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Halo
Washed ashore as a baby in ancient Greece, Halo is discovered by a family of centaurs. Although her true identity remains a mystery, she is loved as one of their own. But when Halo is dragged away by fishermen, her wild adventure begins . . .
Halo soon realizes that if she is to survive then she must live in disguise - as a boy. A violent war is threatening to erupt and Halo is at the mercy of the mighty Spartan warriors. And as she battles to hide her secret, Halo never forgets her quest to find out who she is - and where she really came from.
Halo soon realizes that if she is to survive then she must live in disguise - as a boy. A violent war is threatening to erupt and Halo is at the mercy of the mighty Spartan warriors. And as she battles to hide her secret, Halo never forgets her quest to find out who she is - and where she really came from.
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
1486 people want to read
About the author
Zizou Corder
34 books88 followersZizou Corder is Louisa Young and Isabel Adomakoh Young, whose names are too long to fit on the front of a book.
Louisa is a grown-up and has written five grown-up books; Isabel is a kid and has written mostly schoolwork.
The original Zizou is Isabel's lizard, only he spells it Zizu. They Have written five books together: the highly acclaimed Lionboy trilogy, Lee Raven Boy Thief and Halo.
They live in London. Only one goes to school.
Louisa is a grown-up and has written five grown-up books; Isabel is a kid and has written mostly schoolwork.
The original Zizou is Isabel's lizard, only he spells it Zizu. They Have written five books together: the highly acclaimed Lionboy trilogy, Lee Raven Boy Thief and Halo.
They live in London. Only one goes to school.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 30, 2021
I found this book at 10 and read half of it but lost it, I didn't forget the magic or plot of it for 8 years and always wanted to finish the book someday, imagine my surprise at finding it and finally getting to read it.
Washed ashore as a baby in ancient Greece, Halo is discovered by a family of centaurs. Although her true identity remains a mystery, she is loved as one of their own. But when Halo is dragged away by fishermen, her wild adventure begins . . .
Halo soon realizes that if she is to survive then she must live in disguise as a boy. A violent war is threatening to erupt and Halo is at the mercy of the mighty Spartan warriors. And as she battles to hide her secret, Halo never forgets her quest to find out who she is and where she really came from.
The book has everything you could hope for
Centuars, orphans, kidnapping, spartan training, found family, disguise as a boy
Its Mulan meets Wonder woman meets Greek mythology. I loved it. It was so satisfying and in one book too.
Washed ashore as a baby in ancient Greece, Halo is discovered by a family of centaurs. Although her true identity remains a mystery, she is loved as one of their own. But when Halo is dragged away by fishermen, her wild adventure begins . . .
Halo soon realizes that if she is to survive then she must live in disguise as a boy. A violent war is threatening to erupt and Halo is at the mercy of the mighty Spartan warriors. And as she battles to hide her secret, Halo never forgets her quest to find out who she is and where she really came from.
The book has everything you could hope for
Centuars, orphans, kidnapping, spartan training, found family, disguise as a boy
Its Mulan meets Wonder woman meets Greek mythology. I loved it. It was so satisfying and in one book too.
March 27, 2014
I loved this book! and I really love the fact that the book was written by two people,I don't know why!
The book was awesome,to me.The way of writing is simple,which makes it easier to understand the story.They even have the Greek alphabets behind the book,which is cool! and I'm a huge fan of Zizou Corder. There were a large amount unrealistic incidents in the story.Where everything happened the way Halo wanted.But I loved the whole story too much that I didn't notice such problems.Halo is brave and intelligent.Even under all this simplistic writing,it is discussing an important issue.The freedom and equality of girls and it has taken ancient Greece as an example.It shows the lives of women there and the difference between a boy and a girl.Halo is an extraordinary girl who goes on this amazing adventure,accidentally.I hope you read this.I really wish it was a movie,so that I could see it and enjoy it even more!Ciao!
