Avery Watched the chaos unfold in his HUD. He saw the bright white shapes of more than thirty terrified civilians surge around the bravo squad, driving them back and confusing their aim. “Johnson. Take the shot!” Byrne thundered over the COM. As Avery’s Hornet orbited the restaurant, the Stanchion’s aiming-vector rotated around the woman, piercing the axis of her chest. But her heat signature was almost indistinguishable from the boy’s. Suddenly, Avery saw the ghostly image of the captured boy’s father rise from his chair, hands raised to show the Innie woman he was unarmed. Avery couldn’t hear the father’s pleas but his calmness only increased the woman’s panic. She began backing toward the restroom, waving the detonator, her threats now so furious they were incomprehensible. “Nail the bitch,” Byrne shouted, “or I will!” Contact Harvest: PrologueMany may beg the question, why review a novel of fiction through an Xbox 360 web site? Well, there is a multitude of reasons why it is completely and justifiably relevant to a gaming medium with the first being the blatantly obvious. It is a book which further distends the story and plot behind one of the largest and most successful gaming franchises in history. In short, the Halo books have transcended video gaming while becoming a pop culture phenomenon and adding yet another lucrative branch on the Halo tree. No longer are these books purchased strictly by Halo fanatics and loyal followers, but each is openly purchased by those who enjoy a well written science fiction novel with no interest or foreknowledge of its Genesis. With millions of copies sold and additional works confirmed, the series is thriving and looks to only expand the limitless boundaries of Bungie’s wonderfully woven universe.
Contact Harvest will be the 5th installment of the Halo novel franchise. Fall of Reach, The Flood, First Strike, and Ghost of Onyx all attained best selling status via the New York Times bestseller list. Eric Nylund’s third foray into the Halo book club produced the best selling video game novel of all time. More recently, Contact Harvest opened up on the New York Times bestsellers list placing a respectable third. Suffice it to say, the Halo universe is growing and becoming ever so popular by both the gamer and the casual reader.
Only two authors have been given the reigns to the Halo novels, Eric Nylund and William C. Dietz. Each author has a distinctive writing style which is antipodal to one another. While Mr. Dietz did a great job with The Flood, Mr. Nylund bested his counterpart by authoring high quality work with intricate story arcs and intriguing plot twists while conversely, Dietz followed the Halo story line to the letter while including some original and fresh events in the process. When it was announced Joseph Staten would be next in line it came as a surprise to many. After all, Joseph Staten has absolutely zero experience in writing and has 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 a significant role in the development of Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, and Halo 3. Although a rookie in the writing business, he is not alone. Even though I have authored numerous gaming reviews and editorials, I have yet to review a book of any genre. Be that as it may, it’s apparent we are on a level playing field so I will do my best to provide you with an objective review of Contact Harvest.
Before Master Chief was resuscitated from his cryogenic slumber, prior to Captain Keyes & Cortana’s venture in the Pillar of Autumn, pre-dating any encounter with the Covenant, the United Nations Space Command had a war brewing. A war which was not waged for religious or ethnic supremacy, but a war fought for recognition of independence on various colonized planets far from the reaches of Earth. Beginning as a political disagreement, many colonist banded together to fight the perceived oppressive and totalitarian regime that was the UNSC. Early negotiations faltered and the newly titled “insurrectionist”, or more commonly referred to as “Innies” by the Marines, began acts of terror to persuade the UNSC to grant them autonomy. The war had taken a toll as more civilians perished by bombings carried out by the insurrectionists and collateral damage caused by UNSC counter-measures. Many on both sides were left disillusioned by the war and support for the cause was failing. It was a most turbulent time for Earth and all of her colonies.
The protagonist of this novel is none other than Staff Sergeant Avery Johnson. A man who has died at least sixteen times yet ends up gracing Master Chief with his presence in every following Halo sequel. For those who have yet to play the original, the spark which propelled Halo into the modern day lexicon, I implore you to complete Combat Evolved on Legendary. One of the greatest endings I have seen in many years. The game takes place in the year 2552, seven years after John had been selected for augmentation and twenty-eight years before Master Chief awoke aboard the Pillar of Autumn. Staff Sergeant Johnson, fresh out of Navy Special Warfare training (NavSpecWar) which he passed with “flying colors”, encountered an unfortunate incident during operation TREBUCHET which ultimately begets his transfer to the colonized planet Harvest. Upon his arrival, Johnson and Petty Officer First Class Healy are escorted to a military installation in a remote location on Harvest, the farthest colonized planet from Earth know for their fertile soil and agricultural success. Greeted by their CO, Captain Ponder, Johnson was informed he would be team leader for one squadron, a group of novice and inexperienced Harvest residents looking for a ticket off the planet they have come to loath. It was more along the lines of a trained militia than a platoon but Johnson had no choice in the matter.
