Halo: Last Light

Halo #18

by Troy Denning

An original novel set in the Halo Universe and based on the New York Times bestselling video game series!

It is 2553, and the three-decade long Covenant War that defined a generation has suddenly drawn to a close. Yet, in the remotest parts of human space, tensions remain that threaten to overflow into another full-scale conflict. Beneath the surface of the planet Gao lies a vast cavern system renowned for its therapeutic effects and rumored miraculous cures. But now Gao natives are turning up brutally murdered down there—violent acts that happen to coincide with the recent arrival of a UNSC research battalion protected by Spartan Blue Team, led by the renowned Spartan-II Fred-104.

Maverick detective Veta Lopis of the Gao Ministry of Protection is only trying to do her job as the Special Inspector assigned to catch a serial killer—one who is possibly hiding within the Spartan ranks—but she never anticipates the situation spiraling out of control into an all-out crisis. When Gao is revealed to harbor ancient Forerunner technology that could solidify the UNSC’s military supremacy for centuries to come, Insurrection loyalists within the planetary government will do anything—even align with a vicious faction of what remains of the Covenant—to ensure that never happens…

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Video Games, Audiobook, Ebooks, Novels, Military Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Also known as Richard Awlinson.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Den...

Reviews

[Fiannawolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biased Halo nerd enjoys book. No one is surprised. Moar. Sidenote: Happy that Denning fits into this universe also.

[Melisa Ramonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only disappointment of this story was the mystery itself. I was expecting seeds of doubt... they never existed. But I ABSOLUTELY LOVED EVERYTHING ELSE! FRED! THE GAMMAS! LOPIS! OH MY GOD.

EDIT 3/24/2020
Re-reading because Fred and Veta give me life.

[Alex Rubenzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a biased halo nerd but this book was awesome.

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last Light isn’t the best Halo novel I’ve ever read, but it’s certainly worth reading. In the last few years, Halo fiction has taken a strong turn away from military space opera, and moved in a much more cloak and dagger direction. (at least in the books) This was most evident in the Kilo-Five trilogy, but it’s still very much in effect here. Outside of ODST, this is the first Halo storyline that errs into mystery territory, murder-mystery, in fact. Admittedly, this doesn’t last very long though. Without giving too much away, the reader learns the truth of the murder fairly early on, despite the fact that the story’s “intrepid investigator” continues her search. Nonetheless, I never felt I had reached a point where I didn’t want to continue; the early reveal in the first act doesn’t remove tension or cause the story to lose its momentum. For those that have read numerous other Halo novels, I will reveal one more detail: (though this can be deduced from the book’s cover) Gamma Company Spartan-IIIs (specifically, former members of Saber team) play a prominent role. If you’re not a Halo book reader, I assure you, that’s good news.

Now some conjecture that isn’t technically for the review. No need to continue unless you’re a Halo fan.

As someone who has read absolutely every Halo book (and graphic novel) released as of the writing of this review, I’m not entirely sure of what other parts of the Halo story this is meant to connect to. So far this year each new novel or comic released has had a clear connection to Halo 5. It’s no secret that the Spartan-II Fred (as well as Kelly & Linda) is featured in this novel, so in that sense there is a connection, but there’s no clear plot connection other than that the two works share characters. There are nods to the Kilo-Five trilogy, (which chronologically occurs after the events of Last Light) and the presence of Saber Team connects to Ghost of Onyx, but it’s very unclear how the events of Last Light will impact the plot of Halo 5. My guess is that events in the final chapters of the book will be incorporated into the plot details of Halo 5 that we don’t know about yet. Long story short, it remains to be seen if Last Light is “required reading” for those wanting every detail of Halo 5 storyline, so for now, I’d say if you’re looking for background and story on the three members of Blue Team that aren’t the Master Chief, read The Fall of Reach and First Strike instead. Of course, if you have the time to read all three, you absolutely should.

[Chris The Lizard from Planet X · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halo: Last Light by Troy Denning is a video game tie-in novel based on Halo video game franchise, and the first book of the “Ferret Team” Trilogy.

Halo: Last Light is set after the human-Covenant War when the super-soldier SPARTANS are being deployed in less-epic roles as support for the regular military. It's also a time when peace is being made with the various former Covenant forces and the biggest threat to humanity is from potential separatist groups.