The book was awesome,to me.The way of writing is simple,which makes it easier to understand the story.They even have the Greek alphabets behind the book,which is cool! and I'm a huge fan of Zizou Corder. There were a large amount unrealistic incidents in the story.Where everything happened the way Halo wanted.But I loved the whole story too much that I didn't notice such problems.Halo is brave and intelligent.Even under all this simplistic writing,it is discussing an important issue.The freedom and equality of girls and it has taken ancient Greece as an example.It shows the lives of women there and the difference between a boy and a girl.Halo is an extraordinary girl who goes on this amazing adventure,accidentally.I hope you read this.I really wish it was a movie,so that I could see it and enjoy it even more!Ciao!
July 27, 2010
Girl power! Glad I was born in a world where woman can at least do their own thing. I would have done the same if I were Halo.
Though classified as a book for youth I realy enjoyed it. The plots were well thought out and the book kept flowing and building up.
Though classified as a book for youth I realy enjoyed it. The plots were well thought out and the book kept flowing and building up.
September 12, 2011
amazing-i love cross-dressing adventures-no offense!
April 25, 2024
reread my favourite book from 10 years ago or so, i surprisingly didn’t remember as much as i thought so there was a lot of fun plot twists. i thought i wouldn’t enjoy it as much as i did but i thoroughly enjoyed this little nostalgia trip :) also convinced this book made me queer (jk)
September 8, 2013
A woefully underrated tale of a young girl who is on a quest to find her place in the world. As Halo's story unravels, we are exposed to the trials and dangers of being a lone girl in Ancient Greece. Halo soon realise that to survive is to masquerade as a guy.
War is brewing among the Greeks. First, they fought the Persians as one. When that was over they started to wage war with their fellow neighbours for dominance; though they claimed it was for the sake of defending their nation. When Halo finds herself forcefully pulled away from her sanctuary, she starts to learn about the brutality and drudges of war. And being the pacifist that she is, as how it was inculcated in her by the Centaurs, she never got accustomed to it. Even if all she wanted was to go home, fate had other plans for her--with her being at the center of it all...
To summarise, Halo is not your average protagonist whose main purpose in the story is to be saved time and time again by other characters. No, she's different. She is bold, independent and intelligent. Halo may not wield a sword like a typical warrior nor is she a great beauty or even a famed seer; but she has a quiet strength that most would be envious of.
Halo's travels aren't restricted to one particular country. Rather they stretched across to various countries such as Zakynthos, Sparta and Athens. The author distinguishes them via meticulous research and proficiency in painting convincing environments. Not forgetting, minute attention to detail and word choice.
There was also a hint of romance that was present in the book. The love interest, to put it shortly, appears in the first 1/4 of the book and disappears for the most part--due to various circumstances. The attraction between the two characters was otherwise unremarkable especially in a book that is geared towards female readers.
I'm honestly quite impressed by the author's storytelling. I thought I had it all figured out but every now and then, some twists will show up and prove me wrong. It truly makes for a riveting experience.
As for the cons, let's see. I'm not proud of it, but some parts were rather dull and I had to skip some scenes. Not that I missed anything important. Though that in itself was not a good sign--although still enjoyable--I was compelled to knock 2 stars of my rating.
For those who are hoping for a historical read that features a strong and resourceful heroine; coupled with a well-developed setting, this might be the book for you. But bear in mind that even if the book is a far cry from being perfect, it is considered a good and tasteful read by most standards.
War is brewing among the Greeks. First, they fought the Persians as one. When that was over they started to wage war with their fellow neighbours for dominance; though they claimed it was for the sake of defending their nation. When Halo finds herself forcefully pulled away from her sanctuary, she starts to learn about the brutality and drudges of war. And being the pacifist that she is, as how it was inculcated in her by the Centaurs, she never got accustomed to it. Even if all she wanted was to go home, fate had other plans for her--with her being at the center of it all...
To summarise, Halo is not your average protagonist whose main purpose in the story is to be saved time and time again by other characters. No, she's different. She is bold, independent and intelligent. Halo may not wield a sword like a typical warrior nor is she a great beauty or even a famed seer; but she has a quiet strength that most would be envious of.
Halo's travels aren't restricted to one particular country. Rather they stretched across to various countries such as Zakynthos, Sparta and Athens. The author distinguishes them via meticulous research and proficiency in painting convincing environments. Not forgetting, minute attention to detail and word choice.
