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Forge Features: October 1, 2025

Games

Play Halo Infinite now through October 7.

Operation: Warpath Now Live

Community Spotlight

Spotlight: HELLDIVERS 2 x ODST Edition

Fiction


<p><em>As part of our <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">audiobook giveaway series</a> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Discord server</a>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from the Halo canon every month until October. Join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel to listen along!</em></p>



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em>, a riveting story that sees Blue Team return to the decimated surface of Reach on a mission to infiltrate ONI’s CASTLE base and recover assets that may prove vital to challenging Cortana’s undisputed rule.</p>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> is written by Troy Denning, a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author and a true heavyweight in Halo’s literary universe. The audiobook edition is narrated by award-winning audiobook narrator and broadcaster Sean Patrick Hopkins. Listen to an exclusive excerpt from <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> below:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Shadows of Reach | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/17WzdN-y5L4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLOT PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="2560" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg" alt="Shadows of Reach audiobook cover. Text: "The New York Times Bestselling Series. Halo: Shadows of Reach. A Master Chief story. Read by Sean Patrick Hopkins. TROY DENNING. New York Times bestselling author."" class="wp-image-147650" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Shadows-of-Reach-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>2559. Cortana has subjugated worlds across the galaxy and imposed martial law under the rule of her Created. Beyond from her watchful gaze, the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> makes its way to Reach to dispatch the Master Chief and Blue Team on a secret mission.</p>



<p>Their orders? Infiltrate the ruins of ONI’s CASTLE Base and recover the one weapon that could turn the tide. It would be a cakewalk for a team of seasoned SPARTAN-IIs, if not for the Banished army searching the ruined planet.</p>



<p>Among the roving clans dividing Reach in thirds is Castor, a Jiralhanae chieftain still loyal to the old faith of the Covenant, who means to follow the humans in his quest to unearth the fabled Portal under the Mountain—a gateway that leads to the Ark.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARACTER GUIDE</strong></h2>



<p>Learn more about the events of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg" alt="Master Chief John-117" class="wp-image-147622" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/John117-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOHN-117</strong></h3>



<p>Master Chief Petty Officer. A man of few words. In his latest mission, the Master Chief leads the Spartan-IIs of Blue Team to the surface of Reach to recover key assets from Dr. Halsey’s laboratory in CASTLE base.</p>



<p>Along the way, the Chief forms an uneasy alliance with a militia group to liberate the ruined city of New Mohács, punch through the Banished occupation, and ultimately obtain something that could be used to topple Cortana.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg" alt="The Spartans of Blue Team. Fred-104, Kelly-087, and Linda-058," class="wp-image-147552" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/BlueTeam-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>FRED-104</strong></h3>



<p>Perceptive, steadfast, and a natural leader. This combination makes him a formidable warrior at close quarters. In recent years, Fred has served as Blue Team’s commander, but he still often defers to the judgment of his former team leader, John-117. Beneath the Menachite Mountain, Fred unexpectedly encounters an old acquaintance with a critical message.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KELLY-087</strong></h3>



<p>The fastest Spartan. When not embedded in combat, Kelly enjoys listening to classic Earth “rock” music (whatever that is) as a meditative way to distract the thoughts that trouble a seasoned soldier’s mind. Her footspeed is unmatched among Spartans, rivaled only by her hair-trigger reflexes in a firefight.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LINDA-058</strong></h3>



<p>Renowned sniper. Linda’s resolve has been put to the test many times, and this mission is no different. After separating from the rest of Blue Team during a tense firefight, Linda resorts to the lone-wolf tactics that have typified her career as a Spartan ranger. Count on Linda to survive, no matter the odds.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg" alt="Dr. Catherine Halsey" class="wp-image-147608" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Halsey-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DR. CATHERINE HALSEY</strong></h3>



<p>Possibly the Office of Naval Intelligence’s most prolific scientific advisor. Dr. Halsey is the progenitor of the SPARTAN program, a key architect of Project MJOLNIR, and the creator of Cortana. Working once more with the UNSC, Dr. Halsey has deployed Blue Team on a critical mission to recover assets from her lab within CASTLE Base that just might bring an end to her renegade progeny.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg" alt="Castor" class="wp-image-147566" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Castor-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CASTOR</strong></h3>



