Halloween Ends: The Official Movie Novelization

Halloween

by Paul Brad Logan

The official novelization of the highly anticipated finale of the iconic Halloween horror franchise.

Halloween Ends is the final film installment in director David Gordon Green's trilogy, written by Green, Chris Bernier, Paul Brad Logan, Danny McBride. The successful trilogy of films that includes Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills is the thirteenth installment in the Halloween franchise. The film is produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block.

Genres: Horror, Halloween, Audiobook, Fiction, Collections, Media Tie In, Film

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2022

About the author

PAUL BRAD LOGAN is a screenwriter and novelist whose work blends emotional depth with offbeat humor and a fascination with American outsiders. He writes across genres, often drawn to characters living on the fringe and stories laced with absurdism, dark comedy, and unexpected tenderness. His credits include the films "Halloween Ends" and "Manglehorn" (starring Al Pacino and Holly Hunter), as well as the novels "Hallelujah!," "Halloween Ends: The Official Novelization," and "Goodbye Horses." His work explores the surreal rhythms of everyday life and the strange beauty that emerges in unlikely places.

Reviews

[Vikas Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the sequel to 2021's Halloween kills and the thirteenth instalment in the Halloween franchise. The story begins with futile search for Michael on 1st November, 2018 who has disappeared. Later on, Halloween night, 2019 Corey accidentally kills Jeremy, the young boy he had come to baby sit. The plot reveals that Michael had been nursed back to health by another inmate from Smith Grove who had escaped along with Michael on fateful night of 30th October, 2018. Fast forward three years on Halloween night 2021, Michael once again emerges. But before the night ends Laurie and Allyson trap and kill him. In a procession the people of long terrorised Haddonfield take his dead body and feed it to industrial shredder putting an end finally to the curse of Michael Meyers

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually think this is quite an interesting companion piece to the movie that really expands on the idea that this town is utterly infected by Michael's "evil." Especially, the idea that the tramp that attempts to stab Corey has more of a motive than just: wrong place-wrong time. Laurie gets a more fleshed out trauma that even includes some scenes with Loomis, Michael gets more kills, Corey's back-story gets way more context (his mom is just the worst), and the town itself feels like this brooding, hellish Stephen King nightmare.

My only complaints were that the end really just doesn't feel right, even in the theatre- I couldn't shake the feeling that some element is missing. Both Corey, Laurie and Michael's arc's don't quite feel finished. If evil never dies, simply changes shape- then what does that mean for the death of Corey? or even Michael?

However, reading this book made me love Rohan's performance even more. He brought so much depth to this character than even I gave him credit for. I can believe him as both a nerd with poor social queues and a toxic home-life, and as a brooding, misunderstood bad-boy. He leans into the sensitivity and intensity of Corey's anger, which is a smart choice.

The nitpicks I have of Corey's character, Rohan seems to know how to play into his character's strengths and weaknesses- when to play it soft, when to seem harsh, when to be mysterious. You can hate the movie, but honestly, the scene in the diner with him still gives me chills. The level of urgency in his expression is amazing.

Overall, a quick and interesting read for fans of the movie. Frank will also forever be an MVP for me and I love that it's canon for him to be a big 'ole softie, romantic at heart.

[Sandra Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has followed the Halloween franchise and now listened to the “Halloween Ends” audiobook, I was surprised by how much the novelisation elevated the story.

Where the movie sparked a lot of debate among fans, the book filled in the gaps and gave the characters more weight. Laurie’s internal struggle, Corey’s descent, and the lingering shadow of Michael Myers are all expanded with details you can’t get on screen. Listening to it as an audiobook really brought out the psychological side—Laurie’s grief, paranoia, and determination came through more vividly, and Corey’s character felt more layered, making his choices easier to understand.

The pacing also works differently in book form. Instead of relying on jump scares, the tension builds slowly, letting you sit with the dread and the sense that evil can take root anywhere. It ties back to what the franchise has always been about: not just a masked killer, but the trauma, fear, and darkness that linger long after.

