Competition: Halo – Shadows of Reach

Halo: Shadows of Reach is the latest in the Halo novel series and is a Master Chief story.

Published this week by Titan Books, Troy Denning picks up a year after the renegade AI Cortana turned her Forerunner weapons on the galaxy and enforced martial law on many worlds.

Blue Team from UNSC Infinity must now make a covert return to the site of humanity’s most devastating defeat during the Covenant War – to the planet Reach.

Despite the loss on Reach, there are still essential mysteries on the devasted planet that need to be uncovered. In the remains of a CASTLE Base, top-secret research from Dr Catherine Halsey may contain helpful research to stand against Cortana.

Geek Native has a copy of Halo: Shadows of Reach, which is currently available as a paperback for £7.37, to give away. You need to have a UK or ROI address to enter.

T&Cs apply.
Ends 9 Nov 2020.

“Halo: Shadows of Reach” by Troy Denning provides an exciting return to the iconic Halo universe, filling in the narrative gap between Halo 5 and Halo Infinite. Denning tells a story filled with action, intrigue, and introspection as Master Chief and Blue Team undertake a critical mission to Reach, the location of their legendary battle against the Covenant.

Strengths:

• Action-Packed: The novel presents a non-stop pace of action, featuring intense firefights and heart-stopping escapes that demonstrate the Spartans’ exceptional combat skills against the formidable Banished forces.
• Character Development: Denning explores Master Chief’s psyche, delving into the toll of decades of war on his humanity and resolve. Blue Team members also receive significant development, highlighting their unique skills and personalities.
• World-Building: The return to Reach brings back memories and introduces new aspects to the planet’s devastated landscape. The in-depth descriptions of Banished technology and culture add depth to the Halo universe.
• Prequel Setup: “Shadows of Reach” effectively sets the stage for Halo Infinite, providing crucial context and raising intriguing questions about the fate of key characters and the mysterious assets sought by Master Chief.

Weaknesses:

• Plot Predictability: While the plot follows a familiar formula, the Blue Team encounters and overcomes predictable obstacles with their exceptional abilities.
• Lack of Resolution: Some plot threads are left unresolved, leaving readers wanting more closure, particularly regarding the nature of the retrieved assets and their impact on the larger narrative.
• Limited Scope: The focus on the Master Chief and Blue Team limits the exploration of other perspectives and the broader ramifications of the conflict with the Banished.

Overall:

“Halo: Shadows of Reach” is a strong addition to the Halo series, offering an exciting and emotionally impactful adventure for fans. Although it doesn’t revolutionize storytelling, it effectively encapsulates the essence of the Halo universe by delivering thrilling action, compelling character moments, and setting the stage for the events of Halo Infinite.

Recommendation:

This book is a must-read for Halo enthusiasts who are eager to reunite with Master Chief and Blue Team and prepare for the next chapter in the iconic saga. Newcomers may find it challenging to follow the intricate lore and backstory, but those familiar with the Halo universe will undoubtedly enjoy this action-packed and character-driven journey.