How very odd. Back in January we reported that Steven L. Kent, author of the Clone series and The Ultimate History Of Video Games would be penning a series of novels based on Gears of War, but now Del Rey has announced an entirely different sort of clone author for the series. Karen Traviss, who wrote the excellent Star Wars: Republic Commando series of novels. No offense to Mr. Kent, but my excitement level just kicked up a notch.

?Playing Gears of War is a kick-ass experience,? said Del Rey editor Keith Clayton, ?And the Gears of War books should remain true to the spirit of the game. I?m happy to announce that the marriage of Karen Traviss and chainsaw bayonets is a match made in heaven?or hell, if you happen to be a Locust drone.?

The first novel, Gears of War: The Battle Of Aspho Fields will go on sale October 28th, exploring the relationship between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. Let's just hope there's no kissing involved. Hit the jump for more info.

EPIC GAMES AND DEL REY ANNOUNCE NOVELS IN THE GEARS OF WAR VIDEO GAME UNIVERSE

NEW YORK, NY ? July 21, 2008 ? Epic Games, Inc. and Del Rey, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House Publishing Group, announced today that Del Rey will publish three novels set in the gritty world of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Gears of War video game series. The first novel, GEARS OF WAR: THE BATTLE OF ASPHO FIELDS, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss, will go on sale October 28, 2008. The Gears of War 2 video game, the highly anticipated sequel to the genre-defining third-person shooter that won over 30 game of the year awards, will be released worldwide exclusively for the Xbox 360? on November 7, 2008.

In GEARS OF WAR: THE BATTLE OF ASPHO FIELDS, the last human stronghold on Sera braces itself for another onslaught from the Locust Horde, as ghosts come back to haunt Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago. For Marcus ? decorated war hero, convicted traitor ? the return of an old comrade threatens to dredge up an agonizing secret he's sworn to keep. As the beleaguered soldiers of the Coalition of Ordered Governments take a last stand to save humankind from extermination, the harrowing decisions made at Aspho Fields have to be relived and made again. Marcus and Dom can take anything the Locust Horde throws at them ? but will their friendship survive the truth about Dom?s brother Carlos?

?After finishing the first Gears of War game, players were left wanting to know more about Delta Squad and the events leading up to Emergence Day,? said Epic Games? president Michael Capps. ?This trilogy of novels opens up whole new worlds of storytelling opportunities, and will add even more context to the upcoming comic book series, game sequel and motion picture. We loved Karen Traviss? work on the Republic Commando series, and we can?t wait to get her Gears book to our fans.?

?Playing Gears of War is a kick-ass experience,? said Del Rey editor Keith Clayton, ?And the Gears of War books should remain true to the spirit of the game. I?m happy to announce that the marriage of Karen Traviss and chainsaw bayonets is a match made in heaven?or hell, if you happen to be a Locust drone.?