    This book opens up on the planet Gao, which is a former Insurrectionist planet bubbling with resentment against the UNSC. The UNSC has discovered a Forerunner ruin which contains an ancient A.I that could conceivably unveil all of said race's secrets. Sending a battalion to occupy the cave system, they start hunting the A.I. despite its veritable army of Sentinels and other defenses. Unfortunately, the A.I. is clever enough to start murdering local Gao citizens and frame the UNSC for it. This brings Inspector Veta Lopis to investigate and casts suspicions on the transhuman Spartans assigned to the unit.

    The book is a non-mystery as we find out the A.I, known as Intrepid Eye, is responsible for the murders in the second chapter but our protagonists aren't clued in until much later. This is an interesting way of handling the story even if I think it might have been better to leave it an open-question until the end. Certainly, there's enough going on with plots and counter-plots that this could have been a storyline which held our attention indefinitely.

    The characters are, surprisingly, some of the best in the Halo franchise. I love Veta Lopis as a character and think she's a great heroine we haven't seen before in the franchise. A determined detective, she is unsympathetic to the UNSC but uninterested in politics. Her interest is purely in catching a killer and she refuses to let issues like military concerns or classified data interfere with her investigation. The fact this attitude gets her in a lot of trouble and screws with the mission is part of the book's fun.

    The character of Fred-104 is also a great Master Chief substitute. As one of the few surviving Spartan-IIs, he's refreshingly angst-free and as devoted to the UNSC as one of the Spartans should be. The fact he's set up a fatherly relationship with the Spartan-IIIs is appropriate as well and how I imagine such an interaction would go. The Spartan-IIIs also get a lot of development with Gamma Squadron's "berserker" modifications getting special attention as we see the downside to their transformation.

    I liked the flirtatious relationship between Inspector Lopis and Fred, especially as it doesn't really impact their contradictory professional goals. Neither of them is willing to compromise their missions despite coming to like and respect the other. I also liked the world-building we got for the planet Gao, which is our first real look at what it's like to be on a human planet in the setting. I also like the fact Troy Denning chose to make it South American feeling versus going for another America-themed colony.

    The politics of the setting proves to be more interesting to me than the non-mystery and I've got to say I like how Troy Denning expands on the conflict between the Insurrectionists, the UNSC, the former Covenant forces, and everyone caught in-between. Halo villains tend to ward the grandiose and comic-booky so having ones who are relatively sympathetic with understandable motivations is a nice change of pace. Slimy Gao politician Arlo Castille is hardly sympathetic but realistic in a way which doesn't require any mental hoops to justify.

     There's a lot of good moments spread throughout the book like Inspector Lopis discovering the Spartans-IIIs are adolescents, the Spartan-IIIs closing ranks when they think Inspector Lopis believes one of them is the serial killer, the clandestine meetings between the Covenant and Insurrectionists, plus the perspective chapters of Jiralhanae chieftain Castor who is perhaps the first Brute which can be called admirable in the history of Halo. Is Castor the antagonist? Yes. Castor is also a far more honorable opponent than Arno Castille or the Spartan's own superiors.

    The use of a resort built into a set of natural springs and caverns is a unique location to set a military science-fiction novel and I have to give props to Troy Denning for this. It's a place of luxury, military operations, and natural beauty all in one. Much like the in-universe Halos themselves, they combine the constructed with the organic in a way which is both entrancing as well as threatening. Most authors miss this quality in their books so even though they're set in the same universe, they don't have quite the same "Halo feel" as players did wandering around the gorgeous plant-covered ruins in the first three games.

     My biggest problem with the book is the dual Maguffin/antagonist, Intrepid Eye, who is a lot less developed than the other antagonists. With ruthless but understandable ones like Arno Castor and Castille, it's annoying to have a self-deluded psychopath like Intrepid Eye get so much attention. No matter what the evidence presented to her, she maintains the Forerunners are still around and humanity is a disgusting race of vermin fit only for extermination. It's a bad day for an A.I. when you're wishing for a rampant Guilty Spark to take their place. Despite this, Intrepid Eye is not enough for me to lower my score for the book.

    In conclusion, I heartily recommend Halo: Last Light and think it's probably one of my favorite Halo novels. The fact it's a relatively low-stakes and character-driven piece makes this a stronger work, and I would recommend it for not only fans of the Halo franchise but also individuals who just happen to love Military science-fiction.

[nooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder mystery Halo style! Well, not so mysterious as I figured out the killer before the characters, but still awesome. Loved the ending.

[Andrew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery, sci-fi book. I like the fact that the writers of HALO books write the SPARTANs with human personality's, even if their a little childish,(I mean, they either are, or where when they were being trained.) The SPARTANs are the best super space marines that exist in sci-fi, but it's because of their psychological state, and the books show this as much as the games,(but at times reading this I was like, don't do that, at Fred,) and adding in an outside opinion of how the SPARTANs other then, "Kill them!" was well done, and great to read. I think Veta was a great character, and glad that Denning wrote more stories with her in them.

[Niklas Braun · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm torn. On one hand I want to like it because of the references and the story is really cool, but on the other hand there were some major flaws that detracted from my enjoyment. There are some references I don't get, and they are never elaborated on. Some characters seem to have no or little motivation for the drastic actions they take. Reasoning be damned! And there is a lot of unprofessionalism from the Spartans that just is like.. really? these are the best soldiers in the navy? Meh.

[Richard Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with really interesting tie-ins to other halo universe books. Got a bit difficult to track who was who with so many named characters being introduced without much time to really find ways to really engage with them. A good start to the trilogy, hope the next 2 books live up!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troy Denning enters the world of Halo for the first time with Last Light. Part murder-mystery, part relic hunt, and with a touch of rebellion and warfare, Last Light has a lot to offer. It follows an investigator named Lopis Vetas as she looks into a series of murders in a massive cave system turned tourist attraction. Yet the murders are connected to the UNSC’s search for ancient Forerunner technology. All the while their presence stirs up resentment with the local population brimming on the edge of all out insurrection. With such a delicate situation, the search for the murderer, the ancient Forerunner relic, and the outbreak of rebellion all culminate in a suspenseful, action strewn novel that’s well worth checking out.

Going in, I wasn’t expecting a detective story, so it was quite a surprise. It starts off pretty strong with the murder-mystery angle, and as the latter half of the story turns into a warzone, the detective theme still pops up in a good way. It actually fits into the story really well. Especially with the cave setting which creates an eerie atmosphere. The closed in environments, the darkness, the twisting unknown passages, it’s a great place for a lurking killer.

Yet adding to the fun of the story is the Forerunner side of things. Denning actually dives into the mind of a Forerunner artificial intelligence. As a Halo gamer, I found the perspective to be pretty awesome. There are glimpses into the history of the Halo universe. There are little tidbits shedding light on the Forerunners, their war against the Flood, and their use of machines against them. The way the character is written does a good job of making it feel like a machine, but one with an interesting personality.

Along with Inspector Lopis, there’s a squad of Spartans rounding out the cast for the book. What Halo novel would be complete without a Spartan? Both Spartan II’s and III’s join the hunt for the mysterious serial killer and the search for the Forerunners. By the end of the story, they’re in full on battle mode as they engage ex-Covenant forces as things get out of hand. Several of the Spartans are developed as the story goes along, creating a nice bond with the reader. At the end of the story, I found myself ready to go off on another adventure with this team. They were a good mix of personalities.

One of the key strengths of Halo: Last Light is it’s ever changing storyline. At first it’s a detective story in search of a serial killer. Then it becomes a search for ancient Forerunner technology. Doubt is cast on the Spartans themselves as their presence on the planet is unwelcome and unasked for. It’s even possible that one of the Spartans is the serial killer. Underneath all of that is a brewing rebellion on the planet as key members of the government seek to take over control. Shifting schemes turn to violence, then war. The moods shift from mystery and suspense, to all out action. The constant shift keeps things interesting and adds a lot of fun to the story.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the Halo universe, Troy Denning’s books, or just fun sci-fi and good stories, Halo: Last Light is worth a read. I give it a solid four out of five.

[Jesse Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good entry in the Halo series. I was excited to learn more about Fred from Master Chief's original team on Reach. This book was largely centered on him, which was awesome. However, what surprised me the most was the evolution of Veta's character. I'll admit, I did not care for her for much of the book. She quickly became a liability to the Gamma Spartans and Fred by getting so many of her questions answered. About halfway through the book, I knew exactly where her character was going to end up, and I ended up really enjoying her. I hope to see her in future Halo novels.

