Halo Novels

[Matt Bellamy]

Anybody else here read them? I've bought and read all 4 ( just finished the newest), and loved them emensely.

For those of you who may not know, there are now 4 novels, which are considered mostly canon by Bungie, based on the Halo universe.

Fall of Reach - The first book, which predates the first Halo game. It mainly revolves around the recruitment, training, and lives of the Spartans from when they were 6 years old, up to the point just before the game begins. It's my favorite of the books, as it delves deep into the Spartans training, and explains just how powerful they are... and how vulnerable they can be.

Plus, it shows the important fact that, Master Chief, John - 117, is NOT the only living Spartan during the time of Halo, just the only active one on the ring world.

The Flood - The Second book, which is a more indepth adaptation of the first game. It takes a look at the other Marine forces on the ring, and as well shows that, while you playing as the Master Chief can make it look easy... it wasn't a cake walk for him by any means. Even if you beat the game, this book is a must read.

First Strike - The third book starts rigth after the end of the second book, and the end of the first game. It chronicles how the Master Chief, Sgt. Johnson, and other survived the destruction of the first ring world, and how they eventually made it back to Earth. Taking a step back into the unknown parts of Halo's story, we again have the Master Chief, this time again aided by a few more Spartans, who if you read the first book, you will instantly recognise.

Highly recommended that you read the first book, and at least have read the second, or played through the Game.

This book also shows that, it could have been very possible that two Spartans could have been on the Ring World, if they had recovered the right life boats/cryo pods. Making Co-Op mode seem a bit more realistic.

Ghosts of Onyx - The forth, and newest book. This one jumps around time a bit, but the main part of the story happens during Halo 2. The first half however, mainly revolves around Spartan - 051, Kurt. Who has his death faked ( not his choice) so that he could help train the next generation of Spartans.

On the cover of the book, you see three armored Spartans. 1 in the old MJILNOR armor from the first game (could be MkIV or V), 1 in the Mark VI, and a new one. The new one is the SPI armor the Spartan III's wear. They have no evergy shields, but chameleon like cloaking systems. Appearently, the higher ups were not impressed with the costs of the MK IV's - Mark VI's.

Familiar faces from "Fall of Reach" return, as well as familiar Spartans.

I won't go into too much details on it, as it is still fairly new, and appearently some places have had a hard time gettng it in ( like here).

I have to say though... these books are must reads for Halo fans. the last 3 even show some Covanent story plots, which although minor, give you a feel for both sides of the fighting, kinda like what Halo 2 did with the Arbiter.

Having just finished Ghosts of Onyx, makes me even more ansty to play Halo 3.

[largo]

*Danger Spolier*

Yah got it about a month ago it was pretty sweet, but did Kurt have to die, but at least he took those covie. with him. The only thing that got me was did Linda really have to leave the master cheif, for those that haven't read all the books and the little tansmessages booklet that was in the Halo 2 special ed. the one with the metal case. I thought that there was something serious goin on between the two.