Halo: Broken Circle

Halo: Broken Circle is a Covenant-focused Halo novel written by John Shirley. It was released on November 4, 2014. The first half of the book takes place during the Covenant's infancy in 851 BCE. The latter half takes place during the Great Schism and is told from the perspective of a new character.

An online excerpt of the novel's first chapter was released on the Simon & Schuster website on October 26, 2014. Later, an online excerpt of the novel's prologue was released on Gallery Books's Facebook on October 28, 2014.

Plot synopsis
In a skirmish on the Planet of Blue and Red during the San'Shyuum-Sangheili War, High Lord Mken 'Scre'ah'ben commands forces on the planet. San'Shyuum scientists desperately attempt to uncover Forerunner artifacts before Sangheili assault teams outnumber them. During the battle, Mken takes notice to Ussa 'Xellus, a Sangheili field commander. As the San'Shyuum are forced to attack the Sangheili through orbital bombardment, Mken believes that he can use Ussa to create peace between the two species. Years later, during the Age of Reconciliation, three San'Shyuum—the Ministers of Relative Reconciliation and Kindly Subjection, and Mken who is now the Prophet of Inner Conviction and Minister of Relic Safety—meet in the Conference Deck of the Forerunner Dreadnought in the Chamber of Decision. They meet with the Sangheili Covenant Commissioners Viyo 'Griot and Loro 'Onkiyo. The five discuss the rebellion that is now being led by Ussa 'Xellus. The Sangheili assure the San'Shyuum that they will eliminate the insurgency, but the Prophet of Inner Conviction remarks that even if 'Xellus and his clan are killed, the idea will live on to inspire others.

Meanwhile, on the Sangheili mining colony of Creck, Ussa 'Xellus and his mate, Sooln, to recruit new members into their rebellion. When the two return to their vessel—Clan’s Blade—at a spaceport to leave the planet, they encounter ‘Crecka. ‘Crecka reveals that he wishes to join their rebellion. Despite Ussa's initial reluctance to work with the elderly Sangheili, ‘Crecka claims that years ago he had discovered Shield World 0673, a Forerunner world containing advanced technology that would be useful in Ussa's attempt at overthrowing the San'Shyuum. Eventually, the three Sangheili depart Creck and set course the the shield world. The Sangheili arrive at the shield world and enter its interior. Amazed at the shield world's ecosystem, they encounter the monitor of the installation, Enduring Bias. The monitor allows them to remain on the shield world, but demands to know their intents. Meanwhile, in the Nwari region located on Sanghelios' southern pole, the rest of the Xellus clan and its allies await Ussa's return. Tersa 'Gunok recalls 'Xellus warning the state of Xellus' residents to not trust the San'Shyuum. Shortly after, Covenant fighters attacked the state and forced Ussa to lead the survivors to Nwari. Ussa 'Xellus returns to their hideout and speaks with Ernicka the Scar-Maker. After identifying a Covenant spy within his group, Ussa and his allies prepare to leave Sanghelios for the shield world before the Covenant discovers them.

Production note
The novel's cover is illustrated by 343 Industries senior concept artist John Wallin Liberto, who previously created promotional and concept artwork for Halo 4 and Halo: Initiation.