Halo: Ghosts of Onyx by Eric Nylund

Description

Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, the fourth novel in the Halo expanded universe by Eric Nylund, was first released on October 31, 2006 by Tor Books. Departing from its predecessors’ focus on Master Chief, this story shines the spotlight on the next generation of supersoldiers: the Spartan-IIIs.

The plot centers on the development of this new, more expendable Spartan cohort under ONI’s “Section Three”, as they undergo rigorous training on the secluded planet Onyx.

When inadvertently awoken, buried Forerunner mechanisms—the planet is actually a massive shield world—threaten all who have landed there

Despite minimal appearances from the Master Chief, the narrative drills into characters deeply rooted in mystery and sacrifice. Among them, Spartan-II Kurt-051 leads the III program, ultimately giving his life to delay Covenant forces and ensure others’ escape

Critical reception was largely positive: IGN praised its clever pacing and suspenseful prose, calling it “pretty nifty” and apt for inserting intrigue without spoiling Halo 3 Wikipedia. Even so, some reviewers lamented the sidelining of familiar faces, referring to the introduction of too many new characters at once

Fans resonate strongly with these fresh angles. One Redditor marvels at the Spartan IIIs and especially the SPI (Semi-Powered Infiltration) armor, saying the character of Kurt “just… the feels you catch from Kurt” makes the book “such a fantastic book!”

With its unique cast, high-stakes storyline, and Forerunner mystery, Ghosts of Onyx stands as a compelling pivot in Halo lore—essential reading for collectors and fans eager to understand the franchise’s evolving mythology.

Product Details

• Title: Halo: Ghosts of Onyx

• Author: Eric Nylund

• Series Placement: 4th Halo novel, following First Strike; leads into Halo: Glasslands

• Publisher (Original): Tor Books, October 31, 2006 (US/UK)

• Pages: ~384 (original paperback) Wikipedia

• Formats: Paperback; later reprinted trade paperback by Gallery Books (April 9, 2019) with 432 pages

• ISBN: 0-7653-1568-8 (original paperback); 978-1982111670 (Gallery Books 2019)