Halo: The Flood is the second book in the massively successful series of novels set in the Halo universe. If you haven’t already done so, make sure to read my review of the first book here. What follows is my review of the second book: The Flood.
Publisher’s Summary
The best-selling adaptation of the iconic video game Halo: Combat Evolved featuring the Master Chief – part of the expanded universe based on the award-winning video game series!
It’s 2552. Having barely escaped the final battle for Reach against the vast alien alliance known as the Covenant, the crew of the Pillar of Autumn, including Spartan John-117 – the Master Chief – and his AI companion Cortana, is forced to make a desperate escape into slipspace. But their destination brings them to an ancient mystery and an even greater struggle. In this far-flung corner of the universe floats a magnificently massive, artificial ringworld. The crew’s only hope of survival is to crash-land on its surface and take the battle opposing the Covenant to the ground.
But they soon discover that this enigmatic ringworld is much more than it seems. Built 100,00 years ago by a long-lost civilization known as the Forerunners, this “Halo” is worshiped by the Covenant – a sacred artifact they hope will complete their religious quest for supposed transcendence, and they will stop at nothing to control it.
Engaging in fierce combat, Master Chief and Cortana will go deep into the Halo construct and uncover its dark secret and true purpose – even as a monstrous and far more vicious enemy than the Covenant emerges to threaten all sentient life on Halo and the galaxy beyond….
My Thoughts
The first Halo novel, The Fall of Reach, was a prequel to the first video game. It’s successor, The Flood, is a novelization of Halo: Combat Evolved, the first entry in the lauded Xbox video game franchise.
I’m currently playing through all of the Halo video games. I finished Halo 3: ODST, so I still have Reach, Halo 4, Halo 5, and Infinite to play in the main series. Thus far, Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 3 are my favorites. With this in mind, I enjoyed Halo: The Flood because it provided me with a deep dive into the story of the first Halo game.
Just like the first book, the story is intricately crafted, action-packed, and highly detailed. It can be a dense read for those that haven’t played the Halo games. However, for the Halo faithful, The Flood is both a warm reminder of a beloved gaming experience and a fresh expansion of this celebrated sci-fi tale.
I listened to the audiobook version of The Flood via the Downpour app, and it was a great experience. With crystal clear audio, a top-notch narrator, and an impactful narrative, Halo: The Flood both met and exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend that all Halo fans give it a listen.