Hey guys, I was just wondering if anyone knew what book(s) I should read before Halo 4. I’m guessing that its either the Forerunner Series (Cryptum, Primordium), or the Kilo-Five Series (Glasslands, Thursday War). I know that there is a few books or so that have some story leading up to Halo 4, but I just don’t know which ones. So if you could help me out, that would be great! Thanks!
Read all of them if possible.
If not, and time is short, just read the Kilo-Five series.
Avoid the Forerunner trilogy UNLESS you plan to be a hardcore Halo story guy. 
> Read all of them if possible.
>
> If not, and time is short, just read the Kilo-Five series.
>
> Avoid the Forerunner trilogy UNLESS you plan to be a hardcore Halo story guy.
Thanks! But, why should I avoid the Forerunner books?
The Forerunner trilogy is so completely different from the other Halo novels. It is so far removed from the more recent events involving the UNSC etc, that it almost seems like a different story universe.
Depending on what you like to read, the style may be difficult to get through at some points, especially in Primordium, since Greg Bear tends to write certain things in a very ambiguously spiritual manner… It’s hard to describe.
But if you put your effort into reading the Forerunner novels, there are many VERY interesting plot points to be found.
> The Forerunner trilogy is so completely different from the other Halo novels. It is so far removed from the more recent events involving the UNSC etc, that it almost seems like a different story universe.
>
> Depending on what you like to read, the style may be difficult to get through at some points, especially in Primordium, since Greg Bear tends to write certain things in a very ambiguously spiritual manner… It’s hard to describe.
>
> But if you put your effort into reading the Forerunner novels, there are many VERY interesting plot points to be found.
Ok, that makes sense. Thanks for informing me!
> Read all of them if possible.
>
> If not, and time is short, just read the Kilo-Five series.
>
> Avoid the Forerunner trilogy UNLESS you plan to be a hardcore Halo story guy.
what? the forerunner saga is by far my favorite…
i recommend you read at least glasslands and maybe some of the forerunner saga if you can not totally necessary though
> The Forerunner trilogy is so completely different from the other Halo novels. It is so far removed from the more recent events involving the UNSC etc, that it almost seems like a different story universe.
>
> Depending on what you like to read, the style may be difficult to get through at some points, especially in Primordium, since Greg Bear tends to write certain things in a very ambiguously spiritual manner… It’s hard to describe.
>
> But if you put your effort into reading the Forerunner novels, there are many VERY interesting plot points to be found.
i get what you’re saying, i guess because i am such a huge halo fan it is really awesome to finally hear about the forerunners and even a little about the precursors.
I didn’t say the Forerunner trilogy is BAD. I myself didn’t dislike it at all. But I recognize that for a non-hardcore Halo story fan, it would likely be difficult to get through.
Cryptum, Primordium, Glasslands, and Thursday War.
ALL.
Including the original ones like Fall of Reach if you haven’t yet.
This thread title question’s a no-brainer. Just finished Thursday War in one day, got it on Thurs. Whew, somehow I like the Kilo-5 team alot, when I was reading Glasslands I found the Story of the Spartans, Halsey and Mendez on Onyx boring compared to the dynamic of Kilo-5 moving about. But once you get to the end on Glasslands and eventually into Thursday War, the main story of Halo 4, how the Infinity crew is and as to why the Covenant are there on Requiem, becomes more comprehensible.
Read the main series first:
- The Fall of Reach
- The Flood
- First Strike
The Fall of Reach is all about Chief’s past, his childhood, his training and the history of the Spartan II program. Part of the book takes place during Reach. It is a spectacular book in my oppinion and a MUST read.
The flood and First strike take place during the events of Halo 1 to the start of Halo 2.
Kilo-Five series:
- Ghosts of Onyx
- Glasslands
- Thursday War
Haven’t read this series, but I believe they take place following the end of Halo 3? I know that Glasslands and Thursday War a big build up to Halo 4. So they’d be a good choice to read if you want to be familiar with the characters.
Forerunner Series:
- Cryptum
- Primordium
- Silentium (not out yet)
I decided to read this series first before the Kilo-five series and I think they’re the best books so far. I agree with an earlier post that said they seem so different to the other halo books. Completely new characters and concepts and story telling. At times you could easily forget it is a Halo book.
If you haven’t already figured it out, it takes place thousands of years before Halo 1. It is all about the forerunners. It too would also be helpful to read as it gives a lot of insight into forerunners, which will be integral to Halo 4. I wouldn’t recommend reading unless you’re a hardcore Halo fan, as these books can be quite slow and confusing. But they’re extremely interesting and well written. I love them
So basically, reading the Forerunner series or the Kilo-five series will be beneficial to you in preparing for Halo 4. But I recommend you read the main series first before you decide to branch off into either of these.