There was also a hint of romance that was present in the book. The love interest, to put it shortly, appears in the first 1/4 of the book and disappears for the most part--due to various circumstances. The attraction between the two characters was otherwise unremarkable especially in a book that is geared towards female readers.
I'm honestly quite impressed by the author's storytelling. I thought I had it all figured out but every now and then, some twists will show up and prove me wrong. It truly makes for a riveting experience.
As for the cons, let's see. I'm not proud of it, but some parts were rather dull and I had to skip some scenes. Not that I missed anything important. Though that in itself was not a good sign--although still enjoyable--I was compelled to knock 2 stars of my rating.
For those who are hoping for a historical read that features a strong and resourceful heroine; coupled with a well-developed setting, this might be the book for you. But bear in mind that even if the book is a far cry from being perfect, it is considered a good and tasteful read by most standards.
May 13, 2015
This book was a tad boring at times but overall a exciting, adventurous romp for middle aged children to teenagers. The romance was simple and sweet, it didn't go very far (No kissing or such) but it was nice. I really liked Halo by the middle of the book for she was very strong and determined and didn't just give in and be what other people wanted her to be when she wanted to be something different. A couple things didn't make sense, just little things that I was like what? and the plot was not really all that great but overall this was a quick, fun read that I would recommend to others that like fantasy and mythology.
July 8, 2010
A bit of action/adventure, Greek mythology and romance compressed into a novel. Not particularly realistic but an intriguing book. I would recommend it for the average reader :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2013
I really like this book but I think the end left you wanting more. l like the authors books
February 15, 2015
HOLY GRACAMOLIE
i loved this book .
..
*just go and read it*
i loved this book .
..
*just go and read it*
October 3, 2020
Best book I read in my childhood. Dat spartan boy awoke something in me. Even these days I remember him when I want to remind myself I'm attracted to men, too.
January 10, 2024
i remembered reading this, forgot the title, ended up finding by searching "book mulan but spartan" and that did the trick 🤣
good book 👍
good book 👍
March 15, 2022
loved this as a kid, enjoyed re-reading it but the ending wasn't as good as I remember
December 30, 2015
I'm still processing all the thoughts this book has given me. First of all, I was amazed at how much I came to like the writing, its characters and the plot line. Maybe it tells something, that I desperately want to read more. But I know there are no sequels. I can't leave my friends now! Oh, sweet Apollo, dear Athena, Poseidon, and Artemis. You won't tear me away from Halo and Arko, will you? I... just.. can't.
Some things about the marked shelves. I was going to put this into 'realistic fiction', then I thought maybe not, there are centaurs. And are they realistic? But there's nothing else really that would make it unrealistic. Still I left it out because it's not that realistic if a centaur is walking on the streets of Athens like it was a normal day. The 'weird creatures' are just these four-legged non-animals. It's a shelf containing all abnormalities, whatever they may be. So, sorry Arko and your kin, but you should take it as a compliment!
I am really tired right now. I had to read the book and I wanted to write a review straight away, but now I think I'm going to sleep. But the first thing tomorrow (probably after half of the other things though), I'll come here and continue. I will write a review. At least that's what the book deserves.
Some of my favorite quotes:
Some things about the marked shelves. I was going to put this into 'realistic fiction', then I thought maybe not, there are centaurs. And are they realistic? But there's nothing else really that would make it unrealistic. Still I left it out because it's not that realistic if a centaur is walking on the streets of Athens like it was a normal day. The 'weird creatures' are just these four-legged non-animals. It's a shelf containing all abnormalities, whatever they may be. So, sorry Arko and your kin, but you should take it as a compliment!
I am really tired right now. I had to read the book and I wanted to write a review straight away, but now I think I'm going to sleep. But the first thing tomorrow (probably after half of the other things though), I'll come here and continue. I will write a review. At least that's what the book deserves.
