What do you think?
Rate this book
Halo #18.1
Halo: Shadow of Intent
After decades of combat against the humans and then the traitorous Covenant Prophets, the Sangheili warrior Rtas 'Vadum—the Half-Jaw—has earned a long rest. But not all of the Prophets perished in their holy city, High Charity, and now one of their fearsome Prelates has sworn his vengeance. This powerful threat has set a cataclysmic plan in motion—a plan to lure the Half-Jaw into a trap that will herald the utter destruction of the entire Sangheili race…
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2015
94 people are currently reading
1820 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Staten
9 books81 followersJoseph Staten is the New York Times bestselling author of Halo: Contact Harvest. He started working with game developer Bungie Studios in 1998, and has since served as a writer and designer for Oni, as well as writer and cinematics director for Halo and Halo 2. He also works with Peter Jackson's game development studio, Wingnut Interactive, writing and designing in the Halo universe. Staten attended college at Northwestern University and earned a master’s in military history and political science at the University of Chicago.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/joseph...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/joseph...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 22, 2022
A great story. Staten is the true voice of this franchise in my eyes. I wish he would write more books.
April 21, 2020
One of the best pieces in the halo canon as far as I'm concerned. Very touching piece of xenofiction.
September 13, 2025
4.5
El principio es un poco lento y aburrido, pero pasando las primeras páginas la trama se vuelve interesante y ágil.
Me encantó este libro porque nos dan más información sobre los Sangheilis y su forma de vida, además de sus tradiciones y leyendas.
Me gusta este tipo de perspectivas donde podemos conocer más sobre las especies que conformaron el Covenant porque son más que simples enemigos y, en este libro, te lo recuerdan.
Creo que conocer a los Sangheilis y a su cultura, hace que uno empatice mejor con ellos porque al final entiendes que ellos también perdieron cosas importantes en la guerra.
El final me encantó y me hizo sufrir, pobre Tem 😭😭 la manera en la que el autor describe su final es muy triste, no estaba preparada para ello. Les recomiendo un montón leer esta novela corta.
El principio es un poco lento y aburrido, pero pasando las primeras páginas la trama se vuelve interesante y ágil.
Me encantó este libro porque nos dan más información sobre los Sangheilis y su forma de vida, además de sus tradiciones y leyendas.
Me gusta este tipo de perspectivas donde podemos conocer más sobre las especies que conformaron el Covenant porque son más que simples enemigos y, en este libro, te lo recuerdan.
Creo que conocer a los Sangheilis y a su cultura, hace que uno empatice mejor con ellos porque al final entiendes que ellos también perdieron cosas importantes en la guerra.
El final me encantó y me hizo sufrir, pobre Tem 😭😭 la manera en la que el autor describe su final es muy triste, no estaba preparada para ello. Les recomiendo un montón leer esta novela corta.
March 31, 2023
This was my third or forth reread(technically read it from Halo: Fractures) but still very enjoyable), and I was happy it made it in the book. One of my favorites. Love the humor, seriousness, and seeing the raw emotion from each character that you might not see in the game like Rtas Vadum(Shipmaster/Half-Jaw), or with the Arbiter(Thel Vadam. I still find it interesting how close their last name is. 🤣 Really is to accidently say the wrong last name). Anyway, this book is still a masterpiece.
April 4, 2020
It’s good. It’s really good.
October 9, 2021
Halo: Shadow Of Intent by Jason Staten is a video game tie-in short novella based on the Halo video game franchise.
Set a year after the events of Halo 3, The Human-Covenant War has come to a close and Rtas 'Vadum (Half Jaw) hopes to get his fellow warriors some much needed R&R. However, they are soon a target of a San'Shyuum scheme. Joined by the female Sangheili Tul 'Juran, the crew of Shadow of Intent must stay a few steps ahead of their enemies, or die knowing Sanghelios will fall.
The story is Rtas and Tem'Bhetek's. They are who the story revolves around, and I have to say, it was welcomed.
