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Subject: Which, in your Opinion, Are the Best and Worst of the Halo Novels?


Posted by: WilliamK
I only have The Fall Of Reach and The Flood, but The Fall of Reach is a very awesome novel and I love it! I will read The Flood after I'm done TFoR but I'm not so excited about it anymore after hearing how it's one of the worst. :/


Keep an open mind, you might like the Flood, it certainly isn't really bad it does have redeeming qualities to it, but I do think it's the worst of the Halo books.

  • 05.07.2011 5:45 PM PDT

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Posted by: OrderedComa

Posted by: C0MIC RELIEF

Posted by: OrderedComa
It's too hard to pick a favorite :/ As, with the exception of The Flood (seems to be the common consensus that it's the worst one), they're all so good!

So yeah, I don't really have a favorite, but some of the ones I really liked a lot (and I guess you could call favorites) are Ghosts of Onyx, Contact Harvest, and the Cole Protocol.

Cryptum is of course good, but I'm withholding a real judgment on it until the other two books come out since it's a trilogy.

Worst is most definitely The Flood, it was just so boring, I mean the parts about the ODSTs or the Elites were somewhat interesting, but over all the whole book was rather dull.

Favorite short story in Evolutions I think would probably be either Cole's story, or Human Weakness.

Agreed. Even though the ODST sections were somewhat intriguing, it just wasn't enough to save The Flood from its innate dullness.


Mhm, The Flood was definitely the worst Halo book, I was glad to get it over with. I loved Cole Protocol on the other hand, it seems that people either love or hate it, not much middle ground in regards to Cole Protocol I've found.

I loved the Cole Protocol. Probably my favorite Halo book. I'm suprised to see all the dislike for it in here.

  • 05.07.2011 5:47 PM PDT

Here's my list:

1: Halo: Cryptum/Fall or Reach
I really can't decide between these two. Cryptum is the best story, but FoR was what started it all.

2: Evolutions
I think Halo works really well in short-story format. Some standouts for me are Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian, Headhunters and Nylund's Cole story.

3: First Strike/Contact Harvest
Another hard choice. Harvest is great for it's info on the Insurrection and life in the UNSC, as well as it's glimpses into the Covenant. First Strike is good because it explains the events between Halo 1 & 2.

4: The Flood
I actually didn't mind the Flood. The sections about the marines and Covenant were interesting, and with it I no longer actually have to play The Library if I want to revisit the story.

5: The Cole Protocol
I didn't really care for this book. I didn't care what happened to the Rubble, and I don't like the innies, so this book was kind of a write-off for me.

  • 05.07.2011 5:53 PM PDT


Posted by: WilliamK
I only have The Fall Of Reach and The Flood, but The Fall of Reach is a very awesome novel and I love it! I will read The Flood after I'm done TFoR but I'm not so excited about it anymore after hearing how it's one of the worst. :/


Its not bad. My favorit part is the part that first has the flood.

  • 05.07.2011 10:47 PM PDT

Devil is Double is Deuce and Joker always trumps Deuce.

Evolutions as a whole is pretty lackluster, but it's worth picking up cheap for Nylund's story.

  • 05.08.2011 12:09 AM PDT

no. nonono

Posted by: paulmarv
Regardless of what the worst is, The Fall of Reach is best.
Agreed.

  • 05.08.2011 2:00 AM PDT

I like them all except Fall of Reach. I really think it kind of screwed with Master Chief's character a bit towards the end. I just think it could've been better written. On the contrary I actually liked The Flood. It had some intense and really well written out fight sequences. I particularly found myself squinting intensely when the title character came in as I watched the Chief's struggles against such a powerful combatant.

I really want a novelization of Halo 2 and 3, I think that would be really entertaining!

  • 05.08.2011 2:32 AM PDT
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Do not waste your tears, I was not born to watch the world grow dim. Life is not measured in years, but by the deeds of men.

Posted by: goldhawk
We should know better, because we are better.


Posted by: MegaMuffin16
Posted by: mojeda101
Best - Fall of Reach
Worst - The Flood

Clean and Simple.

  • 05.08.2011 6:27 AM PDT

Posted by: Darth1Snyder
Everytime someone sacks my groceries, I think of Loaf.

Fall of Reach is simply the best. All the other ones are equal.

