Six years ago, the alien Swarm rrifying, humongous robotic bugs vaded Earth. Now, 11-year-old Milo Silk, his mom, friends Lizabeth and Shark, and the Earth Alliance are trying to survive and fight back. In the meantime, Milo's eerie dreams of worsening Bug attacks, his missing dad, and the cryptic Witch of the World are becoming increasingly prophetic. Then Milo meets the Nightsiders, supernatural beings also battling the Bugs, including feisty and mysterious Evangelyne, wood spirit Oakenayl, sprite Halflight, and stone boy Mook. All intensifies when Milo's camp is viciously attacked, and Milo encounters the Huntsman, a human-alien-insect hybrid with sinister schemes. With much at stake for themselves and others, Milo and the Nightsiders must unite and enact a dangerous plan before it's too late. 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. Interspersing Milo's "Dream Diary" entries, exciting action and suspense, and hints of continuing adventures, this Nightsiders series launcher will draw fantasy and sci-fi fans, who'll anticipate the sequel.

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