While most fans know Rtas mostly from the role he played in the games Halo 2 and 3, we really didn't get to go deep into his character. The most we saw was how he interacted with the Arbiter in Halo 2 and what was shown in his Halo Graphic Novel story, here we get to see more of his none-combat personality. He's accepting, as shown with his interactions with Tul and the Unggoy Stolt, but has also been heavily tired from the war. However, at story's end, he is rejuvenated with a new purpose.
Tem'Bhetek is San'Shyuum. However, he isn't like the ones with see in the games. He is a Prelate, a kind of San'Shyuum supersoldier. It is refreshing to see a San'Shyuum that isn't an old, manipulative politician. He's very relatable. Tem's main reason for wanting to kill Rtas has to do with the fact he believes Rtas is the reason his wife and newborn child was killed by the Flood on High Charity. See, after the Flood invaded the Holy City, Rtas ordered his ships to quarantine it and to blast any escaping ships to prevent the spread of the parasite. Tem had tried to save his family, but as his ship docked and he attempted to find them on foot, the Minister of Preparation told him that the area his family was in was overrun by the monsters. However, his attempt on the Shipmaster's life soon has him questioning himself.
While the concept of seeing a female warrior Elite Tul 'Juran in action she really doesn't play a huge role in the story. Really, after her introduction, she melts into the background, only coming to the forefront in the final confrontation. But I do have to say that it is nice to see that it is because of Tul's actions in the novella that caused the Swords of Sanghelios to shift from traditional Sangheili values and to a more equal stance between the sexes.
Speaking of equality, as I mentioned, there is an Unggoy Ranger named Stolt. But he is different from his kind. He can go hand-to-hand with Sangheili and is in fact in command of a unit of Sangheili Rangers. When Rtas's second-in-command questions letting Tul join them, Rtas pointed out the fact that Stolt was a Ranger Commander as proof times are changing. He is actually highly respected to the point Rtas turned to him for advice when he found out they were facing a Prelate. It's nice to see that not every member of a species wears its hat, that they are individuals with their own thoughts abilities not define by what species they are. In fact, that seems to be a theme with the story, as shown with Rtas, Tul, Tem, and Stolt.
Now, there wasn't much in the story that I found wrong. Really, there is only three things that deterred the story for me. As mentioned, the lack of focus on Tul is the first. On one hand, it wasn't her story, she was just along for the ride. On the other hand, she was just along for the ride. She felt like an addition for the sake of addition. I really hope we get to see her again. Help flesh her out more.
The second problem I had was Tem's dream sequence three-tenths through the story. It just dragged on and stopped the flow of the story. I understand that it was done to show his inter-turmoil at his family's death and not being there for them, but again, it just dragged on. By the time he awoke, the sequence felt like padding.
My final problem is the miniature Halo ring weapon See, the Prelate and Minister has found a portable Halo ring and plan to use it for their revenge. While it isn't stated out right, it is hinted it is a prototype. I like that, makes sense for there to be a proof-of-concept laying around somewhere. However, my problem with it is just how it behaves near the end. I can't place my finger on it, but it just seems off. Maybe the reason it seems off is because it wasn't at full charge yet, but I just don't know. It just feels off compare to how it worked in the beginning of the story.
Overall, Shadow of Intent is a nice addition to the Halo ‘verse. It gave some contrast between Sanghelios and its colonies and expanded some of the Sangheili mythology. It also brought the San'Shyuum back to the spotlight for a story and hints at their return in the future that could prove helpful in the post-Halo 5: Guardians universe.
Set a year after the events of Halo 3, The Human-Covenant War has come to a close and Rtas 'Vadum (Half Jaw) hopes to get his fellow warriors some much needed R&R. However, they are soon a target of a San'Shyuum scheme. Joined by the female Sangheili Tul 'Juran, the crew of Shadow of Intent must stay a few steps ahead of their enemies, or die knowing Sanghelios will fall.
The story is Rtas and Tem'Bhetek's. They are who the story revolves around, and I have to say, it was welcomed.
While most fans know Rtas mostly from the role he played in the games Halo 2 and 3, we really didn't get to go deep into his character. The most we saw was how he interacted with the Arbiter in Halo 2 and what was shown in his Halo Graphic Novel story, here we get to see more of his none-combat personality. He's accepting, as shown with his interactions with Tul and the Unggoy Stolt, but has also been heavily tired from the war. However, at story's end, he is rejuvenated with a new purpose.
