The first novel in the Forerunner Saga trilogy by science fiction legend Greg Bear—set in the Halo universe and based on the New York Times bestselling video game series!
One hundred thousand years ago, the galaxy was populated by a great variety of beings.
But one species—eons beyond all others in both technology and knowledge—achieved dominance.
They ruled in peace, but met opposition with quick and brutal effectiveness.
They were the Forerunners—the keepers of the Mantle of Responsibility, the next stage of life in the Universe’s Living Time.
And then they vanished.
This is their story.
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"As one who has played through the Halo games without memorizing the cut scenes, this is a pretty good piece of science fiction. Since it is authorized by Microsoft, it must be the official version of things, but regardless it is pretty good and I'll continue to read the series."
— Mike (4 out of 5 stars)
“An exciting story that spans millennia.”
— BookLoons" This was a awesome story! "
— James, 2/19/2014" Greg Bear does not disappoint and is in his element with this Halo story. It is reminiscent of some themes from his Eon series including the cataloging of alien species, and it works well. "
— Joey, 2/6/2014" I saw the name Greg Bear and expected the best sci-fi, then I saw the copyright Microsoft and I had second thoughts. If you can slog through the first 110 pages or so, however, the book really takes off and becomes interesting, even if you're not a gamer or a Halo fan. It took Bear too long to find his footing on this one. I've already started the second in the trilogy and it is much better. "
— Nancy, 2/5/2014" Not the most amazing storytelling, but I enjoyed it, and I think I'll read the next book in the series. "
— Abby, 2/2/2014" I have no doubt that this would be considered a good book by some, but it simply doesn't stand in line with the other Halo novels. "
— Brian, 2/1/2014" Halo Cryptum was first shown to me through a friend. I am a fan of the Halo series and i wanted to see what it was like. The book take place thousands of years before the main Halo Series, it is through the perspective of the Forerunners (a long dead race during the original halo series). The Forerunners are dealing with some problems at which if left unchecked would bring ruin to their civilization and way of life. At first I struggled to get through the first couple of pages which turned me off to the book. After a couple of months went by i finally brought myself to read the book. I found the book very enjoyable after the first few pages. "
— Brad, 1/31/2014" This follows the book really well it has a lot of the same stuff as the game. "
— Shaine, 1/25/2014" A interesting read as its 343's Halo now not Bungies. So there is a few thigns added and to keep the halo fan guessing. Looking forward to the second book. "
— Butterflykatana, 1/20/2014" Very interesting writing style and story. "
— James, 1/19/2014" An extremely interesting first glance at the Forerunner civilization. Greg Bear does a masterful job of bringing the once mysterious race to the forefront without diminishing the majesty that had been built up in the rest of the Halo universe. "
— Kuroi, 1/10/2014" Was a pretty good book - I'd buy others in the series after reading that one (although it does help if you know something about Halo!) "
— Frank, 12/16/2013" I really enjoyed the book, that is until the ending. I like full endings even in a trilogy I felt left with almost the same amount of answers that I had in the beginning. With that said I am anxiously awaiting Halo: Primordium "
— Robert, 11/20/2013" The beginning of this book didnt really make sense to me. It took about a third of the book to get into it and understand what was going on. Not a bad read if you are a halo fan, but I would recommend the other books on top of this one. "
— Matt, 1/29/2013" Nice book , it begins slow but it's speed up, good story "
— Daniel, 12/13/2012" Great Story and perception of time. I enjoyed this book more the second time I read it. I love how the author can make things really feel ancient but so futuristic at the same time. I really like how the ending put everything together "
— Nick, 11/9/2012" If you like sci fi you will like this one. "
— Sharon, 9/23/2012" Honestly this book is really weird, I am not liking it very much so far. "
— GeneralTso, 8/11/2012" A little confusing, particularly near the end, but after re-reading I think I understand what was happening... Greg Bear brings his own unique style to the Halo franchise and I believe it is a good fit for the Forerunner saga. "
— Ralph, 7/21/2012" Not being much of a gamer, I've not been exposed to Halo beyond hearing the name. I found the story interesting and look forward to the rest of the trilogy. I may look up some of the other books set in the universe or even try the game. "
— Philip, 5/22/2012" A good start to the back story of the legendary game "
— Aaron, 2/4/2012" Interesting start to the Halo Universe "
— Garth, 11/21/2011" Too slow; very little happens in it. Good for the Halo fan,but for the new guy there's very little of interest here. "
— Marcel, 11/19/2011" I couldn't follow this one at all. One of those book that requires you to have read previous books in the Halo franchise. "
— Andy, 5/20/2011" Awesome Book. It took just a little time to jump into it, but after a while it really takes off. Thought provoking and an enjoyable read. "
— Cole, 5/15/2011" Slow to start.. .got interesting though "
— Brett, 5/8/2011" Not being much of a gamer, I've not been exposed to Halo beyond hearing the name. I found the story interesting and look forward to the rest of the trilogy. I may look up some of the other books set in the universe or even try the game. "
— Philip, 3/20/2011" An outstanding page turner. This book can be read by anyone prior knowledge of Halo not needed. I'd say it has 1% to do with Halo and 99% pure sci-fi alien awesomeness. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series from the author. "
— John, 1/31/2011" A nice but not altogther welcome change from the usual gung-ho all-action style of the rest of the series. Very informative though and it adds much more to the great series. "
— Chonaic17, 1/28/2011" An excellent book by Bear. Fantastic look at the Forerunner story. "
— Jmoses, 1/27/2011" Great addition to the Halo Universe. I can't wait to read the next 2 books in the series. The entire story is great but it really gets into a high octane mode in the last couple chapters. Finally we'll find out more about the Forerunners and their battle with the flood. "
— George, 1/22/2011" Excellent initial entry to the Forerunner saga. We finally begin to have some answers! "
— Alessandro, 1/18/2011" Not bad. A good addition to the Halo universe and a good start for the history of what happened before the events of the Halo games. The book starts off a bit slow, but quickly picks up pace. At the end, I found myself wanting to learn more. "
— mookie, 1/10/2011" This book starts slowly, and doesn't feel quite like classic Halo, but that's a good thing.<br/>It blew my mind, and I'm waiting for more. "
— Arithmomaniac, 12/6/2010Greg Bear is an American author of more than forty books spanning the science fiction, fantasy, and horror genres. His science fiction works have covered themes of galactic conflict, artificial universes, consciousness and cultural practice, and accelerated evolution. His fiction has garnered five Nebula Awards, two Hugo Awards, the Monty Award, and the Heinlein Award. He has also been an illustrator of science fiction works in both hardcover and paperback. He has written articles on film for the Los Angeles Times and book reviews for the San Diego Union. He is a founding member of the Association of Science Fiction Artists and of the San Diego Comic-Con. and has served as president and vice president of the Science Fiction Writers of America. He has also served as a consultant for NASA, the US Army, the State Department, and other organizations on such matters as crime and criminal justice, virology and evolution, and bio security.
Holter Graham, winner of three of AudioFile magazine’s Best Voice of the Year awards, is a stage, television, and screen actor. He has recorded numerous audiobooks and earned multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actor, his film credits include Fly Away Home, Maximum Overdrive, Hairspray, and The Diversion, a short film which he acted in and produced. On television, he has appeared in Army Wives, Damages, As the World Turns, Rescue Me, Law & Order, and New York Undercover. He received a BA degree from Skidmore College and an MFA from Vermont College.