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Halo #4
Ghosts of Onyx
The newest action-packed addition to the Halo series, Eric Nylund's Ghosts of Onyx. The Spartan-II program has gone public. Tales of super-soldiers fending off thousands of Covenant attacks have become the stuff of legend. But just how many Spartans are left? While the Master Chief defends a besieged Earth, and the myriad factions of the Covenant continue their crusade to eliminate humanity, an ultrasecret cell of the Office of Naval Intelligence known as "Section Three" devises a plan to buy the UNSC vital time. They're going to need hundreds of willing soldiers, though . . . and one more Spartan to get the job done. The planet Onyx is virtually abandoned and the perfect place to set this new plan in motion. But when the Master Chief destroys Halo, something is triggered deep within Ancient Forerunner technology stirs, and fleets of UNSC and Covenant race to claim it to change the course of the Human-Covenant War. But this reawakened and ancient force may have plans of its own . . .
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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May 26, 2013
Ghosts of Onyx is a bit of a return to form for Nylund. I found the characterisation in Halo: First Strike a bit tepid, especially that of Spartan John-117 (Master Chief). Ghosts is reminiscent of Halo: The Fall of Reach in some aspects, notably the training of a new generation of Spartans. The book also dispenses with featuring Master Chief as the protagonist. It’s a fairly solid novel, and a continuation of the Halo story-line, albeit parallel to the arc featuring Master Chief.
I suppose it has always been the intention that the novels serve as a supplement to the game, and that becomes apparent here. There are sequences where the Covenant are being fought on Earth, but I can’t seem to recall any real back story as to how they got there (I was under the impression that their efforts were thwarted in First Strike). Turns out it isn’t the same Prophet (or San ‘Shyuum) as the one responsible for the threat to Earth in First Strike, and that most of the events leading up to this scenario was dealt with in the second Halo game, in conjunction with the previous novels. The same applies to the events depicted here concerning the Great Schism and the subsequent fall-out between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae. This is only a problem if, like me, you are reading the novels but not playing the game. And if, like me, you let too much time pass between reading them. The best way to read these books is probably in rapid succession, unless you have an eidetic memory.
I take note of the reviewers who dismiss this as derivative tie-in fiction. They’re not wrong, although I disagree with some of the negative feedback. A lot of thought has gone into fleshing out the Halo universe, and if you can suspend disbelief for a time there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy this. Bear in mind, though, it wouldn’t be completely inaccurate to label this as Young Adult Military Science Fiction. Also, I refuse to believe that an author like Greg Bear would associate himself with sub-standard derivative fiction (see Halo: Cryptum). I will agree that there isn’t a lot of tactical consideration given to military engagements and that most of the action consists of Spartans wading in with all guns blazing and slaughtering Covenant by the dozen (this, fortunately, has been toned down in this novel to make room for fleet engagements, which is a welcome reprieve).
The Forerunner technology on display showcases quite a few of the ol’ Sci-Fi conventions, such as artificial planets, Dyson Spheres and, most obviously, the Halo structures (on loan from Ringworld – although Larry Niven’s structure is much larger) so there are some sense-of-wonder moments as well.
In conclusion: despite its shortcomings, Ghosts of Onyx is one of the better Halo instalments and actually quite a bit of fun. Also: the novel introduces SPI (Semi-Powered Infiltration) armour in addition to the MJOLNIR armour.
I suppose it has always been the intention that the novels serve as a supplement to the game, and that becomes apparent here. There are sequences where the Covenant are being fought on Earth, but I can’t seem to recall any real back story as to how they got there (I was under the impression that their efforts were thwarted in First Strike). Turns out it isn’t the same Prophet (or San ‘Shyuum) as the one responsible for the threat to Earth in First Strike, and that most of the events leading up to this scenario was dealt with in the second Halo game, in conjunction with the previous novels. The same applies to the events depicted here concerning the Great Schism and the subsequent fall-out between the Sangheili and the Jiralhanae. This is only a problem if, like me, you are reading the novels but not playing the game. And if, like me, you let too much time pass between reading them. The best way to read these books is probably in rapid succession, unless you have an eidetic memory.
I take note of the reviewers who dismiss this as derivative tie-in fiction. They’re not wrong, although I disagree with some of the negative feedback. A lot of thought has gone into fleshing out the Halo universe, and if you can suspend disbelief for a time there is no reason you shouldn’t be able to enjoy this. Bear in mind, though, it wouldn’t be completely inaccurate to label this as Young Adult Military Science Fiction. Also, I refuse to believe that an author like Greg Bear would associate himself with sub-standard derivative fiction (see Halo: Cryptum). I will agree that there isn’t a lot of tactical consideration given to military engagements and that most of the action consists of Spartans wading in with all guns blazing and slaughtering Covenant by the dozen (this, fortunately, has been toned down in this novel to make room for fleet engagements, which is a welcome reprieve).
The Forerunner technology on display showcases quite a few of the ol’ Sci-Fi conventions, such as artificial planets, Dyson Spheres and, most obviously, the Halo structures (on loan from Ringworld – although Larry Niven’s structure is much larger) so there are some sense-of-wonder moments as well.
In conclusion: despite its shortcomings, Ghosts of Onyx is one of the better Halo instalments and actually quite a bit of fun. Also: the novel introduces SPI (Semi-Powered Infiltration) armour in addition to the MJOLNIR armour.
January 15, 2008
The thing about this, the fourth book into the Halo series, is that Master Chief is not the main character in "Ghosts of Onyx". I like that because in the other Halo books, many Spartans were mentioned, but none were really talked about. In this book, Eric Nylund finally tells the tale of what happened to the "MIA" (missing in action) Spartans. This was a great book and left me a bit teary at the end. It's a good thing I have this book.