Tem'Bhetek is San'Shyuum. However, he isn't like the ones with see in the games. He is a Prelate, a kind of San'Shyuum supersoldier. It is refreshing to see a San'Shyuum that isn't an old, manipulative politician. He's very relatable. Tem's main reason for wanting to kill Rtas has to do with the fact he believes Rtas is the reason his wife and newborn child was killed by the Flood on High Charity. See, after the Flood invaded the Holy City, Rtas ordered his ships to quarantine it and to blast any escaping ships to prevent the spread of the parasite. Tem had tried to save his family, but as his ship docked and he attempted to find them on foot, the Minister of Preparation told him that the area his family was in was overrun by the monsters. However, his attempt on the Shipmaster's life soon has him questioning himself.
While the concept of seeing a female warrior Elite Tul 'Juran in action she really doesn't play a huge role in the story. Really, after her introduction, she melts into the background, only coming to the forefront in the final confrontation. But I do have to say that it is nice to see that it is because of Tul's actions in the novella that caused the Swords of Sanghelios to shift from traditional Sangheili values and to a more equal stance between the sexes.
Speaking of equality, as I mentioned, there is an Unggoy Ranger named Stolt. But he is different from his kind. He can go hand-to-hand with Sangheili and is in fact in command of a unit of Sangheili Rangers. When Rtas's second-in-command questions letting Tul join them, Rtas pointed out the fact that Stolt was a Ranger Commander as proof times are changing. He is actually highly respected to the point Rtas turned to him for advice when he found out they were facing a Prelate. It's nice to see that not every member of a species wears its hat, that they are individuals with their own thoughts abilities not define by what species they are. In fact, that seems to be a theme with the story, as shown with Rtas, Tul, Tem, and Stolt.
Now, there wasn't much in the story that I found wrong. Really, there is only three things that deterred the story for me. As mentioned, the lack of focus on Tul is the first. On one hand, it wasn't her story, she was just along for the ride. On the other hand, she was just along for the ride. She felt like an addition for the sake of addition. I really hope we get to see her again. Help flesh her out more.
The second problem I had was Tem's dream sequence three-tenths through the story. It just dragged on and stopped the flow of the story. I understand that it was done to show his inter-turmoil at his family's death and not being there for them, but again, it just dragged on. By the time he awoke, the sequence felt like padding.
My final problem is the miniature Halo ring weapon See, the Prelate and Minister has found a portable Halo ring and plan to use it for their revenge. While it isn't stated out right, it is hinted it is a prototype. I like that, makes sense for there to be a proof-of-concept laying around somewhere. However, my problem with it is just how it behaves near the end. I can't place my finger on it, but it just seems off. Maybe the reason it seems off is because it wasn't at full charge yet, but I just don't know. It just feels off compare to how it worked in the beginning of the story.
Overall, Shadow of Intent is a nice addition to the Halo ‘verse. It gave some contrast between Sanghelios and its colonies and expanded some of the Sangheili mythology. It also brought the San'Shyuum back to the spotlight for a story and hints at their return in the future that could prove helpful in the post-Halo 5: Guardians universe.
December 9, 2015
Okay, I don't know where to begin on this because once I started this little novella yesterday, I couldn't put it down. It's a short story but easily a memorable one with a straightforward plot.
Centered around Rtas 'Vadum the Half-Jaw Sangheili Shipmaster of the Covenant Assault Carrier of the same name as the book's title, I was sure for certain something was going to prevent him from getting the well-deserved rest after the battle for Earth.
Meet the Half-Jaw everyone!
Rtas Vadum has been one of my favourite characters in the Halo universe that I have already engrossed myself in his backstory from his birth all the way up to the end of the war in 2553 on Halopedia. But I wanted more! I really did, and Joe delivers it quite well.
The classic idea of the San Shyuum (spoilers!) Prelate wanting revenge for Rtas supposedly being responsible for killing his family sets out to lure our lovable Half-Jaw into a trap. Who's ever heard of a female Sangheili Scion and a Forerunner facility with a replica of the real Halo Rings with the same firepower? Well now you know!
