HALO: Battle Born

Gr 7 Up—It was just a normal day on the human colony world Meridian. Saskia is yet again abandoned at home by her parents' top secret assignments from the United Nations Space Command (UNSC). Evie and Victor are arguing about the film they are creating, and holo-film star Dorian is on a boat about to play a gig with his band. Without warning, the Covenant attacks, and the town's survivors are ushered into shelters. Saskia, Dorian, Evie, and Victor find themselves in the middle of a battleground with few weapons. Luckily, they run into an injured Spartan who begrudgingly assists them in fighting the Covenant to save their town. This harrowing adventure is told in alternating viewpoints. The teen protagonists discover why the Covenant has attacked and must open the shelter and leave Meridian before their planet is demolished. Fans of the Halo video game franchise will recognize many concepts and creatures in this volume, such as Sangheili, Unggoy, Needler, and Glassing. However, Clarke offers just enough background information for readers unfamiliar with the "Halo" series to enjoy the story and be excited for the next installment.