"Don't yo get it? Spartans never die." -Kurt, Spartan 051
"Don't yo get it? Spartans never die." -Kurt, Spartan 051
May 17, 2021
Reread update: I decided to listen to the audiobook of this one again. Still just as great; if not better the second time. Halo books are underrated.
Original review: Oh. My. God. This might be the best one of the series (that I've read thus far). This was like the bloody odyssey of sci-fi books. I still can't get over how good these books are turning out to be. I'm kicking myself that I didn't read them earlier. I'm literally going to explode from the hype. I have been an obsessive Halo fan my entire life, and now these books are adding extra layers to my enjoyment of the games. They're just so brilliant.
I only have one complaint. There was this part near the end-spoilers-where Kurt sees the ghosts of all the other dead Spartans before he detonates the bomb, and they give him a weird thumbs up. Yeah, that was dumb. The book mentions that it was most likely just a hallucination of Kurt's. It damn well better have been.
Other than that this book was marvelous. I'll be moving onto the next one soon.
Original review: Oh. My. God. This might be the best one of the series (that I've read thus far). This was like the bloody odyssey of sci-fi books. I still can't get over how good these books are turning out to be. I'm kicking myself that I didn't read them earlier. I'm literally going to explode from the hype. I have been an obsessive Halo fan my entire life, and now these books are adding extra layers to my enjoyment of the games. They're just so brilliant.
I only have one complaint. There was this part near the end-spoilers-where Kurt sees the ghosts of all the other dead Spartans before he detonates the bomb, and they give him a weird thumbs up. Yeah, that was dumb. The book mentions that it was most likely just a hallucination of Kurt's. It damn well better have been.
Other than that this book was marvelous. I'll be moving onto the next one soon.
May 9, 2022
I was never one to buy into franchise SF writing although I've been known to pick up a book or fourteen here and there. I just always considered original stories by authors to be *better*.
Has this changed after reading Halo book 4? No. But I will admit that I do have a fondness for the shared worldbuilding team effort, and the care that was put into broadening the history, locations, and cast. The writing is fine and the action is VERY much a MilSF dream.
So?
Spartans are doing what Sparta did. Continuing the cycle of abuse for a Grand Cause and now there's a new generation of modded humans in power armor. The broken are thrown out, as usual.
Almost everything else is action, action, action. Pew pew.
If that's what you like, then this is definitely a primo book for you. Me, I like plot objectives to be more than military objectives, but that's just me. It isn't BAD. If you're a fan of the video game or any of the other franchise opportunities, I'm sure you'll like this one.
Has this changed after reading Halo book 4? No. But I will admit that I do have a fondness for the shared worldbuilding team effort, and the care that was put into broadening the history, locations, and cast. The writing is fine and the action is VERY much a MilSF dream.
So?
Spartans are doing what Sparta did. Continuing the cycle of abuse for a Grand Cause and now there's a new generation of modded humans in power armor. The broken are thrown out, as usual.
Almost everything else is action, action, action. Pew pew.
If that's what you like, then this is definitely a primo book for you. Me, I like plot objectives to be more than military objectives, but that's just me. It isn't BAD. If you're a fan of the video game or any of the other franchise opportunities, I'm sure you'll like this one.
April 14, 2015
This is being written for Ms. Oronas English IV class. The book I read is called Halo: Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nyuland. It is 383 pages and was published by Tom Doherty Associates. I chose this book because I am a fan of the author and I like all Halo related literature. Anything that is fantasy appeals to me because pretty much anything the author wants to happen can happen.
The main character is Spartan 051, or Kurt. Kurt is a member of the Spartan II program and was chosen by ONI to train the new group of Spartans, called the Spartan III’s. The Spartan III’s are basically suicide soldiers for the war against the covenant. Kurt has always been trained to leave the emotions out of everything but he starts to really care for each Spartan and it is getting harder and harder for him to send them to their death. He starts to become one of them due to the fact he spent over 20 years training all of them. Gamma company is the last company left and he will do anything to protect them.
Kelly, Will, Linda, and Fred are other Spartan II’s that come to help Kurt of the planet Onyx.Tom and Lucy are the only survivors of Beta company and are Kurt’s NCO’s. CPO Mendez is the original trainer of the Spartan II’s and helps train the Spartan III’s. Dr. Halsey is the scientist assigned to all of the Spartans and oversees them. Team saber is the last group of Spartan III’s left and is stuck on the planet Onyx. Colonel Ackerson is the man responsible for the creation of the Spartan II’s and also responsible for keeping them a total secret.
This book is a military fantasy. It is set in the shield world of Onyx in the year 2134. This book is very fast paced with a lot of action. Kurt is pulled from a space mission by faking his death. He is asked to train a new group of Spartans the are designed to go on extreme high risk missions and are meant to be expendable. While training of the world of Onyx, the Spartans have uncovered a shield world left by the forerunners. The technology can help turn the tide of the war which is why the covenant are also after it. Dr. Halsey managed to find the world as this is going on and she brought Kelly. Together they sent a message to Fred, Will, and Linda to come and help them fight the sentinels of the shield world and the covenant. Kurt must get this tech and somehow try and keep all of his Spartans alive too. While this is happening, he also comes to the realization the this war is not winnable. The shield world can protect him and all of his fellow Spartans. He must decide whether to cut his losses and try to rebuild or to fight and die with everyone else.
My finals thoughts on ‘ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx’ was it lived up to it’s potential. Halo books are always fast paced with deep characters and this is exactly what was in this book. It is not just action, there are many twists and turns and nobody seems to tell the whole truth all the time. It adds to the ever expanding plot of Spartans in the war and sets up well for another. I learned what happened to most of the remaining Spartan II’s and what the Spartan III’s were. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy action novels.