<p>Castor is said to be the last <em>dokab</em>, a Jiralhanae religious elder, still faithful to the ways of the Covenant. Following the Created uprising, Castor pledged his cult, the Keepers of the One Freedom, to the Banished. Though his motives are held in suspicion by the movement’s upper echelon, Castor carefully maneuvers through the politics of rival clans to realize his true goal: travelling to the Ark and activating the Halo Array.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg" alt="War Chief Escharum" class="wp-image-147580" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Escharum-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ESCHARUM</strong></h3>



<p>As Atriox’s former mentor, War Chief Escharum was the only Jiralhanae trustworthy enough to hold the reins of the Banished in his stead. He last spoke to Castor three months ago, when he ordered the dokab to seek the hidden Portal under the Mountain. Infighting has spread in his absence, as the Banished commanders on Reach become discouraged that they should ever find the fabled site.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg" alt="Inslaan 'Gadogai" class="wp-image-147594" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Gadogai-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>INSLAAN ‘GADOGAI</strong></h3>



<p>A Sangheili blademaster in the service of the Banished. ‘Gadogai is quick to take offense, and equally quick to seek retribution. Though formerly an assassin in the Covenant’s Silent Shadow unit, he has strayed from the Covenant faith. His role within the Keepers of the One Freedom is to represent Escharum—and watch Castor for any sign of duplicity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BELLA DISTZL</strong></h3>



<p>A Reach native and a survivor of its fall. Bella has distinguished herself as a five-time victor of the Tantalus 10,000, a five-day, cross-continent, open-buggy endurance race. She’s the last person you’d expect to meet hiding in a foxhole on a planet crawling with the Banished, but the first person you’d put behind the wheel of a Warthog.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>LIEUTENANT MAKS CHAPOV</strong></h3>



<p>First copilot of <em>Special Delivery</em>, the Owl infiltration craft escorting Blue Team to the surface of Reach. What he lacks in experience, Chapov makes up for in arrogance, headstrong reckoning, and a certain endearing determination. It’s clear that the young lieutenant idolizes the Master Chief, and his ace pilot skills eventually manage to impress even the war-weary Spartan.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAME CONNECTIONS</strong></h2>



<p><em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> occurs between the events of <em>Halo Wars 2</em> and <em>Halo Infinite</em>. This novel tells a harrowing story from humanity’s desperate last stand against Pax Cortana (the UNSC’s designation for the transformed nemesis of <em>Halo 5: Guardians</em>).</p>



<p>Using the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> as a secret base of operations, Blue Team infiltrates Reach to recover assets that will prove indispensable to the creation of “The Weapon,” the Master Chief’s ally and partner in <em>Halo Infinite</em> and the forthcoming novel <em><a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-edge-of-dawn-cover-reveal">Halo: Edge of Dawn</a></em>.</p>



<p>Among the “rehab pioneers” of the Viery Militia, we meet descendants of the industrial titans who established Reach as a thriving, wealthy colony in its heyday—a halcyon era that ended with the devastating fall of Reach, leaving only remnants of its culture behind.</p>



<p>Along the way, we encounter familiar characters from <em>Halo 4</em> such as Dr. Catherine Halsey, Captain Thomas Lasky, and Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer (whom you might also recognize from <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubAugust">last month’s Audiobook Club</a>).</p>



<p><em>To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Troy Denning</strong> is the <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author of more than forty novels, including <em>Halo: Divine Wind</em>, <em>Halo: Oblivion</em>, <em>Halo: Silent Storm</em>, <em>Halo: Retribution</em>, <em>Halo: Last Light</em>, a dozen Star Wars novels, the Dark Sun: Prism Pentad series, and many bestselling Forgotten Realms novels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE READER</strong></h2>



<p>A student of neuroscience and speech pathology, <strong>Sean Patrick Hopkins</strong> has translated his understanding of human behavior & vocal performance into a career in storytelling. He has over 500 titles to his credit, and has been honored with Audie, Earphones, Odyssey, and SOVAS awards for his audiobook narrations.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</strong></h2>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title this month and next! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> post in the <strong>#giveaways</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before September 8.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win, and watch for a new Audiobook Club entry in October. <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</strong></h2>



