The Ultimate Guide to Halo Books in Order

Dive into the captivating universe of Halo, the popular video game franchise that has expanded into an enthralling series of novels. These books delve into the rich lore of the Halo universe, offering fans an opportunity to explore the intricate backstory, iconic characters, and thrilling events that have captivated millions worldwide.

In this guide, we’ll outline the definitive reading order for the Halo books, providing you with an immersive and chronological journey through this captivating universe. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure that takes you beyond the games and into the heart of the Halo saga.

Halo Books In Order of Publication:

1. Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001) by Eric Nylund
2. Halo: The Flood (2003) by William C. Dietz
3. Halo: First Strike (2003) by Eric Nylund
4. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (2006) by Eric Nylund
5. Halo: Contact Harvest (2007) by Joseph Staten
6. Halo: The Cole Protocol (2008) by Tobias S. Buckell
7. Halo: Evolutions (2009) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors
8. Halo: Cryptum (2011) by Greg Bear
9. Halo: Primordium (2012) by Greg Bear
10. Halo: Silentium (2013) by Greg Bear
11. Halo: Glasslands (2011) by Karen Traviss
12. Halo: The Thursday War (2012) by Karen Traviss
13. Halo: Mortal Dictata (2014) by Karen Traviss
14. Halo: Broken Circle (2014) by John Shirley
15. Halo: New Blood (2015) by Matt Forbeck
16. Halo: Hunters in the Dark (2015) by Peter David
17. Halo: Saint’s Testimony (2015) by Frank O’Connor
18. Halo: Last Light (2015) by Troy Denning
19. Halo: Shadow of Intent (2015) by Joseph Staten
20. Halo: Fractures (2016) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors
21. Halo: Envoy (2017) by Tobias S. Buckell
22. Halo: Retribution (2017) by Troy Denning
23. Halo: Legacy of Onyx (2017) by Matt Forbeck
24. Halo: Bad Blood (2018) by Matt Forbeck
25. Halo: Silent Storm (2018) by Troy Denning
26. Halo: Renegades (2019) by Kelly Gay
27. Halo: Oblivion (2019) by Troy Denning
28. Halo: Shadows of Reach (2020) by Troy Denning
29. Halo: Point of Light (2021) by Kelly Gay
30. Halo: Divine Wind (2021) by Troy Denning

Halo Books In Chronological Order:

1. Halo: Cryptum (2011) by Greg Bear
2. Halo: Primordium (2012) by Greg Bear
3. Halo: Silentium (2013) by Greg Bear
4. Halo: Contact Harvest (2007) by Joseph Staten
5. Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001) by Eric Nylund
6. Halo: The Flood (2003) by William C. Dietz
7. Halo: First Strike (2003) by Eric Nylund
8. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (2006) by Eric Nylund
9. Halo: Glasslands (2011) by Karen Traviss
10. Halo: The Thursday War (2012) by Karen Traviss
11. Halo: Mortal Dictata (2014) by Karen Traviss
12. Halo: Broken Circle (2014) by John Shirley
13. Halo: New Blood (2015) by Matt Forbeck
14. Halo: Hunters in the Dark (2015) by Peter David
15. Halo: Saint’s Testimony (2015) by Frank O’Connor
16. Halo: Last Light (2015) by Troy Denning
17. Halo: Shadow of Intent (2015) by Joseph Staten
18. Halo: The Cole Protocol (2008) by Tobias S. Buckell
19. Halo: Evolutions (2009) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors
20. Halo: Fractures (2016) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors
21. Halo: Envoy (2017) by Tobias S. Buckell
22. Halo: Retribution (2017) by Troy Denning
23. Halo: Legacy of Onyx (2017) by Matt Forbeck
24. Halo: Bad Blood (2018) by Matt Forbeck
25. Halo: Silent Storm (2018) by Troy Denning
26. Halo: Renegades (2019) by Kelly Gay
27. Halo: Oblivion (2019) by Troy Denning
28. Halo: Shadows of Reach (2020) by Troy Denning
29. Halo: Point of Light (2021) by Kelly Gay
30. Halo: Divine Wind (2021) by Troy Denning

Note that the chronological order may not always be the best way to read the series, as some books reveal important information that might spoil events in other books. For newcomers to the Halo universe, it is generally recommended to start with the publication order.

However, if you are already familiar with the games and the lore, you may find the chronological order to be an interesting alternative.

Summary of every Halo book

1. Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001) by Eric Nylund:

This novel serves as a prequel to the first Halo game, detailing the origins of the SPARTAN-II program, the training of the super-soldiers, and the emergence of the Covenant threat. The book primarily follows the life of John-117, also known as Master Chief, as he transforms from a child into a legendary warrior.

2. Halo: The Flood (2003) by William C. Dietz:

This book serves as a novelization of the events in Halo: Combat Evolved, following Master Chief and Cortana as they fight to prevent the activation of the Halo ring. The story expands on the game’s narrative, including additional perspectives from other characters such as the Covenant and UNSC forces.

