The Orphan Army

The Nightsiders #1

by Jonathan Maberry

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!

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Aliens, Fiction

400 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2015

About the author

JONATHAN MABERRY is a NYTimes bestselling author, #1 Audible bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award-winner, 4-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, comic book writer, and producer. He is the author of more than 50 novels, 190 short stories, 16 short story collections, 30 graphic novels, 14 nonfiction books, and has edited 26 anthologies. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-WARS, was a Netflix original series starring Ian Somerhalder. His 2009-10 run as writer on the Black Panther comic formed a large chunk of the recent blockbuster film, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. His bestselling YA zombie series, Rot & Ruin is in development for film at Alcon Entertainment; and John Wick director, Chad Stahelski, is developing Jonathan’s Joe Ledger Thrillers for TV. Jonathan writes in multiple genres including suspense, thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and action; and he writes for adults, teens and middle grade. His works include The Pine Deep Trilogy, The Kagen the Damned Trilogy, NecroTek, Ink, Glimpse, the Rot & Ruin series, the Dead of Night series, The Wolfman, X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate, The Sleepers War (with Weston Ochse), Mars One, and many others. He is the editor of high-profile anthologies including Weird Tales: 100 Years of Weird, The X-Files, Aliens: Bug Hunt, Out of Tune, Don’t Turn out the Lights: A Tribute to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Baker Street Irregulars, Nights of the Living Dead, Shadows & Verse, and others. His comics include Marvel Zombies Return, The Punisher: Naked Kills, Wolverine: Ghosts, Godzilla vs Cthulhu: Death May Die, Bad Blood and many others. Jonathan has written in many popular licensed worlds, including Hellboy, True Blood, The Wolfman, John Carter of Mars, Sherlock Holmes, C.H.U.D., Diablo IV, Deadlands, World of Warcraft, Planet of the Apes, Aliens, Predator, Karl Kolchak, and many others. He the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers, and the editor of Weird Tales Magazine. He lives in San Diego, California. Find him online at www.jonathanmaberry.com

Reviews

[Liviania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Jonathan Maberry's Rot and Ruin series is hugely popular, and I might've read the first book of the Nightsiders series for that alone. But I was truly drawn in by the illustrated cover. I love how detailed it is. The swampy background, Milo throwing a stone, Evangelyne using magic, and the shadow of a menacing claw - all pretty accurate to the book contents. (I cared so much about that sort of thing when I was in the proper age range.)

I do thing THE ORPHAN ARMY starts slow for a book aimed at the middle grade market. There is lots to set up: this Earth is being attack by Bugs and the humans are losing. Even the children are fighting in the war. (This is the justification to make eleven-year-old Milo part of the action, which is likely only believable to younger readers.) Milo has had strange dreams all his life, but his waking days get even weirder when he runs into a wolf and a girl while on patrol. However, it takes almost a hundred pages to get to the real action. The pace is helped along by the short chapters.

THE ORPHAN ARMY combines science fiction (the attacking aliens) with fantasy (the Nightsiders). As Milo finds out, many of the creatures humans tell stories about are real, and they're coming out of hiding to help fight the Bugs. Maberry knows how to create a high-stakes situation. Milo doesn't feel like he's a hero, but his dreams have been preparing him for this. He not only has to fight the Bugs, but also convince the Nightsiders that humans are worth working with and saving.

THE ORPHAN ARMY ends with a few tantalizing hints about what is to come. I'm sure those who enjoy the book will be eager to pick up the second volume in the Nightsiders series. I don't think this one is for me. It's very middle grade, with little crossover interest for adult readers. It is written on a simple level, and I just found the age of the protagonist too unbelievable. I'm getting old. I do have some younger relatives I think will love it. Scifi/fantasy with lots of action and no romance is right up their alley.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orphan Army is the first book of a series aimed at young readers, aged 8 to 12 according to the cover. Personally I think it's a terrible idea to put an age range like that on the cover because it puts off any teenager who would enjoy it from giving it a shot, and likewise discourage people selecting it for advanced seven year olds. It's quite long (almost 400 pages) for the average kid, and I believe some older readers would be fine with it. I also thought the cartoonish cover made it look aimed at kids a little too young. Anyway, it's a very good kid-centric book; the protagonist is eleven, and most of the other characters seem to be about the same age. Maberry has taken some of the tropes and standards from the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and horror (and I suspect video games, too, perhaps) and blended them together in a fast-paced and exciting tale. It reminded me of the way that kids will take random pieces of sporting equipment and rules and bits of things from their garages in the summer and make up their own imaginative games. You know, you get a first down when you hit the hockey puck into the net with the badminton racquet after you touch two bases and a tire with the green flag... the kind of thing that makes perfect sense when you're enjoying the summer sunshine with your friends. He has done an excellent job of blending suspense, humor, and excitement into an interesting story. I was pleased to win a copy in a Goodreads giveaway, and recommend it highly for kids on rainy summer days.

