Milo’s Louisiana bayou is overrun with alien bug invaders and magical creatures in this start to a breathtaking series from bestselling author Jonathan Maberry. In a world filled with Bugs—monsters that ceaselessly ravage the Earth—Milo Silk has a hard time keeping his dreams separate from reality. So he keeps them locked up in his dream journal and hopes they’ll never come to pass. But too often, they do—like when his father disappeared three years ago. Lately, the Witch of the World has been haunting his dreams, saying he is destined to be the hero who saves everyone. But all Milo can think about is how he fears the Bugs will attack his own camp, and bring something even more terrible than ever before. What Milo doesn’t know is that the Earth is already fighting back with its own natural power in the form of Nightsiders, magical creatures who prefer shadows to sunlight and who reside in trees, caves, and rivers. And the Nightsiders are ready to find an ally in Milo… Gr 5–8—Milo Silk is not a hero. This mantra of Milo's, repeated throughout much of this series opener, couldn't be further from the truth. In a slightly futuristic world, where ruthless insectlike monsters are exterminating humans and the Earth itself, Milo discovers secrets that change the tides of war in a serious way. The Nightsiders are a group of mystical beasts leading the fight to defend Earth and its inhabitants from the maleficent Bugs, led by the fantastic Evangelyne Winter. This story is told with all of the skill that Maberry brought to his "Rot & Ruin" series (S. & S.). Readers will instantly take to Milo, as well as Evangelyne and the other Nightsiders. The story flows well, and though it ends with a cliff-hanger, it is satisfying. Underlying themes center on conservation and bravery. VERDICT A must-have for fans of Maberry's previous books and middle grade sci-fi.—Chad Lane, Easton Elementary, Wye Mills, MD “Hold on tight to this book because Jonathan Maberry’s Nightsiders: The Orphan Army will take you on a breathtaking sci-fi adventure that’s loaded with mystery, mayhem and imagination. There’s a surprise on every page and full throttle action from beginning to end. Best of all, this first volume is only the beginning!” -- D.J. MacHale, New York Times bestselling author of Pendragon and The SYLO Chronicles "Fast, frightful, and fantastic--a faery story like no other." -- Dan Abnett, writer of the Guardians of the Galaxy comic for Marvel "Maberry's prowess in fiction as well as comic books is evident in his well-crafted story, which balances over-the-top battle scenes with the quiet moments between characters that give substance to what could be a heartless thriller. This first book in an explosive new series is the perfect mix of science fiction and magic." ― Kirkus, starred review "This story is told with all of the skill that Maberry brought to his “Rot & Ruin” series...A must-have for fans of Maberry’s previous books and middle grade sci-fi." ― School Library Journal "Maberry skillfully blends postapocalyptic warfare with supernatural adventure, presenting memorable characters and a tense narrative...a strong start to what looks to be a highly entertaining story line." ― Publishers Weekly "In this fast-paced, compelling blend of old-school sci-fi, magic, environmental themes, and hero’s quest, Maberry introduces an everyday, likable protagonist who develops courage, confidence, and skills in a good-versus-evil battle...this Nightsiders series launcher will draw fantasy and sci-fi fans, who’ll anticipate the sequel." ― Booklist "The secret to becoming a hero is hidden between the pages of this unforgettable adventure.” -- Kami Garcia, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Beautiful Creatures "A sequel can’t come too soon for readers who will be eager to see what this unlikely team can accomplish." ― BCCB “It’s one thing to battle an invading army of high tech aliens, but it’s something quite different to do so in the swamps of Louisiana where the extraterrestrial bugs are not the strangest things in the woods. A tale of friendship, trust, and heroism, The Orphan Army is an electrifying thriller that builds to a climax as gripping as it is thoughtful and satisfying.” ― A.J. Hartley, New York Times bestselling author of Darwen Arkwright and Steeplejack. “Jonathan Maberry is a magician, a writer of great talent and versatility. From spooky fun to cinematic action to heartfelt character, he can do it all, and he does it with a sense of joy and enthusiasm that few writers can match!” ― Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Snowblind and The Cemetery Girl “The Nightsiders is heart-pounding action and a well-paced thriller from one of the masters of sci-fi and fantasy!” ― Melissa De La Cruz, #1 bestselling author of The Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel “You could use a lot of adjectives to describe Jonathan Maberry’s The Orphan Army. ‘Exciting,’ ‘surprising,’ ‘funny,’ ‘