<p>Listen to <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the <strong>#audio-book-club</strong> channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>, where we’ll discuss the book, share favorite moments, and select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss in October.</p>



<p>Drop a comment in the discussion thread for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special <strong>Spartan Chatter</strong> episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/41kPh90">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: Shadows of Reach</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


Audiobook Club: Shadows of Reach


<p>As <em>HELLDIVERS 2</em> arrives on Xbox Series X|S, we’ve partnered with Arrowhead Studios to commemorate the occasion with a new, ODST-inspired Warbond.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Helldivers 2 x Halo: ODST Legendary Warbond | PS5 & PC Games" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2O_9hwQ8jLw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Starting today, <em>HELLDIVERS 2</em> players on all platforms can purchase the <strong>HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST</strong> Legendary Warbond, containing two ODST armor sets, UNSC-themed capes, “green and mean” vehicle patterns, and weapons inspired by the iconic armaments of <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>WHAT THE “HELL?”</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2560" height="1440" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg" alt="Two Helldivers clasp hands in a ruined city. They wear the A-35 Recon and A-9 Helljumper ODST armor sets." class="wp-image-147537" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-300x169.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-768x432.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Helldivers-2_14-1568x882.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></figure>



<p>By an absurd twist of fate, the similarly named Obedient Democracy Support Troopers (also known in their universe as “Helljumpers”) are the stars of a beloved animated series on one of Super Earth’s most popular state-sanctioned broadcasts.</p>



<p>This Legendary Warbond gives Helldivers the chance to live out the cartoon heroes’ most patriotic exploits! <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/19/helldivers-2-halo-odst-crossover-warbond-xbox-launch/">Read more at Xbox Wire.</a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>INTO THE UNJUST</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Helldivers 2 - Into the Unjust Deep Dive" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dJi8VsvnkoE?start=298&feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Check out this video from Arrowhead Studios for a closer look at the Legendary Warbond and all the Halo-inspired weaponry arriving in the <em>HELLDIVERS 2 </em>Into the Unjust update.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE COLLAB</strong></h2>



<p>Ready to dive feet-first into game dev? Watch the latest <a href="https://www.youtu.be/CxUOcdLBl9g">Official Xbox Podcast</a> video to hear Halo Studios and Arrowhead Studios developers explain the story behind this orbital hot-drop.</p>


Available now on all platforms.

HELLDIVERS 2 x Halo: ODST Warbond

Play Halo Infinite now through September 9.

Operation: Shadows Out Now


<p><em>As part of our </em><a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>audiobook giveaway series</em></a><em> with Simon & Schuster, we’re inviting Halo fans to join a community book club in our </em><a href="https://discord.gg/halo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>official Discord server</em></a><em>, where we’ll focus on a new novel from the Halo canon each month. Join the </em><strong><em>#audio-book-club</em></strong><em> channel to listen along!</em></p>



<p>This month’s book club title is <em>Halo: New Blood</em>, a tale that covers the lengthy service record of ODST-turned-Spartan Edward Buck as he recounts some of the most important moments in his life. Join Buck, Veronica Dare, and the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers of squad Alpha-Nine as a conflict with the United Rebel Front pushes their friendships to the breaking point.</p>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> is written by Matt Forbeck, a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author and game designer. The audiobook edition is narrated by acclaimed actor and writer Scott Brick.</p>



<p>Listen to an exclusive excerpt from the audiobook edition below:</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe loading="lazy" title="New Blood | Audiobook Preview | Available Now from Simon & Schuster" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wJOSg0qyjNU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Purchase your copy of </em>Halo: New Blood<em> from Simon & Schuster.</em></a></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>PLOT PREVIEW</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="2400" height="2400" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood.jpg" alt="Halo: New Blood cover. Text: "The New York Times bestelling series based on the blockbuster Xbox games! MATT FORBECK. Read by Scott Brick."" class="wp-image-146122" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood.jpg 2400w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-300x300.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-150x150.jpg 150w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-768x768.jpg 768w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/New-Blood-1568x1568.jpg 1568w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /></figure>



<p>Spartan Edward Buck recounts his extensive military career, starting in the latter years of the Covenant War and detailing the fraught political tensions that followed as Buck’s homeworld, Draco III, comes under attack by a human rebel group.</p>