[Lola Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of ideas going on in Jonathan Maberry's first book for middle grade readers. It's dystopian fiction with sci fi aliens, preternatural creatures, fantasy fey, and possibly a supernatural ghost. BUT, I really liked it. Maberry puts all of these elements together into a story that fits any and all of these genres wonderfully. There's tons of action that keeps the story moving along and, so far, no romance among the 11-12 yr. old main characters. THANK GOODNESS!

[Sarah Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun! I'm trying to read more middle grade and I'm glad I picked this one up. Really enjoyed this one.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I am 2 for 2 with Jonathan Maberry. He generally writes for a younger audience, but I absolutely loved his Rot and Ruin series. When I picked this up at Comic Con I actually didn't even realize it was Maberry at first--I just saw a free book and grabbed it. It wasn't until I got home and started going through my spoils that I paid closer attention and got excited about the author.

Even then, I waited a long time to read it. The cover doesn't do much for me and it definitely seemed geared toward younger kids. The day I finally decided to read it, it was because I knew I was going to be sitting around basically all day and wouldn't be distracted by other things (like TV or videogames or the outside world). Guess how surprised I was that I loved this!? I definitely judged the book by its cover despite loving this author's previous series.

It's exactly what the description gives you, but very well executed. The bugs were very reminiscent of Starship Troopers. The fantasy element was great because it was an amalgamation of different spirits. It had nymphs and fire lizards and werewolves and all kinds of things that I so wish were real. Plus our bad guy was a crazy sociopath who played his part perfectly. I wasn't a huge fan of the whole slingshot thing, but other than that I was fully on board with everything here. I'd happily read the second in the series.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. It was okay, I guess. Some of the plot holes, while addressed by the author, were kinda flimsy. "I don't understand it but they're magic so I guess that's why." But on the other hand the book didn't feel very magical. It seems like the author wanted to combine sci-fi and fantasy, but it just felt sci-fiy more than anything. Maybe if I were a 12 year old I would have enjoyed it better. Definitely a middle reader book. I only read it because one of my students wanted to write about it. I will not be reading on in the series.

[Dan Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads "First Reads" program. When I first saw the book listed I thought it might be interesting for my 5th grade students to read. Then, when I received the book, I thought there was no way I was going to enjoy it. I mean, science fiction in a futuristic world where bugs many times larger than any we know, are attacking the earth. Come on, what is there that even sounds remotely enjoyable about this? It's just weird and freaky. Now, having finished it this morning, all I can say is OMG! This book was amazing with "can't put it down" action throughout. I can't even remember when the last time I've been this wrong about a book. Milo, Shark, Lizabeth, and Barnaby have all they can do to scavenge the debris from another bug attack, keep themselves safe from being found and killed by the bugs themselves, and still be kids just trying to have a "normal" existence. All the while Milo keeps having dreams in which he sees events which prove to be prophetic. Now, he's got to try keeping himself and his friends from being destroyed AND figure out how he can even possibly be a hero. For that's what the Witch of the World keeps telling him in his dreams that he needs to be. Now I just have to be careful to not let the students read it in school or else I may be having to remind them that "it's time to put the book away and do some school work." I'm ready for book 2 and this book isn't even slated for release to book stores until May 19th. It's going to be a very long wait for what comes next.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE ORPHAN ARMY by Jonathan Maberry is the first book in the new Nightsiders fantasy series.

When Earth is invaded by aliens, young Milo becomes part of a group of scavengers helping soldiers in a remote area of the Louisiana bayou. During a scouting expedition, Milo stumbles upon magical creatures who are also battling the alien invaders. Together, they form a ragtag army, save their friends, and take back an ancient, magical artifact stolen by the evil Huntsman.

This fast-paced, science fiction adventure is well-written with engaging plot elements that keep the heart-pounding tension going from start to finish. Middle grade readers will enjoy the banter among the well-developed fantasy creatures reminiscent of Guardians of the Galaxy. The author skillful interweaves dream segments and diary entries to add appeal.

With both giant bug aliens and magical creatures, this new series will appeal to a wide range of fantasy and science fiction fans. Youth will be begging librarians for the next book in this hot new series.

To learn about the author, go to http://www.jonathanmaberry.com/.

Published by Simon & Schuster, May 19, 2015.

[Cornmaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six years after alien bugs with a hive mentality have invaded Earth, Milo Silk is fighting a David and Goliath battle with them, alongside the remnants of humanity. There are shape shifters, fairies, and other paranormal beings involved as well. Milo's dreams often come true, and they are pretty frightening dreams. He is challenged to be the hero, the Frodo, in this fight for survival, against The Huntsman, super evil, half human, half creature who has his own ambitions.

Exciting stuff, and boys will definitely like it. It has a middle school feel to it, but the protagonist is only 11, so I felt a dissonance while reading it. Maberry's Rot & Ruin series is one of my favorites, especially because it is so much more than just a zombie story. This has the makings of being similar, but geared toward a little younger reader.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think Maberry could write another series I would love as much as Rot & Ruin, but this is fantastic. It's also a great example of how YA books cross genres. Aliens, magic, a touch of apocalyptic survival- it's all there wrapped up in an action packed adventure with fun and quirky characters alongside an earnest main character you can't help but want to follow. I also like that the main characters are actually still just kids. I didn't think I would, but it fit surprisingly well. I'm hoping this means there will be a lot of room and time for them to grow. I anticipate some solid character development!

[Wendy Bocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I was a little concerned, since this is a middle-grade book (and I like the book cover itself better than the dust jacket cover), but I should have known better. I was immediately engrossed, and would never have known just by reading it that it was a middle grade book. In my opinion, it would be a great read, no matter what your age! Loved the characters, and the world they inhabit was fascinating, as per usual with Jonathan Maberry books. I don't know how, but you've done it again, Jonathan! Cudos to you and thanks for the stories!

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read by Jonathan Maberry, I am impressed. A young adult adventure, with great characters, battle scenes, and evil antagonists. Flowing prose, with good description and creatures of nightmares. The first in a series. This would make an enjoyable read for all. Highly recommended.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book. Aimed at preteens it would I think entertain well. I love Maberry’s writing. They are escapism at its best. This one didn’t grab me as much as his ‘older audience’ novels but was still good enough for a light entertaining read.

[Dandelionsteph · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this book, I had the impression it was the author's first novel. Its flaws are reminiscent of Henry H. Neff's first novel, The Hound of Rowan, and Nancy Yi Fan's first book, Swordbird, which was written when she was twelve. However, about three-fourths of the way in, I looked at the back cover and found out this is not, in fact, his first book. Therefore, I am puzzled as to how the book could have so many flaws.

Firstly, this book failed to trim the proverbial fat, to the point I wondered if he even had an editor. (He doesn't mention one in the book, and books of this type generally thank editors involved in it) The first one-fourth of this book should have been compressed. The plot gets interesting about thirteen pages in, and him discovering the pyramid and encountering Evangelyne is a great inciting incident. Though it starts off a good pace, it doesn't keep that up.

The dream diary entries in the book should have been made fewer or shorter: some of them are of no plot or characterization importance, and so are extraneous. The sentences in this book are sometimes oddly choppy. Using this occasionally would have been no problem, but the short, choppy sentences are frequent enough (especially in the first half of the book) it's a flaw in the writing.

The third-person omniscient character evaluations are redundant, crude, and condescending. (For example, in p. 164: "Suddenly, Shark was there too, swinging his stave. It was a very heroic thing to do.") It ignores a basic tenet of writing: "Show, Don't Tell."

While sometimes short chapters are a valid technique to make the narrative more riveting, the number of chapters this book has is excessive. Some should have been fused or omitted altogether. (Yes, there are some chapters so short and inconsequential they can be omitted completely.) This book, with 389 pages in the story itself, has 68 chapters. Even Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, at 896 pages, has only 38 chapters. (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is ~2.3 times longer, yet this book has ~1.78 times the number of chapters.)

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not astounding or amazing. But good. I am tough on my ratings because I only want the best, out of every book, which means I feel d to be harsh and judgmental in reviews. I’m definitely planning on reading the complete series when I get a chance. It was interesting, kept me wanting to read more, and had quite a few good lessons contained in it if you cared to look. This is a great book for kids who are just learning to love reading.

[Ben Raymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will speak to many people of all ages. It speaks about what it means to be a hero. It speaks about how monsters are not always what they seem. It speaks of growing up and all that it brings. I can't wait to dive into book two

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish it. As a family, we decided to give up. It was too weird.

