Halo Books in Order (35 Books in Order) The Complete Guide

Since its inception, Halo has evolved beyond being a mere video game and has transformed into a vast and immersive universe. This expansive narrative encompasses numerous planets and eras, featuring a rich tapestry of characters, races, and viewpoints. Through various forms of media, it weaves tales of bravery, awe-inspiring moments, and profound cosmic sorrow.

Starting in 2001, when Halo: The Fall of Reach was published ahead of the debut of Halo: Combat Evolved, books have played a pivotal role in delving into the extensive backstory of the Halo universe. These literary works have allowed fans to uncover the ancient conflicts between the Forerunners and the Flood, the harrowing origins of the SPARTAN-II program, and the relentless battles of the Covenant War. They have provided an immersive experience, shedding light on events that occurred before, during, and even after the main Halo storyline.

For those who haven’t yet read the Halo book series or are about to re-read them, we’ve put together this guide on how to read Halo books in order, chronologically, or by release date.

How many Halo books are there in the series?

The Halo universe consists of 9 different series, and individual novels, novellas, and anthologies. Currently, there are 35 books written by 13 different authors.

The ultimate guide on how to read Halo books

You can read them in either order of publication or chronological order of the Halo universe. However, it is best to read them in order of publication if you are a first-time reader. Re-reading the series? Chronological order might be your choice.

Halo books in order of publication

As mentioned before, if you are a first-time reader, it is best to read them in order of publication. This approach surely allows you to encounter the books in the same manner as the millions of devoted fans did during their initial release.

Halo: The Fall of Reach (2001) By Eric Nylund
Halo: The Flood (2003) By William C. Dietz
Halo: First Strike (2003) By Eric Nylund
Halo: Ghosts of Onyx (2006) By Eric Nylund
Halo: Contact Harvest (2007) By Joseph Staten
Halo: The Cole Protocol (2008) By Tobias S. Buckell
Halo: Evolutions – Essential Tales of the Halo Universe (2010) By Tobias S. Buckell, Frank O’Connor
Halo: Cryptum (2011) By Greg Bear
Halo: Glasslands (2011) By Karen Traviss
Halo: Primordium (2012) By Greg Bear
Halo: The Thursday War (2012) By Karen Traviss
Halo: Silentium (2013) By Greg Bear
Halo: Mortal Dictata (2014) By Karen Traviss
Halo: Broken Circle (2014) By John Shirley
Halo: Hunters in the Dark (2015) By Peter David
Halo: Saint’s Testimony (2015) By Frank O’Connor
Halo: Last Light (2015) By Troy Denning
Halo: New Blodd (2015) By Matt Forbeck
Halo: Shadow of Intent (2015) By Joseph Staten
Halo: Fractures (2016) Matt Forbeck
Halo: Smoke and Shadow (2016) By Kelly Gay
Halo: Envoy (2017) By Tobias S. Buckell
Halo: Retribution (2017) By Troy Denning
Halo: Legacy of Onyx (2017) By Matt Forbeck
Halo: Bad Blood (2018) By Matt Forbeck
Halo: Silent Storm (2018) By Troy Denning
Halo: Renegades (2019) By Kelly Gay
Halo: Oblivion (2019) By Troy Denning
Halo: Battle Born (2019) By Cassandra Rose Clarke
Halo: Meridian Divide (2019) By Cassandra Rose Clarke
Halo: Shadows of Reach (2020) By Troy Denning
Halo: Point of Light (2021) By Kelly Gay
Halo: Divine Wind (2021) By Troy Denning
Halo: The Rubicon Protocol (2022) By Kelly Gay
Halo: Outcasts (2023) By Troy Denning

Halo books in chronological order

If you’ve already read the Halo series, and are about to re-read them, the following list is just for you, since this reading method will help you gain access to a chronological sequence of events that effectively enhances your comprehension of the historical narrative within the Halo universe as it unfolds in real time.

Halo: Cryptum
Halo: Primordium
Halo: Silentium
Halo: Rebirth
Halo: Broken Circle (first half)
Halo: Contact Harvest
Halo: The Cole Protocol
Halo: Battle Born (Upcoming)
Halo: Battle Born – Meridian Divide (Upcoming)
Halo: The Fall of Reach
Halo: Silent Storm
Halo: Oblivion
Halo: The Flood
Halo: First Strike
Halo: Broken circle (second half)
Halo: Ghosts of Onyx
Halo: Glasslands
Halo: The Thursday War
Halo: Mortal Dictata
Halo: Last Light
Halo: Retribution
Halo: Shadow of Intent
Halo: New Blood
Halo: Hunters in the Dark
Halo: Smoke and Shadow
Halo: Renegades
Halo: Saint’s Testimony
Halo: Point of Light
Halo: Envoy
Halo: Legacy of Onyx
Halo: Bad Blood
Halo: Sacrifice
Halo: Shadows of Reach
Halo: Divine Wind
Halo: Outcasts
Halo: The Rubicon Protocol
Halo: Epitaph (Upcoming)

The Halo books establish connections through characters and events, existing within a shared universe regardless of their chronological order. While certain series primarily revolve around specific characters within a particular timeline, standalone books may feature unique perspectives while remaining connected to the overall franchise through the shared universe.