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Babylon 5 #4
Clark's Law
Serving the residents of space port of call Babylon 5, Captain Sheridan is torn between duty and defiance when he is ordered to execute an alien for a crime he did not commit
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 1997
3 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Jim Mortimore
49 books19 followersJim Mortimore is a British science fiction writer, who has written several spin-off novels for popular television series, principally Doctor Who, but also Farscape and Babylon 5.
When BBC Books cancelled his Doctor Who novel Campaign, he had it published independently and gave the proceeds to a charity – the Bristol Area Down Syndrome Association. He is also the writer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio play The Natural History of Fear and their Tomorrow People audio play Plague of Dreams. He has also done music for other Big Finish productions.
He released his first original novel in 2011, Skaldenland.
When BBC Books cancelled his Doctor Who novel Campaign, he had it published independently and gave the proceeds to a charity – the Bristol Area Down Syndrome Association. He is also the writer of the Big Finish Doctor Who audio play The Natural History of Fear and their Tomorrow People audio play Plague of Dreams. He has also done music for other Big Finish productions.
He released his first original novel in 2011, Skaldenland.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 10, 2014
Let's just get this out of the way up front:
This books sucks.
I mean the author is clearly familiar with the English language and knows how to put words together in order to form sentences, but I'm not sure it's something he should do. He does have some issues with knowing when to use "G" or "J" in regards to proper names. Seriously, it's "Jeffrey". It's "G'Quan". These are basic things.
What the author lacks is any sense of understanding of the characters, setting or feel of Babylon 5. The book comes across as having been written by someone who read about B5 on Wikipedia but never actually watched the program. He has no feel for the characters, nor the politics of B5 or EarthGov. Which is probably why entirely too much of the novel is spent on PoV of what should have been a throwaway character at best.
The author clearly felt he was writing something profound, with. . . deep things to say about the human condition and the morality of violence, including that of the man in the street and that sanctioned by the state. But it wasn't profound, it wasn't deep. It was high school in its understanding of things, with a depth of complexity you would find in an old episode of Star Trek (and not one of the good episodes; no, I mean more like the literal black and white guys - I'd call it ham-fisted but I think pigs would take it as an insult).
The plot was unoriginal and uninspired (which, in the hands of a more skilled author could still be made to work), and the ending was visible not from a mile away , but from a geostationary orbit away.
This should have been a decent novel; it was not. I will actively avoid the works of this author in the future.
This books sucks.
I mean the author is clearly familiar with the English language and knows how to put words together in order to form sentences, but I'm not sure it's something he should do. He does have some issues with knowing when to use "G" or "J" in regards to proper names. Seriously, it's "Jeffrey". It's "G'Quan". These are basic things.
What the author lacks is any sense of understanding of the characters, setting or feel of Babylon 5. The book comes across as having been written by someone who read about B5 on Wikipedia but never actually watched the program. He has no feel for the characters, nor the politics of B5 or EarthGov. Which is probably why entirely too much of the novel is spent on PoV of what should have been a throwaway character at best.
The author clearly felt he was writing something profound, with. . . deep things to say about the human condition and the morality of violence, including that of the man in the street and that sanctioned by the state. But it wasn't profound, it wasn't deep. It was high school in its understanding of things, with a depth of complexity you would find in an old episode of Star Trek (and not one of the good episodes; no, I mean more like the literal black and white guys - I'd call it ham-fisted but I think pigs would take it as an insult).
The plot was unoriginal and uninspired (which, in the hands of a more skilled author could still be made to work), and the ending was visible not from a mile away , but from a geostationary orbit away.
This should have been a decent novel; it was not. I will actively avoid the works of this author in the future.
February 4, 2016
This Babylon 5 novel has just about everything in it. It flashes back to the start of the Earth-Minbari war and explains why Earth had been pushing so hard into space. It also examines Clark's view of things at the time.
