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austintaylor 's review for:
Halo: Cryptum
by Greg Bear
3.5 stars (Goodreads give me half stars, you cowards). This is the beginning novel in the 2nd trilogy of Halo novels that 343 supervised after taking over from Bungie post 2007. I have similar feelings as 'Glasslands'--why did 343 choose to flesh out their antagonists in the extended universe instead of the game dialogue/cutscenes themselves? Mind boggling to recruit S-tier talent like Bear for a prequel novel series, which directly ties to Halo 4--a game about characters from ancient history still meddling with the Chief and Co.
Enough complaining--Bornstellar rules, the humans rule. Also this Didact is fun! Completely distinct from H4's "I'm gonna get you" Scooby-Doo villain formula 343 uses (i.e. Villain makes appearance at beginning of game, then waits until final act to do anything and loses). This made me feel like Halo deserves a longer, even denser version of this book that leans more heavily into the 'Hyperion' inspirations. Terrifying natural threats, ancient monsters (that are not the Flood, mostly), and distinct motives for Forerunners. This was already a huge risk in explaining their culture/society after Bungie decided to keep them vague. To me, this book lands and it lands well. Put it in my 'good for Halo fans' pile. The other two piles are 'good for sci fans' and 'good for everyone'.
Final gripe--you fellas just couldn't help yourselves could you? Gotta have the rings make an appearance in everything with the capital H Halo name on it, huh?
Enough complaining--Bornstellar rules, the humans rule. Also this Didact is fun! Completely distinct from H4's "I'm gonna get you" Scooby-Doo villain formula 343 uses (i.e. Villain makes appearance at beginning of game, then waits until final act to do anything and loses). This made me feel like Halo deserves a longer, even denser version of this book that leans more heavily into the 'Hyperion' inspirations. Terrifying natural threats, ancient monsters (that are not the Flood, mostly), and distinct motives for Forerunners. This was already a huge risk in explaining their culture/society after Bungie decided to keep them vague. To me, this book lands and it lands well. Put it in my 'good for Halo fans' pile. The other two piles are 'good for sci fans' and 'good for everyone'.
Final gripe--you fellas just couldn't help yourselves could you? Gotta have the rings make an appearance in everything with the capital H Halo name on it, huh?