This story is different than most in the Halo universe. It is more of a murder mystery than a space opera or military sci-fi, even though there are elements of them in it. Several murders take place, and Blue Team along with Gamma Team and a few of Gao's local police force (including Veta) are trying to solve the mysterious deaths. But Blue Team has other orders coming from ONI involving the exploration of potential Forerunner technology.

There really isn't much involved in the story regarding Halo 5: Guardians, but the focus on Fred is obviously not coincidental. There were nods to other stories though, like Halo 2 and Miranda Keyes, and to Halo 4. There were even some nods to the Kilo 5 trilogy and Ghosts of Onyx. In any case, it is a worthwhile read. If you're a fan of Halo lore, you won't want to miss it.

[Anthonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very remarkable book to read from this writer. I enjoyed reading it very much. Loved the warfare, rebellion, murder,mystery,and relic hunt all wrapped up in one. A very good book for those who love science fiction.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really tapped into my nerdy side. It was an enjoyable read and the ending was great!

[Harry Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for Halo

[C.T. Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm kind of done with HALO to be honest as I was bitterly disappointed with HALO: GUARDIANS but also because the universe has become unrecognizable. Part of what was great about Halo was the fact humanity was a little fish surrounded by incredibly powerful neighbors. Now, the new books act like humanity is the United States and able to throw its weight around despite all but being annihilated. This isn't a problem with HALO: LAST LIGHT which I say without irony is probably my favorite Troy Denning book since THE TRIAL OF CYRIC THE MAD.

Saying it's your favorite Troy Denning novel may not sound like high praise but you must understand that I know Troy Denning from my childhood onward. I read the entirety of the VERDANT PASSAGE series of Dark Sun (where I fell for Sadria of Tyr as my first fictional crush), every one of seventeen or so Forgotten Realms novels, PAGES OF PAIN for Planescape, and his Star Wars series too. I've read a LOT of Troy Denning novels over the years. This is, undoubtedly, the best.

Part of what makes it so good is the low-key premise. This is a smaller story set in a universe of galaxy-destroying superweapons and hostile alien powers. It's a murder mystery and that already makes it unique among Halo novels. It's still undoubtedly Halo with Fred-104 (a.k.a the second best Spartan-II), a group of Spartan-III soldiers, a Forerunner installation, and even an acknowledgement of the Insurrectionist movement. It's just we have less shooting thousands of Grunts and Elite versus character development. That automatically puts it above most Halo novels and they've done more than most Expanded Universes for fleshing out the lore of the mega sci-fi franchise.

Last Light's premise is an underground hot spring and resort has been taken over by the military to investigate an insane Forerunner A.I. that is floating around it. The UNSC is keeping it a secret, though, because they don't want the local government to potentially seize it for itself. You see, after the destruction of the Covenant--all of humanity's old grievances have come back. Veta Lopis is a cop who hates the UNSC, ONI, and isn't too fond of the Spartans either. However, she's more dedicated to finding out who is responsible for the series of murders going on.

I love Veta Lopis and think she's one of the best Halo characters aside from Cortana, Doctor Halsey, and the Spartans. She plays off of Fred-104 tremendously well. I also like their small amount of sexual tension that Troy plays mostly for humor. The Spartan-IIIs, which I have never been fond of, are also treated quite well here. The group is really expanded on once they have an older Spartan to serve as their father-figure. The mystery of who is responsible for the murders is never in doubt but what to do about it is the real issue.

I think part of what works about this novel is Troy Denning makes all of the characters (except for the corrupt official Arno Castille) sympathetic. Veta Lopis wants to solve a murder and that trumps her hostility to the Spartans and UNSC. Intrepid Eye is insane from millennium of isolation but the humans are the intruders into his home. Fred-104 is just trying to keep his people safe and a potential galaxy-disturbing artifact out of the hands of a bunch of militant revolutionaries. Even the Keepers of the One Freedom are fairly affable Covenant religious fanatics. I am probably more sympathetic to them than I should be since they're not interested in genocide of the human race.

The action in this book is great and there's even a few ridiculously fun moments like Veta using Fred as a sled down a snowy mountainside due to his armor locking up. She's embarrassed when she finds out he was conscious during the whole ordeal and even makes a quip, ("Next time, I'm on top."). I also like the confusion over whether one of the Spartan-IIIs could have done the murder even though we know they haven't since some of them have actual psychotic rages if they're off their meds too long. Great job, ONI. Real smooth move there.