<p>Along the way, Buck tells the story of his troubled romance with Veronica Dare, explores his journey to the SPARTAN-IV program, and relays the tragic events that led to the dissolution of the Alpha-Nine ODST squad.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>CHARACTER GUIDE</strong></h2>



<p>Learn more about the events of <em>Halo: New Blood</em> with these brief character bios.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146066" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Buck-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Edward “Eddy” Buck</strong></h3>



<p>Former UNSC marine, erstwhile ODST gunnery sergeant, and reluctant SPARTAN-IV.</p>



<p>Buck hails from Draco III, a human colony devastated by Covenant invasion shortly after the <a href="https://aka.ms/AudiobookClubJune">attack on Harvest</a>. Upon learning of his family’s massacre and the destruction of the tight-knit, maritime community he’d known in Karnak, Buck enlisted in the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, where he soon became the leader of Alpha-Nine squad.</p>



<p>He is later inducted into the SPARTAN-IV program by Jun-A266 after suffering a loss.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare.jpg" alt="Veronica Dare" class="wp-image-146080" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Dare-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Veronica Dare</strong></h3>



<p>As an agent of the Office of Naval Intelligence, the strictly “need-to-know” basis of Veronica Dare’s work has put understandable strain on her romance with Eddy Buck. Dare acts as ONI’s mission liaison during the events on Talitsa, tasking the Spartans in Buck’s command to save Vergil and Sadie from their Insurrectionist captors.</p>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> recounts their troubled first meeting on a furlough near Saturn, their fiery reunion during the Battle of New Mombasa, and a series of uncertain rendezvous as they try to maintain a relationship within the confines of their separate military careers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer.jpg" alt="Spartan Commander Sarah Palmer" class="wp-image-146108" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Palmer-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sarah Palmer</strong></h3>



<p>Long before she signed up for the SPARTAN-IV program, Sarah Palmer served as an ODST, distinguishing herself as a ruthless frontlines combatant. She first met Buck during a failed mission to defend a UNSC munitions factory from the Covenant. When her position was overrun, Buck disobeyed Dare’s orders to mount a foolhardy rescue—but the rest of Palmer’s squad had already been eliminated.</p>



<p>Their fateful second meeting occurs on Draco III years later, after Palmer had become a Spartan-IV.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun.jpg" alt="Jun-A266" class="wp-image-146094" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/Jun-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jun-A266</strong></h3>



<p>A Spartan-III of Alpha Company and the only member of Noble Team to survive the fall of Reach. In the aftermath of the Covenant War, Jun served as an advisor and recruiter for the burgeoning SPARTAN-IV program, an initiative that used revolutionary technological advancements to turn adult volunteers into super-soldiers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="360" src="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine.jpg" alt="Alpha-Nine" class="wp-image-146052" srcset="https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine.jpg 1280w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-300x84.jpg 300w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-1024x288.jpg 1024w, https://wpassets.halowaypoint.com/wp-content/2025/08/AlphaNine-768x216.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kojo Agu</strong> <strong>(“Romeo”)</strong></h3>



<p>Ace sniper, former ODST, and current Spartan-IV. After suffering critical wounds during the Battle of New Mombasa, Buck worked tirelessly to save Romeo’s life, thereby earning his unwavering loyalty, even in the face of a changing wartime political landscape.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jonathan Doherty</strong> <strong>(“The Rookie”)</strong></h3>



<p>The youngest member of Alpha-Nine and the nameless protagonist of <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>. Though relatively inexperienced, the Rookie proved himself during the Covenant occupation of New Mombasa and became a highly valued member of Alpha-Nine in the years to come. On Draco III, he takes part in a mission that forever alters the trajectory of the squad’s lives and careers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Taylor Miles (“Dutch”)</strong></h3>



<p>A hardened ODST and a God-fearing man, despite all his time in hell. After witnessing the glassing of Earth firsthand, Dutch grew beleaguered by war against human separatists. The ONI-led operation on Draco III ultimately tests his resolve more than any other mission.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Michael Crespo</strong> <strong>(“Mickey”)</strong></h3>