The main character is Spartan 051, or Kurt. Kurt is a member of the Spartan II program and was chosen by ONI to train the new group of Spartans, called the Spartan III’s. The Spartan III’s are basically suicide soldiers for the war against the covenant. Kurt has always been trained to leave the emotions out of everything but he starts to really care for each Spartan and it is getting harder and harder for him to send them to their death. He starts to become one of them due to the fact he spent over 20 years training all of them. Gamma company is the last company left and he will do anything to protect them.
Kelly, Will, Linda, and Fred are other Spartan II’s that come to help Kurt of the planet Onyx.Tom and Lucy are the only survivors of Beta company and are Kurt’s NCO’s. CPO Mendez is the original trainer of the Spartan II’s and helps train the Spartan III’s. Dr. Halsey is the scientist assigned to all of the Spartans and oversees them. Team saber is the last group of Spartan III’s left and is stuck on the planet Onyx. Colonel Ackerson is the man responsible for the creation of the Spartan II’s and also responsible for keeping them a total secret.
This book is a military fantasy. It is set in the shield world of Onyx in the year 2134. This book is very fast paced with a lot of action. Kurt is pulled from a space mission by faking his death. He is asked to train a new group of Spartans the are designed to go on extreme high risk missions and are meant to be expendable. While training of the world of Onyx, the Spartans have uncovered a shield world left by the forerunners. The technology can help turn the tide of the war which is why the covenant are also after it. Dr. Halsey managed to find the world as this is going on and she brought Kelly. Together they sent a message to Fred, Will, and Linda to come and help them fight the sentinels of the shield world and the covenant. Kurt must get this tech and somehow try and keep all of his Spartans alive too. While this is happening, he also comes to the realization the this war is not winnable. The shield world can protect him and all of his fellow Spartans. He must decide whether to cut his losses and try to rebuild or to fight and die with everyone else.
My finals thoughts on ‘ Halo: Ghosts of Onyx’ was it lived up to it’s potential. Halo books are always fast paced with deep characters and this is exactly what was in this book. It is not just action, there are many twists and turns and nobody seems to tell the whole truth all the time. It adds to the ever expanding plot of Spartans in the war and sets up well for another. I learned what happened to most of the remaining Spartan II’s and what the Spartan III’s were. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fantasy action novels.
March 30, 2020
3.5 really. I think these books are starting to blur together so this is a the last one I'm going to read for a little bit! Anyway, it was nice to read one of these that focused on someone other than Master Chief. Kurt was a good choice. He had less confidence than MC and that gave him a bit more personality. The inclusion of the young Spartans was really neat as they have a lot more depth to them, because they didn't have as long of a training period to become the near automatons like the other Spartans.
It would be nice is this series incorporated a love story at one point. Or at least a tight relationship between two people. I mean, the Spartans are a cohesive unit because they grew up together and are a team, but they never really DO anything to show it. They don't joke with one another, they don't banter, they don't even have conversations unless it's about the mission. Granted, that's the way they are trained, but seriously, there are other novels where highly indoctrinated/skilled soldiers still manage to have personalities and romances. Even if it's subtle - locking glances across the room, a couple of private conversations, maybe even a couple of tears when someone dies? I by no means want drama, but a little emotional weight to the story would be nice.
Anyways, this is a highly enjoyable read regarding action, pacing (if you like something that propels you at break-neck speed), and plot. If you liked the other books, you'll enjoy this one.
It would be nice is this series incorporated a love story at one point. Or at least a tight relationship between two people. I mean, the Spartans are a cohesive unit because they grew up together and are a team, but they never really DO anything to show it. They don't joke with one another, they don't banter, they don't even have conversations unless it's about the mission. Granted, that's the way they are trained, but seriously, there are other novels where highly indoctrinated/skilled soldiers still manage to have personalities and romances. Even if it's subtle - locking glances across the room, a couple of private conversations, maybe even a couple of tears when someone dies? I by no means want drama, but a little emotional weight to the story would be nice.
Anyways, this is a highly enjoyable read regarding action, pacing (if you like something that propels you at break-neck speed), and plot. If you liked the other books, you'll enjoy this one.
June 6, 2016
Not as good as I remembered it being unfortunately, but still quite good - I really wish Nylund had written the follow on from this, as by all accounts Halo: Glasslands and Halo: The Thursday War are steaming piles of shit. Nevertheless I'll probably try them at some point just for completion's sake.
I really wish the novel had spent more time with the Spartan III's - they were the most interesting part of the book, and they feel almost glossed over. The last two thirds is predominantly pretty dull action, but Nylund's creativity within the Halo universe is without question. Some really neat ideas.
I really wish the novel had spent more time with the Spartan III's - they were the most interesting part of the book, and they feel almost glossed over. The last two thirds is predominantly pretty dull action, but Nylund's creativity within the Halo universe is without question. Some really neat ideas.
August 5, 2017
In Ghosts of Onyx John takes a back seat and Kurt takes the spot light. Onyx continues right where the last book left off only this time we get the history and beginnings of the Spartan 3 program as well as Kurt's beginnings. Another player we get to see more of is Ackerson and his involvement in the Spartan 3 program.
Onyx is a goodie bag full of information that is important to the additional history of the Halo world and is worth checking out.
Onyx is a goodie bag full of information that is important to the additional history of the Halo world and is worth checking out.