I gave it 5 stars because it’s the rare tie-in novel that doesn’t just retell the movie but deepens it. If you’ve seen the film, the book provides additional context that enhances the story's strength.

Overall, Halloween Ends is a must-read for fans of the franchise—familiar yet fresh, haunting, and a worthy final chapter in horror’s most iconic story.

[Fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos for making Halloween 13 different from what we have come to expect. Suddenly, my favorite movie of all time has a sequel that contains American Literature and family curses... almost like a nod to another boogeyman, The Phantom of the Opera. That the killer doesn't come out til half of the movie is over is another masterful trick.

[Marc L. Rissmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely know how novelizations work, but considering Paul Brad Logan also worked on the script after reading this book I can safely say they should have allowed him liberties. This was excellent and filled in a lot of gaps between 1978 and 2018 and 2018 and 2022. Much more Myers action then in the film we got and so much more character work in general. It's a shame, we didn't get something closer to this.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

As novelizations go, this is really good. I enjoyed all of the scenes that weren't in the movie. It fleshed out the story a bit more.

[Mikepottz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael will slice open guts and brutally shove a pepper spray can down a victims throat. He then drives away calmly past the police. Michael made nation-wide news. Michael disappearing from Haddonfield and the town became ugly. Again he had infected the town. Corey's mother dressed him daily until he was 13, never let him do sports, kept him close. Corey's mother an evil bitch who had a hand in killing her infant sibling. Michael will be recovering and he will hook a man in a meat factory through the chest. Michael moves fluid but rigid, ghostly but animalistic. Michael will kill Cameron's ex girlfriend Kim, chasing her into a tunnel and pierce her chest. A homeless man from Michael's past will feed him bodies in the tunnel. Corey comes across Michael in the tunnel, Michael looking into his eyes opening up an essence of pure evil. Corey sees fear, blood, death. Corey absorbing Michael's darkness. Corey now feeding people to Michael. Michael will stab a cop over and over getting his strength back. Michael only wanting to kill and put fear into people. His eyes lack any humanity just black pure evil. Corey's anger rise, not being able to control, wanting to leave Haddonfield. Corey takes Michael's mask and puts it on. He will blow torch into a mouth and the face bubbles and melts. He will slice off a tongue flopping onto a record player. Laurie has to stop Corey she sees his evil eyes, Michael's eyes. As Michael comes to Laurie's house she will plunge knives into both hands, this throat, wrists and then his body pulverised into a strap metal shredder. Evil dead but the mask remains in Laurie's possession. Who will be taken over next? I watched this as soon as it came out and I hated it, I raged for months. After reading this I have new found love for the movie. Awesome book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Novelization of the final installment of the 2018 Halloween trilogy, Halloween Ends. The final showdown between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode makes for a fun read and gets us closer to the motivations of Corey Cunningham, the de facto protégé of the maniacal serial killer of Haddonfield. The 2 wreak havoc in the final chapter of the trilogy but it is obviously constrained by the limits of the material.
That said...
Anyone disappointed in the movie may find solace in the book. It develops a few of the themes of the movie, changes a few things, and leaves a door wide open for the future of the franchise. I don't usually read movie novelizations, but this is a pretty good one.

[Nate Dawg · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of the Halloween films I enjoy reading the novelizations. Usually they’re about the same as the movie but this novelization is much better. I was disappointed with the movie and felt let down. They should have added a few of the scenes and details from this book to the film.
If you’re a fan of Michael Myers I definitely recommend reading this novelization as it goes into so much more detail than the movie and gives you a look into how haunted Haddenfield became because of Michael Myers.
💀💀💀💀

[David Veith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book. I have not seen the movie, but the other two books in this new version of Halloween were pretty much spot on so I am sure this was too. Love the ending, always wondered if Laurie would turn lol, now we will see. I do wish the book had more of the Shades POV as the others did. Very fun to see it from his eyes.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Amazing! Love the added kills and bonus details as well as the insight into each character's thought processes and state of being.

[emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

All sound faded into a vacuum-like hum. The sirens disappeared. The squawking bursts of walkie talk disappeared. And the screams that reverberated around Haddonfield, as more of Michael's violence was discovered, disappeared. All that existed was the hum.

And Allyson existed inside it.

In terms of actual writing, this book would be lucky to get two stars. Clunky doesn't begin to cover it. I would only recommend reading this book if you, like me, are hyperfixated on David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy.

But if you do, this novelization opens the whole world up in some really fun ways. So many questions I had about the movie were answered by the book, and I think the book does some lovely character work especially in regards to Allyson and Laurie's relationship (up until the ending, which felt very rushed). I'm not totally sure if the author knew what he was doing, but he wrote a really interesting narrative about trauma and how sometimes, in trying to exorcise our demons, we hurt the people around us. Allyson's sections especially had some really good stuff about depression, grief, and abusive relationships (fuck you Doug and honestly fuck you Laurie for encouraging that) that I wish paid off better in both the book and the movie.

I also really like how the book implied that Corey's final attack again Laurie was for Allyson. Both a physical manifestation of her rage, but also Corey doesn't care about immortality! He wants Laurie to kill him! He wants to cut Allyson free of the bonds keeping her in Haddonfield! He wants her to be free like she was on the dance floor! He dies so she can be free!

The ending of this book is totally different from the end of the movie, and you can guess which one I like better. The movie ends hopefully with Laurie's house bathed in sunlight and her and Frank talking together about seeing cherry blossoms. The book ends with Laurie absorbing Michael's darkness and Frank staking her out.

All in all, this was a really weird read, but I did enjoy (almost) every minute of it.

[Jaeden Horror reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul Brad Logan is a phenomenal writer in the final installment of the trilogy. I was hooked by the first page and a half mostly because of his writing style and choice of words. His writing reminded me of my own at times which helped to lure me in. I also thought Logan's writing resembled that of William Peter Blatty at times. The final installment to the trilogy was a bold and brave move to make. I would say about half the book is new content that does not happen in the film, and the parts that do happen have a backstory. The writers for this film are leading the way in the horror franchise to let the audience know that its OK to end the franchise after awhile! Michael and Laurie had their story told and it was time to end. This was, in my opinion, the biggest risk to the new addition. I hope other producers realize it's ok to end a franchise! There's only so much that can happen before the franchise loses the fan base (which was happening to Halloween from the 90s to 00s).
If PBL's other work is anything similar to this, then I can say I am a fan! I'm sitting here thinking of any negative thoughts I can write but not a single one comes to mind. I guess my final overall thought is: if you are a fan of Michael, then I can see why you may be upset. If you're a fan of Haddonfield and/or "evil changes shape" then you will love the film that accompanies this novel.

[Nico D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Massive Halloween fan. Like, “write a ridiculously convoluted fanfic character study on Laurie Strode” massive. Yeah, I’m that guy. So reading this leaves me a little conflicted.

The positives! There are some solid ideas here, especially compared to what we see in the actual film. Specifically, the deeper look into the mystical side of the Shape, and the way the narrative treats it, is compelling. Michael has always been ambiguously mystical (except when he’s blatantly so, damned druids) and I felt the way his evil was portrayed really lead credence to that. There’s a mystery of what Michael is and how he works, and the way it describes his evil burns into those around him. Is it a mystical power infecting others? A mental breaking when staring into the eyes of something so horrific? One thing is for certain: those who survive an encounter with the Shape are forever altered.

Characters like Allyson benefit here from expanded screen time and the allowance to see their internal thoughts and feelings. Her relationship with Corey is a lot stronger in the novel, where we’re able to see why she acts towards him the way she does. It’s not so much that the movie fails in this regard, but that it’s to the very nature of the medium that it’s easier to get into her headspace when whole sections of a novel are devoted to her inner thoughts.

A few scenes not present in the movie are some of the most interesting ones in the novel. Laurie’s writing is given a little more screen time, especially showing some of her life shortly post 1978’s attack. I really loved seeing that aspect of her character. I also found Laurie to be characterized well, though I wouldn’t have minded if she’d gotten more focus.

