Read the Halo books in order

Books from the Halo series weren’t published chronologically, so figuring out the order can be challenging. Read on to learn how to read Halo books in order.

The Halo military science fiction media franchise is among the most popular in the world. If you can’t get enough of the Halo video game on your Xbox, you’ll be happy to know there are many novels that take place in the same setting. Since they weren’t published in chronological order, figuring out how to approach them can be difficult.

Here we’ll provide a comprehensive list of all Halo books in order. But before we get to that, let’s discuss the Halo series a bit more and the importance of reading the books in order.

Understanding the Halo universe

If you're new to the franchise, understanding the Halo universe is crucial to fully immerse yourself in the books. The Halo series, which began with Bungie's iconic video games, takes place in a future where humanity battles an alien alliance known as the Covenant.

The story follows the Spartan soldiers, led by the iconic Master Chief, as they fight to save humanity from extinction. The master chief story is one of resilience, bravery, and determination.

Amazon offers a comprehensive collection of Halo books, including the best Halo books and new Halo books, which provide a deep dive into this expansive universe. From the advanced technology of the UNSC (United Nations Space Command) to the mysterious Forerunners and their ancient artifacts, there's always something new to discover.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Halo universe is the Covenant. This alien alliance, detailed in various Halo novels, is made up of diverse species, each with their own unique characteristics and motivations. From the religious zealotry of the Sangheili (Elites) to the cunning intelligence of the Kig-Yar (Jackals), the Covenant is a formidable foe that adds depth to the narrative.

The importance of reading the Halo books in order

When diving into the Halo book series, reading in the correct order becomes vital. The books, including titles like "Halo New Blood," "Halo Bad Blood," "Halo Last Light," "Halo Hunters in the Dark," and "Halo Battle Born," are interconnected and follow a chronological sequence that expands upon the events of the video games.

For those who prefer auditory experiences, Halo audiobooks are also available, providing another dimension to the storytelling.

By following the Halo books chronological order, you'll witness the evolution of characters and the universe. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the conflict and the motivations behind both human and Covenant actions.

The chronological vs. publication order debate

Before embarking on this journey, it's essential to address a common question: which order should you read the books? Some fans argue for a Halo book series order based on chronology, while others prefer publication order.

Those who advocate for chronological order believe it offers a more cohesive experience, allowing readers to appreciate the interconnectedness of the Halo universe.

On the other hand, publication order, which aligns with the release dates of the books, allows readers to experience the evolving narrative as originally intended. This approach can be particularly appealing for fans who want to experience the books as they were introduced to the franchise.

So, whether you're exploring all Halo books, diving into a new Halo book, or revisiting classics like "Halo New Blood" and "Halo Bad Blood," one thing is certain - the Halo universe awaits. Embark on an epic journey filled with action, intrigue, and a rich tapestry of characters and worlds.

The Halo novels will transport you to a future where humanity's survival is at stake, and the fate of the universe rests with Master Chief and his fellow Spartans.

All Halo books in publication order

Here’s a list of all Halo titles in their publication order, along with a short description.

Halo: The Fall of Reach by Eric Nylund

It covers the SPARTAN-II program, the attack on Reach by the Covenant, and how the UNSC Pillar of Autumn escaped to Halo.

Halo: The Flood by William C. Dietz

It represents the novelization of Halo: Combat Evolved.

Halo: First Strike by Eric Nylund

This book explains what happened between Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2.

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund

It centers on Kurt-051, the training of Spartan-IIs on Onyx, and the 2552 battle for the planet.

Halo: Contact Harvest by Joseph Staten

The book follows the story of Sergeant Avery Johnson and describes the events that led to the first contact with the Covenant and the Human-Covenant War.

Halo: The Cole Protocol by Tobias S. Buckell

Here we learn more about the Gray Team, Jacob Keyes, and Thel ‘Vadam.

Halo: Cryptum by Greg Bear

It focuses on the Forerunner-Flood War from the experiences of the Forerunner Manipular and the Didact.

Halo: Primordium by Greg Bear

The book tells the story of Chakas and his journey across Installation 07.

Halo: Glasslands by Karen Traviss

It describes the condition of the Halo universe after the Human-Covenant War.

Halo: The Thursday War by Karen Traviss

This book focuses on Kilo-Five and explains how humanity is involved in the Blooding Years.

Halo: Silentium by Greg Bear

Here we learn more about the Forerunner civilization and the twilight years, the Didact, and the firing of the Halo Array.

Halo: Broken Circle by John Shirley

This book tells the story from the perspective of multiple Sangheili and San’Shyuum characters. It focuses on the beginnings of the Covenant and the Great Schism.

Halo: Mortal Dictata by Karen Traviss

The story centers on the rebel movement from Venezia that is threatening Earth and explains how the terrorist Staffan Sentzke is connected to Naomi-010.

Halo: New Blood by Matt Forbeck

Here the focus is on Edward Buck and his squad during and after the Human-Covenant War.

Halo: Hunters in the Dark by Peter David

This book is about the human-Sangheili expedition to the Ark after the war.

Halo: Saint’s Testimony by Frank O’Connor

It describes smart AIs in detail from the perspective of Iona.

Halo: Last Light by Troy Denning

This book focuses on Special Inspector Veta Lopis and the Blue Team and their murder investigations on a human colony that harbors Forerunner technology.