November 10, 2014
Halo: Ghosts of Onyx is the sequel to Halo: First Strike. It has been 26 years into the Human-Covenant War. Many planets have been burned, billions of lives lost. Humanity's military force, the U.N.S.C. has expended most of their strengths. Battle after battle, the secret SPARTAN II program is almost cleared of the legendary fighters, but deep within the Office of Naval Intelligence, a new breed of warriors emerges. On the Human stronghold of Onyx, these SPARTAN III's are being developed to hit the alien occupied planets with speed and aggression. Now, the Covenant arrives at the planet to destroy any human occupants, only to find the humans in combat with strange mechanical beings. These artificially intelligent things are only the beginning of whats in store for Onyx, the universe will never be the same!
The main character in the book is Kurt Ambrose,formally Kurt Trevelyan, and he is also known as SPARTAN-051. Kurt was abducted at age six like all other SPARTAN II's to begin extensive training for the unbearable task at hand, defeating the terrorist organization known as The Insurrection. Strangely his faked "death" was secretly an inscription to the SPARTAN III program. Beginning training shortly after, he couldn't believe the similarities and differences between SPARTAN II's and III's. When the Covenant arrived to the planet of Onyx, the only thing he and the survivors could do was to retreat into the underground caverns of the planet. Kurt as a person was brave, smart, and always believed in doing what was best for the better of the human race.
This is my favorite Halo book so far, I really like it's personal story and the combat scenes. If I had to recommend it to anyone I would say that this book would be good for people around 13-16 years old, and people that are in to science-fiction literature. The book was filled with action,suspense,drama, and many other things that make it a good story.
The main character in the book is Kurt Ambrose,formally Kurt Trevelyan, and he is also known as SPARTAN-051. Kurt was abducted at age six like all other SPARTAN II's to begin extensive training for the unbearable task at hand, defeating the terrorist organization known as The Insurrection. Strangely his faked "death" was secretly an inscription to the SPARTAN III program. Beginning training shortly after, he couldn't believe the similarities and differences between SPARTAN II's and III's. When the Covenant arrived to the planet of Onyx, the only thing he and the survivors could do was to retreat into the underground caverns of the planet. Kurt as a person was brave, smart, and always believed in doing what was best for the better of the human race.
This is my favorite Halo book so far, I really like it's personal story and the combat scenes. If I had to recommend it to anyone I would say that this book would be good for people around 13-16 years old, and people that are in to science-fiction literature. The book was filled with action,suspense,drama, and many other things that make it a good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
I would argue it is better then the Bible.
Read it while listening to the halo game soundtracks for an ethereal experience.
Read it while listening to the halo game soundtracks for an ethereal experience.
April 10, 2011
Mindless but not very entertaining; really a rather dreadful little book. If I were reading a hardcopy I would have dropped it after about 50 pages.*
It makes one appreciate the skills of Heinlein or Haldeman (or - by hearsay, in my case - Bujold and Scalzi) when it comes to military SF. Aside from the extraordinarily clunky writing style, the greatest sin Monsieur Nylund commits is not being able to tell a story well. He has no conception of pacing (or he doesn't evidence it here). Novels have rhythms: Sometimes there's a throbbing urgency that demands edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding writing and sometimes there's a quiet, deliberate interlude that demands equally calm and introspective writing. A good, recent example of the former is the 70+ pages of the battle of the Spire in Steven Erikson's The Crippled God; a good example of the latter is Tolkien's build up throughout the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring, with its birthday parties and detours to Farmer Cotton's.*
But Halo: Ghosts of Onyx takes place entirely in 2nd gear, trundling along at about 20 mph from disc 1 to disc 9.
And don't get me started about the unexamined assumptions and implications of turning 12-year olds into sociopathic killing machines...
* "Why," you may ask, "did you continue to listen to this dreck?" A fair question. The answer: My tolerance for audio-visual dreck is far greater than that for prose, and it's not like there's much better on the radio (remember, I'm listening to this on the way to and from work).
** It's a shame that many modern readers of Tolkien find the "slow" parts of LotR interminable. And he's perfectly capable of action: The charge of the Rohirrim at the battle of the Pelennor Field in The Return of the King or the equally tense and gripping scene with the Mouth of Sauron (book version not - repeat NOT - movie version).
_______________________________________
I need something mindless but hopefully entertaining for the ride in the car....
It makes one appreciate the skills of Heinlein or Haldeman (or - by hearsay, in my case - Bujold and Scalzi) when it comes to military SF. Aside from the extraordinarily clunky writing style, the greatest sin Monsieur Nylund commits is not being able to tell a story well. He has no conception of pacing (or he doesn't evidence it here). Novels have rhythms: Sometimes there's a throbbing urgency that demands edge-of-your-seat, heart-pounding writing and sometimes there's a quiet, deliberate interlude that demands equally calm and introspective writing. A good, recent example of the former is the 70+ pages of the battle of the Spire in Steven Erikson's The Crippled God; a good example of the latter is Tolkien's build up throughout the first half of The Fellowship of the Ring, with its birthday parties and detours to Farmer Cotton's.*
But Halo: Ghosts of Onyx takes place entirely in 2nd gear, trundling along at about 20 mph from disc 1 to disc 9.
And don't get me started about the unexamined assumptions and implications of turning 12-year olds into sociopathic killing machines...
* "Why," you may ask, "did you continue to listen to this dreck?" A fair question. The answer: My tolerance for audio-visual dreck is far greater than that for prose, and it's not like there's much better on the radio (remember, I'm listening to this on the way to and from work).
** It's a shame that many modern readers of Tolkien find the "slow" parts of LotR interminable. And he's perfectly capable of action: The charge of the Rohirrim at the battle of the Pelennor Field in The Return of the King or the equally tense and gripping scene with the Mouth of Sauron (book version not - repeat NOT - movie version).
