In a technical sense i only read 3 out of the first 4 books, because i'm not sure which one, but the one by William c deitz was such a bore to me, because it was a like an overplayed version of the first halo game. But the others written by the Nolan or Nylan guy were very well done and beautifully orchestrated books. Very good series, when im not too worried about my financial situation ill take a seat and read the other books that have come out.