3. Halo: First Strike (2003) by Eric Nylund:

Taking place between the events of Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, First Strike follows Master Chief, Cortana, and a group of survivors as they uncover a Covenant plot to strike Earth. They must race against time to warn humanity and prevent catastrophic invasion.

4. Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (2006) by Eric Nylund:

The novel follows the story of SPARTAN-III soldiers trained on the secret planet Onyx, as well as the events surrounding the disappearance of Dr. Catherine Halsey. The story explores the nature of the mysterious Forerunner artifacts found on Onyx and the sacrifices made by the Spartans.

5. Halo: Contact Harvest (2007) by Joseph Staten:

This prequel novel details humanity’s first encounter with the alien Covenant and the beginning of the Human-Covenant War. The story follows Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson, a pivotal character in the games, as he uncovers the truth behind the Covenant’s religious crusade against humanity.

6. Halo: The Cole Protocol (2008) by Tobias S. Buckell:

Set in the early days of the Human-Covenant War, The Cole Protocol follows the story of Captain Jacob Keyes, another crucial character from the games. The novel delves into the intricacies of the titular Cole Protocol and the UNSC’s efforts to protect humanity’s secret locations from the Covenant.

7. Halo: Evolutions (2009) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors:

This anthology features a diverse range of stories set within the Halo universe, exploring different aspects of the game’s lore, characters, and events. The collection covers everything from the origins of the Spartan program to the harrowing battles fought by UNSC soldiers.

8. Halo: Cryptum (2011) by Greg Bear:

The first book in the Forerunner Saga, Cryptum explores the ancient Forerunner civilization, the creation of the Halo rings, and their struggles against the parasitic Flood. The novel follows the story of Bornstellar, a young Forerunner, as he discovers the truth about his civilization’s past and the threats it faces.

9. Halo: Primordium (2012) by Greg Bear:

This sequel to Cryptum delves deeper into Forerunner history, focusing on the tale of Chakas, a human caught in the midst of the Forerunners’ desperate battle against the Flood. The novel reveals the origins of the Flood, the role of the Precursors, and the ultimate fate of the Forerunners.

10. Halo: Silentium (2013) by Greg Bear:

The final installment in the Forerunner Saga, Silentium follows the tragic events leading up to the activation of the Halo array. The novel ties together the threads of the previous books, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Forerunners’ history and their role in shaping the Halo universe.

11. Halo: Glasslands (2011) by Karen Traviss:

Set after the events of Halo 3, Glasslands follows the story of Kilo-Five, a covert ONI team tasked with undermining the Covenant remnants. The novel delves into the political turmoil and intrigue in the wake of the Human-Covenant War, highlighting the fragile state of the galaxy.

12. Halo: The Thursday War (2012) by Karen Traviss:

In this sequel to Glasslands, Kilo-Five continues its covert operations as tensions between the Sangheili factions escalate. The novel explores the complexities of the post-war era and the challenges faced by the UNSC in maintaining peace across the galaxy.

13. Halo: Mortal Dictata (2014) by Karen Traviss:

The conclusion to the Kilo-Five trilogy, Mortal Dictata follows the team’s efforts to bring down the insurrectionist leader, Staffan Sentzke. The novel delves into the darker side of the SPARTAN program and explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in their fight for peace.

14. Halo: Broken Circle (2014) by John Shirley:

Set across various timelines, Broken Circle delves into the history of the Covenant, its formation, and its eventual collapse. The novel focuses on two main characters, Mken and Ussa, whose stories intertwine to reveal the secrets of the Covenant’s rise and fall.

15. Halo: New Blood (2015) by Matt Forbeck:

New Blood follows the story of Edward Buck, a character from Halo 3: ODST, as he transitions from an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (ODST) to a SPARTAN-IV. The novel explores the challenges of adapting to the SPARTAN program and the emotional burdens carried by the soldiers.

16. Halo: Hunters in the Dark (2015) by Peter David:

Set after the events of Halo 3, this novel follows a joint UNSC-Sangheili mission to the Ark, the massive Forerunner installation that controls the Halo rings. The team must prevent a catastrophic event that could destroy the entire galaxy.

17. Halo: Saint’s Testimony (2015) by Frank O’Connor:

This novella tells the story of Iona, an AI on trial for her life, as she argues for her right to exist. The story raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the ethical implications of AI rights.

18. Halo: Last Light (2015) by Troy Denning:

Last Light follows the investigation of a series of murders in a remote colony world, with the Blue Team – led by SPARTAN-II Fred-104 – being called in to solve the case. The novel explores the dynamics of the SPARTAN-IIs and the challenges they face in a post-war universe.

19. Halo: Shadow of Intent (2015) by Joseph Staten:

This novella centers on Rtas ‘Vadum, a Sangheili shipmaster, as he hunts down a renegade San’Shyuum bent on exacting revenge against the Sangheili. The story delves into the personal struggles of Rtas ‘Vadum and the challenges faced by the Sangheili in the aftermath of the Human-Covenant War.

20. Halo: Fractures (2016) – Short Story Collection by Various Authors:

This anthology offers a diverse collection of stories set within the Halo universe, exploring different characters, events, and aspects of the lore. From the early days of the Human-Covenant War to the post-war era, these stories provide unique insights into the Halo universe.