[Jim Lay · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Jill Hamilton-Krawczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! ⭐️ Mr. Maberry really knows how to write an action-packed story... for any age!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super detaled and cool

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the book outlets boxsale this year just to fill the box it was just another book but last night I was going threw Scribd and found the audiobook and decided to listen to it (I have attention problems I can't read books much anymore it's easier to listen) . I didn't realize until scrolling threw the reviews here that it's for 12 year olds and I'm 24, but so far im loving it, it has a good plot, good character development (not making Milo the hero right away) would recommend to others.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting sci-fi mash-up. Aliens (insect type) vs. humans and mythical creatures (werewolves, witches, vampires, faeries, trolls, etc.). Ecological destruction and belief in magical realms abound. A bit overdramatic for me, but could see how Grades 5-8 might be swept along. (a bit of gory war-type violence)

[Aelvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The alien Bugs have invaded humanity. With their giant Hive ships in safe in space, their drop ships deliver swarms of shocktroopers and worse to stomp out what bits of humanity survived the initial attacks. Milo Silk knows the history, of course. He was even alive back before, and can faintly remember what it was like before everything changed. But he's fairly happy in his current life, as comfortable with the world as anyone can be---until he finds the wrecked ship. The pyramid. And his world turns upside down in a whole different way . . .

This was interesting, although more of a thriller than I had been expecting. The pace stays snappy throughout, and Milo is an interesting main character. He dreams, and frequently his dreams hint at things that happen in the world. Mostly they're bad things, because it's a hard world to live in, and he doesn't give them a lot of thought (although he does write them down in a dream journal). I liked Milo's voice, his thoughts, his decisions. I liked how he's young, but he's still capable (but not unrealistically).

It was even a pleasant surprise to find much more of the villain's motivations laid out than I had anticipated. The method does leave me wondering if, perhaps, Milo is not more than most people suspect (Evangelyne and her cohorts may have something of a clue). And although the odds stacked against Milo appear truly insurmountable, the clever way he wins his victories here shows that it may not be all about who's the strongest in the end.

Since this is the start of a series, I presume the actual Nightsiders will get more time later. Here it's mostly about Evangelyne, and Milo finding out about her. Much of this book is more about worldbuilding: the general state of humanity, the swamp in Louisiana where Milo currently lives with a band of refugees, and some hints of the larger universe.

Overall this is a pretty quick read that was fun, although I wish I had another book or two on hand to flesh the plot out a bit more. I rate this book Recommended.

See my reviews and more at http://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress.com

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't want to straight out say that The Orphan Army, volume one of Jonathan Maberry's middle grade series The Nightsiders, is a mess of ideas, but it rather is. For one, we start out with a post alien invasion world and then are immediately thrown not into a dystopian story but rather a fantasy/sci-fi mashup of ideas. Milo is near twelve and just trying to survive with his friends and what's left of his family in Louisiana following the arrival of the alien bugs. But then he starts seeing things including a wrecked pyramid and a girl who might be a werewolf. From there, his world view is literally forced to do a complete change as is ours, the readers. Definitely for more mature middle grade readers than low end between the length and the ideas present.

Maberry's storytelling abilities are not the problem. He just crams so much into the book at times while at others being overly descriptive. If I, as an adult, found my attention span stretched and my curiousity waning, I wonder what a child in the target age group might make of it. When the action is front and center, the book moves along at a quick march. When backstory and attempts to fill in what the h is going on occur, it's more a trudge. This feels like one of those books that could easily be used to talk about symbolism and various types of literary criticism because so much gets jammed in by the end, most obviously Milo's dreams and how they affect the plot. If this were pared down and did not feel like such a mish mash of ideas, I would probably have loved it. As is, though, The Orphan Army is one of those books that had me intrigued enough to finish but does not have me clamoring for the next book. It does have an ending of sorts that more or less wraps up the first book, but there is also obviously more to come.

Note: ARC received via Amazon Vine in exchange for review.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milo has survived for six years after the initial invasion of Earth by alien invaders. These aliens are large advanced insects who have come to mine all of Earth's resources while destroying anyone or anything that demonstrates resistance. While living in the bayous of Louisiana, Milo comes across a mysterious stone pyramid and an even more mysterious girl who accuses Milo of stealing a powerful item from it. As Milo's small group of survivors faces the hardships of living in this post-apocalyptic world, he must discover if he has the courage to be the hero that a voice from his dreams tells him he can be.

Even though this is a hefty book (about 400 pages), the action keeps up a pretty steady pace throughout the plot as the reader discovers the dangers of Milo's world and is let in on more and more mysteries: Is Milo's father alive and being held captive by the aliens? Who is the gray-haired girl in the woods? What powers does the Heart of Darkness possess? Who is the Witch of the World? Is there any way to stop the aliens? Who is the Huntsman? Can Milo and his friends possibly make it through these trying times alive?

