n Casting Shadows, the first novel of the third Babylon 5 book trilogy, we are introduced to Galen, an apprentice who prepares to be initiated into one of the galaxy's most secretive and strangest societies: the Techno-mages. Using technology so advanced that their cast illusions and abilities are indistinguishable from magic, the Techno-mages remain apart from the rest of the galaxy.
On the planet Soom, where a convocation is taking place, members of the ruling Circle of mages oversee their apprentices, who are eager to join the order. Galen's mentor, Elric, has proud hopes for his student. But when, during an important exercise, Galen unleashes unexpected powers, injuring another mage, the stunned Circle gathers to discuss and decide whether Galen should be allowed to become a Techno-mage. His discovery of destructive energy frightens them but, in the end, the Circle allows Galen to experience the ritual that transforms him into something more than man.
Later, when Elric is alarmed to discover that their group may have been infiltrated by an agent of an ancient enemy, he reports to the Council. Divided over how to act, the Circle assigns three mages, Galen, Isabelle and the veteran Burell, on a mission to discover if the Shadows have reawakened and are preparing to bring destruction and chaos to the galaxy. It is on this mission that Galen and Isabelle will be forced to use all their skills and knowledge to survive and transmit their discoveries back to the Circle.
Cavelos knows what we want
Casting Shadows is a revelation for Babylon 5 fans. Although we have only previously seen the Techno-mages as shadowy figures in the Babylon 5 episode "Geometry of Shadows," the B5 movie A Call to Arms and later in the Crusade series, this deep exploration into their lives and their members does not spoil the mystery or appreciation of the characters. It could have been analogous to the disappointment of finally understanding how magicians employ their sleight of hand, but happily, that is not the case here. On the contrary, Jeanne Cavelos draws us into the story as privileged witnesses to the characters and events as they unfold. Aided by our knowledge of actor Peter Woodward's personality in Crusade, we are already sympathetic to Galen and the other mages that surround his life, notably his new love, Isabelle, who guest-starred in the Crusade episode "The Path of Sorrows." It's also fun to see our "old friend" Morden hanging out among the Techno-mages asking those familiar questions, "Who are you? What do you want?"
The Babylon 5 novels, notably the three trilogies by J. Gregory Keyes, Peter David and Cavelos, are not "television episodic" in look and feel. They are truly novels in their own right that just happen to be based in J. Michael Straczynski's future universe, illustrating the richness of the Babylon 5 tapestry.
We don't see it so much in this story, because of the detailed backstory, but what makes the Babylon 5 novels delightful are the "in-context" scenes where the author intertwines their story with pivotal scenes from the series or movies. This adds new insights and meaning to moments about which we thought we knew everything. By the time readers complete this Techno-mage trilogy, greater appreciation and insight will be gained into these magical wizards from Babylon 5 and Crusade. The next time we see them on-screen, we'll smile secretly with expert knowledge of their talents and methods.