At first I didn't like the Prelate, but then I began to have some sympathy once I read about his frequent nightmares that caused his desire for revenge. Tragic, honestly, completely tragic. So it's no surprise he attacks Sangheili colonized worlds to get Rtas's attention to then eventually try to steal his ship, put an end to him and use this mini-Halo to put an end to the entire Sangheili race!
Not if Rtas can help it! Reading him pass through space and fight his way through the bunker just had me on the edge of the bed while reading.
It was a major surprise to see a powerful Prelate outwitted, captured and then betrayed by his partner in crime and sacrifices himself to save the Sangheili race. I have more respect for that long necked guy now.
Despite Rtas choosing to remain on his ship to deal with any other San Shyuum wanting blood, it's not something unexpected.
This is the type of stories we need from Halo, more alien focused to show how vast its universe really is, how it is more than just humanity and the UNSC like the games portray it as. We have the Forerunner Saga (one of my all-time favourite sci-fi series now in case you didn't know), Broken Circle, and perhaps it's safe to say Hunters in the Dark falls into that category though.
I loved this book, I loved its story, I loved it's continuous shift of third person perspective between Rtas 'Vadum and the Prelate, Tul 'Juran our female Sangheili, (who in the end is accepted on to Rtas's crew, defying gender roles in the species). The Sangheili are what got me in to Halo in the first place and I had waited months for this novella's release because I was like YES! FINALLY WE GET TO READ ABOUT RTAS 'VADUM!
Spartan fanboys please exit stage left if all you want to do is kill Sangheili in your minds and in the games.
Alright, I'm ready for Broken Circle next once I've tackled my currently reading list. Wort!
Centered around Rtas 'Vadum the Half-Jaw Sangheili Shipmaster of the Covenant Assault Carrier of the same name as the book's title, I was sure for certain something was going to prevent him from getting the well-deserved rest after the battle for Earth.
Meet the Half-Jaw everyone!
Rtas Vadum has been one of my favourite characters in the Halo universe that I have already engrossed myself in his backstory from his birth all the way up to the end of the war in 2553 on Halopedia. But I wanted more! I really did, and Joe delivers it quite well.
The classic idea of the San Shyuum (spoilers!) Prelate wanting revenge for Rtas supposedly being responsible for killing his family sets out to lure our lovable Half-Jaw into a trap. Who's ever heard of a female Sangheili Scion and a Forerunner facility with a replica of the real Halo Rings with the same firepower? Well now you know!
At first I didn't like the Prelate, but then I began to have some sympathy once I read about his frequent nightmares that caused his desire for revenge. Tragic, honestly, completely tragic. So it's no surprise he attacks Sangheili colonized worlds to get Rtas's attention to then eventually try to steal his ship, put an end to him and use this mini-Halo to put an end to the entire Sangheili race!
Not if Rtas can help it! Reading him pass through space and fight his way through the bunker just had me on the edge of the bed while reading.
It was a major surprise to see a powerful Prelate outwitted, captured and then betrayed by his partner in crime and sacrifices himself to save the Sangheili race. I have more respect for that long necked guy now.
Despite Rtas choosing to remain on his ship to deal with any other San Shyuum wanting blood, it's not something unexpected.
This is the type of stories we need from Halo, more alien focused to show how vast its universe really is, how it is more than just humanity and the UNSC like the games portray it as. We have the Forerunner Saga (one of my all-time favourite sci-fi series now in case you didn't know), Broken Circle, and perhaps it's safe to say Hunters in the Dark falls into that category though.
I loved this book, I loved its story, I loved it's continuous shift of third person perspective between Rtas 'Vadum and the Prelate, Tul 'Juran our female Sangheili, (who in the end is accepted on to Rtas's crew, defying gender roles in the species). The Sangheili are what got me in to Halo in the first place and I had waited months for this novella's release because I was like YES! FINALLY WE GET TO READ ABOUT RTAS 'VADUM!
Spartan fanboys please exit stage left if all you want to do is kill Sangheili in your minds and in the games.