_______________________________________
I need something mindless but hopefully entertaining for the ride in the car....
August 8, 2011
The moment I walked in to Borders and saw that this was the new Halo book that just came out, I was intially dissapointed. I truly judged this book by its cover. I had read the previous 3 books and that was the story that I wanted. I wanted to continue the story about John, Hasley, and the other surviving Spartans. Well I sucked it up and I bought it anyways.
I was very surprised after about 4 chapters. I was captivated by the new characters (and the ways that they tied into the main story) and the story that they followed. Until the end of the book, I thought this was a spin-off in the Halo universe. However, once I realized that this is a major advancement in the story that I loved, it became one of my favorite in the series.
I was very surprised after about 4 chapters. I was captivated by the new characters (and the ways that they tied into the main story) and the story that they followed. Until the end of the book, I thought this was a spin-off in the Halo universe. However, once I realized that this is a major advancement in the story that I loved, it became one of my favorite in the series.
September 21, 2024
This book took me a long time to get into I won’t lie. I listened to the Audiobook and the narrator has changed from the previous books and it just wasn’t as good.
The story did win me over In the end though, I’ve always been interested in the S-3 programme and really enjoyed learning more about their training programme from 051. I never realised not all S-3s got Mjolnir.
As always love the relationship between 058, 087 and 104 and it was good to learn more about the human-covenant war from a perspective other than 117.
It really makes me wish they had used Blue Team in the now cancelled TV show instead of Silver Team.
Overall will continue to read/listen to the audiobooks but this one definitely took a while to win me over.
The story did win me over In the end though, I’ve always been interested in the S-3 programme and really enjoyed learning more about their training programme from 051. I never realised not all S-3s got Mjolnir.
As always love the relationship between 058, 087 and 104 and it was good to learn more about the human-covenant war from a perspective other than 117.
It really makes me wish they had used Blue Team in the now cancelled TV show instead of Silver Team.
Overall will continue to read/listen to the audiobooks but this one definitely took a while to win me over.
November 5, 2007
i didnt understand it until the fourth chapter but its a great book.
May 5, 2015
Five f***ing amazing stars, nonetheless. Abso-lutely loved it!
Read
July 3, 2023Fun and exciting, but Master Chief isn't in this book, so I didn't like it as much as Fall of Reach and First Strike. The writing was great and the action was exciting, even without Master Chief.
June 4, 2024
This was not a Master Chief book. 😭 In fact, it felt like The Fall of Reach with a different set of Spartans and Dr. Halsey. 🙄 I'm not mad just disappointed 😂
The first series in Halo: ✅
The first series in Halo: ✅
January 8, 2015
Halo is originally a sci-fi video game, which later produced novels that was adapted from the game. However most of the novels were more on what happened beside the main storyline, Halo:Ghost of Onyx was no exception.
Halo: Ghost of Onyx tells a story of a Spartan from Spartan-II program: Spartan-II Kurt-051. One time when his team went on a mission to "investigate" a ruptured Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine which is a human spacecraft that propulsion system that enable humans to travel faster than light. When he approaches the engine his gear went insane and he fainted. After waking up a month later he found himself in a different location, and was assigned to be the trainer of the new Spartan -III program, where they concentrate on quantity instead of quality when training their spartans. Kurt was given the fake name "Ambrose" to hide his true identity. Years of training with them and seeing them die he grew attached to his students, when one day his former teammates who thought he died reunited with him and they fought the war together. Kurt died at the end of the book, but it's a very heroic death.
I love this book, or generally I like this arthur. His way of describing the environment and the situations were simple but really precise. This book tells more of a side story than the main story line but was somehow related to each other. Also in novels they work in teams with other spartans which I personally prefers than the main story line in the game where the player fought alone. The phrase they used " Spartans never die, they're just MIA (missing in action)" was really cool in my opinion. Overall I recommend this book, it's cool and narrates the scenes and builds the mood really well, however one problem I faced while reading was that it's kind of confusing because for some scenes it's written at the top of the chapter, but he didn't spend much time to describe the scene, so sometimes I found myself having a hardtime imagining the scenes. But that's just my opinion, overall this book is great and I recommend it.
Halo: Ghost of Onyx tells a story of a Spartan from Spartan-II program: Spartan-II Kurt-051. One time when his team went on a mission to "investigate" a ruptured Shaw-Fujikawa Translight Engine which is a human spacecraft that propulsion system that enable humans to travel faster than light. When he approaches the engine his gear went insane and he fainted. After waking up a month later he found himself in a different location, and was assigned to be the trainer of the new Spartan -III program, where they concentrate on quantity instead of quality when training their spartans. Kurt was given the fake name "Ambrose" to hide his true identity. Years of training with them and seeing them die he grew attached to his students, when one day his former teammates who thought he died reunited with him and they fought the war together. Kurt died at the end of the book, but it's a very heroic death.
I love this book, or generally I like this arthur. His way of describing the environment and the situations were simple but really precise. This book tells more of a side story than the main story line but was somehow related to each other. Also in novels they work in teams with other spartans which I personally prefers than the main story line in the game where the player fought alone. The phrase they used " Spartans never die, they're just MIA (missing in action)" was really cool in my opinion. Overall I recommend this book, it's cool and narrates the scenes and builds the mood really well, however one problem I faced while reading was that it's kind of confusing because for some scenes it's written at the top of the chapter, but he didn't spend much time to describe the scene, so sometimes I found myself having a hardtime imagining the scenes. But that's just my opinion, overall this book is great and I recommend it.
May 14, 2019
The Spartan-II program has gone public. Tales of super-soldiers fending off thousands of Covenant attacks have become the stuff of legend.