Although I had some small qualms with some of the events in the writing (how much a character was able to use powers; some of the choices made by characters), I thoroughly enjoyed this book and plowed through it in a couple of days. I think the combination of the post-apocalyptic setting and the fantasy elements make this a book that will appeal to a variety of middle-grade readers. The children who devour some of the many sci-fi/fantasy series coming out recently for middle grade readers and young adults will definitely add this to their list of series in which the author can't write the next book fast enough.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo Silk may have to adapt to a new perspective of the world he lives in for the third time in his short life. When destructive aliens, referred to as Bugs, attacked earth, Milo's safe world of home, running water, and electricity ended. Milo is now a scavenger living in a camp and hiding from the invaders destroying his home planet. This camp, run by his mother, hunts for salvageable food items or recyclables. Haunted by dreams he records in a journal and harassed by the Witch of the World, a voice he believes resides in his mind, Milo hunts for reusable items by day while training to defend himself and the others in his camp. Now circumstances are forcing the young man to reevaluate his home planet and the beings that reside in it. He keeps running into myths and legends - beings that step out of fantasy and walk amongst humans. Like Milo and his friends, these magical creatures - werewolves, beings that hang out in trees and rocks - are fighting the invaders. When his camp is attacked by Bugs and his friends captured or killed, Milo and his new found allies decide to take the battle to the enemy. This action-packed novel is a mixture of science fiction, fantasy, and adventure. With an engaging, likable hero, unusual companions, and many what-am-I-doing-moments, readers are propelled along. This story has something for every reader, from child to adult. The nonstop action keeps the readers turning pages and the story ends too soon. I found myself frustrated because I could not pick up the second book in the series immediately and find out what would happen next in this enchanting new world.

[Tara Zellam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will start out by saying that I am a fan of Jonathan Maberry. I started reading his YA series and have been trying to catch up on his other works. I point this out to admit some bias towards the author.

The Orphan Army is a fun, fast-paced novel that seems perfect for the target audience. That being said, my inner eight-year-old was very happy with this book. The characters were fun and relatable, with the struggle of not-quite-a-child-but-still-not-a-teen being laced in very well with feelings of helplessness in struggles and confrontations.

One major point in favor of this book is the blending of SF elements such as bugs from outer-space with supernatural, superstitious elements of werewolves and other fantastical beings. Being a kid - albeit with a drinking permit - myself, I absolutely adored it. Especially with the added element of New Orleans or Cajun-style superstition, being one of my personal intrigues.

Milo Silk is an ordinary kid in a not-so-ordinary world. Still a kid, but he has been forced to grow up very differently than what we would come to expect. Following his story as his world changes around him is something I am looking forward to. Book 2 of the series is ordered and on it's way to my house.

[Cam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our eleven year old hero is a survivor of a devastating alien invasion, yet in many ways is just a normal youth full of curiosity and doubts. He also has oddly prophetic dreams, is a great runner, and a trusted part of his scavenging troupe. His world has been turned upside down; his father disappeared during the invasion, his mother is the military leader of their band of humanity and often at risk, and all humanity is scrambling in hiding places to avoid the insect-like invaders. In his dreams, a Gaia-like Witch keeps calling him to stand up and be the hero. In waking hours, he begins to see wolves and meets a random girl at a crash site. His struggles becoming a hero, taking heroic actions, and accepting that there's a much wider world out there are what this a better than average IR/YA foray. Maberry does it well enough for an adult to enjoy and there's clearly going to be more, so give it a try!

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

This is book one of the new Nightsiders series written by Jonathan Maberry. I am not a big science fiction fan and this is certainly that with huge alien bugs attacking the earth. It was written for 5th-8th grade although I think any age would enjoy it if this is your thing. Milo and his pod mates in Louisiana are trying to survive the attacks from the alien bugs. Milo has dreams that come true. He ends up hooking up with a werewolf, a stone boy, a tree boy and others who are Nightsiders in their fight to save the Earth.

Even though it is almost 400 pages long it is a quick read with over 60 chapters, some of which are a single page long. This might be a good book to get your son reading or a good book for yourself if you enjoy this kind of thing.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one book that did not intrigue me as much as I hoped or would have liked it to. However as I did pick this book up for my nephews, I think that they will enjoy this book a lot more than me. Which is not a bad thing. In fact, this is a good thing as this book is written and geared towards my nephews ages of 11 and 12. So they will enjoy the whole storyline and characters. I myself personally could not get into the story or the characters. Yet, I did recognize that Mr. Maberry wrote this book in an easy to understand format that my nephews can read this book on their own. There was a right mixture of action to keep the story moving along at a steady pace. Although, I really can't comment too much on the story itself as I mentioned I was kind of bored with it and did not retain much myself.