Alright, I'm ready for Broken Circle next once I've tackled my currently reading list. Wort!
September 26, 2021
Absolutely fantastic! This little novella is for my money, one of the best entries into the Halo universe. I only wish it was longer or had a sequel.
April 4, 2016
This book became my favorite of all the Halo novels, one of my favorite science fiction novels, and one of my favorite novels, period. Though perhaps not the most accessible to those unfamiliar with the Halo universe, Shadow of Intent is almost as perfect as a novel could get.
With the exception of one lengthy description of a ship's interior, the book requires no trimming. Every beat, every flavor, or piece of world-building, adds either to the plot or to the character's development. The emotions are struck hard, but not through cheap tactics.
I've spoken a great deal more on it here (spoilers at link):
http://www.haloarchive.com/the-librar...
With the exception of one lengthy description of a ship's interior, the book requires no trimming. Every beat, every flavor, or piece of world-building, adds either to the plot or to the character's development. The emotions are struck hard, but not through cheap tactics.
I've spoken a great deal more on it here (spoilers at link):
http://www.haloarchive.com/the-librar...
March 6, 2016
This was an enjoyable short story that was written by the author of Contact Harvest who hasn't been a part of the Halo team since the game Reach. It tells of a conflict between some San 'Shyuum (which is really cool finally seeing them post 2552) and some Sangheili.
I wish it were available in an audio format, but I still enjoyed reading it when I was able.
And I am all caught up for now on Halo novels and short stories.
I wish it were available in an audio format, but I still enjoyed reading it when I was able.
And I am all caught up for now on Halo novels and short stories.
May 25, 2016
Very enjoyable!
Been wanting a San Shayum story for awhile! Excellent job. This sets up the possibility for a much larger story arc.
Been wanting a San Shayum story for awhile! Excellent job. This sets up the possibility for a much larger story arc.
July 26, 2021
Halo: Shadows of Intent is a novella from Mr. Halo himself Joseph Staten. While his storytelling in the video games is unmatched his first Halo Novel Contact Harvest left me wanting more. Shadows of Intent is a similar case.
The book follows Shipmaster as he is hunting down a prophet who is attacking elite worlds. Unknown to him we see that the same prophet also wants to kill shipmaster for things that happened in the past.
The novella is a decent read. Shipmaster and his blademaster are fun to follow. The Halo Ring subplot feels a little dry. We needed something to fuel the prophets eventual turn but that very thing was not very compelling.
Decent read and leaves the door open for some more fun stories.
3/5
The book follows Shipmaster as he is hunting down a prophet who is attacking elite worlds. Unknown to him we see that the same prophet also wants to kill shipmaster for things that happened in the past.
The novella is a decent read. Shipmaster and his blademaster are fun to follow. The Halo Ring subplot feels a little dry. We needed something to fuel the prophets eventual turn but that very thing was not very compelling.
Decent read and leaves the door open for some more fun stories.
3/5
February 21, 2024
Just finished this novella in one day. It is essentially the story of Rtas ‘Vadum, aka the Half-Jaw, after Halo 3—the white-armoured Sangheili with two of his four mandibles cut off whom the Arbiter fought alongside of in Halo 2 & 3. The only disappointing thing about this short book is that you can only purchase it digitally.
July 5, 2024
Primero que nada hay que reconocer el trabajo de Joseph Staten en la franquicia de Halo en general, las mejores tramas que hemos visto a lo largo de la saga han venido de su parte, por otro lado el libro me parecio super interesante, ya que nos cuenta el punto de vista que tuvieron los San 'Shyuum, especificamente el de nuestro antagonista, un gran libro super recomendado.
January 2, 2018
2 things: excellent characterisation of the Covenant, it's species and technology and motherfucking Rtas Vadum. I want more of both. why oh why was this Statens last work with the halo universe?
This example proves why the bungie era trumphs the 343 era.
This example proves why the bungie era trumphs the 343 era.
June 8, 2021
Этот автор хорошо знает вселенную Halo. Поэтому он умело придумывает новых персонажей оставаясь в рамках сеттинга и двигает общий сюжет серии вперёд даже в рамках рассказа.
