This was a very good, although, in my opinion, not great book. It's does, however, bode well for the series. I won't delve into the plot, per se, except to highlight what I feel to be the author's strong point(s). Namely, his inter-character dialogue and plot-pacing. He does not, for good or ill, spend quantities of space detailing places, or even people. Rather, as an 'impressionist', he merely outlines them and allows the mind's eye of each reader to fill in the rest. This is markedly different then, say, Jordan or Martin (to whom this author/book is most frequently compared).

In closing, I will state that Cazio is a 5 '*' character. I looked forward to reading his section(s) as I have few others in recent memory. Frequently, I found myself laughing at loud. Excellent! Beyond excellent: fantastic!

In my estimation this exceeds the quality and readability of Robert Jordan, and nips at the heels of Tolkien and my favorite, George R R Martin. The characters, writing, language/history/culture/magic concepts, and clever (and at times brutal) plot twists are the best features. In some way it lacks the full feel of the "sweep" of other epic fantasies, but the work Keyes does with characters, along with the writing itself, distinguish it as absolutely first-rate.

The new Robert Jordan was such a disappointment that I was tempted to throw in the towel on fantasy for good, but a friend gave me this book last night and told me to read it and damn if this book doesn't kick butt!

I've never read Greg Keyes before but I'll soon be rectifying that. The Briar King is just awesome! Unfortunately, it is not a stand alone (come one, publishing world, can't you find one author who can pull a complete idea together in the space of one volume?) but the book is so well-written that I will forgive him. I am rambling...

Anyway, this book really rocks. It has those three elements that are so elusive in so many fantasy novels: Originality, Good Writing and Characters That Seem Like Real People. I highly recommend The Briar King!

Book 1 of The Age of Unreason

When I first heard of this book some time ago I was initially hesitant to read it. The subject did not sound like something that I would be interested in. But then I read The Briar King a couple of months ago and realized that Greg Keyes is an author I would like to read more of. So I picked this book up again and finally started reading. It was a whole lot better than I expected.

The story begins with Isaac Newton discovering a substance (called Philospher's Mercury, I believe). While Newton was a great scientist, he unsuccessfully dabbled in alchemy. The prologue takes a "what if" approach to Newton and his alchemy. In this book, Isaac Newton is ultimately successful and it is this new substance that changed the course of history. This aether allows for the creation of devices that could exist today (even though it is during the time of Benjamin Franklin) as well as some that have never existed. There is a cannon mentioned (not the one in the title) that when the cannonball strikes a castle, it turns the walls to glass and then shatters the castle. This aether (Philosopher's Mercury) is the most influential discovery in human history and it has changed the nature of the 1700's.

Flash forward several decades. Our hero is Benjamin Franklin (yes, that Benjamin Franklin). He is 14 years old and every bit the genius that history has told us. He is an apprentice to his brother, a printer. With some of Franklin's theories and inventions on how to adapt some of the existing technology even further, his life is threatened. We see how Franklin begins to work some things out and how he ends up chased out of Boston to London.

At the same time, there is intrigue going on in the court of Louis XIV in France. France is in the middle of a war with England (and is on the losing end), but they are developing a super weapon that could potentially destroy all of London. The main character in these sections is not Louis, as one might expect, but rather a young woman named Adrienne. Adrienne secretly studies mathematics in a place where women are not treasured for their learning, but she is thrust onto a path filled with secrets but also the opportunity to learn more.

Starting with an interesting concept (though not one that initially attracted me to the book), and executed very well and believably, Greg Keyes has written a very good first book (out of 4 for this series). While I did not find it as stunning as The Briar King, I remain interested enough in this series that I intend on reading book 2 (A Calculus of Angels).

History is a fascinating subject and all of the "what if's" are even more fascinating. In this very well researched and written book we are faced with "what if Newton's genius took him in another direction?" The characters of Newton, Franklin and Louis XIV are extremely well developed. The portrayal of Adriene and her delima of being a woman with a brain is a special touch I appreciate very much. It shows the author's sensitivity of the issues women have faced through history. I reccommend this book and cannot wait for the next one.

