions of Fire', and the whole Centauri storyline towards its climax Peter David and creator J. Michael Straczynski demonstrate B5's ability to surprise even after 5 years of TV and a dozen or so novels. Excellent.

A good solid read setting up what should be a phenomonal end - Rated
Yet again Peter David has written a solid prose which allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the underworld of the Drakh rule of Centauri Prime. Its craftily scripted storyline ties neatly into the B5 timeline allowing the reader to keep in mind when the story is based. It hurtles along at pace during sections, each new "section" of the book moving the story closer in time to the events depicted in War Without End.