Halo: First Strike

First Strike
Cover shows two robot-like figures in bulky armor, one shining a spotlight and the other shooting a futuristic weapon
Halo: First Strike book cover
AuthorEric Nylund
LanguageEnglish
SeriesHalo
GenreMilitary science fiction
PublisherDel Rey
Publication date
December 2, 2003[1]
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (Paperback)
Audiobook
Pages340
ISBN0-345-46781-7
Preceded byHalo: The Flood 
Followed byHalo: Ghosts of Onyx 

Halo: First Strike is a military science fiction novel by Eric Nylund, based on the Halo series of video games. The book was released in December 2003 and is the third Halo novel; Nylund's second contribution to the series. The novel serves as a bridge between the events of the games Halo: Combat Evolved and its 2004 sequel Halo 2. First Strike was also released as an audiobook, narrated by Todd McLaren.[2]

Halo: First Strike opens with the arrival of the Covenant armada at the human stronghold planet of Reach. The book follows both the unsuccessful attempt to defend Reach by the SPARTAN-IIs who were on the planet's surface and the adventures of the rag-tag survivors of the battle at Alpha Halo. The book also reveals that humanity's worst fear is going to come true: the Covenant is on its way to Earth. The book was well received by critics and sold well, making The New York Times Best Seller list. Critics found it added depth to the Halo video games and that it was exciting throughout.

  1. ^ "Halo: First Strike – Written by Eric Nylund". Random House. Retrieved 2008-03-21.
  2. ^ Bakehorn, Cliff (2008-08-06). "Review: "First Strike" – Halo Audiobook". Talking About Games. Archived from the original on August 30, 2008. Retrieved 2008-08-07.