But just how many Spartans are left?
While the Master Chief defends a besieged Earth, and the myriad factions of the Covenant continue their crusade to eliminate humanity, an ultrasecret cell of the Office of Naval Intelligence known as "Section Three" devises a plan to buy the UNSC vital time. They're going to need hundreds of willing soldiers, though . . . and one more Spartan to get the job done.
The planet Onyx is virtually abandoned and the perfect place to set this new plan in motion. But when the Master Chief destroys Halo, something is triggered deep within Onyx: Ancient Forerunner technology stirs, and fleets of UNSC and Covenant race to claim it to change the course of the Human-Covenant War.
But this reawakened and ancient force may have plans of its own.
Now with every halo books so far if you can get past all of the campy military jargon then you'll really enjoy this story it's also proof that a great halo story can be told without the need of the master chief. The war has reached earth and Spartans are needed to fight the covenant invasion force but not many are left so the only plan of action for the UNSC is to make more but faster and cheaper than the spartan 2 program. And this is the story it's stationed mostly on this planet and the new Spartans there are tons of jargon but like i said you quickly get used to it and the story starts to get more action packed and fun when the planet starts to awaken. But no spoilers from me you'll have to read the book to learn more but it's a perfect tie in book for a video game series and i love the lore and can't wait to learn more about the stuff in the background of the games, if you love halo videos games or action military books or all 4 this is a must pick up for you. And never forget Spartans never die, they are just missing in action.
4/5 Stars on Goodreads
95/100 Ginger points
But just how many Spartans are left?
While the Master Chief defends a besieged Earth, and the myriad factions of the Covenant continue their crusade to eliminate humanity, an ultrasecret cell of the Office of Naval Intelligence known as "Section Three" devises a plan to buy the UNSC vital time. They're going to need hundreds of willing soldiers, though . . . and one more Spartan to get the job done.
The planet Onyx is virtually abandoned and the perfect place to set this new plan in motion. But when the Master Chief destroys Halo, something is triggered deep within Onyx: Ancient Forerunner technology stirs, and fleets of UNSC and Covenant race to claim it to change the course of the Human-Covenant War.
But this reawakened and ancient force may have plans of its own.
Now with every halo books so far if you can get past all of the campy military jargon then you'll really enjoy this story it's also proof that a great halo story can be told without the need of the master chief. The war has reached earth and Spartans are needed to fight the covenant invasion force but not many are left so the only plan of action for the UNSC is to make more but faster and cheaper than the spartan 2 program. And this is the story it's stationed mostly on this planet and the new Spartans there are tons of jargon but like i said you quickly get used to it and the story starts to get more action packed and fun when the planet starts to awaken. But no spoilers from me you'll have to read the book to learn more but it's a perfect tie in book for a video game series and i love the lore and can't wait to learn more about the stuff in the background of the games, if you love halo videos games or action military books or all 4 this is a must pick up for you. And never forget Spartans never die, they are just missing in action.
4/5 Stars on Goodreads
95/100 Ginger points
January 13, 2016
In Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, humanity’s military, the United Nations Space Command, starts training advanced super soldiers known as SPARTANS on the planet Onyx. The planet contains ruins of the Forerunners, an ancient race of highly advanced beings. When soldiers go missing near the ruins, the ruins are declared off-limits. Aliens known as the Covenant as well as Forerunner drones keep attacking the SPARTANS. Dr. Catherine Halsey, the creator of the SPARTANS, who is on Onyx, messages Earth for assistance when a Covenant fleet arrives at Onyx.
Being a big fan of both science-fiction and video games, I loved the book. My favorite character was Dr. Catherine Halsey because I like her sense of independence. The characters felt real, developed, and the book kept me guessing the whole way through. My favorite parts of the book were all the battle scenes because Nylund described the battles so well I felt like was fighting alongside the SPARTANS. The story was very gripping. I found the book very difficult to put down once I picked it up. If I was forced to put the book down, I thought about it until I started reading again.
I really don’t have very many complaints about the book. I personally hate cliff-hangers, as good as a marketing strategy as they may be. Once I finished the book, I immediately started searching for another one that would continue the story; but hating cliff-hangers is just me. I think that Nylund wrapped up the novel nicely, although not knowing what happens next was antagonizing to me. So I do not really have any real complaints.
I gave Halo: Ghosts of Onyx five stars because I thinks it is truly worthy of a perfect score. This book may not be as appealing as it is to sci-fi fans or people who have played the games. You may not be a sci-fi fan and may never have played the games and may still find this to be an excellent read. I recommend it to everyone. I enjoyed every page of this book and I am excited to read more from the series.
Being a big fan of both science-fiction and video games, I loved the book. My favorite character was Dr. Catherine Halsey because I like her sense of independence. The characters felt real, developed, and the book kept me guessing the whole way through. My favorite parts of the book were all the battle scenes because Nylund described the battles so well I felt like was fighting alongside the SPARTANS. The story was very gripping. I found the book very difficult to put down once I picked it up. If I was forced to put the book down, I thought about it until I started reading again.
I really don’t have very many complaints about the book. I personally hate cliff-hangers, as good as a marketing strategy as they may be. Once I finished the book, I immediately started searching for another one that would continue the story; but hating cliff-hangers is just me. I think that Nylund wrapped up the novel nicely, although not knowing what happens next was antagonizing to me. So I do not really have any real complaints.
I gave Halo: Ghosts of Onyx five stars because I thinks it is truly worthy of a perfect score. This book may not be as appealing as it is to sci-fi fans or people who have played the games. You may not be a sci-fi fan and may never have played the games and may still find this to be an excellent read. I recommend it to everyone. I enjoyed every page of this book and I am excited to read more from the series.