  • 05.08.2011 7:06 AM PDT

About me: I am a vicious wolf of a man.

But really am sweet at heart. =)

Favorite: Ghosts of Onyx

Least favorite: Cole Protocol

And my favorite short story is the Preston Cole one with the obscenely long title.

  • 05.08.2011 7:10 AM PDT

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Per Audacia Ad Astra

To me the best Halo novel would be either Fall Of Reach or First Strike. The worst novel would have to be Cole Protocol (It's still a good novel though).

  • 05.08.2011 7:21 AM PDT


Posted by: SEAL Sniper 9

Posted by: OrderedComa

Posted by: C0MIC RELIEF

Posted by: OrderedComa
It's too hard to pick a favorite :/ As, with the exception of The Flood (seems to be the common consensus that it's the worst one), they're all so good!

So yeah, I don't really have a favorite, but some of the ones I really liked a lot (and I guess you could call favorites) are Ghosts of Onyx, Contact Harvest, and the Cole Protocol.

Cryptum is of course good, but I'm withholding a real judgment on it until the other two books come out since it's a trilogy.

Worst is most definitely The Flood, it was just so boring, I mean the parts about the ODSTs or the Elites were somewhat interesting, but over all the whole book was rather dull.

Favorite short story in Evolutions I think would probably be either Cole's story, or Human Weakness.

Agreed. Even though the ODST sections were somewhat intriguing, it just wasn't enough to save The Flood from its innate dullness.


Mhm, The Flood was definitely the worst Halo book, I was glad to get it over with. I loved Cole Protocol on the other hand, it seems that people either love or hate it, not much middle ground in regards to Cole Protocol I've found.

I loved the Cole Protocol. Probably my favorite Halo book. I'm suprised to see all the dislike for it in here.


I really liked Cole Protocol, it's one of the ones I would reread again in a heartbeat. I guess some people just didn't like the style, 'cause it definitely felt rather different than the other Halo novels, but I thought that was a good thing, it was an enjoyable "different" for me.

  • 05.08.2011 11:54 AM PDT

I can't say I'm the reader i use to be. Cryptum was the last book I've actually sat down and WANTED to finish.
So I'd have to give it to Cryptum just for that reason.
But If I ever get around to reading the other books again, my opinion may just change ha.

  • 05.08.2011 3:05 PM PDT
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Posted by: OrderedComa

Posted by: SEAL Sniper 9

Posted by: OrderedComa

Posted by: C0MIC RELIEF

Posted by: OrderedComa
It's too hard to pick a favorite :/ As, with the exception of The Flood (seems to be the common consensus that it's the worst one), they're all so good!

So yeah, I don't really have a favorite, but some of the ones I really liked a lot (and I guess you could call favorites) are Ghosts of Onyx, Contact Harvest, and the Cole Protocol.

Cryptum is of course good, but I'm withholding a real judgment on it until the other two books come out since it's a trilogy.

Worst is most definitely The Flood, it was just so boring, I mean the parts about the ODSTs or the Elites were somewhat interesting, but over all the whole book was rather dull.

Favorite short story in Evolutions I think would probably be either Cole's story, or Human Weakness.

Agreed. Even though the ODST sections were somewhat intriguing, it just wasn't enough to save The Flood from its innate dullness.


Mhm, The Flood was definitely the worst Halo book, I was glad to get it over with. I loved Cole Protocol on the other hand, it seems that people either love or hate it, not much middle ground in regards to Cole Protocol I've found.

I loved the Cole Protocol. Probably my favorite Halo book. I'm suprised to see all the dislike for it in here.


I really liked Cole Protocol, it's one of the ones I would reread again in a heartbeat. I guess some people just didn't like the style, 'cause it definitely felt rather different than the other Halo novels, but I thought that was a good thing, it was an enjoyable "different" for me.

And you are perfectly within your rights to feel that way, however, I believe you know my personal stance regarding that particular novel. XD

  • 05.08.2011 8:43 PM PDT

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I finished cryptum in 4 to 6 hours I think... The answer is somewhere on the halo waypoint facebook page. Fastest book I've read.
I didn't think the flood was that bad...

  • 05.08.2011 8:46 PM PDT


Posted by: C0MIC RELIEF

Posted by: OrderedComa

Posted by: SEAL Sniper 9
I loved the Cole Protocol. Probably my favorite Halo book. I'm suprised to see all the dislike for it in here.