Halo: Shadow of Intent by Joseph Staten

The book is about the conflict between Tem’Bhetek and Shipmaster Rtas Vadum after the Covenant War.

Halo: Smoke and Shadow by Kelly Gay

This book follows Rion Forge on her mission to discover what happened to her father and his ship, the UNSC Spirit of Fire.

Halo: Envoy by Tobias S. Buckell

It focuses on Melody Azikiwe and her diplomatic mission on Carrow.

Halo: Retribution by Troy Denning

The book follows Veta Lopis and the Ferrets as they join forces with Blue Team to identify the murderer of Admiral Graselyn Tuwa.

Halo: Legacy of Onyx by Matt Forbeck

It centers on Molly Patel and her adjustment to life inside the Onyx Forerunner shield world.

Halo: Bad Blood by Matt Forbeck

It describes how Edward Buck reforms his old squad to go on a challenging mission after the rise of Cortana’s Created.

Halo: Silent Storm by Troy Denning

Here we follow John-117 and some SPARTAN-IIs trying to learn more about the Covenant in the first year of the Human-Covenant War and how the insurrectionists wanted to stop their mission.

Halo: Renegades by Kelly Gay

This is the sequel to Smoke and Shadow. It deals with Rion Forge and the Ace of Spades crew trying to locate Forge’s father.

Halo: Oblivion by Troy Denning

This is the sequel to Silent Storm, focusing on John-117 and SPARTAN-IIs attempting to capture a Covenant frigate.

Halo: Battle Born by Cassandra Rose Clarke

It describes the Battle of Meridian and how a group of four teens and a Spartan supersoldier are trying to survive it.

Halo: Meridian Divide by Cassandra Rose Clarke

This is the sequel to Battle Born that continues to follow the story of the four teens.

Halo: Shadows of Reach by Troy Denning

Blue Team returns to Reach to search for assets that remained in Dr. Halsey’s lab.

Halo: Point of Light by Kelly Gay

In this Renegades sequel, we see Rion Forge, Spark, and the Ace of Spades crew being pursued by ONI while they attempt to complete the Librarian’s plan.

Halo: Divine Wind by Troy Denning

Here the focus is on Veta Lopis and the Ferrets, who try to prevent the Keepers of the One Freedom from firing the Halo Array.

Halo Book Series

Here’s a list of Halo book series.

The original series

• Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001)
• Halo: The Flood (2003)
• Halo: First Strike (2003)
• Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (2006)

Gray team

• Halo: The Cole Protocol (2008)
• Halo: Envoy (2017)

The forerunner saga

• Halo: Cryptum (2011)
• Halo: Primordium (2012)
• Halo: Silentium (2013)

The kilo-five trilogy

• Halo: Glasslands (2011)
• Halo: The Thursday War (2012)
• Halo: Mortal Dictata (2014)

Alpha-nine

• Halo: New Blood (2015)
• Halo: Bad Blood (2018)

The ferrets

• Halo: Last Light (2015)
• Halo: Retribution (2017)
• Halo: Divine Wind (2021)

Rion Forge/ace of spades

• Halo: Smoke and Shadow (2016)
• Halo: Renegades (2019)
• Halo: Point of Light (2021)

A mmaster chief story

• Halo: Silent Storm (2018)
• Halo: Oblivion (2019)
• Halo: Shadows of Reach (2020)

Battle born

• Halo: Battle Born (2019)
• Halo: Meridian Divide (2019)

Individual books

• Halo: Contact Harvest (2007)
• Halo: Broken Circle (2014)
• Halo: Hunters in the Dark (2015)
• Halo: Legacy of Onyx (2017)
• Halo: Outcasts (2023)
• Halo: Epitaph (2023)

There’s also the Halo: Infinite Story series that consists of one book: Halo: The Rubicon Protocol. It follows the members of UNSC and their fight against the Banished in Installation 007.

You can also explore Halo: Evolutions: Essential Tales of the Halo Universe and Halo: Fractures.

Listen to Halo audiobooks with Speechify

Many Halo fans would want to read the books but don’t have enough time. With Speechify Audiobooks, this is no longer an issue. Speechify Audiobooks is a platform that provides access to a wide selection of books in their audio form. Listening to audiobooks is convenient and allows you to multitask. You can find all Halo audiobooks on Speechify Audiobooks. Thanks to features like adjusting the playback speed and automatic syncing between devices, you’ll have complete control over your experience.

Try Speechify Audiobooks now and explore its many options.

FAQs

Are there any visual guides or companion materials available for the Halo book series?

There are indeed visual guides, art books, and companion materials available for fans. These resources often provide detailed illustrations, behind-the-scenes information, and additional lore that complements the stories told in the novels.

How often are new Halo books released?

The frequency of Halo book releases varies. Over the years, there have been periods with multiple releases in a single year and other times when there might be a gap between new titles. It's always a good idea to keep an eye on official announcements from the publishers or the Halo franchise's official website for news on upcoming releases.

Are there any spin-off series or standalone novels outside of the main Halo book series?

Yes, outside of the main series and the ones listed above, there are spin-off series and standalone novels that delve into specific characters, events, or aspects of the Halo universe. These can provide additional insights and perspectives that aren't covered in the primary series. It's recommended to check the official Halo literature catalog or fan forums for a comprehensive list of all available titles.