This book had me from the first 20 pages, and I found myself hungry for more as I read. Keyes knows his history, and keeps the story grounded in reality but with those ever present hints of how his world really works. I recommended it to my wife, and she got hooked fast. She reads faster than I do, so I had to finish each successive book faster and faster to keep up! She loved them as well.

And just what is "Newton's Cannon"? Read it and find out. Mind blowing.

I happened upon this book in an unusual way, I met Greg and his wife Nell through a mutual friend and at the time of that meeting I was unaware that he was an author. Upon find out that he was an author, I endeavored to see what sort of writing he was capable of. I was then very surprised and pleased by Waterborn.

I have read many of the current fantasy novels available today and, to me, they all seem familiar. You have your warriors and wizards and some sort of non-human characters, usually an elf, dwarf, or such. But Mr. Keyes has created something truly different, and quite refreshing. Here we have various cultures of mankind trying to make a life for themselves in a world where the Gods are not only real they live in the same world. He characterization is fantastic, and the intertwining story a page-turner.

If you like fantasy novels but are getting tired of the same old story I would strongly suggest Waterborn you won't be disappointed.

This better than average fatasy is a good easy read even if it feels as if I've read this before. While this book doesn't break any new ground, it gets all the standard parts right. Both of the lead characters are interesting and well developed, and the mythology behind the world is solid.
Pekar is a young man about to make his fortune in the world, when his love for a goddess causes tragedy. A Pricess with a magical connection to a god, must find out why some in her family disappear without a trace, before she suffers the same fate.
Keyes writes with a remarakable well paced prose that keeps the readers intrest the whole way through. While this book does not have the ambition or ideas to make it truly great, I've seen few better for the average boring afternoon.

The Waterborn is an excellent book. It is one of the best books I've ever read, with its mixture of romance, adventure and fantasy all rolled into one it makes it the perfect book for almost anyone. With the exotic but bewitched princess Henzi, the valent hero Perker, his brave yet humble friend Ngangata, the ancient one Brother Horse and the gods such as Harka and the changling make it so you don't know if they will ever meet, survive or just what they will do next. So I recemend this book to anyone between the age of 12 and 100 to read this book and its sequel the Black god. Both by J. Gregory Keyes.

This one is very good, not as good as the first, but I still majorly recommend it. If you liked the first one then you will definatly like this one.

I found this to be as strong as the first novel, and just as much fun. A reading adventure.

I read the previous reviews on this book before I decided to write one of my own, and the review that stated that the sequel was poor compared with The Waterborn was very different (not wrong-everyone's entitled to their own opinion)than what I concluded about The Blackgod. It was as good-if not better-than The Waterborn. For one thing- it was easy to pick up on after reading The Waterborn--only a few months had passed. The characters start out as being the same people you remember-but they change dramatically by story's end. Hezhi begins to grow into womanhood and starts to notice her physical and emotional changes. She also realizes her childhood is gone and that she has been robbed of the one place she felt she belonged-by her own father, the River. Perkar begins to understand that the mistakes he made--the people killed and the lives ruined--has forever severed him from the life he would have had among his people. But he also learns that pity and remorse for himself and the people deceased will do nothing but prevent him from moving on. This book is definite "gotta read" for people 13 (like me) to 99. If you like this book you gotta check out Philip Pullman's Dark Materials Series, Andre Norton's "Imperial Lady", and Jane Routley's "Mage Heart" and it's sequel, "Fire Angels".

Spin-offs from television series usually leave a lot to be desired. But Babylon 5 was no ordinary series. And while the five year series was complete unto itself, questions were left unanswered and fascinating side trips were unexplored. This isn't a complaint, it's part of what made the series so unique and special.