I really liked Cole Protocol, it's one of the ones I would reread again in a heartbeat. I guess some people just didn't like the style, 'cause it definitely felt rather different than the other Halo novels, but I thought that was a good thing, it was an enjoyable "different" for me.

And you are perfectly within your rights to feel that way, however, I believe you know my personal stance regarding that particular novel. XD


Haha I was talking to Seal Sniper, but yeah, I know your opinion of the Cole Protocol :P Every Halo book is completely good except for the Flood, and even though it is what I find the worst it has quite a few redeeming qualities to it.

  • 05.08.2011 9:32 PM PDT
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Yes I'm fairly young. No, that doesn't mean I'm automatically dumber than you or have less life experience, thats just generally the case. I am not your general case.

Fall of Reach.
Too many contradictions and inaccuracies, as well as the authors poor knowledge of military equipment and tactics, not to mention the huge -blam!- storm it created with halo Reach.
I am in no way dissing Nyland, though, as he greatly improved on these in his following books, nor am I supporting Halo Reach.

  • 05.08.2011 9:38 PM PDT

I am sad to say I only read the The Fall of Reach, and The Flood. I am getting First Strike next. Possibly in a week. I read The Flood first.(I ordered at the same time but The Flood came first) The part with Keyes when being infected was nothing short of amazing. TFoR was really good too. Nothing that really sticks out in my mind, but just overall good.

[Edited on 05.08.2011 9:46 PM PDT]

  • 05.08.2011 9:42 PM PDT
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Yes I'm fairly young. No, that doesn't mean I'm automatically dumber than you or have less life experience, thats just generally the case. I am not your general case.

Posted by: ThePredkiller2
I like them all except Fall of Reach. I really think it kind of screwed with Master Chief's character a bit towards the end. I just think it could've been better written. On the contrary I actually liked The Flood. It had some intense and really well written out fight sequences. I particularly found myself squinting intensely when the title character came in as I watched the Chief's struggles against such a powerful combatant.

I really want a novelization of Halo 2 and 3, I think that would be really entertaining!

Good fight scenes are one thing the author, Deitz, always delivered on. He's ex-USMC and US Navy, so he has experience in the area.
All of his books that i have read are actually fairly good, except for Halo: The Flood, which is actually because of the fight scenes. There were simply too many of them and not enough story. Which wasn't his fault, as he had been hired to right a story about a video game which primarily featured going from point A to point B and shooting stuff and had a fairly under developed universe (at the time).


[Edited on 05.08.2011 9:44 PM PDT]

  • 05.08.2011 9:43 PM PDT

I liked all of them, but my least favorites were The Flood and Cole Protocol.

  • 05.08.2011 9:56 PM PDT
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Posted by: spartanman14
I liked all of them, but my least favorites were The Flood and Cole Protocol.

I would tend to agree with this. However, while they may be my least favorite Novels in the Halo Series, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy reading them from time to time.

  • 05.09.2011 10:41 PM PDT
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BLAM!

The Flood was good, but kind of boring (to me) because they just recount the events that took place during Halo:CE, which we should all know very well by now.

It kind of seemed like the author got bored with writing it too, as later in the novel the action sequences end up lacking detail and seem like the Author is just trying to get through the chapter quickly.

I have yet to Read the last two (chronologically), but so far my favs have been Cole Protocol, The Fall of Reach, and Contact Harvest (in that order).

  • 05.10.2011 6:03 AM PDT
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Best: First Strike
Worst: Contact Harvest

  • 05.10.2011 6:24 AM PDT
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Infection in Halo 3 isn't zombie killing; it's ethnic cleansing. Have you ever noticed that these "zombies" are just black Spartans?

#1 - Ghosts of Onyx
#2 - The Fall of Reach
#3 - First Strike
#4 - The Cole Protocol
#5 - Contact Harvest
...
#6 - The Flood

I feel bad about Cole Protocol and Contact Harvest being so low on the chart. They're still awesome books but they're just not quite as awesome as Nylund's contributions to Halo lore.

  • 05.10.2011 6:36 AM PDT
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Posted by: OniLink147
Best: That's hard I like all of them pretty much equally except the ones below.
Worst: The Flood and The Cole Protocol


my sentiments exactly

  • 05.10.2011 7:04 AM PDT

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