September 2, 2012
Halo:Ghosts of Onyx is one of the books in the massive Halo franchise, in this book it shows the development of the spartan 3 program, this program featured children being genetically engineered when they were children instead of the spartan 2 program which was train them when they were children and when they reached near adulthood then they engineered them.
The new spartan 3 program proved to be more successful than the spartan 2 and with each batch(about 300) there were only 2 or 3 casualties and faults. There were 3 main battle company made from the spartan 3 program, Alpha(300 all KIA) company was the first made, but after there first engagement mission they were all KIA, the second company produced was Beta company(300 produced 298 KIA 2 Survivors) Beta company was produced shortly after the death off all of Alpha, after Betas first engagement only 2 survivors were found from that campaign Tom-B292 and Lucy-B091(B stands for Beta) these 2 became the trainers of Gamma company, after gamma company was produced they were sent around the universe to defend all of earths colonies.
Overall i think Ghost of Onyx is an exciting book that features multiple twist that you weren't expecting, also it has many exciting things that you would expect from a big halo fan. So yea i recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Halo
The new spartan 3 program proved to be more successful than the spartan 2 and with each batch(about 300) there were only 2 or 3 casualties and faults. There were 3 main battle company made from the spartan 3 program, Alpha(300 all KIA) company was the first made, but after there first engagement mission they were all KIA, the second company produced was Beta company(300 produced 298 KIA 2 Survivors) Beta company was produced shortly after the death off all of Alpha, after Betas first engagement only 2 survivors were found from that campaign Tom-B292 and Lucy-B091(B stands for Beta) these 2 became the trainers of Gamma company, after gamma company was produced they were sent around the universe to defend all of earths colonies.
Overall i think Ghost of Onyx is an exciting book that features multiple twist that you weren't expecting, also it has many exciting things that you would expect from a big halo fan. So yea i recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Halo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 31, 2011Fred, Linda and Will, from the previous books, have stolen human-made nukes from the Covenant. They have also stolen one of the Covenant's ships and have landed on Onyx. A team of Covenant has followed them through slipstream-time travel and has arrived on Onyx to find the Onyx drones. Meanwhile, Dr. Halsey and Kelly also get to Onyx around the same time, and it all becomes one big happy family -- for a while, that is. One of the better moments of the book is when the Blue Team re-unites with Kurt, and when the older Spartans size up the younger, newer ones. Dr. Halsey has her moments too.
Once the Spartan II and III units combine forces, they start a trek into dangerous Onyx territory. Due to the increased attacks by Forerunner Drones, they are forced into murky landscape designated as "off limits" by former UNSC military. As they figure out how to avoid the growing armada of Covenent and the growing attacks of drones, which forces them down into the core of Onyx, a huge and most excellent space battle takes place between the Covenant, the humans and the drones. What they soon find will change them forever.
Once the Spartan II and III units combine forces, they start a trek into dangerous Onyx territory. Due to the increased attacks by Forerunner Drones, they are forced into murky landscape designated as "off limits" by former UNSC military. As they figure out how to avoid the growing armada of Covenent and the growing attacks of drones, which forces them down into the core of Onyx, a huge and most excellent space battle takes place between the Covenant, the humans and the drones. What they soon find will change them forever.
December 14, 2012
I like the whole book especially the violence and action but also the key points that talk about what happened to each spartan. The only one thing i disliked was that they never continued what happens in this story in the actual video ame which would be pretty cool to see.The plot for this story was well planned out especially since they went into more detail over the remaining spartans and then they decided to continue the program by creating even more spartans but better trained and cheaper to make. Even though in the first part of the story it talks about a lot of the spartans dyeing in a certain campaign against a fueling factory doesn't mean they're all dead which makes you wonder who lived if you haven't read the story. This story doesn't focus on Master Chief John-117 as often since he only makes a couple appearances and is brought up a few times but more on a spartan named Kurt-051 aka Kurt Ambrose who went MIA on a mission with Master Chief is now the leader of the Spartan III's chosen to train them. I highly recommend this book to anyone whole loves finding about Halo's Secrets.
December 10, 2014
This book is a very great one actually its more than a book its a world, because you can see many stories in every character. Seeing how they got where they were before the event took place, i like this story mostly because i feel like i am meeting new people. So this is a really amazing story as i feel like remembering the first time i met someone new in my life. So when you read this book you could feel like you are some where else in your life knowing how they are feeling. I also like the way this story is organized but also i like this story as it talks about one story when there is another story happening. So if you ever read this book in your life. You will know this is a very Great book.
February 22, 2012
This book was amazing. The characters are well written. Fred was a good drill instructer. He always pushed the newbies hard. How they had to jump out of a pelican would be fun, but scary. I liked how they used a new planet for recruits. It was just like reach. I also liked how they were on a mission to hurt the Rebels then switces it around and has Fred go and train new recruits. Then the covent come and tries to take Onyx. I am not going to say anything else so I don't give spoilers.
January 17, 2019
I love this book, especially since I love playing Halo on my Xbox. I think something that the author can improve on is that he can add a bit more detail. I know he included lots of detail in the book, but he can add a quick origin. In order for someone to fully understand this book, you either need to watch a movie, which is rare to find, or you have to play the game. I still like this book. I recommend this book to anyone who is a geek at Halo, which I admit, is me...(;
November 18, 2007
This book is about a group of cyborgs called Spartans fighting to humanity from being destroyed. After a Spartan called the Master Chief destroys Halo, humans discover a planet called Onyx which contains advance technology that would turn the tide of the war against the Covenant(aliens).