Then it moves to a Narn attack on a planet of Tuchanq, how the Tuchanq eventually got the Narn off their planet, and a particular Tuchanq who killed forty Narn. In the end, though, they need help rebuilding the environment of their planet and so they come to Babylon 5 to request help.
That leads to examinations of Earth politics and how the main staff at B5 have to deal with that; fights between the Narn and the Tuchanq and the revelation of what happens if a Tuchanq goes to sleep; the murder of a human by a Tuchanq and its consequences; G'Kar's revenge against Londo and how Vir figures into all of that, and Mr. Mordon's presence.
Then there's the issue of the death penalty, which is the central focus of the book, and just exactly how should the death penalty be applied, especially if the person to be executed happens to be mentally damaged, literally.
It's really an extremely good Babylon 5 book.
Then it moves to a Narn attack on a planet of Tuchanq, how the Tuchanq eventually got the Narn off their planet, and a particular Tuchanq who killed forty Narn. In the end, though, they need help rebuilding the environment of their planet and so they come to Babylon 5 to request help.
That leads to examinations of Earth politics and how the main staff at B5 have to deal with that; fights between the Narn and the Tuchanq and the revelation of what happens if a Tuchanq goes to sleep; the murder of a human by a Tuchanq and its consequences; G'Kar's revenge against Londo and how Vir figures into all of that, and Mr. Mordon's presence.
Then there's the issue of the death penalty, which is the central focus of the book, and just exactly how should the death penalty be applied, especially if the person to be executed happens to be mentally damaged, literally.
It's really an extremely good Babylon 5 book.
November 24, 2012
Taking place just after the penultimate episode of the second season of Babylon 5, "Clark's Law" perfectly captures that moment in the series. A war seemed imminent and Earth had turned into a totalitarian, xenophobic police state. The novel is fittingly bleak and is saturated with dark Shakespearean hopelessness.
In essence this book is Jim Mortimore's manifesto against the death penalty, and as such it works very well. Even in a pre-established setting from a TV-series that often tackled such political issues. Mortimore writes with confidence, conveying logical arguments with the help of lyrical language and insightful characterization. The novel is smart and analytical as well as interesting to a fan of the series and as such makes a valid addition to the Babylon 5 saga.
In essence this book is Jim Mortimore's manifesto against the death penalty, and as such it works very well. Even in a pre-established setting from a TV-series that often tackled such political issues. Mortimore writes with confidence, conveying logical arguments with the help of lyrical language and insightful characterization. The novel is smart and analytical as well as interesting to a fan of the series and as such makes a valid addition to the Babylon 5 saga.
March 21, 2015
It's long had the reputation of being the best written "Babylon 5" novel...and I can't disagree. The series was always at its best when lifting the veil on the insidious threat of fascism, bigotry, and insularity in the universe...whether it be the titanic Shadows, or the sickening Home Guard & Nightwatch. "Clark's Law" uses this appraoch to the fullest -- the novel is full of situations with no easy answers, terrible consequences, and victories that don't quite feel like victories. It's intense, exciting, and terribly vivid in its depiction of base emotions that everyone tries (and often fails) to rise above. This is a superbly written piece of tie-in fiction, and deserves its reputation.
June 22, 2012
A great story line with a great character development of a new race.
October 13, 2018
I'm amazed how much like the TV characters they all sound in these books and once again I feel nostalgic and wish the series had continued. Good thing I own the whole TV series :)
May 6, 2021
This book should be read by people who think the death penalty is a good thing and find out that it's not. Babylon 5 fans should try and find this book.
November 23, 2024
After three great but also run-of-the-mill stories, I had high hopes for this one - which set out to do a few new things. Unfortunately I don't think it came off as well as it could have. The story tries to slot in a whole new bit of lore which you may or may not love - I didn't really go for it.
The main events in this story take place on B5 sometime after Talia Winters has been activated and fled to Mars, and after the Centauri have taken back the Narn Homeworld allowing Londo to strip G'kar of his rank as Ambassador BUT before Sheridan and Delenn have hooked up.
