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Halo novels get a makeover

  • By Laura Parker, GameSpot
  • Posted May 19, 2010 11:37 pm PT

Publisher Tor Books announces reissue of first three Halo novels ahead of Halo: Reach release; new books to include updated content, art, and stories.

Halo fans wishing to brush up on their Covenant history before the release of Halo: Reach later this year will have their chance with news that Tor Books will be reissuing the first three original Halo novels with new content and cover art.

Tor Books--one of the world's biggest science-fiction publishing houses--announced yesterday that it will be updating the original Halo trilogy to "set the stage" for the upcoming Halo title.

Want to know what's going on? Read the book.

Want to know what's going on? Read the book.

The new novels will include updated content and artwork, as well as a series of short stories that expand on the universe of Halo games to date. The first book in the trilogy to be released will be Halo: The Fall of Reach, written by science-fiction author and Microsoft Game Studios writer Eric Nylund. The book is the basis for the upcoming Halo: Reach game and will be available in August 2010.

The original Halo: The Fall of Reach novel was released in 2001 as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved. It details the story of series protagonist Master Chief, from his childhood to his rise to the top of the Spartan-II program, and explains the events that led up to the first game in the series.

The remaining two novels in the trilogy, Halo: The Flood by William C. Dietz and Halo: First Strike also by Eric Nylund, bridge the gaps between the Halo 2 and Halo 3 games.

According to Tor Books, sales in the Halo franchise--including video games, novels, anime, action figures, and merchandise--have eclipsed US$1.7 billion to date, while the publisher's own Halo novels have sold over a million combined copies.

The publisher also revealed plans to publish a new Halo trilogy later this year written by science-fiction writer Greg Bear, which will give readers a look into the Halo universe during the time of the Forerunners.

78 Comments

  • Jerrymiru

    Posted Jun 14, 2010 10:00 am GMT

    First of all, I have to agree that the ones that Eric Nyland wrote were by far the best ones.

    But to those who keep waving the explaining inconsistencies or whatnot minding the 8 year gap flag need to realize something. The people who wrote these books had full access to all that is Halo at the time that the books were written. So yes I do agree that things can change in the realm of stories but what is written in the book needs to be separate from the games. Like the Resident Evil series of books. I thought that S.D. Perry did a very good job of making the books into their own thing. It does not make any since at all to go back and rework books that have already been written just because they thought up more things. No one does this.

    But to reissue the books with new content sound more like a marketing move then anything else. What really should have been done with new content is release a separate book altogether. You didn't see that having with the Star Wars series or really any other one that comes to mind.

    However, all this for not really. 'Tis still good to get the kids away for a moment to read something.

  • fi3ldsy

    Posted Jun 11, 2010 11:58 am GMT

    @ValleyofDoom Thanks for the heads up, I'm gonna go pick up the first three after I go spend some money on Red Dead Redemption lol. Thanks man, later.

  • ShroudedEagle

    Posted Jun 5, 2010 7:01 am GMT

    Okay, I'm going to be blunt here. New content, fine. But we all know what happens when remakes start messing with the content that's already there. They aren't as popular as the originals. So for Christ's sake, don't change the original novel parts in any way, shape or form!

  • pokey4him

    Posted May 30, 2010 3:03 pm GMT

    @ValleyfoDoom

    None of the Halo Writers are as good as Eric Nylund

  • ValleyofDoom

    Posted May 25, 2010 1:36 pm GMT

    @fi3ldsy
    Yes, they are very very good. At least the first three. I don't know about the others, because I haven't read them myself. I heard from others that they weren't nearly as good as the books Eric Nylund wrote.

  • fi3ldsy

    Posted May 24, 2010 6:13 pm GMT

    I'm a big fan of the games. I guess I should dive into the books this summer... Are they good? By good i guess I mean at least a little mature. I don't want to be reading something along the lines of Goosebumps.

  • KrazzyDJ

    Posted May 24, 2010 8:34 am GMT

    Since I don't have a 360, I might as well read the books !!!

  • plo1234

    Posted May 22, 2010 9:51 pm GMT

    So are they talking updated covers and story or just covers?

  • IDropShotzI

    Posted May 22, 2010 12:21 pm GMT

    YAY

  • vivendidoom

    Posted May 21, 2010 5:43 pm GMT

    I agree with coldfire to a point. I wouldnt go as far to say the games were shallow, but i would say that story wise in the games, they need a more solid, and flowing chart of plot points. And I also agree with 856. If the writers of the books could collaborate together with the writers of the halo universe games, SO many more water cooler moments, and storyline dexterity could not only boost the sales of Bungie's already major success, but also throw a curve ball to those who expect the story to be a little washy.

  • MatzeEdend

    Posted May 21, 2010 2:25 pm GMT

    I'm not buying the books again just for a few changes... the ones I have are just collecting dust now anyways.

