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A review by robliophile
Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Part of my 2021-2022 Halo Timeline-order read-a-thon series.
Greg Bear was a monolith in his own right in the world of science fiction. The Halo franchise was fortunate to have him aboard for not one, not two, but three entries in the franchise. Cryptum is compelling, mysterious, and stands alone from the Halo franchise as a solid work of science fiction. For the first time, we get a look into the apex society of the Forerunners, an advanced and distant relative of human beings. While the book starts as a traditional bildungsroman, it quickly evolves into something other entirely. Bornstellar-makes-eternal-lasting (how's that for a first name?) finds themself embroiled in a conflict longer than any human lifespan and one which meanders towards the eventual reveal of the titular Halo constructs.
A solid read for anyone wishing to dip their toes into a deeper, more complex scifi or for anyone who has ever wanted to read a good Halo book without feeling out of their depth in the Halo franchise.
Greg Bear was a monolith in his own right in the world of science fiction. The Halo franchise was fortunate to have him aboard for not one, not two, but three entries in the franchise. Cryptum is compelling, mysterious, and stands alone from the Halo franchise as a solid work of science fiction. For the first time, we get a look into the apex society of the Forerunners, an advanced and distant relative of human beings. While the book starts as a traditional bildungsroman, it quickly evolves into something other entirely. Bornstellar-makes-eternal-lasting (how's that for a first name?) finds themself embroiled in a conflict longer than any human lifespan and one which meanders towards the eventual reveal of the titular Halo constructs.
A solid read for anyone wishing to dip their toes into a deeper, more complex scifi or for anyone who has ever wanted to read a good Halo book without feeling out of their depth in the Halo franchise.