The Psi Corp trilogy (made up of: 1) Dark Genesis: The Birth of the Psi Corp; 2) Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant; and 3) Final Reckoning: The Fate of Bester) provides critical background B5 fans will relish and entertaining insight into what made Al Bester one of Babylon 5's most fascinating characters. The fact that they're based on an outline by J. Michael Straczynski makes all three books "authorized" B5 history.

The first book, Dark Genesis, is the weakest of the three. While the topic will be of interest to Babylon 5 fans (and of little interest to anyone else), it can't help but come off as anything more than a travelogue populated by cardboard characters. Too much needs to be explained to allow much focus on plot or character development. Instead, the book often comes off less like a novel and more like a "script bible" for the television series, painting the back story for episodes featuring the Psi Corp.

In the final two books of the trilogy, however, Keyes does a fine job of capturing Bester, one of the series most intriguing characters. He not only relates his life, but he even makes him likeable - at times. Deadly Relations takes place before most of the events covered by the television series; while the majority of Final Reckoning occurs subsequent to the series' timeline. And, as is a prerequisite in books of this genre, he weaves in events and characters from the series. But Keyes does it very well without the cameos seeming out of place at all.

I'm purposefully not addressing the story line. If you're a B5 fan reading all three books is almost mandatory. It adds greatly to the saga. If you're not a fan of Babylon 5, you can definitely skip Dark Genesis. However, you may find Deadly Relations and Final Reckoning worthwhile. This isn't Nebula material, but it's fun.

Much better than "Dark Genesis" (which in and of itself was a good book), "Deadly Relations" is a very well-crafted novel that tells the story of Al Bester from his childhood up to the 1st season B5 episode "Mind War." It also gives some back-story on Lyta (we find out why she never became a Psi Cop) and Byron. Keyes' characterization of Bester is dead-on -- the way he talked in the novel is perfect if you watched the show. The story also owes a little bit to Orson Scott Card's "Ender's Game" during its first third, but you realize when Keyes name-checks Card that it's meant as an hommage, not as a rip-off.

Well done, and I'm seriously looking forward to part III.

J. Gregory Keyes's second installment of the Psi Corp trilogy 'Deadly Relation -Bester Ascendant' is a wonderful addition the Babylon 5 tapestry. The first book of the trilogy, 'Dark Genesis -The Birth of the Psi Corps', explores the Psi Corps itself, its conception, birth and the struggles faced during its adolescence. The second installment focuses on a single character, the celebrated antihero Al Bester. We learn of Bester's childhood, education, adolescence and development into the Psi Cop Babylon 5 fans love to hate. Keyes's excellent writing provides the loyal Babylon 5 fan with a superbly convincing treatment of Al Bester offering character development and dimensions unattainable in the television show. Considering what Walter Koenig's acting and Straczynski's writing have brought to this character, this is saying a lot.

The non-Babylon 5 fan should enjoy this installment of the trilogy as much as the first. Fitting the ideal of a Babylon 5 story, the novel is thoroughly enjoyable in its own yet brilliantly connected to the larger Babylon 5 universe. The only aspect that might appear strained to the non-B5 fan is an out-of-the-blue reference to the Earth-Minbari war. For the non-fan, this war is the subject of the film and novel 'In The Beginning' and an essential part of the series Babylon 5.

The true Babylon 5 fan will appreciate the story even more. Series creator J. M. Straczynski provided the outline for the story and reviewed the final product; series editor Fiona Avery provided some assistance and control as well. Besides the mentioned reference to 'In The Beginning' there are tie-ins to the television series spanning from the first to the fifth year, a nice connection to the 7th novel 'The Shadow Within', and a nod to DC comic #11 'The Psi Corps and You' that is a real grabber. We also see the events of comic series #5 to 8 from Bester's point-of-view. The connections are not forced, strained or redundant making the story wonderfully satisfying in its own right.

Finally, some additional credit should go to Keyes's care as a writer and the assistance he received from members of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Lab. The Martian climate and geology are accurate (compared to one of the early B5 novels) and he does a convincing job describing Lunar and Martian colonization. The combination of science fiction, mystery and politics together with outstanding character development makes this novel a worthy addition to the Babylon 5 universe.

