It's been a month since my last entry already? Well, I've had one post each month since May, and there's no reason to stop now.

Those of you who are fellow Halo nuts have no doubt been anxiously awaiting the release of the fourth Halo novel, titled Ghosts of Onyx. After looking for the novel at several different stores over the weekend, (the release date is not officially until today, but it seems that most stores put it on the shelves as soon as they got it) I finally found a copy yesterday, and immediately came home and read the book from cover to cover. By the end I was hungry, tired, and my eyes were on fire, but it was definitely worth it. Ghosts of Onyx not only matches the quality of the other Halo novels, but in many ways exceeds them.

The following contains some spoilers. I don't think it will spoil the plot for those who haven't read the novel yet, but it contains some aspects of the story nonetheless.

For those who are interested in the Halo story, Ghosts of Onyx is a must read. The plot is unique, and stands alone from the games, but at the same time answers many important questions in the Halo story. In fact, of all the Halo novels, Ghosts probably answers the most until-now unresolved questions. Don't be fooled though; the novel also brings up many new story elements and questions that Halo fans will have fun speculating about. Some (though not all) of the unresolved issues that Ghosts of Onyx touches on includes: 

• What happened to the remaining Spartan IIs that were with the Chief at the end of First Strike. 
• Where Dr. Halsey was going and why she kidnapped Kelly.
• What became of Admiral Whitcomb's NOVA bomb.

The novel's timeframe spans from early in the Covenant War up until shortly after the events of Halo 2. Most of the story takes place on the planet Onyx, but several chapters take place on and above Earth, roughly two weeks after the Covenant first landed in New Mombasa. Ghosts touches on the beginning of the Covenant Civil War, and provides evidence that (in my opinion) refutes the idea that the Elites are going to be our good friends and allies in Halo 3. One thing about the book that may please some fans and disappoint others is that with the exception of a several-page long flashback, the Master Chief is completely absent from the book, as are Cortana, Sergeant Johnson, and other major game characters. The novel focuses on side-characters that are not featured in the games, but are nonetheless important to the overall Halo story. In the latter half of the book, the events of Halo 2, including the destruction of New Mombasa, In Amber Clad's pursuit of Regret's assault carrier, and the Flood infestation of High Charity, are mentioned but never seen. Also, as many people have already speculated, the Spartan IIIs play a major role in the story. 

All in all, Ghosts of Onyx is a great read that will make any fan of the Halo story salivate. Though it is more of a side-story than a setup for Halo 3, it is still the best Halo novel to date. Go get it!