December 10, 2018
This kept me chugging through the pages. It seriously was very exciting and tense, and kept me guessing as to what was gonna happen. I'm continuing this series wholeheartedly. Hopefully, if Nylund is not the author, that the next authors keep up his momentum.
December 28, 2018
This was a great wrap up to Eric Nylunds contributions to the Halo line up. Action, excitement, cliff hangers; his usual style. Well written.
March 12, 2025
Halo: Ghost of Onyx follows Spartan-051 Kurt as he leads the training for a brand new generation of Spartan super soldiers on planet Onyx. All is not as it seems as something is triggered deep within the planet that threatens the lives of all those training there. Blue Team is dispatched to find out what went wrong and to save the survivors if there are any.
I attempted to read Halo: Ghosts of Onyx sometime around 2010 and at the time I just simply couldn’t get into it. In all honesty I found it boring. Really, I’m not sure if I even finished it back then. Going into this again I was expecting it to be a bit of a slog to get through, but I did finish it and I did enjoy reading it.
First off, the characters in this story were well written. Kurt was a good choice to be the main character for most of this story. Don’t get me wrong, I like Master Chief, but sometimes I want to read a different story about a different Spartan and Kurt was just the one for it. Kurts development from being a Spartan, fighting on the frontlines against the Covenant or Insurrectionists to training the next generations of Spartans in the Spartan III program as its head was interesting to see. Kurt has a strong sense of responsibility for his Spartans, almost parental in nature. The deaths of near 300 in the first wave that he trained weighs on him throughout the book .He’ll do anything to see them be the best they can be and to be protected while they do it. I think Kurt is the only one that can truly understand Dr. Halsey as they both trained and indoctrinated young children into elite warriors. I was genuinely sad to read when Kurt died, at least he went out in a blaze of glory, protecting his Spartan III’s and Blue Team by detonating a nuke to stop their Covenant pursuers.
Besides Kurt, the other characters in this story were good, well written, just not as good as Kurt as he was the main focus of this story, the main character. Blue Team, copying the absent Master Chief, stole a Covenant ship and piloted it to the planet Onyx to save those trapped there and being hunted by Forerunner Sentinels that had woken up from their long slumber by the activation of the Halo Ring during the events of the game Halo: Combat Evolved and the book Halo: The Flood. It’s always great to see Blue Team in a book. All of them are great characters and legendary Spartans. It was sad when Spartan William-043 died while in hand to hand combat with two Hunters.
The Spartan III’s were good and I’m hoping to see more of them in future Halo books. I look forward to seeing what happens to the team of Spartan III trainees that were kept in some sort of Forerunner stasis pod. Will they ever be freed? The deaths of Holly and Dante were emotional, but once more, they went out like Spartans. Kurts two companions Tom and Lucy, earlier Spartan III’s who now help Kurt train new III’s are interested, their survival in Halo: Ghost of Onyx tells me there is more to their story in future books.
In conclusion, I liked Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, but I don’t consider it a must-read. If you’ve read Halo: The Fall of Reach, The Flood, and First Strike then I would recommend reading it as they all tie in quite closely, but besides that, it’s up to the reader to decided. There are better Halo books out there. I give Halo: Ghosts of Onyx a 3.5/5.
I attempted to read Halo: Ghosts of Onyx sometime around 2010 and at the time I just simply couldn’t get into it. In all honesty I found it boring. Really, I’m not sure if I even finished it back then. Going into this again I was expecting it to be a bit of a slog to get through, but I did finish it and I did enjoy reading it.
First off, the characters in this story were well written. Kurt was a good choice to be the main character for most of this story. Don’t get me wrong, I like Master Chief, but sometimes I want to read a different story about a different Spartan and Kurt was just the one for it. Kurts development from being a Spartan, fighting on the frontlines against the Covenant or Insurrectionists to training the next generations of Spartans in the Spartan III program as its head was interesting to see. Kurt has a strong sense of responsibility for his Spartans, almost parental in nature. The deaths of near 300 in the first wave that he trained weighs on him throughout the book .He’ll do anything to see them be the best they can be and to be protected while they do it. I think Kurt is the only one that can truly understand Dr. Halsey as they both trained and indoctrinated young children into elite warriors. I was genuinely sad to read when Kurt died, at least he went out in a blaze of glory, protecting his Spartan III’s and Blue Team by detonating a nuke to stop their Covenant pursuers.
Besides Kurt, the other characters in this story were good, well written, just not as good as Kurt as he was the main focus of this story, the main character. Blue Team, copying the absent Master Chief, stole a Covenant ship and piloted it to the planet Onyx to save those trapped there and being hunted by Forerunner Sentinels that had woken up from their long slumber by the activation of the Halo Ring during the events of the game Halo: Combat Evolved and the book Halo: The Flood. It’s always great to see Blue Team in a book. All of them are great characters and legendary Spartans. It was sad when Spartan William-043 died while in hand to hand combat with two Hunters.
The Spartan III’s were good and I’m hoping to see more of them in future Halo books. I look forward to seeing what happens to the team of Spartan III trainees that were kept in some sort of Forerunner stasis pod. Will they ever be freed? The deaths of Holly and Dante were emotional, but once more, they went out like Spartans. Kurts two companions Tom and Lucy, earlier Spartan III’s who now help Kurt train new III’s are interested, their survival in Halo: Ghost of Onyx tells me there is more to their story in future books.
In conclusion, I liked Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, but I don’t consider it a must-read. If you’ve read Halo: The Fall of Reach, The Flood, and First Strike then I would recommend reading it as they all tie in quite closely, but besides that, it’s up to the reader to decided. There are better Halo books out there. I give Halo: Ghosts of Onyx a 3.5/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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