Attack on Titan: Before the Fall (Novel)

Attack on Titan: Before the Fall (進撃の巨人 Before the fall) is the first of three light novels, in the Attack on Titan: Before the Fall novel series. It is written by Ryō Suzukaze and illustrated by Thores Shibamoto. It has been licensed by Vertical and was released in English on September 16, 2014, almost three years after its original Japanese release date of December 2, 2011.

The novel along with the other Before the Fall novels would later be adapted into a manga series by Satoshi Shiki.

Plot
Before the fall, and before the trials of "the Titan's son" Kyklo, a young smith by the name of Angel Aaltonen grappled with the giants as only a craftsman could...

The first of the three-part Before the Fall light novels, whose second and third installments have been adapted into a manga of the same name (available stateside from Kodansha Comics), this prequel of prequels details the origins of the devices that humanity developed to take on the mysterious Titans.

Prologue
In Shiganshina District, Angel Aaltonen admires the sight of Wall Maria before encountering Maria Carlstedt, a soldier of the Garrison. Together they await the return of the Survey Corps from the recent expedition, along with Angel's friend and Maria's fiancé Solm Hume. The order is given to open the gate as the Corps rushes in, and the sudden sound of cannonfire alerts them and the townsfolk of the Titans following behind. Elena Mansell searches for her husband Heath amidst the soldiers as Angel wonders whether his cannons have killed the pursuing Titans. Shortly afterward, the heads of several fallen Survey Corps soldiers soar over Wall Maria, landing gorily in the streets of Shiganshina and sending all nearby into a panic. Jorge Piquer, Commander of the Survey Corps, attempts to rally the panicking troops within the district as rain begins to fall.