I thought this book was Ok, but I didn't find it as compelling as Newton's Cannon. I actually skimmed the last 50 pages or so, as I found them to be very tedious. They just stretched credibility a bit too much for me, and the characters were a bit too surreal and poorly drawn. I do enjoy Adrienne and Crecy; they are both strong women and their relationship is interesting. The rest of the characters lost me, and the plot was too thin.

I'm not saying not to buy this book, just that it wasn't as good as Newton's Cannon, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I have already purchased the third book in this series.

Unlike the first volume (Newton's Cannon), A Calculus of Angels takes a while to get going. The fascination of the alternative science is hobbled by too much fantasy too fast: as one other reviewer points out, it has suddenly become flat-out magic.

Still, Keyes draws quite a portrait of the devestation of Europe following a direct hit from a comet, and the characters remain vivid. In the case of young Ben Franklin, he is if anything more compelling now that he is well into adolescence and is discovering acquaintaince with pride, foolishness, and limitations to his own powers.

And, about midway through the book, once people stop wandering about aimlessly and chattering inconsequentially and the narrative threads begin to show some direction, the book really hits a stride.

Other reviewers have already summarized the basic outline of the plot, but as all these forces (Peter the Great, Adrienne, Ben Franklin, Newton, Charles XII, Blackbeard, Cotton Mather, and our Choctaw friend Red Shoes) converge on Venice the reader can scarcely imagine what cataclysm is next.

And cataclysm comes, nicely inviting the reader onward into the series.

One of the most imaginative stories I've read in years, combining 18th century history & its well-known characters with magic. This is actually the 2nd book in a series (Newton's Cannon being the first), & continues the story of Ben Franklin & Issac Newton after the destruction of England by an astroid. "Calculus" brings Cotton Mather, Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard the Pirate) & a Choctaw named Red Shoes together on a quest to find out what happened to England. Ships sent previously have never returned & none have arrived from England in 2 years. Meanwhile, Ben Franklin & Issac Newton are in Prague working on such things as magic shoes & trying to avoid the various armies that are battling each other in the absence of an English power. The remaining core characters in this fascinating story, the former mistress of Louis XIV & her former French guard, escape from one villain & into the hands of another (Peter the Great). All of these characters come together, through various twists & turns & interesting revelations, in the end. Of course, the ending will lead to another book, but find out for yourself. It's a great read, but you might want to start with "Newton's Cannon" first.

Hello for the first time! I'm an avid Star Wars reader with over 30 SWs books. I had been waiting for this book to come out since I finished Balance Point. I was definately not surprised by the superior writing of Greg Keyes. This book kept me in suspense the entire time and had me guessing about a different outcome every couple of paragraphs. As the previous books, this one still does not give you a hint of what will happen in the end with the "Vong", I say that, cause as you read the book you'll understand why there was no prefix to "Vong." :) I would recommend this book to any Star Wars fan, but only if you have read the rest of the books in this series. Otherwise you miss out on a lot of good reading, and it all makes sense. :) Have fun fellow Star Wars fans, and May the Force Be With You!

Another fine read. Keyes hits home with the deep look at Anakin. Although unlike the other books, Luke seems to be coming around, finally. I wanted to reach into the pages and choke him at points in the other books, especially when Stackpole writes him. Stackpole always writes Luke out to be a sissy, afraid to use his powers. Even though he doesn't get into the thick of this book, you can tell from his stance against Fel'ya that his paitence is wearing thin. Anakin on the other hand is as headstrong as ever, and I'm afraid that he is walking to close to the darkside. We may come to see as the prequals are being released that he may be mirroring his namesake in actions and thoughts more than he knows. As far as the Galaxy as a whole, every book in the series keeps leaning towards the ultimate end that this may be the last series of books written in the Star Wars Universe as we know it. With the Vong in front, behind, to the left, to the right, and even embedded deep within the New Republic, one things for sure....they won't be able to get away when the Jedi decide to engage them. With the New Republic on the verge of yet another civil war, and the Imperial Remnant holding their own, can the galaxy survive the Vong? I know I will continue to shell out money to find out.

