The Orphan Army (1) (The Nightsiders)

Milo’s Louisiana bayou is overrun with alien bug invaders and magical creatures in this start to a breathtaking series that’s “the perfect mix of science fiction and magic” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) 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…

Kirkus, starred review

"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."

School Library Journal

“Rot & Ruin” series...A must-have for fans of Maberry’s previous books and middle grade sci-fi."

Publishers Weekly

"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."

Booklist

"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."

A.J. Hartley, New York Times bestselling author of Darwen Arkwright and Steeplejack.

“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.”

Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Snowblind and The Cemetery Girl

“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!”

Melissa De La Cruz, #1 bestselling author of The Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel

“The Nightsiders is heart-pounding action and a well-paced thriller from one of the masters of sci-fi and fantasy!”

BCCB

"A sequel can’t come too soon for readers who will be eager to see what this unlikely team can accomplish."

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Orphan Army Milo Silk wasn’t afraid of the monsters under his bed. He didn’t have a bed for monsters to hide under. Milo had a sleeping bag, and that was usually spread out on rocky ground up on Mount Driskill or on moist, buggy dirt in the swamplands along the Louisiana bayou. Sometimes he slept in a net hammock that dangled between a fuel truck and a tank with a crooked cannon. Besides, all of the monsters were way above him in their spaceships.

About the Author

Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling author, five-time Bram Stoker Award winner, and comic book writer. He writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, fantasy, and adventure; and he writes for adults, teens, and middle grade. His works include the Joe Ledger thrillers, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, The X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, Mars One, and many others. Several of his works are in development for film and TV, including V Wars, which is a Netflix original series. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including the X-Files books, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Hardboiled Horror, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, and others. He lives in Del Mar, California. Visit him at JonathanMaberry.com and on Twitter (@JonathanMaberry) and Facebook.

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