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{{Title|''Halo: Empty Throne'' - Halopedia Reviews}}

[[File:Halo Empty Throne Cover.jpg|thumb|300px|The cover of ''Halo: Empty Throne''.]]
The staff at [[Halopedia]] are happy to present our fifth review of a ''[[Halo]]'' [[Halo novels|novel]], this time on ''[[Halo: Empty Throne]]'' by [[Jeremy Patenaude]]. While the novel was released about one month ago (at the time of publishing this article) and we allow any of its content to be posted to the site, we have ensured that the first half of this review is spoiler-free, with only a few allusions to topics covered in the Chapter 2 preview officially released prior to the novel. You can safely read the first five questions if you have yet to complete the novel yourself, but make sure to avoid the second set of questions and the summary section!

Given that collaboration between people of varied opinions and backgrounds is core to the concept of a wiki, our review consists of a number of talking points with multiple editors giving their thoughts individually. This time, we've got Halopedia staff members XXXXXXX, XXXXXXX, and XXXXXXX!

Please note that the Halopedia team were provided promotional copies of the ''Empty Throne'' audiobook, though were not asked by [[Halo Studios]], [[Microsoft]], or any other party to produce this review, nor were we asked to promote or praise the book.

If you would like to experience the novel for yourself, you can find it at [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Halo-Empty-Throne/Jeremy-Patenaude/Halo/9781668052129 Simon & Schuster], Amazon ([https://a.co/d/6OZvGIy US] or [https://amzn.eu/d/ie0EJXt UK]), [https://forbiddenplanet.com/443562-halo-empty-throne/?utm_medium=fp-share Forbidden Planet], [https://www.waterstones.com/book/halo-empty-throne/jeremy-patenaude/9781835414071 Waterstones], and [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/halo-jeremy-patenaude/1144227330?ean=9781668052129 Barnes & Noble].

==Spoiler-Free Questions==
===Question 1===
''''What are your overall thoughts on ''Halo: Empty Throne''? Was it what you expected?'''''

*'''TheArb1ter117''': Going into ''Empty Throne'', I legitimately had no clue what to expect aside from its setting toward the end of the [[Created]]'s rule and the plethora of characters revealed to be making an appearance. Given the confirmation of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''{{'}}s crew and [[Gray Team]] in the novel, I was hoping for joint operations between the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] and the [[UNSC]] to be a major facet of the story. ''Empty Throne'' certainly did not disappoint in that aspect, and I really enjoyed the novel overall.

*'''BaconShelf''': When ''Empty Throne'' and its cover were first revealed, I have to admit that I was somewhat sceptical of the premise: [[Spartan]]s being father figures to children and scrambles over [[Forerunner]] macguffins are certainly well-trodden ground for ''Halo''{{'}}s expanded universe at this point. The character reveals at HWC2024 piqued my interest more, with the return of [[Sali 'Nyon]] and the crew of ''Shadow of Intent'', alongside the announcement of the return of [[space warfare|space combat]] to the ''Halo'' books, something that the series has gone without since [[2008]]. Since then, my interest in the novel grew a lot and with the final release I can definitely say that it's beat any of my expectations out of the [[water]]. My initial worries that it was going to be a safe and somewhat bland ''Halo'' story that we've already seen a dozen times were definitely placated to some extent, and in retrospect this novel has done for the wider ''Halo'' setting what we should have had back in [[2011]]. Overall, I certainly have quibbles here and there, but I think we're in a place where the ''Halo'' novels are consistently putting out hit after hit right now, and similar to ''[[Halo: Outcasts|Outcasts]]'' and ''[[Halo: Epitaph|Epitaph]]'', my only real major complaint is that this is the kind of worldbuilding and setting-exploration we needed after ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'', if not earlier.

*'''Sith Venator''': My overall thoughts are I really enjoyed it! I was initially a bit dismissive of the premise of the book due to ''Outcasts'' and ''Epitaph'' covering such similar ground, but I'm glad I gave [[Jeremy Patenaude|Jeremy]] a chance and let him cook.

===Question 2===
[[File:HM - SOI.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Tul 'Juran (center right) and Rtas 'Vadum (right) fighting Tem'Bhetek (left) during the events of ''Halo: Shadow of Intent''.]]
'''''In October 2024, it was revealed that ''Halo: Empty Throne'' would be bringing back several popular characters that fans have not seen in while, including Gray Team, Serin Osman, Terrence Hood, Black-Box, Sali 'Nyon, Rtas 'Vadum, and Tul 'Juran. Without spoiling anything, which of these returning characters did you most enjoy? Why?'''''

*'''TheArb1ter117''': My top two returning characters weren't among those revealed to be in the novel prior to its release, so I'll go with my third choice, which is sort of cheating because it's the entirety of Gray Team. But as the book itself acknowledges, [[Spartan-II]]s often act like a singular entity, so I think it counts. I've always liked Gray Team since ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', but it wasn't until reading ''Empty Throne'' that I truly fell in love with them. The chemistry between them and the other people they interact with feels uniquely refreshing. They value comradery with those fighting alongside them even when the sentiment is not reciprocated, and it leads to some interesting interactions and character development that I can't go into without sharing spoilers.

*'''BaconShelf''': For me, the ''Shadow of Intent'' crew really stole the show insofar as the returning cast from previous novels. Getting to see the world through [[Tul 'Juran]]'s eyes was always fun, and Patenaude did a great job of exploring her alien perspective compared to humanity and even her fellow [[Sangheili]] without going into comic-levels of ridiculousness. To address the inverse, I was slightly disappointed that 'Nyon didn't play a huge role in the book, but overall I think it's safe to say that each of the ''many'' storylines in the novel could (and maybe should) have been a dedicated book in themselves; ''Empty Throne'' is one of the longest ''Halo'' novels to date and still feels like it has enough material in there for a trilogy, at least.

*'''Sith Venator''': While I'm tempted to say the ''Shadow of Intent'' crew or even Gray Team, I'm actually going to go with [[Serin Osman]] and [[Black-Box]]. Shocking coming from me since I don't particularly vibe with the [[Kilo-Five Trilogy]]. I'll talk about them more in a spoiler question since the reason I like them more in this novel is definitely not spoiler-free.

===Question 3===
'''''Since the reveal of the novel's official summary, it was evident that ''Halo: Empty Throne'' would be set during the twilight hours of Cortana's reign over the galaxy, tying into ''Halo Infinite'' and other stories from that time period. Do you feel that this novel tied into the existing media in a satisfactory way? Without going into specifics, what aspects of the universe do you think it did the best at fleshing out?'''''

*'''TheArb1ter117''': With the release of ''Empty Throne'', I feel that the picture of the galaxy during the rule of the Created has been made satisfyingly complete while also hinting at what might be the next steps for the overall story of the ''Halo'' universe in the years to come. In particular, I think this novel does a great job of portraying the state of the UNSC and humanity as a whole during this time, explaining [[Cortana]]'s reach throughout the galaxy and the methods used to avoid being detected by the [[archon]].

*'''BaconShelf''': I've always been very critical of ''Halo 5: Guardians'' and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'', so when I say that this book (in combination with the other novel releases from the last 4-5 years) has really kickstarted and maintained my interest for the new Halo Studios era of the franchise, it should hopefully indicate how highly I think of the new novel. Really, I find it difficult to talk about ''Empty Throne'' without also including ''Outcasts'' in the conversation, as the two are tied at the hip in a really satisfying way, telling alternate halves of a broader story; how does the galaxy react to the Created as a whole? I think it's a testament to the wider HS Franchise Team that they've been able to salvage so much from the less-than-satisfactory hands they've been given to work with from the past few main games.

*'''Sith Venator''': Very much so! This novel gels super well with ''Outcasts'' and a lesser extent ''Epitaph''. In my opinion, it does an excellent job of just planet hopping so we can see what the galaxy is like under Created rule. Turns out—depending on where you are and how quiet you are—it isn't that bad. The novel also has some very nice space combat sections featuring large warships which should make the [[Eric Nylund|Nylund]] fans very happy.

[[File:Halo Escalation Library Edition Volume 2 full.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The cover art of ''Halo: Escalation Library Edition Volume #2''.]]
===Question 4===
'''''Are there any other pieces of ''Halo'' media that you think fans need to play, read, or watch before picking up ''Halo: Empty Throne''? Or any that you think would simply enhance the reading experience?'''''

*'''TheArb1ter117''': To be honest, ''Empty Throne'' has so many connections to past media that will go unnoticed unless you've read like half of ''Halo''{{'}}s catalog of novels. However, that isn't to say that it's necessary to read so many books before diving in to this one; at the very least, I recommend reading ''Outcasts'' and playing ''Halo Infinite'' first. Still, there are several great returning characters that I feel like you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you don't first read ''[[Halo: Shadow of Intent]]'', ''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]'', and ''[[Halo: Envoy]]''.

