Halo: The Fall of Reach is a 2001 science fiction novel by Eric Nylun based on the Halo series of video games and acts as a prequel to Halo: Combat Evolved, the first game in the series. It is set in the fictional Halo universe, taking place in the 26th century across several planets and locations. The novel details the events which led up to the game and explains the origins of the SPARTAN II super soldiers, narrating the story of the series protagonist, the Master Chief. The book was well received by critics who thought it added depth to the plot of the game but the large number of characters was highlighted as a shortcoming.