21. Halo: Envoy (2017) by Tobias S. Buckell:

Set in the wake of the Human-Covenant War, Envoy follows the story of the Gray Team, a group of SPARTAN-II supersoldiers, as they navigate the complex political landscape of a galaxy struggling to rebuild. The novel delves into the challenges of establishing peace and diplomacy between humanity and the former Covenant species.

22. Halo: Retribution (2017) by Troy Denning:

Retribution follows the story of Veta Lopis, an ONI investigator turned Spartan-IV, as she and her team are tasked with uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between the UNSC and the Sangheili. The novel explores the intricacies of military and political power struggles in the post-war universe.

23. Halo: Legacy of Onyx (2017) by Matt Forbeck:

Set in the shield world of Onyx, this novel follows the story of Molly Patel, a young girl who finds herself in the midst of an unfolding crisis involving the Forerunner technology on the planet. The story highlights the struggles of different species coexisting in a complex and changing universe.

24. Halo: Bad Blood (2018) by Matt Forbeck:

Picking up where Halo 5: Guardians left off, Bad Blood follows the story of Spartan Edward Buck and his team as they try to reunite with the rest of Blue Team and prevent the rise of Cortana’s rogue AI faction. The novel delves into the loyalties and personal struggles of the characters in the face of a new threat.

25. Halo: Silent Storm (2018) by Troy Denning:

Set in the early years of the Human-Covenant War, Silent Storm follows a young Master Chief and Blue Team as they undertake a covert mission to slow the Covenant’s advance. The novel provides insights into the development of John-117 as a leader and the challenges faced by the SPARTAN-IIs during the war.

26. Halo: Renegades (2019) by Kelly Gay:

Renegades follow the story of Rion Forge, a salvager who discovers clues about the fate of her father and his connection to the mysterious planet of Onyx. The novel delves into the secrets of the Forerunner technology and the lengths to which humanity will go to uncover them.

27. Halo: Oblivion (2019) by Troy Denning:

A sequel to Silent Storm, Oblivion follows Master Chief and Blue Team as they embark on a mission to destroy a Covenant fleet that could potentially reveal Earth’s location. The novel explores the challenges faced by the SPARTAN-IIs as they fight against overwhelming odds.

28. Halo: Shadows of Reach (2020) by Troy Denning: Set between Halo 5:

Guardians and Halo Infinite, Shadows of Reach follow Blue Team as they return to Reach, the devastated planet where their story began. The novel explores the remnants of the planet and the memories it holds for the SPARTAN-IIs.

29. Halo: Point of Light (2021) by Kelly Gay:

Point of Light follows Rion Forge and the crew of the Ace of Spades as they search for the truth about the mysterious Guardian AI and its connection to the Forerunners. The novel delves into the secrets of ancient civilization and the role it plays in the present-day Halo universe.

30. Halo: Divine Wind (2021) by Troy Denning:

Divine Wind follows Spartan Blue Team as they join forces with the Banished, a faction that broke away from the Covenant, to stop a rogue Covenant leader from unleashing a catastrophic weapon. The novel explores the complexities of alliances and the blurred lines between friend and foe in the face of a common enemy.

Which Halo book do I start with?

For newcomers to the Halo universe, it is generally recommended to start with “Halo: The Fall of Reach” by Eric Nylund. This book serves as a prequel to the first Halo game and introduces the origins of the SPARTAN-II program, Master Chief, and the Covenant threat.

Which Halo books are a must-read?

While all Halo books add depth and richness to the universe, some of the must-reads include:

• Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund: The foundation of the series, this book introduces key characters and sets the stage for the events of the games.
• Halo: First Strike by Eric Nylund: This book bridges the gap between Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, providing crucial information on the story and characters.
• Halo: Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund: An essential read for those interested in the SPARTAN-III program and the mysteries surrounding the planet Onyx.
• The Forerunner Saga by Greg Bear: This trilogy (Halo: Cryptum, Halo: Primordium, and Halo: Silentium) delves into the history of the Forerunners and the creation of the Halo rings, offering essential background information for the entire series.

Are all of the Halo books worth reading?

While some books may appeal more to certain readers than others, all of the Halo books contribute to the rich tapestry of the universe and provide insights into the characters, conflicts, and lore that make the series unique.

If you are a fan of the Halo games and want to immerse yourself in the universe, it’s worth reading all of the books to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story.

How does the Halo book series tie into the video games?

The Halo book series ties into video games by expanding on the stories, characters, and lore found within the games. Some books serve as prequels or sequels to specific games, while others explore entirely new aspects of the universe.

The books often provide additional context for events in the games, revealing the motivations and histories of key characters, and sometimes even introducing plot elements that are later incorporated into the games themselves.

In conclusion, the Halo book series is an expansive and engaging addition to the universe established by video games. For fans looking to dive deeper into the world of Halo, the novels offer a wealth of information, character development, and lore that enhance the overall experience.

By starting with “Halo: The Fall of Reach” and following the publication order, readers can embark on an exciting journey through the epic sci-fi universe that is sure to provide countless hours of entertainment and intrigue.