What do You think about Halo: Ghosts Of Onyx (2007)?
Ghosts of Onyx is a bit of a return to form for Nylund. I found the characterisation in Halo: First Strike a bit tepid, especially that of Spartan John-117 (Master Chief). Ghosts is reminiscent of Halo: The Fall of Reach in some aspects, notably the training of a new generation of Spartans. The book also dispenses with featuring Master Chief as the protagonist. It’s a fairly solid novel, and a continuation of the Halo story-line, albeit parallel to the arc featuring Master Chief.I suppose it has always been the intention that the novels serve as a supplement to the game, and that becomes apparent here. There are sequences where the Covenant are being fought on Earth, but I can’t seem to recall any real back story as to how they got there (I was under the impression that their efforts were thwarted in First Strike). Turns out it isn’t the same Prophet (or San ‘Shyuum) as the one responsible for the threat to Earth in First Strike, and that most of the events leading up to this scenario was dealt with in the second Halo game, in conjunction with the previous novels. The same applies to the events depicted here concerning the Great Schism and the subsequent fall-out between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae. This is only a problem if, like me, you are reading the novels but not playing the game. And if, like me, you let too much time pass between reading them. The best way to read these books is probably in rapid succession, unless you have an eidetic memory.I take note of the reviewers who dismiss this as derivative tie-in fiction. They’re not wrong, although I disagree with some of the negative feedback. A lot of thought has gone into fleshing out the Halo universe, and if you can suspend disbelief for a time there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy this. Bear in mind, though, it wouldn’t be completely inaccurate to label this as Young Adult Military Science Fiction. Also, I refuse to believe that an author like Greg Bear would associate himself with sub-standard derivative fiction (see Halo: Cryptum). I will agree that there isn’t a lot of tactical consideration given to military engagements and that most of the action consists of Spartans wading in with all guns blazing and slaughtering Covenant by the dozen (this, fortunately, has been toned down in this novel to make room for fleet engagements, which is a welcome reprieve).The Forerunner technology on display showcases quite a few of the ol’ Sci-Fi conventions, such as artificial planets, Dyson Spheres and, most obviously, the Halo structures (on loan from Ringworld – although Larry Niven’s structure is much larger) so there are some sense-of-wonder moments as well.In conclusion: despite its shortcomings, Ghosts of Onyx is one of the better Halo instalments and actually quite a bit of fun. Also: the novel introduces SPI (Semi-Powered Infiltration) armour in addition to the MJOLNIR armour.
—Dirk Grobbelaar
I give this book five stars because i really like the halo story line and the books story continues off of the game. The story is about a couple of Spartans that are left from the spartan II program that lost many of there friends fighting off thousands of covenant. But the UNSC needs a hundred more Spartans to fight the covenant. So the UNSC raises these kids to be disciplined and strong but they are fed steroids and other growth boosters so they could grow faster. The UNSC go to this planet called Onyx to start there training but an older spartan called Master Chief triggers a Halo ring. Which can cause destruction on a massive scale. The Halo ring awakes ancient forerunners which no one new about and they have very powerful technology. So if the humans can get a hold of the technology, it could mean a change in the war but the forerunners have there own plans for destroying both the humans and covenant. The game Halo 4 you can actually play the story out.
—Damion Fahy
I think this book was very great and also unique when compared to the other books in the series. The largest reason why it's unique is because John (Master Chief) is not the main character. Instead, another spartan, Kurt, took the main character role. This did create a different story line about how Kurt's death was faked so that he can train the next line of Spartans. This was a well written story just as the previous books were. The only thing I wish is that the books were all written and created in chronological order. But overall, I recommend this book to anyone that likes fiction books that are full of action.
—Steven
