FICTION

The Orphan Army

by Jonathan MABERRY
400p. (The Nightsiders: Bk. 1). S. & S. May 2015. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9781481415750. LC 2014014576.
COPY ISBN
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.
Reviewed by Chad Lane, Easton Elementary, Wye Mills, MD
In a dystopic America ravaged by monstrous alien Bugs, eleven-year-old Louisiana boy Milo teams up with also-beleaguered magical creatures such as werewolves, dryads, and witches (the Nightsiders) to challenge the invaders. The pace and plot are uneven: at times overly talky and descriptive, at others full of action. But the mix of science fiction and fantasy is original, and Milo is a character worth following.
, Mar 01, 2015

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Hoot Hoot
by Georgette
BOOKS

My Dinosaur Shoes
by Tassopoulos Wehner, Eleni
BOOKS

The Smushkins: ABC Zoinks
by Rueda, Claudia
BOOKS

Our World: Vietnam
by Tran-Davies, Nhung
BOOKS

Happy Chinese New Year, Little Red Panda
by Wood, Amanda
BOOKS

One Night In Bethlehem
by Lord, Jill Roman
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?