  • 856891

    Posted May 21, 2010 1:45 pm GMT

    the books are so much better then the games

  • ColdfireTrilogy

    Posted May 21, 2010 12:24 pm GMT

    @SpiritOfFire117 rereleasing basically the same thing with minor revisions = milking ... Sounds similar to text book companies who change a few things and brand it a new 500$ revision ... i consider that to be milking too. and ive played all the halo games and read the first novel and was bored by how shallow it was compared to masterpieces like Dune. so yes im still gonna call it milking b/c thats exactly what it is.

  • poststillmatic

    Posted May 21, 2010 11:15 am GMT

    Since I have never read the books, this is great! I look forward to buying them. This should be a great read, some good ol science fiction action.
    Oh, and Reach beta was sick!

  • tehepicpwnzor

    Posted May 21, 2010 11:12 am GMT

    @IndianaPwns39 @Mr_Funktastic54 @baystatethrashr @Volks18t OMFG. It was a f***ing joke.

  • Kravyn81

    Posted May 21, 2010 9:57 am GMT

    Hang on. I need to go to the store for some milk.

  • SpiritOfFire117

    Posted May 21, 2010 8:22 am GMT

    @CaptainJohnny
    Things change and inconsistencies appear over time.

  • loonypalooza

    Posted May 21, 2010 8:03 am GMT

    @necorid
    Absolutely man, Nylund's books were the best ones in the series, I couldn't put them down. I found the books more entertaining than the games themselves, probably because they present a much more complex aspect to the franchise's universe.

  • SpiritOfFire117

    Posted May 21, 2010 8:02 am GMT

    @ColdfireTrilogy
    It's not milking. They're just ironing out some of the inconsitencies that have appeared over the course of 9 years. Then again, you don't sound like someone very informed in regards to Halo, so I don't expect you to understand.

  • Gelugon_baat

    Posted May 21, 2010 7:53 am GMT

    I am hearing but only one sound that this book publisher is making: "Ka-ching!"

  • knoetgen

    Posted May 21, 2010 7:48 am GMT

    FYI I was not qouting COD. I dont even remember that line in the game.

    "history is written by the victors." Winston Churchill

  • chancellor28

    Posted May 21, 2010 7:05 am GMT

    Who has time to sit and read a book anymore lol. I have the audiobooks and loved them. The second book is great with the step by step thru Halo 1. I haven't played the game in years but i still remember the singleplayer game.

  • CaptinJohnny

    Posted May 21, 2010 6:55 am GMT

    what was the point of making the first ones?

  • Mr_Funktastic54

    Posted May 21, 2010 6:40 am GMT

    @tehepicpwnzor.....Oh no people who read books scare me with their big brains and their big words.

  • gamebreakerz__ posted May 21, 2010 5:45 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    gamebreakerz__

    Posted May 21, 2010 5:45 am GMT (hide)

    The Halo games need a make over...

  • baystatethrashr

    Posted May 21, 2010 5:30 am GMT

    @tehepicpwnzor troll. noun, you.

  • -HCMF-

    Posted May 21, 2010 5:27 am GMT

    nifty neato

  • Bashers79

    Posted May 21, 2010 5:09 am GMT

    I've never really been interested in the Halo series of games, but I might give the books ago.

  • Valen_Ca

    Posted May 21, 2010 4:53 am GMT

    So if they are adding additional content does that mean that these are like the "Directors Cut" of the book or am I missing something?

  • Thefatness16

    Posted May 21, 2010 3:25 am GMT

    i always wanted to know more about the forerunners

  • IndianaPwns39

    Posted May 21, 2010 2:06 am GMT

    @tehepicpwnzor

    Hate to break this to you but you're posting your opinion on a gaming website. You have no ground to attempt calling people geeks. Also, if you truly believe that's a Call of Duty quote then I pity you further. Furthermore, add this mentality: "Look at these nerds and they're Halo books. Hey, that guy quoted Call of Duty! I'm not a nerd for recognizing that game line" on top of that and we have a real winner folks. Anyway, I've read all the Halo books and they're pretty entertaining. I don't see this reissue as anything more than ever other book reissue and that's media synchronization. Example: When Sum of All Fears was released it had a mediocre cover that said "Tom Clancy" larger than the title. After the movie was released the book was rereleased with the same cover art as the DVD/Movie poster. Since Halo: The Fall of Reach features original Halo graphics type art it doesn't shock me they'd rerelease it to appear more modern. As for the new content I'd assume all they're going to add is a few lines here and there to ease over canon inaccuracies. Not enough to warrant me to reread them, however.

  • Humikimi

    Posted May 21, 2010 1:29 am GMT

    I wouldn't say the books were fantastic but they were enjoyable and it was fun reading more about the fiction. I just don't want to have to rebuy the books when I already own every single one XD. Hopefully they relese the short stories and stuff in its own book. One can hope...