I feel like also pointing out it's nice to have Troy Denning make the people of Gao descendants of non-United States or European humans. They have a Chinese-named world and are mostly descendants of South American people. It affects their personalities, accents, and behavior in a way that makes the world feel a little larger. It's a small detail but one I appreciate from the author.

In short, I loved this book and I think anyone who loves Halo will enjoy it. It's even an enjoyable piece of military science fiction for someone who isn't familiar with the franchise. I listened to the audiobook version of this book and prefer it to the physical version as the narration is top notch. If Halo novels were more like this one versus some of the more recent ones (which shall remain nameless), I'd still be as big a fan of them as I was years ago.

9.5/10

[Brendan Kraus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halo: Last Light

Last Light is Troy Denning’s best Halo book by a mile. Strange things have happened on the planet Gao. A tourist cave system has been quarantined by the UNSC who has sent Spartans on a secret mission to get a Forerunner AI which is located deep in the cave system. At the same time Gao investigator Veta Lopis is trying to figure out why citizens are being killed in the caves. She suspects the Spartan’s may be her killers but is forced to be watched over by them as she conducts her investigation. From there the murder mystery and secrets of the cave unravel as political tension on the surface reach a breaking point.

First the Negatives
My man Fred is out of character. I really like the idea of there maybe being something between him and Veta but I just don't buy this causes a complete character switch. He is not some joke and quipster. I think Casille and the other villain's could have used a little more development. Him, Castor and Intrepid Eye to an extent aren't that memorable or engaging characters. With Casille I wish we could have seen more in regards to Gao's beef with the UNSC. Castor is simply not as memorable as an Atriox, Hekabe or Tarturus. Finally, Denning does a good job with the action scenes overall but the jungle scenes towards the end I found hard to visualize in terms of logistics. Like wait where is Fred? How far away is Veta from the Gammas? etc etc

Now the Positives
Veta. Wow what a fantastic character to add to this amazing universe. She's got an interesting backstory and personality. Her chemistry with the gammas and out of character Fred(imo) is GREAT. I can't wait to see her in more stuff. I had seen her in a few other Halo books but front and center she shines. Can't wait to read Retribution Denning writes a page turner as I said. This is his best Halo book. You have got a really fun murder mystery as the central focus for the first half and then it takes a backseat to the Ancilla extraction storyline. Like half of this books is Veta and the Spartans essentially crawling in a hole and then crawling out lol.But it's so good. He keeps you guessing and engaged. Finally the Spartan 3's are great here. I really like how Denning writes them and shows the effects that the augmentations have on Gamma Spartans. Their back and forth with Veta as I mentioned is so good and makes the book frankly

2nd favorite post war book behind Halo Envoy. A great story that introduces some great new characters. Some stuff could be better but overall Denning crafts his best Halo Book

4/5

[Ian Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth Halo novel I have read and is one of a box set of ten Halo novels that I bought after giving up any idea of reading the novels in chronological order. Now I’m jumping all over the galaxy like a Covenant fanatic trying to recover Forerunner artifacts. I’ve since discovered that Goodreads has a definitive list of Halo novels in some kind of logical order. However, I will stick with the box set for the time being.
This novel is the eighteenth volume in the expanding Halo universe. It is set in 2553, at the end of the Covenant war. Human beings have made peace with the various alien beings that formed the Covenant coalition. However, the end of the war is providing an opportunity for humans unhappy with Earth-based imperialism to resume their insurrectionist plotting.
The novel is set on Gao, which I assume is the Portuguese word for Earth. The local culture – and the names of many of the characters – seem to be Portuguese and there are references to a Gao accent. However, as is usual in the Halo universe, everyone – including the aliens – is essentially early 21st century American.
The central character, Veta Lopis, is a feisty, brave and highly competent murder detective investigating a series of gruesome murders in a vast complex of caves that are a major tourist destination because of their healing spas. Veta’s investigations are complicated by the presence of a team of Spartans and a large number of other UNSC personnel who are hunting for Forerunner artifacts that are believed to be tucked away in the depths of the cave complex. Another complication is that Veta’s boss, the wily politician Arlo Casille, is secretly plotting to make himself president by fomenting a rebellion involving humans and a bunch of fanatical Jiralhanae, who are also seeking the Forerunner artifacts. At one point Veta’s prime suspect is a Spartan warrior who seems to have gone rogue…..
I’ll say no more about the plot. Suffice to say that things are set up nicely for a sequel. I see that there is at least one other novel in the series involving Veta Lopis and I look forward to reading that. I’d recommend this book to Halo fans or anyone who enjoys a bit of science fiction escapism. However, I suggest you try to read the novels in some kind of chronological order, otherwise it’s easy to get lost in space.

[Robert-Henrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating story in the Halo universe that 'works' as a detective novel.

As per usual, carnage is very present in this novel. (how much blood can stain an environment...) Main Spartan on duty, Fred 104, seems to be modeled after John 117 aka 'Master Chief'. I wish I could date either of them...

The impediments of the III series is a nice touch but highly unconvincing. It's like suggesting a universe with FTL travel without having figured out artificial gravity.

Nevertheless, plot lines involving AI are current AF! Questions like, 'What happens to an AI if left unattended but self-aware', are very current. A (human) world in which AI evolved to autonomous super beings with an expiration date, and an alien one with ancient mega-AI that supersedes human AIs by far, address topics that we're discussing in this world. (Even though real live AI still does not exist yet...)

The Halo universe succeeds in depicting a technologically evolved humanity that travels the stars, while portraying humanity as it is now, in the real world: one that is greedy, paranoid, violent, and that doesn't seem to be able to shed tribalism, division and betrayal of their own kind. We travel the stars but insist on being stupid! Slightly moronic, but definitely dramatic...

I guess 'Tragic Solitude' made a point to be mistrusting of its human visitors. Even though it went against his programming. The drama of it all! But I guess that's what you get when leaving an AI unattended but aware of human activity...

"The impediments of the III series is a nice touch but highly unconvincing. It's like suggesting a universe with FTL travel without having figured out artificial gravity."
Let me restate that. Apparently the Hawk they fly in to leave the planet hasn't any artificial gravity as well as proven by the passage where one of the main characters expresses the wish "to float around".... also, the story takes place after the end of the war with the covenant. Wouldn't humanity have long integrated some of the enemies technology?
Further, though fascinating, the story about Intrepid Eye seems to be rushed through. Her choice and prime directive conflict and her actions seem illogical. The alternative Huragok is awesome though! Wish I had one!

[Clyde's Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts as a murder mystery and quickly turns into an action packed thriller, starring Veta Lopis, Troy Denning's main protagonist for his next 3 books. This book is after Halo 3 in 2553, but before Halo 4 in 2557.

Taking place on the rebellious jungle world of Gao, this former rebel/insurrectionist planet colony is not fond of the UNSC, not one bit. Especially when an ONI investigation into Forerunner technology interferes with an ongoing serial murder investigation and rising political tensions.

Veta is our detective in question for the murder mystery side of the book, on the action packed thriller side we have Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058. And 3 members of the Spartan-III Gamma company who Fred and Veta will be growing very close to.
This book also introduces a Forerunner A.I. who will be the primary antagonist for the book as well as the secondary antagonist Castor, the Jiralhanae leader of the Keepers of The One Freedom. Basically just THE COVENANT all over again except led by giant apes.

I loved this book, I love Denning's attention to detail and the fun psychological mind games and the verbal chess matches between our intrepid detective and her potential suspects. Veta is the Gamma's new mom and Fred wishes he was their dad. Fred gets used as a sled, accused of murder, concussed, and nearly goes into combat without his pants. It's a fun time, Fred's lore is certainly more fun when Master Chief is taking one of his year-long cryo naps.

[Entre.paginas.y.libros · Rating 4 out of 5]

El inicio es un poco lento y aburrido, pero conforme va avanzando la trama, todo se vuelve interesante. Especialmente porque hay muchos secretos e intrigas alrededor de las muertes y de los Spartans.

No tengo mucho que decir de la historia más que me gustó y me pareció interesante, pero para mí, la joya de la corona son los personajes. Y no sé si es porque hablo desde mi fanatismo por el equipo azul, pero los amo 💙

Por si no lo saben, Fred es de mis favoritos y amé leerlo otra vez 🥺😭 también extrañé a Linda y Kelly 💖 Lo que no me esperaba, fue encariñarme con los gammas (Ash, Olivia y Mark), adoro a esos chamacos 🥺

Me gustó ese final donde se descubre quien fue el verdadero ªses¡no, pero sentí que le faltó más drama y misterio, fue muy meh cuando se descubrió. Pero sí amé la nueva proposición para Veta y los gammas.

