My feelings about New Blood are all over the place right now. On one hand, I enjoy the focused insight into one of Halo's lesser known leading figures. Buck's early life, his exploits throughout the Great War, and ultimately his relationship with Veronica Dare are explained in great detail. That was fantastic. Each little bit breathed new, substantial life into the universe. A lot of the action, especially with old Alpha-Nine, falls a little flat and such a lengthy summary of the events of ODST seem unnecessary in hindsight. So much of the imagery, however, is as clear as day. I appreciate that more than anything with the considerably foreign Forerunner and Covenant novels.

There were a few minor things that really caught my attention, some annoying, others disappointing, and the rest that I'll need time to wrap my head around. Noble Six's gender was an unnecessary addition for a character we could truly consider ourselves in the universe. Having to explain Buck's comment about a woman having "balls" was really gross and off-putting. Every major character in Halo being required to know each other remains to be annoying as hell considering the scope of the universe.

Lastly, the Rookie and his untimely demise. I totally get warriors falling in battle in seemingly insignificant ways. That's unavoidable. But the Rookie is not just your ordinary warrior. This guy is someone you played as for almost an entire game in a narrative that told us everything about everyone save for him. Bungie's love for silent protagonists and having 343 sit on this story arc for so long robbed us of what could have become a rich figure. Instead his brains are painted up, down, left, and right in Draco III's parliament. His only significant accomplishment as an actual human being is bringing everyone together at his burial in a grand display of feels. I don't know. Like I said before, I need to really think about this some more.

As for Mickey betraying Buck and Romeo, and defecting to the United Rebel Front? I thought the whole time that he'd end up trying to show the two of them that he was winking underneath his helmet. He'd lure all those rebel soldiers away from Sadie and Vergil, then they'd all escape in the transport he would pilot. I guess not. I suppose I can get on board with him being an Insurrectionist. Earth deserves no respect and I'd probably be just as willing to defect as him, but with Mickey, I don't know. Of course his parents would have imparted a lot of these anti-imperialist feelings in him. But being all subversive as he was? I just can't see that in him. Then again, maybe I didn't know him as well I could have, something his own comrades would share later on.

What you get in this novel is worth the small price tag. It has a little for everyone from action to mild romance, all the way to culture and espionage. Despite all its flaws, it was still great to see what some long forgotten characters have been up to. No matter how you feel about the newest Spartans, imperialism, rebellion, or any controversial characters, I encourage you to download New Blood.