After reading the previous books in the New Jedi order series, i have been disappointed, particularly with Luceno's "Jedi Eclipse" and and Tyers' "Balance Point". Edge Of Victory I: Conquest, however, has finally brought EXCITEMENT back to Star Wars novels.

The greatest aspect of this book, without giving too much of the story away, is that the Yuuzhan Vong are finally depicted as a people who not all share the same beliefs, and that not all of them believe in the Yuuzhan gods. This makes the entire New Jedi Order series so much more realsitic now! There are also one or two surprises concerning the Force, which actually had my heart thumping hard while reading.

We get new insights into Anakin Solo, which are also very interesting, seems like he will have a MAJOR role in the war against the Yuuzhan Vong in the forthcoming books.

I found it difficult to put this book down, whereas previous books in the series by James Luceno and Kathy Tyers where a bit of a boring slog. "Conquest" mixes both action and ehtical Force issues perfectly, unlike Jacen's fumblings in "Balance Point".

It is also a reminder of Kevin J Anderson's Young Jedi Knights series, although much better. The characterisation of Anakin is slightly different to what we have seen of him before, however it is definitely the same Anakin, and he has quite a strong character. He is growing up, but not in the confusing way that Jacen is.

Just when I thought the New Jedi Order series was dying, Greg Keyes has produced this beauty. Star Wars fans who are losing your faith in the New Jedi Order, you MUST read this book and renew your faith!

I can't wait to read "Edge Of Victory II: Rebirth" !

Spin-offs from television series usually leave a lot to be desired. But Babylon 5 was no ordinary series. And while the five year series was complete unto itself, questions were left unanswered and fascinating side trips were unexplored. This isn't a complaint, it's part of what made the series so unique and special.

The Psi Corp trilogy (made up of: 1)Dark Genesis: The Birth of the Psi Corp; 2) Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant; and 3) Final Reckoning: The Fate of Bester) provides critical background B5 fans will relish and entertaining insight into what made Alfred Bester one of Babylon 5's most fascinating characters. The fact that they're based on an outline by J. Michael Straczynski makes all three books "authorized" B5 history.

The first book, Dark Genesis, is the weakest of the three. While the topic will be of interest to Babylon 5 fans (and of little interest to anyone else), it can't help but come off as anything more than a travelogue populated by cardboard characters. Too much needs to be explained to allow much focus on plot or character development. Instead, the book often comes off less like a novel and more like a "script bible" for the television series, painting the back story for episodes featuring the Psi Corp, than a novel.

In the final two books of the trilogy, however, Keyes does a fine job of capturing Bester, one of the series most intriguing characters. He not only relates his life, but he even makes him likeable - at times. Deadly Relations takes place before most of the events covered by the television series; while the majority of Final Reckoning occurs subsequent to the series' timeline. And, as is a prerequisite in books of this genre, he weaves in events and characters from the series. But Keyes does it extremely well without the cameos seeming out of place at all.

I'm purposefully not addressing the story line. If you're a B5 fan reading all three books is almost mandatory. It adds greatly to the saga. If you're not a fan of Babylon 5, you can definitely skip Dark Genesis. However, you may find Deadly Relations and Final Reckoning worthwhile. This isn't Nebula material, but it's fun.

Though I was not especially interested in the Psi Corps story line and bought the book simply to get a fuller view of the B5 universe, the story won me over. Dark Genesis fills in great background info. on the discovery, and subsequent treatment of, the telepaths and Psi Corps at the same time that it provides an additional layering of meaning and understanding regarding the Vorlons and Shadows. It's also intriguing to see the social background and ancestry of specific B5 characters such as Talia Winters, Lyta Alexander, and, of course, Alfred Bester. Occasionally, the chronology is a bit confusing, but all in all it's a great read. Nice prose style and good character development. Keyes helps the reader understand, and even care about, the "bad" guys as well as the "good" guys. He also does a nice job of giving a satisfying end to this novel while at the same time arousing one's interest in the next two novels.