An extended chase scene between two teenagers at a closed off meat packing plant was easily the tensest segment in the novel. The dread built up made it the most exciting part of the entire story. Kudos.

The prose could be really hit or miss for me. There are some solid lines that I absolutely dug, but a lot of the action felt choppy and jumping perspectives so quickly in the same scene usually lost some of the tenseness I would have liked to see. Michael and Laurie’s encounter at the end lacks suspense when the reader knows what both are doing at the same time. Obviously, the book is long and has a lot of ground to cover, but there were times where I wished the story would breathe for a second.

Overall, I’m glad I read the novel to see some different takes on the original film. The end is especially different, with a much bleaker feel. Your mileage may vary on how you feel about that change. I didn’t dislike it, but I can’t say I prefer it over the more hopeful ending the film version gives it.

[Hayden Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tonight, we say goodbye to the boogeyman.”

This is going to read as silly to anyone who’s not a crazy Halloween fan, but this book is absolutely fantastic.
As I’ve written before, I found the novelization for 2018 to be very weak. It was mostly just descriptions of character’s clothes and lacked interiority. The one for Halloween Kills was a little better as we got into the minds of a lot of characters and were treated to a wicked good slashery time. However, since the story to Kills is really just a monster-run-amuck narrative, it’s a lot of action set pieces and little else.
This is the first of the bunch that feels like a real novel. Paul Brad Logan outdid himself with this, and I genuinely think it’s an impressive work in its own right.

I loved the movie, so I don’t know if this will win anyone over who didn’t, but wow. There is so much additional content. More Michael. More fleshing out characters. More of what happened between the massacre of Halloween night 2018 and “current day”. And the best part, more horrifying vignettes around Haddonfield. David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, and the writers they worked with have created my favorite version of Michael’s hometown, and this book brings it to life. It truly feels Stephen King-worthy with how well built the world is.

I prefer the hopefulness of the movie’s ending, but will cherish this as a worthy addition to the Halloween canon. Absolutley indispensable!

[David Denoyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I say anything related to the actual novelization, I was a big Halloween Ends fan & saw it twice in theaters.

Now onto the review, HALLOWEEN ENDS by Paul Brad Logan is not simply a novelization of the film. Much like the previous novelizations of Halloween (2018) & Halloween Kills (2021), the books expand and add entire scenes that both flesh out characters and bring out some more carnage. Ends is no exception as it tells you way more about the sour years of Laurie post Karen’s death & how it strengthened their relationship even with the fractures. You also get a look into Corey’s mom, Joan’s, early life in which she may or may not have accidentally killed her infant sibling. We get a look into how Michael found himself in the sewer, what happened directly after Halloween Kills to the entire town and our main characters, an entire chase & death scene with character from 2018 & so much more. PBL really takes the story and expands on it in a way that will give you a whole new appreciation for the film. And this right here is a solid reminder of why I love novelizations.

[Doug Brunell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hope for this novelization. Everything I read about it said it filled in the gaps that were missing from the movie and if the movie had the same story as the book, it would have been a better film. I was disappointed by the film, and seeing as this book was written by one of the screenwriters for the film . . . well, I wondered how accurate those early reviews I read could possibly be.

They were both wrong and right.

This book is a better story than the movie, and it has quite a few different scenes and a different ending. One that may actually be better than what was in the film, though it is a subtle difference. Reviewing the book alone, however, is a different story.

The book is sometimes sloppy. I swear there is a scene that takes place in a cabin, but blood is written as dripping off the k

[Nicole (Nerdish.Maddog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for the PopSugar 2023 reading challenge prompt: Movie to book adaptation. Usually, I read adaptations that are book to movie, so I had no expectations going in but Mr. Logan went hard when he wrote this book. He created a story that felt unique and realistic despite the fact it was a movie first. He laid out events and added context to scenes shown on the screen that added to the overall story. It felt like taking a deep dive into a small part of one of my favorite movie franchises. I never found myself comparing the two works while I was reading, but I did picture the actors from the movie in every word that I read. I think this was a perfect intro into this type of adaptation and I plan on rewatching the movie to now compare it to the book.