<p>Demolitions expert and former ODST. As the UNSC turns its attention to insurrectionists in the wake of the Covenant War’s end, Mickey joins the SPARTAN-IV program seeking a more noble appointment. Soon the reignited flames of civil war and a traumatic event lead him to question his personal loyalties.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Quick to Adjust (“Vergil”)</strong></h3>



<p>A Huragok who defected from the Covenant. Known to humanity as “Vergil” (after the Superintendent AI whose data he assimilated in New Mombasa), he is best known for providing valuable intel on the Covenant’s quarry during the Battle of Earth.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sadie Endesha</strong></h3>



<p>Vergil’s companion and assigned handler. As a child, her father programmed the “Vergil” subroutine of New Mombasa’s Superintendent AI to watch over her. Sadie later helped rescue the Huragok Quick to Adjust, who inherited the absorbed AI’s affinity for Sadie, leading them to become inseparable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>GAME CONNECTIONS</strong></h2>



<p><em>Halo: New Blood</em> connects several plot threads from the Halo universe.</p>



<p>Told in the style of a memoir, Buck’s recollections form a time-hopping narrative that bridges the gap between <em>Halo 3</em> and <em>Halo 4</em>, in the years when the Master Chief had been declared MIA (still adrift on the wreckage of the <em>UNSC Forward Unto Dawn</em>), and explores the troubled “peace” that followed the end of the Human-Covenant War.</p>



<p>Buck revisits Alpha-Nine’s pivotal rescue of Vergil, as experienced in <em>Halo 3: ODST</em>, and outlines the personal tragedies that culminated in his desire to move away from leadership and reassignment to Fireteam Osiris (a story that continues in <em>Halo 5: Guardians</em>).</p>



<p>Along the way, we are reunited with Jun-A266, the last surviving member of Noble Team (the tragic Spartan heroes of <em>Halo: Reach</em>), who now recruits candidates for the SPARTAN-IV program. We also encounter Sarah Palmer in her early years as an ODST, well before she attains the rank of Spartan Commander aboard the <em>UNSC Infinity</em> in <em>Halo 4</em>.</p>



<p>To learn more about the Halo novels, visit our <a href="https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/official-halo-book-guide">Official Halo Book Guide</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></h2>



<p>Matt Forbeck is a <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author with over thirty-five novels and the designer of countless published games. His projects have won a Peabody Award, a Scribe Award, and numerous ENNIE and Origins Awards. He is also the president of the Diana Jones Award Foundation, which celebrates excellence in gaming.</p>



<p>Matt continues Buck’s story in <em><a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Bad-Blood/Matt-Forbeck/Halo/9781508244790">Halo: Bad Blood</a></em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ABOUT THE READER</strong></h2>



<p>Actor, writer, and award-winning audiobook narrator Scott Brick has narrated almost 900 audiobooks, including over a dozen Halo-universe titles. To date, his narrations have earned him over 65 Earphones Awards, five Audie Awards, five SOVAS Awards for voiceover, and a Grammy nomination for the multi-cast recording of <em>The Mark of Zorro</em> (2011). Scott reads <em>Halo: New Blood</em> and its sequel, <em>Halo: Bad Blood</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AUDIOBOOK GIVEAWAY</strong></h2>



<p>Enter to win an audiobook copy of a new book-club title each month now through October! To participate, react to the <em>Halo: New Blood</em> post in the #giveaways channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a> before August 8.</p>



<p>Stay tuned to <a href="https://www.x.com/halo">@Halo on X</a> later this month for more ways to win! <a href="https://www.aka.ms/AudiobookClubGiveaway">See full contest rules and entry directions</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JOIN THE BOOK CLUB</strong></h2>



<p>Listen to a new Halo title every month in our Discord book club! To participate, simply join the #audio-book-club channel of the <a href="https://www.discord.gg/halo">official Halo Discord server</a>, where we’ll select a new title from the Halo universe to discuss each month now through October.</p>



<p>Share your favorite moments and engage in discussion topics for a chance to find your words featured in an upcoming Halo Waypoint post! At the end of the month, we’ll host a special Spartan Chatter episode on Discord to discuss the audiobook and answer questions from the Halo community.</p>



<p><a href="https://bit.ly/44NldoH">Purchase your copy of <em>Halo: New Blood</em> from Simon & Schuster.</a></p>


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