Some of my favorite quotes:
June 23, 2021
I've been going through a reading slump and this pulled me out of it. Wasn't able to put the book down. I felt a number of emotions throughout the book and the ending left me feeling all yummy inside:) Halo's also one of the first greek mythology books that I've ever read, so I was expecting to be bamboozled with all sorts of information, which I was sure I would forget. But this was quite an easy read. Recommending this to anyone looking to delve into books around Greek mythology.
July 26, 2010
Don't see the 2-star rating and go all "Whoa" cause this book isn't that bad. It's just that I see it was ok and only that is what it's going to be.
You know how a book just pulls you into it whether you really like it or not? It happens. It happened to me several times when I didn't even like the book but I couldn't tear my eyes from the text.
It was something like that but I at least enjoyed reading it.
Something was still missing.
I don't really get it: I love reading about Greek mythology and historical fiction and whatnot. I fell for the adventures of Percy Jackson which was sorta similar in the Greek theme.
Why didn't this book change anything in me? Why did I already forget the key events that I've read like, what, three days ago?
I think it was the thickly-interwined plot and similar conflicts. The main character was moving from place to place, all over the freaking country.
I did love the romance, but both authors seemed to be 'holding back' as if they wanted to keep it down to pure fluffiness which annoyed me like hell since there was no 'action' at all. They barely confess their feelings at the end (this can't really be considered a spoiler but a warning to avoid major disappointment).
I'd like to read whatever's next in the series or the sequel, but I do hope things would kick in.
And for the book to shock me in my tracks.
You know how a book just pulls you into it whether you really like it or not? It happens. It happened to me several times when I didn't even like the book but I couldn't tear my eyes from the text.
It was something like that but I at least enjoyed reading it.
Something was still missing.
I don't really get it: I love reading about Greek mythology and historical fiction and whatnot. I fell for the adventures of Percy Jackson which was sorta similar in the Greek theme.
Why didn't this book change anything in me? Why did I already forget the key events that I've read like, what, three days ago?
I think it was the thickly-interwined plot and similar conflicts. The main character was moving from place to place, all over the freaking country.
I did love the romance, but both authors seemed to be 'holding back' as if they wanted to keep it down to pure fluffiness which annoyed me like hell since there was no 'action' at all. They barely confess their feelings at the end (this can't really be considered a spoiler but a warning to avoid major disappointment).
I'd like to read whatever's next in the series or the sequel, but I do hope things would kick in.
And for the book to shock me in my tracks.
April 1, 2011
I was mesmerised, plain and simple. I've never read a book set in the Greek times before with no magic involved so this was a first experience for me and I'm glad. It was a good read their was some parts that I felt was to short and some parts felt to lost to me, the locations were odd to follow, but I got the main gist of it all. I loved Halo, Arko, Leonidas and Arimaspou the most out of all the characters, the interaction between these characters were just epic(entertaining).
Gosh the moments were she finds out that the Skythians knew she was female and that Arimaspou was her mother, and was in fact a she all along, was just... I was stunned that was for sure, I did not see those coming!
The only thing I really wanted was that maybe that the book was thicker? Added more bits in it, I dunno. I'm hoping theres a second or a prologue.
It was a good read the settings and plot was interesting/entertaining, I can't wait to read more books like this.
Gosh the moments were she finds out that the Skythians knew she was female and that Arimaspou was her mother, and was in fact a she all along, was just... I was stunned that was for sure, I did not see those coming!
The only thing I really wanted was that maybe that the book was thicker? Added more bits in it, I dunno. I'm hoping theres a second or a prologue.
It was a good read the settings and plot was interesting/entertaining, I can't wait to read more books like this.
December 28, 2011
Though I think this book was aimed for a younger audience, I absolutely loved it. I grew to care about the main character - Halo - much more than I though I would as I followed her through a great journey which always kept me interested. There was a big GASP! Moment which I did not see coming (which I love!)
April 21, 2014
'Until you know who you are, you're no one...'
'Halo' is one of the best books I have ever read. It always had me on the edge of my seat(or in this case, bed!) throughout the whole book. Definitely something I would read again.
'Halo' is one of the best books I have ever read. It always had me on the edge of my seat(or in this case, bed!) throughout the whole book. Definitely something I would read again.