However, the story hinges on some prior event in which a new species, the Tuchanq, were brutalised by G'kar personally and subjugated by the Narn military. This is an obvious, victim becomming the abuser scenario which you may or may not feel is appropriate. The Tuchanq have come to B5 asking for assistance in their recovery from this. Unfortunately, one of their number is caught up in a murder trial while on the station and peaceful relations become hard to maintain.
One more key point is that this event is timed with President Clark's reintroduction of mandatory death sentences for all guilty murder verdicts, a ruling which is complicated by Tuchanq social and biological structures.
Ok, so big wins for introducing a new and interesting species. The Tuchanq are fascinating in their own right. I also appreciate the attempt to try to go a little darker and a little deeper with this story - in this one we dont just have the regulars going through the motions, they are in largely uncomfortable positions reminiscent of when Franklin and Sheridan went head to head on whether to save the young child whose parents didn't want him operated on. Some characters were highly recognisable, Kosh and maybe Londo as well. Vir a little bit even.
But a fail on some points as well. I thought the majority of characters didn't feel natural. Like some were just not quite but some were way off in my opinion. Ivanova even comments on it in-story and I thought for a moment that the author was going to take that opportunity to provide some reasoning for it, but instead the character just doubles down in response.
Speaking of reasoning - Clark's new law doesn't strike me as out of place in the B5 universe at all, but the reasoning for its introduction struck me as completely unsound. I'll maintain that this was a good move to allow for a darker theme, but I wish this had been constructed with a better foundation.
Along with the style change was an attempt to make a more "sophisticated" B5 novel - we get a prologue and an epilogue and chapter quotes and to be honest, I just didn't find it necessary - or at very least not successful. Some of this went into an ending which meandered on well past the final climactic moment and that's something that always bothers me.
So I'm not saying don't read it. It's a good idea and although it didn't work super well for me, it was alright and it may work well for you.
The main events in this story take place on B5 sometime after Talia Winters has been activated and fled to Mars, and after the Centauri have taken back the Narn Homeworld allowing Londo to strip G'kar of his rank as Ambassador BUT before Sheridan and Delenn have hooked up.
However, the story hinges on some prior event in which a new species, the Tuchanq, were brutalised by G'kar personally and subjugated by the Narn military. This is an obvious, victim becomming the abuser scenario which you may or may not feel is appropriate. The Tuchanq have come to B5 asking for assistance in their recovery from this. Unfortunately, one of their number is caught up in a murder trial while on the station and peaceful relations become hard to maintain.
One more key point is that this event is timed with President Clark's reintroduction of mandatory death sentences for all guilty murder verdicts, a ruling which is complicated by Tuchanq social and biological structures.
Ok, so big wins for introducing a new and interesting species. The Tuchanq are fascinating in their own right. I also appreciate the attempt to try to go a little darker and a little deeper with this story - in this one we dont just have the regulars going through the motions, they are in largely uncomfortable positions reminiscent of when Franklin and Sheridan went head to head on whether to save the young child whose parents didn't want him operated on. Some characters were highly recognisable, Kosh and maybe Londo as well. Vir a little bit even.
But a fail on some points as well. I thought the majority of characters didn't feel natural. Like some were just not quite but some were way off in my opinion. Ivanova even comments on it in-story and I thought for a moment that the author was going to take that opportunity to provide some reasoning for it, but instead the character just doubles down in response.
Speaking of reasoning - Clark's new law doesn't strike me as out of place in the B5 universe at all, but the reasoning for its introduction struck me as completely unsound. I'll maintain that this was a good move to allow for a darker theme, but I wish this had been constructed with a better foundation.
Along with the style change was an attempt to make a more "sophisticated" B5 novel - we get a prologue and an epilogue and chapter quotes and to be honest, I just didn't find it necessary - or at very least not successful. Some of this went into an ending which meandered on well past the final climactic moment and that's something that always bothers me.
So I'm not saying don't read it. It's a good idea and although it didn't work super well for me, it was alright and it may work well for you.