This books goes further into the past with the B5 plot then any book did before. its writen well, and despite the fact that it happens well in the past, its still a great reading for a B5 fan.
it was a pleasure reading it again after the nightmare trilogy of the passing of the thecho mages.

I *was* going to buy Halliwell's or Leonard Maltin's book, but the reviews on Video Movie Guide 2001 were so good I changed my mind. Yes, I agree with Mick Martin more often than I agree with Leonard Maltin. However, the book misses an awful lot of movies. Three weeks ago, on a sick-in-bed weekend, with nothing to do other than watch movies on cable, I hit the book full force. Over half of what I looked for wasn't there. I fully understand that no book can have everything, but come on! Less than half? Please. I immediately ordered Halliwell's and am now in movie heaven. It has a lot more hits than Martin and is infinitely more entertaining to read. Until 2000 I'd always used Leonard Maltin's books. Didn't always agree with the guy, but almost everything I looked for was in the book and after my experience with Martin, this was clearly not something I should have taken for granted.

Won't say that I am God's gift to movie reviewers, but feel that I have a B+ (why not rate movies this way?) ability. I've owned several editions of this book, along with a few others. First, this book uses a (5) star rating system, which is appealing. With only (4) stars, and assuming (1) and (2) are probably not really worth viewing, this leaves only two categories. More categories gives a clearer rating. Think about it, schools grade on a (5) category system, A-F; why not movies? This book is a convenient size and is cross referenced very well. Not all reviews are perfect, but I never really disagree by more than one rating category. Other books seem to get very artsy in their commentary, which is fine, but I really only want to read a brief clever review with flim facts and a rating. That is what this book is about. See a title, find it quickly in the book and you will know pretty fast and accurately as to whether or not it is worth a view. As to the fact that it only covers films on video, yes, I would like it to cover all films; however, there are not really many films that are not on video that I will be able to view anyway, so not a big issue. So, anyway, being an above average viewer - not a university professor teaching video 101, and wanting simplisity and accuracy in review, I would highly recommend. A very good all around publication.

I've been turning to Martin and Porter for around 12 years now and all I can say is that I eagerly await each new year's edition of the Video Movie Guide (VMG). When I first went looking for a paperback movie guide, I spent a lot of time checking out the competition and found them all lacking in some area. Leonard and I just didn't see eye-to-eye at all. If he didn't like a certain genre, those type of movies didn't get a fair shake. Many of the others were geared for family viewing (which is fine but I've been there, done that, and have moved on to encompass a wide range of films). The only one that I found to be fair and have the technical info (color or b&w, running time, rating, subtitles, year released, cast, director, etc.) that I was looking for was VMG. I've watched the book's format change (for the better) over the years (I happily don't have to figure out the genre of the film before looking it up anymore). After reading some of the other reviews, I understand the frustration of not having all of an actor's films listed but if you read the Forward/Introduction to VMG you'd know that only available (for rent and/or purchase) titles are covered. This is why I've purchased a couple of older VMGs to add to my collection for reference. Nobody seems to mind when a book or DVD has an incomplete filmography on an actor or director so what's the beef? ...

I'd read the first two installments in the Psi-Corp trilogy only because I wanted to be able to read the third, knowing (or rather, assuming) that it would deal with Bester and Garibaldi. Those first two novels are among the better media tie-ins I've read, and I was looking forward to reading "Final Reckoning".

When all was said and done, however, the third book left me a bit wanting. Hints are made at what exactly happened during the telepath "crisis", allusions are made to other characters we know from the series and what they're up to (or not), but nothing is explicitly stated, not even when you'd think it would be somewhat related to what's going on in the book itself.