October 26, 2020
Oh my god I remembered reading this book ages ago and I knew it was called Halo but all that came up was the stupid video games. This book was absolutely brilliant though it may be different from what I remember from a while ago.
I totally recommend this.
I totally recommend this.
March 11, 2011
Absolutely awesome! Couldn't keep my nose out of it, a complete must read! I recommend this book to 12-15 yr olds. I think this book is really amazing!
December 3, 2012
It was an awesome book. I've read it about 3 times now and I want to read it again. XD I love greek mythology sooo.... yeah. XD
October 2, 2013
Can halo survive her tough and painful adventures??? READ it to find out!!!
September 11, 2021
literally one of my core books i loved this sm in primary school (highkey still one of the best things ive ever read)
July 18, 2013
It was amazing, even the second time round :D
LOVED IT!!!!!!
LOVED IT!!!!!!
May 13, 2012
Loved this book it had a very new and old idea's. i loved some of the charecter and the ending.
January 30, 2021
I read Lion Boy back in high school and adored it, so I thought I'd pick this one up now and the only thing I'm disappointed about is that it isn't a series!
This book really struck me with how well it combined the human versus nonhuman, fantasy tied into ancient Greek culture aspect. As an autistic reader, Halo's lack of understanding of human society resonated with me. She has been thrown into a life she doesn't know and expects everyone to be as kind and fair as centaurs are, but is soon greeted with the trauma of understanding that humans are cruel. However, she isn't deterred by this and ends up finding kind souls within it and I was very happy whenever she was able to masquerade as a boy and fool people around her.
The descriptions of the different scenes, characters, interactions and the pace overall were pretty nice. I know some people wouldn't enjoy how little romance there is but I really dislike romance getting in the way in action novels and I think Leon's character development and the way the ending sort of let you imagine what kind of people he and Halo ended up growing into was more than sufficient.
The only thing that was a bit jarring was how modern the manner of speaking was at times. Obviously this book isn't written in Greek or Latin or what have you, and it's gotta be easy for the intended audience - 12 to 15 yo - to take in, but it could have done with some touches of "Old English proper" dialogue to set in stone the fact that it's set thousands of years ago.
Overall, I really enjoyed this romp, fell in love with the characters and how true to herself that Halo stayed even while growing up in this weird world, and found myself wanting more.
This book really struck me with how well it combined the human versus nonhuman, fantasy tied into ancient Greek culture aspect. As an autistic reader, Halo's lack of understanding of human society resonated with me. She has been thrown into a life she doesn't know and expects everyone to be as kind and fair as centaurs are, but is soon greeted with the trauma of understanding that humans are cruel. However, she isn't deterred by this and ends up finding kind souls within it and I was very happy whenever she was able to masquerade as a boy and fool people around her.
The descriptions of the different scenes, characters, interactions and the pace overall were pretty nice. I know some people wouldn't enjoy how little romance there is but I really dislike romance getting in the way in action novels and I think Leon's character development and the way the ending sort of let you imagine what kind of people he and Halo ended up growing into was more than sufficient.
The only thing that was a bit jarring was how modern the manner of speaking was at times. Obviously this book isn't written in Greek or Latin or what have you, and it's gotta be easy for the intended audience - 12 to 15 yo - to take in, but it could have done with some touches of "Old English proper" dialogue to set in stone the fact that it's set thousands of years ago.
Overall, I really enjoyed this romp, fell in love with the characters and how true to herself that Halo stayed even while growing up in this weird world, and found myself wanting more.
