Lately the Forerunner aspect of the universe has just captivated my mind, even more so then the "present" games. I thought it was mentioned somewhere that 343 and Bear could put out more Forerunner novels if there was a great enough interest in it. I sincerely hope that becomes the case. "Cryptum" and "Silentium" (and to a lesser degree "Primordium") both captured my imagination like no previous work of Halo fiction. They brought back the sense of awe and wonder and deep-seated imminent terror that I haven't felt since Halo: Combat Evolved. I absolutely love this trilogy of novels (not to mention the Terminals).

Second is definitely the story of the Arbiter, but the Elites in general also factor in. I'm fascinated by them, and I think it's due in no small part to my love of Dinosaurs as a kid. After Halo 3, I (and many people) thought we'd see an epic team-up of Humans and Sangheili, policing the galaxy for the last remaining Prophets and Brutes. I always kind of knew that was an unrealistic hope fictionally speaking, but at least a period of peace and slowly working towards better relations would have been nice. I'm deeply concerned what plans 343 has for them, and the Arbiter in particular, considering Glasslands/Thursday War.

Lastly the Flood.. Somewhat tied to my first point, but with what we have learned about them in the Forerunner novels.. well I won't post spoilers here, but "deep-seated imminent terror" doesn't even begin to describe it after Silentium.