Exploring Origins
It’s hard to imagine that a single game, developed by a relatively small up-and-coming studio, can go on, not only to become the “killer app” of the Xbox, but also to create a huge extended universe that covers different types of media. Thank you very much, as fans like me have been patiently waiting for new stories ever since Halo: There is no limit be initiated. Despite revisiting one of the best games ever made (in my humble opinion), the imminent release of Halo: The Complete Campaign this year doesn’t look like it will scratch that itch, despite the promise of new missions.
Only in fact since 343 Industries took the lead in Halo 4did we begin to learn more about the Leaders, who disappeared after rising to the top of the food chain. This is where Halo: Cryptum from Titan Books comes in, and is actually the beginning of a trilogy called “The Forerunner Saga”. It spells the beginning of the end for the fearsome species, despite having dominated the galaxy for many years. The saga was written by the late, great, Greg Bear. The science fiction writer was a Hugo and Nebula award winner, and he worked extensively on the foundation of San Diego Comic-Con.
Bornstellar Rebellion
The story is told from the perspective of Bornstellar Makes It Last Forever (or Bornstellar for short). This young leader has a rebellious streak, a passion for adventure and a fascination with hunting down artifacts left behind by the Leaders, the powerful beings that came before the Leaders.
As you can imagine, it doesn’t take long for this behavior to reach Bornstellar’s point of concern, and he begins to realize that it’s part of something bigger. Of course, for those who have played the Halo games, there are many familiar characters as well as other connections that tie this book together nicely.
I have to admit, I wasn’t immediately hooked by Halo: Cryptum. It took me a while to figure out where I was and where I was. The narrator also slowly reveals details about himself and his motives, which while interesting make it even more difficult to piece things together. What helps is the limited playlist, which means that as a reader, you get a lot of time to learn a lot about them.
Deepening the Lore
Also, to ensure that attention is not diminished, established characters are sprinkled into the story at appropriate times. Not only does this connect Halo: Cryptum to other corners of the Halo universe, but it adds intensity and importance to the events unfolding. This is not a funny story that will not touch on aspects of the main story of the games. This is material.
Halo: Cryptum grew on me the deeper into the book I got. I’m not only invested in the characters themselves (new and familiar), but I’m also very interested in how the events will unfold and ultimately connect to the games. It’s a skill, and a difficult one at that, to write a book set in an already beloved and established universe. Relationships must feel real, deep, and above all meaningful. This is true here, and this time in the Halo timeline is a good choice to explore in depth.
Painting the Old World with Visual Details
What Greg Bear does best is paint a picture with his words. His writings are full of details, big and small, that describe the ancient world and the shapes that come to mind as you read. It’s hard to describe, but his style is almost reflective, matching the slow pace of his storytelling. Sure, there’s action, there’s conflict, but there’s a lot of exploration, reflection and foreshadowing of great things to come. The time taken to delve into the Halo lore gives a lot of meaning to the series, and it was much needed.
Halo: Cryptum is in many ways a coming-of-age story, one about Bornstellar finding his purpose and discovering his role in the wider world. Because of the events told from his point of view, you get a clear understanding of how he deals with and understands things, putting them together bit by bit. It’s a great insight into a very different type of Prologue, one that’s behaviorally more complex than those we’ve encountered before.
Rich Style for Wedding Events
Halo: Cryptum is a great read, even though it started a trilogy, this book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, but moves the pieces well, setting up important and tragic events to come. On balance, there’s more time spent on exposition and set-up than action, but it’s wrapped up in such lush and rich writing that it doesn’t matter.
Still, is it enough to get you hooked on the next book, Halo: Primordium? This reviewer says yes.
Thank you very much Titan Books for an opportunity to explore. If you wish to pick up a copy of Halo: Cryptum, hit up Titan directly. Otherwise, likes Amazon it will set you up with a copy.
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