May 11, 2024
תמיד עושה לי צמרמורת ספר שמגיע אליך במקרה והוא מדוייק להדאיג לחיים שלך. כמו סיטקום שהמורה מלמד כל שיעור משהו שרלוונטי בדיוק לחי�� הדמויות הראשיות. הגעתי לספר עם ציפיות נמוכות מאוד שהספר יהיה pallet cleanser בין ספירות רצינית, והופתעתי לטובה. הסיפור מעניין ויוון העתיקה מתוארת בצורה חיה. היו קטעים שהרגשתי את הקיטשיות ושזה באמת ספר מעט נערי אבל הנושאים של מלחמה ואובדן ומגפה היו כל כך חדים ונכונים לתקופתי עכשיו שהספר השפיע עליי הרבה יותר משהיה לפני חמש שנים. הרצון לחיות גם כשהמוות מסביב נהיה שגור. הרצון לחוזק בתור אישה והניסיון לא להיות חסרת אונים מול סיטואציה מתסכלת ואכזרית כמו מלחמה או מגיפה. מסוג הדברים שמרגישים שייכים ליוון העתיקה ולא לישראל של שנת2024 אבל הנה אנחנו כאן. אני מאוד מאוד מקווה שההזדהות שלי עם היילו תחול גם על המשך הסיפור שלי, ושכמוה, גם לי יהיה מזל יוצא מן הכלל, גם אצלי המלחמה תגווע אחרי זמן מה, גם אצלי האנשים הקרובים ביותר ישרדו, וגם אצלי אמצא פיתרון למורכבויות ואדם לאהבה. בנתיים, אני מרגישה אסירת תודה ברמה שלא ניתן להביע במילים על כל הטוב שיש לי בעולם הזה. על המשפחה הנפלאה שלי, החברים, העולם הפנימי, הספרים הסרטים השירים החלומות המים והיופי שיש לי בעולם . חדוות החיים שיש בספר מדוייקת ואני רוצה לחיות את חיי כמו היילו שניצלה את היום גם בתקופות הקשות. אמנם לי אין אלים להודות להם אבל אני עדיין מודה על הטוב והמזל שניתנו לי.
November 24, 2018
Eh, it was alright
The story and writing was pretty simple. But I do like the character development of the main character. The story is not quite unique and some parts that could be potentially interesting parts are left out. I enjoyed the book when it reached the middle part of the story.
I'm still reluctant about recommending this to children since the writing fits of a child's vocabulary as well as the characters, but some parts may be too explicit to them such as the violent scenes and some slightly obscene parts.
The story and writing was pretty simple. But I do like the character development of the main character. The story is not quite unique and some parts that could be potentially interesting parts are left out. I enjoyed the book when it reached the middle part of the story.
I'm still reluctant about recommending this to children since the writing fits of a child's vocabulary as well as the characters, but some parts may be too explicit to them such as the violent scenes and some slightly obscene parts.
May 2, 2018
As a child I read and loved the Lionboy triology a lot so I decided to try Halo.
Its a nice childrens book but it doens't have a strong storyline or conclusion.
Its more the lifestory of Halo. ofcourse the story doesn't quite hold with what we know of greek history or spartan culture but then again nor do centaurs ofcourse.
What did bother me was that the romance between Halo and Leonidas seemed cut short at the end.
Even considering its meant for children this could have been further defined.
Also I felt Lionboy had stronger moral messages to share with the young.
Ofcourse setting a female protagonistin such an ancient culture brings about the subject of sexism
Halo is capable and independent yet I wouldnt say the book is about equelity or feminism.
It does show how much it sucks to be a woman in that time but since Halo is crossdressing it isn't the main struggle she faces. The main subject I would say is violence and war. Which Halo opposes in the beginning of the book and altough she becomes a physician she also becomes a warrior and apparently becomes to appriciate certain use of violence ? :s
Its a nice childrens book but it doens't have a strong storyline or conclusion.
Its more the lifestory of Halo. ofcourse the story doesn't quite hold with what we know of greek history or spartan culture but then again nor do centaurs ofcourse.
What did bother me was that the romance between Halo and Leonidas seemed cut short at the end.
Even considering its meant for children this could have been further defined.
Also I felt Lionboy had stronger moral messages to share with the young.
Ofcourse setting a female protagonistin such an ancient culture brings about the subject of sexism
Halo is capable and independent yet I wouldnt say the book is about equelity or feminism.
It does show how much it sucks to be a woman in that time but since Halo is crossdressing it isn't the main struggle she faces. The main subject I would say is violence and war. Which Halo opposes in the beginning of the book and altough she becomes a physician she also becomes a warrior and apparently becomes to appriciate certain use of violence ? :s
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews