In mid-February, a fresh addition to the Halo literary universe graced us, courtesy of Halo Studios, Simon & Schuster, and Xbox. This latest entry, Halo: Empty Throne, marks the debut novel of Jeremy Patenaude, who previously served as the franchise’s head writer. This tome is among the heftiest in the series, boasting 512 pages brimming with cherished characters and factions. The narrative is rooted in the latter part of 2559 through the early months of 2560, casting a spotlight on the broader cosmic happenings as Master Chief and the UNSC Infinity grappled with Zeta Halo. It intricately examines the roles of the UNSC, ONI, the Banished, the Created, and lingering Covenant forces. Given its place in the timeline relative to Halo Infinite and its pivotal revelations about various factions, it’s plausible that Empty Throne is setting the stage for multiple future Halo games.
For those who crave a dive into Empty Throne’s complex events, this novel serves as a direct sequel to earlier works like Halo: The Fall of Reach, Halo: Shadow of Intent, Halo: Fractures, and Halo: Envoy. It picks up a year after Cortana’s attempted dominion in Halo 5: Guardians. Earth’s quiet unease is palpable as Cortana looms over the planet, while Fleet Admiral Lord Terrence Hood and ONI Commander-in-Chief Serin Osman seek refuge on a concealed world. Meanwhile, the UNSC fleets and Swords of Sanghelios are embroiled in skirmishes against the Banished and the Created, all while pursuing runaway San’Shyuum from the Great Schism. Empty Throne also delves into Banished politics, particularly revolving around War Chief Severan, who’s been holding the fort in Atriox’s absence.
Bringing Hood and Osman back into action, Spartan-II and the Swords strike team Gray Team gear up for Operation: Bookworm. Their mission? To outmaneuver Cortana through an ancient Domain gateway known as Lithos on the planet Boundary. However, complicating matters further is the Order of Restoration, a revitalized Covenant faction spearheaded by the San’Shyuum, aiming to resurrect the old Covenant and unlock the Domain’s god-like powers. Under the watchful eyes of Captain Abigail Cole—daughter of the famed Vice Admiral Preston Cole—and Shipmaster Rtas ‘Vadum, the UNSC and Swords prepare for a showdown with the Order of Restoration on Boundary. But before the decisive battle can commence, Cortana decimates the Jiralhanae homeworld Doisac, compelling Severan to retaliate by storming Earth.
Severan, unlike any mere war chief, is Tartarus’ sole surviving heir, covertly aligned with San’Shyuum High Lord Dovo Nesto of the Order of Restoration. The conflict spirals when Severan launches an assault on Earth, catching the Guardians’ notice. Yet, everything changes with Cortana’s demise in Infinite. The Banished regroup, abandoning Earth for Boundary to lend aid to Sali ‘Nyon, “Hand of the Didact,” guarding the Order’s interests. The ensuing chaos results in Lithos’ destruction and Severan’s betrayal by Nesto. Determined but not defeated, Severan vows vengeance, as Nesto escapes with ambitions to advance the Order’s cause at Shield World Cloister, sanctuary to the San’Shyuum survivors.
We first encountered Shield World Cloister in Halo: Divine Wind, depicted as a refuge for the San’Shyuum as they awaited the Prophet of Truth’s intensions during Halo 3.
Halo: Empty Throne’s impact on the future of Halo games cannot be overstated. This novel ingeniously crafts a layered narrative backdrop for the series’ future installments, accentuating a cosmic conflict that extends beyond Infinite’s Endless threat. While whispers of upcoming titles like Halo 7 or a Combat Evolved remake persist, narrative specifics remain largely a mystery. Should Halo 7 materialize, it holds the potential to weave in Empty Throne’s events, with Severan and the Order of Restoration poised to be pivotal antagonists, potentially challenging Master Chief once more.
With the perceived losses of Atriox and War Chief Escharum, Severan might eventually locate Zeta Halo, leading a strike against Master Chief and the remnants of the UNSC Infinity. Portrayed as a part-cyborg following his Boundary setback, Severan could offer an exhilarating boss fight in Halo 7. Likewise, the Order of Restoration could seek dominion over Zeta Halo and the Endless, featuring familiar foes in novel combinations. Nesto’s hints at Cloister’s vast reserves of Forerunner technology could further drive the plot to Zeta Halo.
Should the main series neglect the threads woven in Empty Throne, a spinoff could serve to resolve its lingering conflicts. Fans eager for such an epic, united front between the UNSC and Elites against lingering threats would find it deeply satisfying. A potential spinoff game could bring beloved characters like Hood and Rtas back, alongside the much-requested return of playable Elites. This could unfold through multiple protagonists such as Jai-006, Severan, and Tul ‘Juran, each offering distinct campaign experiences reminiscent of Halo 2’s approach.