Keyes sets most of the novel within the confines of Paris, and while it was nice to get away from space for awhile, I found I did miss it. After all, this is B5 we're dealing with here, and the novel ends up more caper than sci-fi.

Still, the book ends quite well, not as I expected, but I have no regrets reading it.

Spin-offs from television series usually leave a lot to be desired. But Babylon 5 was no ordinary series. And while the five year series was complete unto itself, questions were left unanswered and fascinating side trips were unexplored. This isn't a complaint, it's part of what made the series so unique and special.

The Psi Corp trilogy (made up of: 1) Dark Genesis: The Birth of the Psi Corp; 2) Deadly Relations: Bester Ascendant; and 3) Final Reckoning: The Fate of Bester) provides critical background B5 fans will relish and entertaining insight into what made Al Bester one of Babylon 5's most fascinating characters. The fact that they're based on an outline by J. Michael Straczynski makes all three books "authorized" B5 history.

The first book, Dark Genesis, is the weakest of the three. While the topic will be of interest to Babylon 5 fans (and of little interest to anyone else), it can't help but come off as anything more than a travelogue populated by cardboard characters. Too much needs to be explained to allow much focus on plot or character development. Instead, the book often comes off less like a novel and more like a "script bible" for the television series, painting the back story for episodes featuring the Psi Corp.

In the final two books of the trilogy, however, Keyes does a fine job of capturing Bester, one of the series most intriguing characters. He not only relates his life, but he even makes him likeable - at times. Deadly Relations takes place before most of the events covered by the television series; while the majority of Final Reckoning occurs subsequent to the series' timeline. And, as is a prerequisite in books of this genre, he weaves in events and characters from the series. But Keyes does it very well without the cameos seeming out of place at all.

I'm purposefully not addressing the story line. If you're a B5 fan reading all three books is almost mandatory. It adds greatly to the saga. If you're not a fan of Babylon 5, you can definitely skip Dark Genesis. However, you may find Deadly Relations and Final Reckoning worthwhile. This isn't Nebula material, but it's fun.

FYI: I gave Dark Genesis just two stars as it was less a novel and more a quick overview of the birth of Psi Corps. I gave Dark Genesis three stars because it's a solid, stand-alone novel, but fairly basic science fiction. Final Reckoning gets four stars because: a) it's better than the other two; b) it's a good standalone novel; and c) its got Garabaldi in it. Need I say more?

Final Reckoning is a worthy conclusion to the Psi Corp Trilogy. True fans will enjoy this addition to the B5 tapestry. For the non-fan, however, I don't think "Final Reckoning" stands-up as well as the first two parts of the trilogy. This is caused, in part, by a decision made by series creator and story outliner J. Michael Straczynski -leaving us still curious about the famous telepath crises. Thus, "Final Reckoning" is really part four, with the third part of the story still untold. The missing third part of the story is closely guarded by JMS and, according to a trusted source, a script has already been written for a potential movie.

Another weak aspect of "Final Reckoning" is the sudden appearance of Bester's nemesis Michael Garibaldi. Keyes's writing is first rate, surpassing, in ways of economy and characterization, his work on the first two parts of the trilogy. However, I think that Garibaldi's motivation might have been a bit of a mystery for those unfamiliar with the B5 television series. Keyes could have done more work here. Sorry Greg, "Nothing was ever improved by applause."

The treatment of Bester at the end of his days was thoroughly convincing and parallels the lives of many war criminals trying to escape their pasts. Keyes's treatment is beautifully melancholy and sadly poignant. Once feared and honored, Bester goes into hiding, developing neglected aspects of his personality, finding love knowing he doesn't deserve it and trying to escape a past that refuses to go away. The plot was engaging and enthralling -there were some clever twists and wonderful use of irony. Keyes's incorporation of scenes from the television series was natural and filled in the story nicely. I felt glum after finishing the story -grieving for my favorite B5 villain. Of course, his poetic fate is not exactly what I imagined it would be. You'll have to discover this for yourself.