From the author of new B5 novel Casting Shadows
by Doc on Apr.13, 2001, under Books
Jeanne Cavelos writes “I’m the author of the new BABYLON 5 trilogy, THE PASSING OF THE TECHNO-MAGES. The first book, CASTING SHADOWS, was just released by Del Rey in March.”
Read More to see the rest of what Jeanne has to say. And stop by the B5 Store to order Casting Shadows or pre-order Summoning Light from Amazon.com.
Jeanne Cavelos writes “I’m the author of the new BABYLON 5 trilogy, THE PASSING OF THE TECHNO-MAGES. The first book, CASTING SHADOWS, was just released by Del Rey in March.
I think most B5 fans would agree that the techno-mages are one of the most interesting groups introduced by the show, and also one of the most undeveloped. I had a great time figuring out how the mages do what they do, and why they do it.
The techno-mages appeared in only one episode of B5, “The Geometry of Shadows.” The mage from that episode, Elric, is one of the main characters of the trilogy. The other major character is Galen, the techno-mage who appears in CRUSADE.
Many other characters from B5 and CRUSADE also appear, including John Sheridan, Anna Sheridan, Londo, Vir, Kosh, Ulkesh, Lorien, Garibaldi, Delenn, Isabelle, Alwyn, and more.
The techno-mages are a group of humans and aliens who implant
extremely advanced technology into their bodies, so they can
perform acts that seem magical. They can conjure fireballs,
generate illusions, and travel on flying platforms.
Why would people take these implants into their bodies? Perhaps
to create beauty and wonder. Perhaps to do good. Or perhaps, to
increase their own power. Each has his own motive.
The techno-mages are a combination of wizard and cyborg, and the
tension between those two archetypes, one often portrayed as
positive and the other as negative, helped me to create a
compelling story.
Only two species in the galaxy are more powerful than the
techno-mages: the Shadows and the Vorlons. As CASTING SHADOWS begins, the Shadows and the Vorlons are preparing to go to war, and each is prepared to destroy the techno-mages if they enter the war on the wrong side.
Galen is only an apprentice, about to receive his implants and be
initiated as a full techno-mage. He will have to face this
coming war, the greatest challenge the mages have ever
confronted.
Book 2, SUMMONING LIGHT, will be out in July, and Book 3, INVOKING DARKNESS, in December.
I hope someone will do a review of CASTING SHADOWS for this site. I’d also be happy to be interviewed, if anyone is interested.
I hope you enjoy the book.
jcavelos@sff.net
http://www.sff.net/people/jcavelos“