Cryptum, by Greg Bear, is an interesting look into the pre-halo game history of Forerunners seen through the eyes of a very young Forerunner. The story takes us through a winding tale of a young Forerunner who goes against the grain and seeks to explore rather than be tied down by the traditions of Forerunner classes or rates. He was to be a “Builder.” Instead he goes off exploring for an ancient artifact and instead finds an old Cryptum. Not just any one though. It’s that of the Didact himself.

The Didact was perhaps the most powerful of the Warrior-Servant class and was/is married to the Librarian, the highest of the lifeworkers. When our young hero “Bornstellar” revives the Didact, they immediately begin a mission that would change the course of history for Forerunners and indeed all sentients.

Along with two humans, who against their will are taken along, Bornstellar and the Didact visit places from the Didact’s past. An age old “enemy” has escaped and another old enemy is soon to make a reappearance. It’s up to this band of Forerunners and Humans to figure out the truth of the situation. Before all can be revealed, the Didact mutates Bornstellar so that our young hero would have the memories of the elder Forerunner.

They meet up against the Master Builder, the highest of the highest Forerunners, who test one of the Halos against the San-Shyuum homeworld. The Didact is taken into custody, Bornstellar is returned to his home and family, and the whereabouts of the humans remains to be seen.

While home, Bornstellar learns more about the universe and specifically his father’s role in it. Bornstellar is summoned to appear before the council of Forerunners. The Halos have been brought to the Forerunner homeworld, the Master Builder is in custody and a possibly mad/rampant AI known as Mendicant Bias takes control of roughly half of the Halos.

All hell breaks loose when the Halos begin to charge up or flee. The Forerunner fleet comes for a rescue. However, before we find out the fate of the homeworld, Bornstellar and two council members flee and are transported through a wormhole with one of the Halos to the Ark.

There Bornstellar meets the Librarian…

There is more to know and understand in this novel. If you want to enjoy and learn more information about the Haloverse then this book and eventual series of three is a must buy. The writing style is a little wonky at times. However that may in part be due to the perspective of it coming from a Forerunner and the use of terms the casual fan won’t be familiar with.

There is a rich sense of history and order in this novel that gives into personal decisions.

I’d say more about the book, but I don’t want to ruin the surprise.

Book two “Primordium” is out now and I will be reviewing that soon. As soon as I finish Glasslands, a tale of the aftermath of the presumed ending of the Human-Covenant war.

I hope you enjoyed the synopsis and review and again if you haven’t read this book, then I highly recommend buying it and reading for yourself.

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-HFFL