Author(s): Michael Jan Friedman

Early Teen

After their exodus from Earth, the last humans settled a remote planet, Nova Prime. When an alien force known as the Skrel descended from the skies, our elite defense unit, the United Rangers Corps, valiantly resisted. Centuries passed without an attack, and many colonists believed that, with other security measures in place, the resources devoted to maintaining their military strength would be better spent elsewhere. Little did they know that trouble was coming to Nova Prime-and it had a taste for blood. Conner Raige is one of the Rangers' most promising young cadets, although his brash confidence and tendency to act on instinct have earned him as many skeptics as admirers. The latest in a long line of decorated warriors, Conner's ancestors were on the front lines of humanity's victory against the Skrel. But when a deadly ground war breaks out, he's up against an entirely different beast - because, this time, the Skrel have brought a secret weapon: ferocious killing machines designed to eliminate humanity from Nova Prime ...and the universe.