*'''BaconShelf''': I don't think it'll be a surprise to anyone that ''Empty Throne''{{'}}s premise pretty tightly revolves around building up the opening of ''Halo Infinite''. To that degree, that game and the aforementioned ''Halo: Outcasts'' are fairly good things to have in mind in the background. Otherwise, Patenaude is a very long-time fan and contributor to ''Halo'' and the more you know, the more you'll get out of little nuggets of info pulled from some pretty obscure places. While I could certainly list a dozen or more comics and other novels, I think that the book does a pretty great job of bringing the reader up to speed on things like who and why [[Sali 'Nyon]] is, and so forth.

*'''Sith Venator''': Like everyone else, I'm going to say ''Infinite'' and ''Outcasts''. There's connections to probably at least half the books or comics in this novel, so sticking with those two is probably best for simplicity's sake. 

===Question 5===
'''''For fans who haven't read many (or any) of the previous ''Halo'' novels and are unsure if they should read ''Halo: Empty Throne'' next (or even start their journey into the ''Halo'' novels with it), what advice would you give to them? For the fans who ''have'' read many of the previous ''Halo'' novels, which novels would you say feel most like ''Empty Throne''?'''''

*'''TheArb1ter117''':

*'''BaconShelf''': As ever, for someone interested in getting into ''Halo'' novels, I'm always going to recommend you start with ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' and [[The Original Series]] in order. The first book was written at a time where ''no'' ''Halo'' media had been released yet, and so couldn't assume any amount of foreknowledge from anyone about anything. ''Empty Throne'' is great if you already have some preexisting knowledge of the series (especially the expanded universe), but it's also introducing and juggling a lot of characters, plots, locations, and things, that might be pretty overwhelming as an introductory piece.

*'''Sith Venator''': Per my more recent attitude there's enough ''Halo'' content out there now I just recommend jumping in and going back to the starting point if you have the time. You don't need to know Grey Team blew up [[Glyke]] to know what their deal is in ''Empty Throne''. As for which novels feel the most similar, possibly ''[[Halo: Envoy]]'', but that might just be because both books involve most characters that I would say don't have any plot armor at all.

==Spoiler Questions==
{{Spoiler/begin}}
===Question 6===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''While ''Halo: Empty Throne'' is  Jeremy Patenaude's first ''Halo'' novel, it comes as no surprise that it was filled to the brim with connections to lore all throughout ''Halo''{{'}}s rich history, given his former role as franchise writer. What were some particular connections, references, and long-awaited revelations that stood out to you?'''''


*'''TheArb1ter117''':

}}

===Question 7===
{{Spoiler|1=
[[File:Enc22 GreyTeam.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Gray Team circa 2559.]]
'''''Are there any other specific moments, characters, settings, or other elements of ''Halo: Empty Throne'' that you particularly enjoyed or want to highlight?'''''

'''TheArb1ter117''':

}}

===Question 8===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''SUGGESTIONS WELCOME'''''


'''TheArb1ter117''':

}}

===Question 9===
{{Spoiler|1=
[[File:HINF-Createdoccupation.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Concept art of a Created-occupied human city.]]
'''''Combining this novel with the stories told in ''Halo: Outcasts'', ''Halo: Epitaph'' and several other recent novels, fans now have a relatively complete picture of the state of the galaxy around the end of Cortana's reign. Do you think opportunities still remain to continue to story of the Created, or do you expect future media to start focusing on the state of the galaxy post-Created?'''''


'''TheArb1ter117''':

}}

===Question 10===
{{Spoiler|1=
'''''Unlike the last ''Halo'' novel which seemed to shut the book on a major storyline (that of the Ur-Didact's character arc), ''Halo: Empty Throne'' has introduced a few plot threads that could be followed up on in later media. Which treads are you most interested in seeing continued? Would you like a direct sequel to ''Empty Throne'' down the line?'''''

'''TheArb1ter117''':

}}

{{Spoiler/end}}

==Summary==
Ultimately, we at Halopedia... We have agreed on giving the book a rating of '''   /10'''!

This concludes our fourth review of a ''Halo'' novel! We will be continuing this with [[Kelly Gay]]'s ''[[Halo: Edge of Dawn]]'' later this year, so any feedback on the format and content of this review is appreciated! In the meantime, you can check out our reviews of ''Halo: Divine Wind'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: Divine Wind|here]]), ''Halo: The Rubicon Protocol'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: The Rubicon Protocol|here]]), ''Halo: Outcasts'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: Outcasts|here]]), and ''Halo: Epitaph'' ([[News:Halopedia Reviews: Epitaph|here]]).

We'll leave you with some ''Halo: Empty Throne''-themed memes originating from Halopedia staff discussions about the novel, arranged in order of appearance: 

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