Gears of War: The Slab | Paperback

I would like to warn people (gears fans) that this book doesn't tell anything about whats happening after the COG having defeated the locust. I'm not spoiling it at all if that's what your thinking.
It's a straight-up prequel, you have some of the main characters from previous books, the ones that aren't in are referenced a couple of times though. The new characters are quite good. This book explains the reasons why Marcus was sent to jail, being left to rot and how it affected him. Also why Adam Fenix was alive. It's well written, I couldn't put it down. I only hope that this isn't the last book, if their not going to make another game (unless it's a prequel) then I'd like to read more about the aftermath of defeated the locust in the next book.
All in all, characters aren't droll, good solid story and leaves wanting more at the finish.

Gears of War - The Slab, is the fifth and probably the final book in the Gears of War series. The Slab takes place before the events of Gears of War 1, detailing the events that resulted in Marcus' imprisonment in a maximum security prison known as The Slab. Unlike the other Gears of War books, there is no flashback story, with all events occurring within the same time frame. The book focuses mostly on Marcus and his awkward relationship with his father, Adam Fenix and his lover, Anya.
Not only Marcus is imprisoned though, as his father Adam is effectively a prisoner at the COG's secret retreat of Azura, where the top scientists are hoping to rescue and rebuild Sera.
The usual cast of Hoffman and Dom are present, but no Baird or Cole in this storyline, as this is set before Gears of War 1.
The Slab has a life expectancy of two years for inmates and it is not long before headstrong Marcus is getting into trouble. The book also details how Marcus receives his scar and despite living in prison with a community of criminals, he gradually learns to trust and be accepted by the other inmates and inevitably, he will sacrifice his freedom to save them from the dreaded Locust.
But Dom is not content with the trial of Marcus Fenix and will do whatever he can to rescue his 'brother', even if he has to resort to illegal methods.
The book is 608 pages long, which is slightly longer than Coalition's End. The book itself sheds little to no new infomation about the world of Sera to the hardcore Gears fans, but it is an enjoyable read nonetheless. Another masterpiece from Karen Travis.

Fascinating prequel to the 1st game, gives insight and depth to all the characters you know and love. Would have given this five stars but the proof-reader needs sacking...there are a few printing errors which are rather annoying