Paden

Paden's Book Review


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Contact Harvest is the story of how the Covenant (the aliens) and the Humans first meet. The greatest question in the Halo universe is answered by this book, "Why do the Covenant want the slaughter every human in the universe?". This question as well as a close second, "Who are the forerunners?" are both answered by this book. It puts all three Halo games as well as Halo Wars in perspective, giving you the reason why the war was started in the first place. It also exposes the life of the Halo series' third most loved character, Sergeant Avery Johnson, as he fights to protect Humanity from a ferocious and extremely more powerful enemy before there were any Spartans to call upon, a time when all you could rely on human intuitionI thought that this was a really great book. If you have ever played any of the Halo games, you find this book a thrilling ride of enjoyment and grief along the way. It is also a book which further extends the story and plot behind one of the most successful gaming franchises in history. In short, the Halo books have gone beyond the limit of video gaming while adding yet another branch on the Halo tree. No longer are these books purchased strictly by Halo fanatics and loyal followers, but each is purchased by those who enjoy a well written science fiction novel with no interest or of its story.Joseph Staten had absolutely zero experience in writing and had never published a short story let alone a 400 page novel. Staten’s only direct relationship to Halo in any way was his years as a Writing Director for Bungie Studios where he played an important role in the development of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3. But even so, Staten did a great job in writing this book with vivid details and the book transitions from one chapter to another smoothly. Contact Harvest was written in a fashion that maintains the reader’s full attention and ends each chapter with yet another plot twist.For fans of the Halo novel series I would definitely recommend this book as a purchase. At just over 400 pages, it is not long but is not too short. Most should walk away pleased with the end result as I did but I cannot speak for everyone. For those who have yet to read a Halo novel this would be the perfect time to jump in on the series. With so many twists and turns is really takes you for a roller coaster ride. Joseph Staten did a tremendous job and I hope he is given the opportunity to author yet another Halo book in the future.