[Samuele Martinelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book could be read stand-alone I suggest to read the books involving Blue Team before, and the Kilo-Five trilogy, as they add more appreciation for the events and the characters.

I think the book per se would be a five star, it was quite enjoyable and never dull or boring, with a nice story and more lore build up that I really appreciate. But I think it was marketed too much as a crime or mistery involving the serial killer, and in that regard it was a huge disappointment. And it does not have major shocks, which I would've loved to see in a Halo book for something different.

I was all in for a Halo story that was a bit different from others, and in a way it is. But it was not really a good crime book I think. Even the revealing of the killer was a "meh" moment. A good Halo book, but not a good crime or mystery one.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot centers on a series of brutal murders that have occurred in the subterranean caverns of Gao. Spartan-II Fred-104, alongside a team of Spartan-IIIs and the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) operative Veta Lopis, is dispatched to investigate. As they delve into the investigation, they uncover evidence pointing to the presence of ancient Forerunner technology on the planet, which various factions, including remnants of the Covenant, are eager to seize. Tensions rise as Fred-104 and his team navigate the treacherous political landscape of Gao, dealing with local insurrectionists and the enigmatic Special Inspector Veta Lopis, who has her own agenda. The novel explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the moral complexities of warfare, as the Spartans and their allies race against time to prevent the Forerunner technology from falling into the wrong hands.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing read that feels as a natural sequel to Eric Nylund previous work with mentions and cameos here and there from Ghosts of Onyx/Fall of Reach. It's impressive how elements that existed before this novel(SPI armors, Mjolnir being able to house an AI, suppresants in the SP3) fit so nicely into a murder mistery story, and how Troy juggles all of them to build up the tension and the relations between the characters, especially Inspector Lopis and the SP3. The only drawback that i can think of is the chapters that center on the politics of Gao and Minister Arlo, as they draw the momentum and the thrill buildup down for a bit. A worthy entry and a good all-around book.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this read. This more murder mystery type plot was a fun change from the normal Halo stories I interact with. I really only have familiarity with the games. The writing itself isn't bad, but the book did drag in the middle. There is only so much of characters crawling around a cave I can take. However, the book is saved by the intriguing beginning and exciting ending.

Our main cast of characters were all likeable. The main character--Veta-- is intelligent and tough, but in a realistic way. She's no Spartan super-solider and she is caught off-guard by reveals throughout the book. I'm interested in where her story goes next.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

For me this book was very middle of the road there where parts where I was intrigued and fascinated to what will happen next and at parts it went so slow and was mind numbing going round in circles that it lost me. But I love where it ends and where it's potentially going with these characters so for that i am more excited to read more books with these characters. Otherwise I would say only read this book unless your a hardcore halo fan Otherwise you can skip this one.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I throughly enjoyed this read. This investigation based story certainly added a new concept and twist to the Halo universe which worked very well. It allowed the story to progress in a way very much different to the other novels, and yet a welcome change. I enjoyed each of the characters unique personas and the nods to other characters mentioned in the universe. Throughly recommended!

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the weaker Halo novels in recent memory. I didn't feel invested in the whole murder mystery plot, which never really paid off anyways. The last few chapters it finally got interesting as they set up the next story involving these characters. But the majority of the book I felt like I would have been better off passing on.

[Matthew Ochal · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow that book sure existed. Amazing. At this point im just trying to VROOM through these boys. It was fine. I really want a book set in the halo universe that has nothing to do with the UNSC or ONI or anything. Like, give me a Goldfinch-esque book about some random ass person living their life with this universe as the backdrop. But no no, they all need to be about big shooty stuff... What a pity

[Isaac Neubeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is really good, for the most part it is a murder mystery on an insurrection planet where all of the investigators think a Spartan is the culprit we get some blue team - john time which is nice, Fred is one of the main characters in this book, really good and enjoyable to see him take the reigns in a novel

[Mark Jelbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read.

This book kept me entertained throughout and pulled me into the story quite quickly. I'm curious as to where it sits in the order of the books but was satisfied none the less.