Um, I'm a fan who hasn't read it, but through the Halo wikis and stuff, I know enough about it and Halo lore to know that the two don't exactly mesh. Check out the Iris campaign and transcripts of the Halo 3 terminals, both of which were written by Bungie back in the day and thus considered BY BUNGIE higher-level canon; certain facts from Cryptum directly contradict these two sources.
Again, going by the wikis here; take what I say with a grain of salt. :P For all I know, the actual quality of the book, regardless of canon, may be spectacular.
but HOW?
I thought the canon sort of clashed as well. However, the sequel revealed some interesting things that can reasonably fit in with established canon, including, among other things, the supposed death of the Didact before the terminals were made.
Borne By Storms
...Wait, does that mean the terminals were made AFTER the Halo Array was fired? 'Cause from what I've read, the Didact was the one who did that.
but HOW?
For anyone reading this nowadays, it turns out that there were two Didacts, with the copy being the one seen in 3's terminals. Additionally, the last book in the trilogy, Silentium, managed to tie Bear's and 343's new material with Bungie's original lore pretty neatly together.
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A Unique Bit of Halo Literature
Alright, I'll admit it, I may be a bit biased in this review. When I first heard "Forerunner Saga" my first thought was "For real? They're actually revealing things about the Forerunners? Oh hello Wilbur, how's the weather up there?". I was, in a word, "stoked". However, I'm going act professional, so I'll admit, it's not perfect.
Holy crap, but it's close.
I'd like to start off with something very important: this does not feel like Halo. Take that how you will, but I consider it a good thing; this series is primarily our gateway into the new era of Halo, and if it's anything like this book, I'll be even more "stoked". It's detailed, it's poignant, it uses words I haven't heard before but are surprisingly present in the English dictionary, and it's unique.
We see through the eyes of an adolescent Forerunner named Bornstellar Makes Eternal Lasting, a rebellious youth who finds his existence dreary, and so stows away on an earth-bound ship to seek treasure he believes is present there. He becomes acquainted with two guides, a young human after our own kind named Chakas, and a floresiensis (hobbit/Florian) named Riser. However, they soon find that their path has been predetermined by a Forerunner whose genius and influence is unparalleled, and together, they become embroiled in a story more ancient, unpleasant, and complicated than they could have ever dreamed. We are introduced to the true face of the Forerunners, the Flood, and, most importantly, the godlike race of beings known as the Precursors, while Bornstellar learns what price maturity can demand.
"Professional" reviewers commented that this book is for the "hardcore Halo fans". I think this is true. If you've just begun your foray into the world of Halo literature, let alone the games, it might be best to start with another book. But maybe that's what makes this novel so awesome for me: it's tailored toward Halo fans. There's only two things that might not endear you to it: it's a little short, and don't expect the fast-paced action of the other novels.
If you love Halo, and want to be treated to some mind-blowing reveals and truly awe-inspiring writing, I fully recommend you give this book a go.