Swarm

Star Force, Book 1

By: B. V. Larson

Narrated by: Mark Boyett

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

Earth arms marines with alien technology and builds its first battle fleet! Kyle Riggs is snatched by an alien spacecraft sometime after midnight. The ship is testing everyone it catches and murdering the weak. The good news is that Kyle keeps passing tests and staying alive. The bad news is the aliens who sent this ship are the nicest ones out there.

A novel of military science fiction by best-selling author B. V. Larson, Swarm is the story of Earth's annexation by an alien empire. Long considered a primitive people on a backwater planet, humanity finds itself in the middle of a war - and faced with extinction.

Battle stations! Listen to another Star Force novel.

©2010 B.V. Larson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Rarely a lull in action.

What made the experience of listening to Swarm the most enjoyable?

Action...tons of it.

What did you like best about this story?

Use of common sci-fi storylines to weave a unique story that is believable.

What about Mark Boyett’s performance did you like?

It felt like I was watching a movie.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Time for Earth to put on it's big boy pants.

Any additional comments?

If you're sleepy, then you can easily fall asleep, so the story isn't complicated and doesn't make you think. However, it's full of action and keeps you wanting more. Larson's Mercenaries Series is the best I've read of this Author so far.

See Shawn's review of #3

A reader named Shawn wrote a review of #3 in this series entitled "Mediocrity I can't stop listening to." His comments on Book 3 are precisely my reactions to Book 1, except that I give Mark Boyett 5 stars for the narration. The series seems to be worth listening to so far. To summarize quickly, the characters are paper-thin, but Larsen has a real gift for plotting. I may not finish the series because I don't like the main character much. Still, Larsen does keep me in the game wondering what will happen next, and his writing is workmanlike. Part of my willingness to keep listening is probably the narration of Mark Boyett, who does a very creditable job.

Great concept.

I was troubled by some of the misogyny the book, and it was creepy how the main character sexualized his young teen daughter.

The book mostly moved past this and was otherwise very good.

I have bought the second book and I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully it will not have the same issues.

Were it not for this, I would have rated this book 5 stars.

New twist on who the bad guys are, and why.

Would you listen to Swarm again? Why?

Yes, I would and will listen to this again. The main dude is a bit to mocho, but it works well.
As you get into the book you start placing actors in the rolls and the Action heroes of todays movies all fit well. Wouldn't be hard to fill the leading characters. I have read the next two instalments as well. Not sure I will due the next one. I have been in war and luck is always a good thing, but it is not the standard thing that determines the end results. The Star Force in thies books runs only on luck.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

GOOD LUCK

The Six Million Dollar Man

The very beginning of this reminds me of the game Portal. Then it becomes kind of (early) Heinleinist. It ends with the Six Million Dollar Man.

The story concept is really good and will keep you listening, even at the times when the writing falters.

Problems: At the beginning the main characters' kids are killed and in a very gross way. His reaction is very lacking. Parts of the book sound like something Piers Anthony would write. We are given information on his wife's death, which was kind of gross and which adds nothing to the story. He is a college professor who teaches computer science and this seems to give him the ability to lead armies, design weapons, be a diplomat and be a military strategist. I believe those that have trained in the military all there life will be insulted by this.

Good: The story is creative. It kept my attention as the miles I was driving just melted by. I have never heard of the (Hope Monkey) before, but I will always remember it. The length of the book is perfect. The ending makes you want to buy the rest in the series.

The narrator was ok, but after listening to Ray Porter and Dick Hill, he was a little lack luster.

Totally Enjoyed This Book!

I got this book for my husband to listen to in the car on long trips and started out wondering how long I'd be able to stand listening to it. Now I'm totally engrossed in the series, probably more than he is. Great story, with just enough human interest to keep it real without going overboard on either the relationship stuff or the techical jargon. Great book!

Great book, but skips from time to time.

The story was very good and the narrators performance was great. The datafile had some skips in it.

Swarm of Sci-Fi

What did you love best about Swarm?

This was like Gi-joe/ Navigator /Matrix. i like the story. had a lot of new ideas which is always good. lots of action which kept me glued to what would happen next. if you like UFO's or machines you will like this original story. lots of Sci-Fi goodness

Good story, great narration.

What made the experience of listening to Swarm the most enjoyable?

The narrator! I still am not convinced there was not more than one.

Any additional comments?

A well done sci-fi novel that takes one back to earlier times of the genre. Fast paced and riveting enough to make some very implausible situations forgivable.

Extreme Entertainment

If you could sum up Swarm in three words, what would they be?

Non-stop action throughout. Your imagination runs wild with each new solar system and the aliens that inhabit them. If you like the Marines, action or science fiction, you will love this series!