June 25, 2023
3.16??? Whaaaat?
Primarily I read these types of books to spend time with the established characters and settings and for me this book ticks those boxes.
A new alien race is introduced but more as a plot device and the focus is on the main cast of B5 and how the station is caught up in the middle of political events.
The death penalty which has also been mentioned in other reviews didn’t at all feel out of place for me because of the political context provided and served to provide a moral and political dilemma for Sheridan.
Continually references are made to later or earlier episodes in a meaningful way that also relate to the story at hand and further immerse you into the world of B5 while actually fleshing out some of the characters such as Franklin’s use of Stims which feels more grounded and believable here. Tension captured between the characters is done perfectly in my opinion with Sheridans irritation at garibaldis wisecracking or Delenns inner turmoil as she refuses to help Vir for reasons only hinted at.
All in all I’m surprised by some of the 1 star reviews and personally I really enjoyed the authentic characters and world of the show portrayed as well as the balance of introducing new characters and elements which don’t end up taking centre stage!
If you love these books then join me on the Sci-fi TV Book Review podcast where I’ll be working through B5, Trek, Farscape, Quantum Leap and others.
Primarily I read these types of books to spend time with the established characters and settings and for me this book ticks those boxes.
A new alien race is introduced but more as a plot device and the focus is on the main cast of B5 and how the station is caught up in the middle of political events.
The death penalty which has also been mentioned in other reviews didn’t at all feel out of place for me because of the political context provided and served to provide a moral and political dilemma for Sheridan.
Continually references are made to later or earlier episodes in a meaningful way that also relate to the story at hand and further immerse you into the world of B5 while actually fleshing out some of the characters such as Franklin’s use of Stims which feels more grounded and believable here. Tension captured between the characters is done perfectly in my opinion with Sheridans irritation at garibaldis wisecracking or Delenns inner turmoil as she refuses to help Vir for reasons only hinted at.
All in all I’m surprised by some of the 1 star reviews and personally I really enjoyed the authentic characters and world of the show portrayed as well as the balance of introducing new characters and elements which don’t end up taking centre stage!
If you love these books then join me on the Sci-fi TV Book Review podcast where I’ll be working through B5, Trek, Farscape, Quantum Leap and others.
May 10, 2024
President Clark is determined to enhance his shaky re-election chances and, to do so, he wants to appear tough on crime.
The Tuchanq are an alien species whose homeworld has been all but wiped out by the Narn. They come to Babylon 5 to appeal for help - only to get caught up in a demonstration on arrival. In subduing the riot, Ivanova shoots one of the Tuchanq, rendering D'Arc unconscious - not realising this will induce a psychotic break with the song of being. D'Arc awakens and seeks to restore her song through taking one from another creature. She hunts and kills a human.
According to President Clark's new law, she has to be executed regardless of extenuating circumstances. Sheridan is caught between a rock and a hard place: how can he win the Tuchanq over diplomatically when his every effort to appeal to Earth for reason is met with an adamant refusal to consider any circumstances? All over B5, protests are increasing.
Meantime, G'Kar is attacked by assassins disguised by changeling nets, Mollari is attacked, so is Garibaldi - who is saved by Morden - and who wonders what the price will be. Jacinta Grond, the wife of the murdered man, is desperately trying to get hold of her husband's body and having to work through a kaleidoscope of feelings about what is happening.
The Tuchanq are an alien species whose homeworld has been all but wiped out by the Narn. They come to Babylon 5 to appeal for help - only to get caught up in a demonstration on arrival. In subduing the riot, Ivanova shoots one of the Tuchanq, rendering D'Arc unconscious - not realising this will induce a psychotic break with the song of being. D'Arc awakens and seeks to restore her song through taking one from another creature. She hunts and kills a human.
According to President Clark's new law, she has to be executed regardless of extenuating circumstances. Sheridan is caught between a rock and a hard place: how can he win the Tuchanq over diplomatically when his every effort to appeal to Earth for reason is met with an adamant refusal to consider any circumstances? All over B5, protests are increasing.