[Isaías · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is the night we stop being afraid.”

That original movie from 1978 changed my life, it means so much to me and I know this whole franchise very well, I enjoyed so many of its movies, others not so much but the whole world, with all its characters and all the different timelines have a huge place in my heart.

David Gordon Green's trilogy started very strong but it went downhill in my eyes. I am, unfortunately, one of the people who felt so disappointed with this movie, so much it actually hurt me. Still, the reviews about this novelization were very good, saying how it explained more stuff than in the movie felt more rushed, that there were more killings, more Michael Myers and a different ending so I gave it a go.
I read it in two sittings, the pacing flows very well, the writing felt so on-point, I liked how much more complex the story is, I loved that Dr. Loomis is present here, at least in flashbacks, I loved all the entries in Laurie's memoir, I liked that we get to spend more time with characters like Frank and Lindsey after the movie tossed them aside, I liked all the references to the 1978 events, the climax in this book even felt emotional (the way I wished I felt at the movies) and the ending was bleak, which makes it maybe sad but in a way it makes the story go full circle.

I feel so much better about this entry now and I feel like I did reach closure, so I do recommend this novelization, specially if you were disappointed by the movie or felt that it didn't answer all the questions you had.

[William Griskevich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halloween Ends is an underrated and misunderstood film. It’s got huge ideas that the previous films didn’t really help set up. This novel is everything you’d want in a novelization, it doesn’t just tell the story beat for beat, it enhances what was on the screen. Haters of the film may find something more in it after reading this. The spread of evil and the disease of Michael Myers is on full display here. No one in Haddonfield is safe.

[J. Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a decent fix to the movie atrocity. However, the writing style felt like it was meant for young adults. So it was not enjoyable for me.

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! This is what the movie should’ve been. Everything single thing about this novelization is better than the movie!

[Houston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chock full of treats AND tricks for fans of this movie/franchise!

[Mike Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Corey Henio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know many people don’t like Halloween Ends or not satisfied with the movie, but I still think it’s good, and I’m cool with the ending. This novelization of the movie has more details that couldn’t fit inside the film that I found interesting. Even more Michael Myers that should have been in the movie, I mean after all it is call HALLOWEEN, us fans deserve more Mikey. Well I’m actually being bias because there’s a character named after me. Ha ha, I don’t think he was but I feel like they should have done justice for Corey Cunningham because there was more to his story that the audience should see, like his history, presence, his goals and his ambition in life, yet the film just done him wrong. Especially his overbearing mother who I’m so disgusted after reading her past. There were other characters who should have had more screen time as well, come to think of it, this should have been a three or five episode miniseries. Other than that, this was an excellent read especially for this beautiful season. Happy Halloween everyone.

[Jack Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

With pleasing writing and rhythm, some may prefer this novelization to its movie basis.

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I’ve said goodbye to my boogeyman, but the truth is, evil doesn’t die. It just changes shapes."

4 stars. I enjoyed this novelization and the film more than Halloween Kills though that isn’t a film that I hate like other fans of the franchise.

Anyway, this was a great read. I loved how everything played out in this and the point of view scenes from Michael were eerie and so well done. I also really like the ending and the potential it sets up for future films outside of this reboot trilogy (because we all know that this is not going to be the last one). The final confrontation between Laurie and Michael was awesome. This was well written and entertaining. I had a lot of fun reading this and I thought it was a really good end to this series.

[Jenn N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Answered so many questions that the movie left unanswered and filled in the gaps of the 4 year time difference between Kills and Ends.

[Thomas Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books are always better than the movie. In the book you always get behind the scenes that are not in the movie. Also spoiler alert ⚠️ I have seen all Halloween movies and never ever have I in my wildest imagination seen Michael work with anyone else. It would never happen same with Jason Voorhees. I am highly disappointed 😞.