Интересный факт Shadow of Intent это ещё и название метал группы, лирика которой вдохновлена лором Halo.
Интересный факт Shadow of Intent это ещё и название метал группы, лирика которой вдохновлена лором Halo.
January 9, 2022
Fun story
This had mystery and intrigue. Halo books will never win a Pulitzer and this one was no different lacking the finesse of the classics. At the end of the day it's a fun easy read that I would easily start back at the beginning again.
This had mystery and intrigue. Halo books will never win a Pulitzer and this one was no different lacking the finesse of the classics. At the end of the day it's a fun easy read that I would easily start back at the beginning again.
March 17, 2023
Shadow of Intent is remarkable in that it has condensed the all the pieces of a classic Halo adventure into such a small package while still feeling sweeping, mysterious, and angry. Staten has always been a reliable part of this franchise and he doesn't disappoint here.
September 18, 2025
Once again, another good read by Joseph Staten.
My favorite part is Tem's nightmare sequence. I keep revisiting that part.
I wish Tul didn't blend in as a background character in the middle of the story.
My favorite part is Tem's nightmare sequence. I keep revisiting that part.
I wish Tul didn't blend in as a background character in the middle of the story.
February 23, 2020
A good "fluffy" read for fans of the game.
November 2, 2020
Only Covenant and that's okay. You get some more background on the world of these species. I specifically loved hearing more ablut Sangelli mythology.
April 9, 2021
Too short! I wanted more.
January 1, 2022
An exciting novella about the adventures of the Shipmaster from the original trilogy, written by the head writer of the Bungie-era Halo series.
June 19, 2025
Great book focused on events after Halo 3. Highly recommend, showing events taking place in High Charity when the Flood attacked. I just wish it was available in print and not just digital.
October 22, 2021
The story centers on the consequences and clash of societal truth and untruth set during the aftermath of the Covenant Civil War.
It's about personal vengeance and retribution for the murder of family. It's about honor and duty to one's people.
Its about the horror and legacy of war, of the battle for home and for truth.
It's about the annihilation of home. Of trauma.
Of impossible decisions and "humanity" for one's enemy.
It's a battle of equals. Of complex heroes and antiheros fighting for what they believe to be right.
It's about multicultural inequality. It's about class inequality. It's the bonding of different races. Of male and female. Of teamwork in the face of hate.
Lastly, it's a story of redemption. Of war, peace and tragedy.
It's about personal vengeance and retribution for the murder of family. It's about honor and duty to one's people.
Its about the horror and legacy of war, of the battle for home and for truth.
It's about the annihilation of home. Of trauma.
Of impossible decisions and "humanity" for one's enemy.
It's a battle of equals. Of complex heroes and antiheros fighting for what they believe to be right.
It's about multicultural inequality. It's about class inequality. It's the bonding of different races. Of male and female. Of teamwork in the face of hate.
Lastly, it's a story of redemption. Of war, peace and tragedy.
August 2, 2016
Ever since I met the Half-Jaw during Arbiter's Halo 2 journey, I wondered what his story was. From the reason for his nickname to his past interactions with The Flood. This story really delves into that character in a post-Covenant world. The other thing I loved was the new additions to the Haloverse in the form of an energy lance, a Ranger Grunt/Ungoggy that defies the stereotypes of his race, and most surprisingly of all a San'Shyum warrior known as a Prelate. This short piece of Halo canon introduced new characters and events while also exploring some of the previously established fiction. It's definitely one of the better Halo stories I've read in a while.
June 23, 2019
Great story.
I love the point of the story from the covenant side. I have read most all of the halo books and never been disappointed.
I love the point of the story from the covenant side. I have read most all of the halo books and never been disappointed.
January 12, 2016
A pretty short read, but catches us back up on the Half-Jaw and his story after Halo 2 and 3. It's fun getting a look into the alien cultures.
January 31, 2016
Really enjoyed this journey into the Halo universe! An exciting plot and dynamic characters make this a pleasure to read and makes a solid addition to the canon.
July 25, 2016
Neat little side story in the Halo universe that explains what Half-Jaw is doing during Halo 5. Has some nice insights to elites.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews