To Dream in the City of Sorrows. (Babylon 5: Book #9). Kathryn M. Drennan. Based on the series by J. Michael Straczynski. 1997. Random House. 352 pages. [Source: Bought]
From the prologue: Marcus Cole walked with a limp, a fact that did
not go unnoticed by the young Minbari acolyte as Marcus entered the
small temple. Marcus didn't recognize the rather chubby Minbari and
briefly wondered where Sech Turval was, but as he was not in the mood
for conversation, he simply made a note to seek out the venerable
Minbari teacher at a later time.
From chapter one: "Alpha 7 to Alpha Leader, I'm hit!"
Premise/plot: So the framework of To Dream In The City of Sorrows--the prologue and
epilogue--take place shortly after season three's "Grey 17 is Missing,"
and are narrated by Marcus Cole. (I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Marcus Cole!)
But most of the book focuses on what was happening with Jeffrey Sinclair
after he left Babylon 5. (The gap between the last episode of season
one, "Chrysalis," and the incredibly intense two-part episode "War
Without End" of season three.)
IN the first episode of season two, viewers learn that Jeffrey Sinclair
has been suddenly removed from his position on Babylon 5 and reassigned
to Minbar. Officially he is the "ambassador from Earth" on Minbar. The
FIRST human ambassador to Minbar. Unofficially, well, he's out of
favor with Earth Alliance. But that may just prove to everyone's
advantage.
In the introduction, J. Michael Straczynski writes, "What you hold in
your hand is an official, authorized chapter in the Babylon 5 story
line. This is the definitive answer to the Sinclair question, and should
be considered as authentic as any episode in the regular series."
My thoughts: This is my fourth time to reread To Dream in the City of Sorrows. (2011, 2012, 2015, and 2023). I love it so much. Every time I start a rewatch of the show Babylon 5, I always make plans to reread this one. It is a "must" to include in the timeline of the overall show.
Read To Dream in the City of Sorrows
- If you want to know what Sinclair was doing in season two and three
- If you want to know what became of Catherine Sakai, to learn if these two were able to make their troubled relationship work...with the added drama of Shadows and Rangers
- If you want to know more even more about the Shadows' movements during this time
- If you want to learn about how Sinclair became Ranger One and re-energized the Rangers (first started by Valen)
- If you want to learn more about Minbari prophecies (also their culture and caste system)
- If you want to learn more about the Vorlons; in particular readers are introduced to Ulkesh. (Loved Sinclair's first impression of him! And his insights about the Vorlons in general. How Kosh may not be the most representative of his race.)
- If you want to learn more about Marcus. Readers meet William Cole AND Marcus Cole. Two brothers with an imperfect relationship. William is an eager ranger-in-training trying to get Marcus to join him, but, things don't always go as planned.
© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
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