In the Beginning

by Peter David

Published by Del Rey

The Earth-Minbari War comes alive in the novelization of Babylon 5's first TNT TV movie. Since I haven't seen "In the Beginning", the movie, I cannot compare the two versions, although I've heard from people who have seen the movie, and read the book, that the novel contains information that is not included in the film.

The novel starts out with a prologue which contains a monologue by Emperor Londo Mollari, as he is old and withered. It's a great speech about past glories and the darkness he brought upon the Centauri, among other things. As you read, you can clearly imagine the old emperor from the episode "War Without End" giving his speech. Londo is lonely, and when two children find their way into the throne room, he starts telling them the tale of the Earth-Minbari War.

As the story unfolds, you see where various characters were during the war. Sheridan, Delenn, Dr. Franklin, Ivanova, G'Kar, Londo and others all had a part in the conflict, in one way or another. And the battles - although you know who will live and who will die (since it's a prequal), the action sequences of the novel remain suspenseful. In addition to great action, there is the great mystery of Dukat and the Vorlons, who have returned because of the upcoming awakening of the Shadows.

Among the plots is the famous Battle of the Line, and the end of the war. From the show we know that once it was found out that Sinclair had a Minbari soul, it was decided to end the war. Here, we are told what exactly happened to Sinclair, and how they found he had the soul of Valen.

This book is highly recommended to Babylon 5 enthusiasts.