Meantime, G'Kar is attacked by assassins disguised by changeling nets, Mollari is attacked, so is Garibaldi - who is saved by Morden - and who wonders what the price will be. Jacinta Grond, the wife of the murdered man, is desperately trying to get hold of her husband's body and having to work through a kaleidoscope of feelings about what is happening.
February 11, 2024
Wait, this book is actually good?
I'm shocked, I really am. An extended universe book that isn't just a solid "well, I didn't hate it".
So, Clark's Law starts as a simple how-catch-em but turns into something more tangled in politics and intrigue, just as a Babylon 5 book should. It shows how the different characters, even the good guys, have varying and conflicting viewpoints and how one crisis is always tangled in a whole mess of other issues. At the same time, it adds some new aliens that actually have an interesting culture and a different way of viewing and experiencing the world. Gotta love that.
The author does pull some punches I feel they shouldn't have and there's some pretty unsatisfying (but makes sense in the world) Deus Ex Machina, but mostly this was an actually interesting read. Some of the fictional politics is a bit simplistic as well but I'd still recommend this book to fans of Babylon 5.
I'm shocked, I really am. An extended universe book that isn't just a solid "well, I didn't hate it".
So, Clark's Law starts as a simple how-catch-em but turns into something more tangled in politics and intrigue, just as a Babylon 5 book should. It shows how the different characters, even the good guys, have varying and conflicting viewpoints and how one crisis is always tangled in a whole mess of other issues. At the same time, it adds some new aliens that actually have an interesting culture and a different way of viewing and experiencing the world. Gotta love that.
The author does pull some punches I feel they shouldn't have and there's some pretty unsatisfying (but makes sense in the world) Deus Ex Machina, but mostly this was an actually interesting read. Some of the fictional politics is a bit simplistic as well but I'd still recommend this book to fans of Babylon 5.
August 29, 2021
This was quite a dark tale from B5 - maybe too dark? A quite violent novel with lots of casual deaths - it's hard to believe that everyone would still have their jobs at the end of this. There's not a lot of hope or "good news" in this book, so if anyone is looking for that - look to be disappointed. I thought the aliens were almost too alien - I couldn't quite picture what they looked like, and they seemed to kill everyone on their path. Just seems like it would've been easier to kick them off the station in the beginning rather than deal with all the trouble that followed. Not a great story, in my opinion.
May 1, 2024
Everyone was wildly out of character in this book and the storyline was so wildly out of sync with the show itself. Additionally, most of the time my fingers were itching to draw lines with red pen across quite a few unnecessary scenes. I will admit to a smile or two when the British author used a turn of phrase that I often heard from my English-born grandmother while growing up - but this unfortunately does not suit a book based on an American TV show.
Side note - it appears, from a glance at Mortimore's author page, that I didn't much like his 8th Doctor audiobook. Might give his other stuff a miss.
Side note - it appears, from a glance at Mortimore's author page, that I didn't much like his 8th Doctor audiobook. Might give his other stuff a miss.
December 31, 2019
Wäre dieses Buch nicht Teil der Babylon 5-Reihe, könnte man ihm 2 oder vielleicht sogar 3 Sterne geben. Allerdings ist es Teil der Reihe, nur hat das hier mit B5 nichts zu tun. Die Story im Zusammenhang mit B5 ist zusammengebrutzelter Schwachsinn mit Resteverwertung aus mehreren TV-Folgen, die Charakterisierungen der Serie sind nicht vorhanden. Der Autor hat eigentlich keine Ahnung was er hier zusammengekritzelt hat, was man aufgrund der Danksagungen am Schluss des Buches auch schlussfolgern kann.
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August 31, 2025I hate giving low ratings, so I declined to rate this book.
Except for this installment, I have enjoyed the books series so far. I had difficulty being in the story and picturing the new species. I believe halfway through, there was some enjoyment. But, I was not a fan of this story.