[Lee Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thrilling conclusion to the saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode.

Michael Myers has vanished. Since his escape and recent killing spree he has evaded capture and apparently disappeared. But Haddonfield is a scarred town that cannot forget.

After accidentally causing the death of a child, Corey Cunningham has become the town's new boogeyman. Laurie Strode sees through this prejudice, having suffered at the hands of town opinion herself, and introduces Corey to her granddaughter, Allyson.

But as Hallowe’en approaches, evil stirs in the shadows, and death comes to this little town once again.

'Halloween Ends' is the novelisation of the 2022 film, written by Paul Brad Logan, and based on the screenplay by Paul Brad Logan, David Gordon Green, Danny McBride, Chris Bernier. The last in Gordon Green's legacy trilogy, and thirteenth entry in the franchise overall, it concludes the story that began with ‘Halloween [2018]’ and continued with ‘Halloween Kills’. A fantastic companion to the movie and a riveting horror thriller on its own merit, the novel vividly translates the events portrayed on film to the page, delving deeper into the psyches of the characters.

Whereas 'Halloween [2018]' was the ultimate battle between Laurie and Michael forty years on and 'Halloween Kills' the continuation of that night, exploring the ongoing horror for Laurie and her family and the wider impact on the town and its citizens, 'Halloween Ends' is the denouement to that massacre, set four years later, a slow-burning and character-driven narrative of psychological depth, philosophical perspective, and the possibility of supernatural influence. It’s not necessarily the typical slasher, yet this gives the story its strength, exploring the concept of evil as a contagion, an infection spread through tragedy, abuse and trauma.

Severely weakened, still suffering from the wounds inflicted four years earlier and severely malnourished, an aging Michael Myers lurks in a disused sewer on the outskirts of Haddonfield. Meanwhile, Laurie Strode, the original survivor of Michael’s 1978 massacre, having waited forty years for the day he would escape so she could finally bring an end to it, but then tragically losing her daughter in the havoc that followed, has finally managed to begin the process of healing and living a life. The narrative is largely led through Corey and Allyson's story, blending romantic elements while further developing the central theme of the legacy of trauma; how evil and its scars afflict subsequent generations.

Throughout forty-five years, the series has walked the shadows between the flesh and blood and the supernatural, as is fitting for the festival it celebrates. This trilogy has honoured the original film and its creative spirit, very cleverly towing those shadows. Michael is a man, who, despite his inhuman abilities, can ultimately die. Yet this darkness within him, that has lived there since he was six years old, leaving him only a shell, may be the purest evil, almost its own entity in the way that Michael himself can appear almost supernatural in the form of the Shape; as he dons the mask that perfectly visualises that blank, pale, emotionless face that Dr. Loomis witnessed in the child who appeared to have no conscience or reason left, with "the blackest eyes, the Devil's eyes." You cannot really explain Michael Myers - he is unlike any flesh and blood serial or spree killer, and yet he is also not supernatural in the way Freddy or Jason (in his later films at least) may be.

Central to the entire legacy trilogy is Laurie Strode, the original final girl. Now a grandmother, a survivor; we've witnessed the effect of that Halloween night of 1978 and how it shaped her entire life and that of her family. She's developed into a feminist icon, both in character on the screen (and page), and through her portrayal by Jamie Lee Curtis. Horror is often attributed the reputation of not being kind to female characters - objectifying, sexualising and victimising them. Yet, in some ways, it has been ahead of the curve - in how many other genres would a "final girl" be one of the heroes of the narrative? The trilogy has essentially been Laurie’s story of survival – how she lived with her trauma and reclaimed the narrative, not simply being one of Michael’s victims, and how ultimately she emerges on the other side.

A fitting final chapter to this strand of the legacy, 'Halloween Ends' is a gripping installment in what is arguably the original and leading of the slasher franchises. Doubtless, Michael will ultimately return in some shape or form, and I will welcome it when that day arrives. As the story itself suggests, perhaps evil truly never dies.