Halo: Evolutions, due out on November 24th, is an extended look at the Halo universe through the eyes of popular science fiction and fantasy authors, along with several members of Microsoft's 343 Industries' staff. On the author side we get stories from Karen Traviss of Star Wars: Republic Commando fame, The Last Days author B.K. Evenson, and comic book writer Fred Van Lente.

The 343 Industries team responsible for the Halo game franchise delivers stories from franchise director Frank O'Connor, managing editor Kevin Grace, and Robert McLees, a writer on the first three Halo games as well as the upcoming Halo: Reach.

"We sought out writers who came to the table with an obvious passion for Halo and amazing story ideas." says Eric Raab, Tor editor. "We got stuff for every kind of Halo fan from straight up action with the Master Chief to glimpse into the Elite mindset post Halo 3, and some really cool explorations of some other familiar faces like Cortana, the Gravemind, and Admiral Preston Cole, and some awesome new stuff that wander into unexplored territory of the Halo mythos."

The only books I love more than video game novels that explore untold back-story is anthologies of stories that do the same thing. Makes for an extremely bathroom-friendly read. Check out the full list of contributors below, along with a nice shot of the book's cover, so you know what to look for.

TOBIAS S. BUCKELL, the New York Times bestselling author of HALO: The Cole Protocol and Sly Mongoose.

B.K. EVENSON, the Edgar and Horror Guild International nominated author of Last Days and The Open Curtain.

JONATHAN GOFF, writer and artist with 343 Industries.

KEVIN GRACE, writer and Managing Editor of 343 Industries.

ROBT McLEES, Bungie game developer and writer on Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2 and Halo 3, as well as the upcoming Halo: Reach.

ERIC NYLUND, the New York Times bestselling author of Halo: The Fall of Reach and Halo: Ghosts of Onyx, and most recently a new non-Halo series that begins with Mortal Coils.

FRANK O'CONNOR, the Franchise Director for Halo at 343 Industries.

ERIC RAAB, writer, and Tor editor of the Halo novels since 2004.

KAREN TRAVISS, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of her own Wess'har series as well as Star Wars and Gears of War novels.

JEFF VANDERMEER & TESSA KUM: Vandermeer is the World Fantasy award-winning writer of City of Saints and Madman as well as Shriek: An Afterword and Finch. Kum is the author of 7wishes and editor for Weird Tales and the Best American Fantasy series.

FRED VAN LENTE, the New York Times bestselling author of Incredible Hercules (with Greg Pak) and Marvel Zombies 3, as well as Cowboys and Aliens and the upcoming Marvel comic series Halo: Blood Line.

Halo: Evolutions presents fans of Halo literary fiction a little light reading to help them pass the time before Greg Bear's Halo trilogy kicks off in 2010. Tor has lined up a slew of bestselling authors, from series veterans Eric Nylund and Tobias Buckell, to newcomer Karen Traviss, whose Star Wars: Republic Commando and Gears of War novels have been some of the best gaming-themed reads ever produced.

"The chance to explore corners of the Halo universe, whether obscure or popular, is something we are always excited to do, but the chance to shine light on these dark corners with the talents of these wonderful luminaries, is a pleasure indeed," says Frank O'Connor, Franchise Development Director, 343 Industries. "The combination of fresh eyes and old hands guarantees a brilliant continuation of a Halo tradition."

And let's face it, a few of the Halo books have been a bit dense. It should be nice to have a bunch of bite-sized, easily digestible stories to keep us company over the winter holidays.

As this novel is a direct sequel to Gears 2, those of you who haven't finished it yet might want to hurry the hell up. The rest, read on.

Jacinto's remnant picks up after the destruction of humanity's last bastion on the planet Sera, with the refugees from Jacinto finding themselves struggling against the icy wilderness as well as the remaining Locust, which are understandably very angry. Only Marcus Fenix and his merry band of muscle-bound Gears can find a safe haven for the dregs of humanity.

"Karen Traviss has outdone herself once again," said Rod Fergusson, executive producer, Epic Games. "JACINTO'S REMNANT not only answers the question of what happens after the events of Gears 2, it also provides greater insight into the Gears of War universe and a deeper understanding of its characters. We hope players of the games and discerning readers alike will enjoy this ongoing tale of humanity's fight for survival."

Traviss' first Gears book, Aspho Fields, was one damn fine read, and I can't think of anyone I'd rather have continue the Gears saga than the woman behind the Star Wars: Republic Commando novels.

Gears of War: Jacinto's Remnant should be in stores come July 28th.