I have started the next book and captivated by it on page one.
Except for this installment, I have enjoyed the books series so far. I had difficulty being in the story and picturing the new species. I believe halfway through, there was some enjoyment. But, I was not a fan of this story.
I have started the next book and captivated by it on page one.
December 16, 2025
A fairly decent entry in the set of Babylon 5 novels. The one problem with writing "prequels" or "in-between-quels" is that you cannot really rock the boat for the main characters, as everyone knows they will survive till the end of the series, and as such the drama is dampened on the danger they are placed in.
August 8, 2023
...tricky bastard move, Michael.
August 7, 2025
One of my favorite B5 stand-alone novels so far. The only thing that keeps me from issuing a full 5 stars are certain stylistic tics that set in during the last third of the book.
June 6, 2015
I feel a bit guilty tearing into this book. The author clearly put a lot of work into this project, and has a definite ability to flush out pages, and break up the story to stave off exhaustion. However, the problem with the book is really a fundamental one: The story itself simply doesn't work.
The biggest problem with the novel is that the author does not have a decent grasp of most of the characters. I would be surprised if he actually watched the entire show up to the point that the novel was written. Constantly, we have main and sub characters acting completely contrary to their personalities in the series. Furthermore, several plot lines revolve around this inconsistency of character. He would have been far better off inventing entirely new characters instead of tarnishing already established ones. There are 2 or 3 instances where characters are so wrong that it's laughable. I really felt like throwing the book away because of this point alone.
Another major issue I had with the book is the plot is incredibly forced. When the alien race is to be reasoned with, they are wise, and straightforward, down to earth and always, always correct. When they are to be pitied, they are like caged animals with no intellect, whimpering in a corner (you would be evil if you killed a dog in a cage!). When they run around like rabid dogs, murdering innocent people on whims, it's because we simply don't understand them!
The plot also lacks any resemblance of common sense. At the time of the book, Earth Gov. is at their height of Xenophobia. However, when an entirely new race shows up and asks for aide, Why would it ever be the obligation of those that were offering aide? If this were on the show, I would have been absolutely certain that Sheridan would have said "If you can't control your people, then get the hell off my station, and kiss your aide goodbye in the process!" However, in the book Sheridan is constantly afraid of losing this chance, and acts just like Clark by sweeping serious crimes under the rug for "humanitarian" reasons.
I haven't even gotten to the incredibly biased viewpoint on the topic of capital punishment. Well, I suppose the author is entitled to be as biased as he wants. However, when 99% of the population in the book have the same exact viewpoint is the book really addressing the issue at all, or simply preaching at us? I'll also add here that the reason given for the declaration of total innocence of the criminal is extremely convenient and lacks any sort of attempt at a critical analysis of the situation.
That's all fine and mediocre. However, the most disturbing element of the book is the author's mentality. I have never read a book, until now, that I questioned the author's mental health. From beginning to end, there is a constant, disturbing mention of splattering blood, dripping blood, vaporized blood, etc.. The book even opens up with a page about how beautiful Ivanova finds the flowing of blood over the ground to be to her. It's all very romantic, apparently! So, okay, the guy likes blood. That's nice! But, why the mention of an aborted fetus, like it's some sort of whimsical anecdote? There's even a joke at the expense of lives from one of the "good guys." Why am I not surprised with
I'm sorry for the subtle spoilers. I always do try to avoid them or tag the, but in this instance it's absolutely necessary to include them for the sake of explaining the problems with the book. I hope you all do try and avoid this one.
The biggest problem with the novel is that the author does not have a decent grasp of most of the characters. I would be surprised if he actually watched the entire show up to the point that the novel was written. Constantly, we have main and sub characters acting completely contrary to their personalities in the series. Furthermore, several plot lines revolve around this inconsistency of character. He would have been far better off inventing entirely new characters instead of tarnishing already established ones. There are 2 or 3 instances where characters are so wrong that it's laughable. I really felt like throwing the book away because of this point alone.
Another major issue I had with the book is the plot is incredibly forced. When the alien race is to be reasoned with, they are wise, and straightforward, down to earth and always, always correct. When they are to be pitied, they are like caged animals with no intellect, whimpering in a corner (you would be evil if you killed a dog in a cage!). When they run around like rabid dogs, murdering innocent people on whims, it's because we simply don't understand them!
The plot also lacks any resemblance of common sense. At the time of the book, Earth Gov. is at their height of Xenophobia. However, when an entirely new race shows up and asks for aide, Why would it ever be the obligation of those that were offering aide? If this were on the show, I would have been absolutely certain that Sheridan would have said "If you can't control your people, then get the hell off my station, and kiss your aide goodbye in the process!" However, in the book Sheridan is constantly afraid of losing this chance, and acts just like Clark by sweeping serious crimes under the rug for "humanitarian" reasons.
I haven't even gotten to the incredibly biased viewpoint on the topic of capital punishment. Well, I suppose the author is entitled to be as biased as he wants. However, when 99% of the population in the book have the same exact viewpoint is the book really addressing the issue at all, or simply preaching at us? I'll also add here that the reason given for the declaration of total innocence of the criminal is extremely convenient and lacks any sort of attempt at a critical analysis of the situation.
That's all fine and mediocre. However, the most disturbing element of the book is the author's mentality. I have never read a book, until now, that I questioned the author's mental health. From beginning to end, there is a constant, disturbing mention of splattering blood, dripping blood, vaporized blood, etc.. The book even opens up with a page about how beautiful Ivanova finds the flowing of blood over the ground to be to her. It's all very romantic, apparently! So, okay, the guy likes blood. That's nice! But, why the mention of an aborted fetus, like it's some sort of whimsical anecdote? There's even a joke at the expense of lives from one of the "good guys." Why am I not surprised with
I'm sorry for the subtle spoilers. I always do try to avoid them or tag the, but in this instance it's absolutely necessary to include them for the sake of explaining the problems with the book. I hope you all do try and avoid this one.
October 16, 2024
There was a time in 2023 when I read a bunch of B5 books and I don't know what I read. My original assessment of this book was way off. YIKES!
Very interesting story of the results of the conquered becoming a conqueror. The Centauri heel in the Narn became the Narn heel in the Tuchanq. And, without a lot of chatter and back & forth, Clark demonstrates what a man-who-would-be-king might do to others when under the compulsion to create chaos.
The Tuchanq are a species we don't encounter in the TV series but they better describe the Narn as we see them early in the B5 story. This story covers interspecies encounters, xenophobia and politics at its worst.
Interesting, story that introduces a new way of experiencing life through the Tuchanq's life/death experiences. I figured out the solutions but it was a good wrap without too many details that would turn it into technobabble.
Very interesting story of the results of the conquered becoming a conqueror. The Centauri heel in the Narn became the Narn heel in the Tuchanq. And, without a lot of chatter and back & forth, Clark demonstrates what a man-who-would-be-king might do to others when under the compulsion to create chaos.
The Tuchanq are a species we don't encounter in the TV series but they better describe the Narn as we see them early in the B5 story. This story covers interspecies encounters, xenophobia and politics at its worst.
Interesting, story that introduces a new way of experiencing life through the Tuchanq's life/death experiences. I figured out the solutions but it was a good wrap without too many details that would turn it into technobabble.
June 14, 2012
Generally I enjoyed this book, it took advantage of creating a story that would have been too difficult/expensive to do on tv. And the story itself I liked, however I felt there was too much sci-fi babble, inconsistencies and fumbled plot threads. Having said that the story was strong enough to keep me going till the end
January 24, 2008
This read takes a look at the death penalty, when Capt. Sheridan is asked to carry out the execution of an alien who is brain damaged. The philosophy is well-balanced, but the author ignores a lot of canon, a lot of times without need.
January 11, 2017
Found this one a bit of a struggle to keep reading, but it has its moments.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews