We don't have a lot of time to tell story while the bullets are flying."[5] Staten considered the novel the perfect way to do the character of Sergeant Johnson – who was one-dimensional in the games – proper justice as a well-rounded character.[6] Replying to G4TV's question about writing action, Staten replied that he felt that writing "involves slowing things down", in comparison to a game of Halo.[7] The author also said that the work of his favorite science-fiction authors helped teach him the importance of honing a "strong, consistent voice".[4]