  • risingsunbronco

    Posted May 21, 2010 12:29 am GMT

    The books were very simple, easy reads, but very entertaining! The Fall of Reach is easily the best one outta da bunch, but I do appreciate the marines backstory during The Flood book & I really did enjoy the involvment of the other spartans concerning The First Strike book. I would highly recommend reading at least these three books. I'm looking forward new stories and the art of new Halo books.

  • Volks18t

    Posted May 21, 2010 12:12 am GMT

    @tehepicpwnzor I sincerely hope you don't really think that quote came from Call of Duty

  • firesage

    Posted May 20, 2010 11:18 pm GMT

    I brought Halo: fall of reach novel and started reading it several years ago, I loved the book, it was so captivating until i got around half way through it then i fell out of it, i dont know why, it was so interesting and after half way through, it got really boring fast and confusing, maybe i should try again, maybe college as teached me alot about reading and literature and can finally enjoy the latter half of this novel

  • tehepicpwnzor

    Posted May 20, 2010 10:51 pm GMT

    @knoetgen that was the best use of a Call of Duty quote EVER.

  • Flint247

    Posted May 20, 2010 10:27 pm GMT

    The Halo games are better entertainment.

  • necorid

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:51 pm GMT

    Nylund was the best halo author. Ghosts of Onyx and Fall of Reach were the best books.

  • baystatethrashr

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:47 pm GMT

    @Jerrymiru this is in no way milking it. they want to release the book so it takes into account any changes in the lore in the past 9 years

  • Sharpie125

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:44 pm GMT

    Wait, did I hear "updating content"? WTF. This better mean they're not backpedaling and changing canon because Halo Reach is messing with everything they already set up. It'd be like if Lucas went and rewrote the OT because he did stuff a little differently in the prequels. ...Actually, what with Anakin's head in Episode VI, I guess he already did.

  • Gigas_Yuu

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:30 pm GMT

    They need to reveal who the Sharquoi are. They still haven't, and talked about it in a Halo 2 limited edition booklet "conversations with the universe" I kind of wish the Halo games themselves were just as big in scope as the novels though.

    Technological limitations are unfortunate. I would like to see a formation of 100 ghosts getting off a Cruiser without my xbox exploding

  • IanEnglebach

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:29 pm GMT

    @Jerrymiru
    Its funny that people today think that something like this is milking. The halo series is no where near the milking stage. People said that Bungie was milking when it they announced Halo 3. The only game series that is being milked is Mario. When Master Chief appears in over 100 games, like Mario, then you can say they are milking the Halo Franchise.
    Side Note: I think it would be cool if Orson Scott Card wrote a Halo book since the Spartan program is similar to the military program in his book Enders Game.

  • BloodEagle2142

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:12 pm GMT

    No offense to Bungie or Halo the books were really good, especially Op Harvest. But now that this trilogy has reached the 'end of the assault on Earth' are we going to continue to move in reverse?? I like background story and all, learning about the forerunners time will be awesome, but are we truly stuck with a cliffhanger or was Master Chief not planned past Halo 3? I want answers and what happened to the other remaining Spartans....oh well to the Forerunners we go!

  • Jerrymiru

    Posted May 20, 2010 9:03 pm GMT

    ~sheesh. I've heard of milking a game and movie but not books. Crap like this is what is turning me away from Halo. I really liked the books but now it just looks like they are going the way of Star Wars with this franchise. Next up: Halo: Combat Evolved: Remastered

  • sexyfunkmaster

    Posted May 20, 2010 7:44 pm GMT

    @ParisSun
    First off all. Avatar is a over hyped peice of human garbage.
    Secondly, District 9 pretty much proved a good halo moive could have been made since it was originally going to be directed by Neil Bloomcamp, and produced my Peter Jackson. But i say could have been made since they have been dropped from all involvement (why that would make sense, i dont know, since the combination was nominated for best picture)

  • NinjaMii

    Posted May 20, 2010 2:54 pm GMT

    @knoetgen dat be true timothy. love how he uses a MW2 qoute to good use,but wat am i saying that qoute could have appeared somewhere else before that.

  • Tripleseed

    Posted May 20, 2010 2:33 pm GMT

    ParisSun: Whoever said that Avatar was a good movie, hmmm? The only thing exceptional about it is the special effects. If anything, the Neill Blomkamp short and District 9 prove that a Halo movie can be made, but they already messed up on it by dropping Blompamp's and Peter Jackson's involvement.

  • hampton2003

    Posted May 20, 2010 2:26 pm GMT

    I want Eric to continue the story after "ghosts of onyx"....sigh, hes the only writer imo who really "got" the series. Ive read them all, and the most recent "cole protocol" just proves Eric is the man to write the series.

  • brenikai22

    Posted May 20, 2010 1:04 pm GMT

    actually, the flood IS halo:combat evolved and first strike cover the Halo 1 - halo 2 period
    I've read them

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