The Swarm

By: Arthur Herzog

Narrated by: Charles Henderson Norman

Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

Family attacked by bees - two killed Maryville, N.Y. Sept. 26 (AP)

A family of five on an outing in an isolated spot by a stream were attacked by bees here.

Mr. and Mrs. William Peterson died as the result of bee bites. Their three children were also attacked, one, Karen, age 12, severely.

The local coroner, Dr. David P. Znac, speculated that both adults had allergies to bee bites, which can be fatal. About 30 deaths a year in the U.S. are attributed to bites from bees, wasps and hornets.

What caused the bees to attack is not known. This was the beginning, barely noticed. Then the terror began to spread terror that was to erupt into a national panic as the strange, seemingly purposeful murderous attacks of a new and vicious species of bees began to mount. Against this background, a band of scientists draw upon their knowledge to fight an enemy they only partly comprehend in a desperate race against time.

Built around one of man's most haunting fears that the forces of nature will overrun his defenses and exterminate the human race, The Swarm is a vividly imagined masterpiece of chilling adventure.

©1974, 2002 Arthur Herzog (P)2014 Arthur Herzog

Great listen.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this!! While listening to it, I kept thinking that it would make an awesome movie, only to realise it was one once upon a time! Before my time though so I can't comment on it!

The plot is easy summarised, basically it's about bees attacking people and the scientists trying to figure out why.Well there's a lot more to it that that, but that's the basic idea. I have to say that I really enjoyed the plot and found it to be quite spooky. The idea of the African bees swarming and attacking people was frightening. Also the idea of the bugs getting immune to pesticides and actually being able to use them against other bugs or humans was truly scary. The best thing about the book was how well researched and executed it was. You can just see from reading it, how much the author put into the story! It really makes the book stand out.

In all, I really enjoyed this. It would definitely make a good movie, once done right that is. It's easily believable and a quick read and I'm glad I listened to it.

*I received a copy of this for review. This inn no way affected my thoughts.*

2 people found this helpful

Would make a great film

Does for need what Alfred Hitchcock did for birds. Spectacularly written. Great narration. Enough science o keep it realistic and enough terror to keep you on the edge of your seat. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone. I received this audiobook from the author narrator or publisher for free via audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review

1 person found this helpful

BEES!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Swarm to be better than the print version?

Never read the printed version, so I can not compare the two. Since I love audible books, I would have to say the audio version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Have to be the bees. I grew up with my father having bees, so I've heard about the African bees and their chances of coming to the America.

Have you listened to any of Charles Henderson Norman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first book I've listened to by Charles Henderson Norman. He did a good job, so I can't complain.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It makes you think about the threat these bees pose in America and the chance they could still do this. I wonder if they came now (since the book was written in 1974?) and how would we really be able to handle it.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

Lots of research went into this

This seems like just a basic story about killer bees. It's not tho, there is so much more to it.

It begins with bees attacking people, first thought to be random but quickly becomes an obvious widespread problem. A group of scientists are brought together to combat this growing problem (each one having different approaches to the issue as well as varied personality traits). The scientists bond together, while bringing to the tale a lot of gathered data and knowledge. The author creates a story that is both technical and readable.

Listening to this novel, you can tell how much research was put into this. Without being given this book to review, I don't think I would have picked it up. I'm glad I have it now, honestly I will be listening to this one a couple more times just to be informed on the subject matter.

The narration was great, just perfect for this story. I'm always pleased when an author and narrator come together so well when they create an audiobook.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com

Killer Bee's

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It was written almost like a news report, think orson wells 1938, which is fine but I would liked to have had more accounts of the bee attacks and descriptions of what kind of physical effects being stung to death would have had. I think the author could have really terrified us.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Overall it was a very believable premise and a readable story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes because I like this type of animal apocalypse story.

Any additional comments?

"This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audiobook Blast."

Interesting take on bees and pesticides

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The book was okay. The ending seemed a little rushed.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I think the build up was too long. I think more time could have been spent on the repercussions.

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook from Audio Blast for my unbiased review.

Herzog is one of my favorite audible discoveries

Where does The Swarm rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I don't rank my books, but it would be right next to Herzog's Orca the Killer Whale (fantastic!) and both would be rated fairly high up.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Swarm?

I guess the bee swarm showing up in New York but saying that really gives a wrong impression, the book spends most of its time with the scientist trying to figure out where the bees come from, how they are different and what strategies if any can be used to stop them.

What about Charles Henderson Norman’s performance did you like?

He was clear cut and dry but something of a noir like cynicism in his voice that fit the clear cut, dry but noir like cynicism of the book.

If you could take any character from The Swarm out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Not sure it's those types of characters, the book is written almost like a journalist would write it, attention to the facts a clear presentation of the science ( as it was understood at the time) and an impression of the characters involved but nothing really in dept. idk it's kind of a strange question. Lol

Any additional comments?

Kind of short and that made me hesitate buying it. But I'm really glad I did can't say that my experience will be universal but I really appreciate this writers style and really enjoyed the story. So much in fact that I will make an effort to track a copy of the made for TV movie that was based on it.

Not what I was expecting.

This was a well written, but dated book. I found it entertaining, but not exciting. It read like an interesting text book. If you can get it on sale I say go for it, but I'm not sure that it is credit worthy. I received this book at no cost, in return for an honest review.

The Swarm

Any additional comments?

The Swarm is a book from the 70's about the 'Killer African Bees'. I liked it.I found it to be interestingly dated and technical.I enjoy that kind of stuff.I must say though,that I did enjoy the movie more.Mr Hertzog wrote this brilliantly.Mr Charles Henderson Norman,Narrator,gave it life and voices.

THE SWARM

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

BEES CAN KILL

What other book might you compare The Swarm to and why?

None other like it

Have you listened to any of Charles Henderson Norman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

All the books Charles Henderson Norman has done are FABULOUS. He has an incredible voice.

If you could rename The Swarm, what would you call it?

Killer Bees

Any additional comments?

This book was made into a Movie. Arthur Herzog kept sending telegrams to the director that said ONE BEE AT A TIME, as Arthur thought the suspense should build up. However once you sell the rights, no one listens to the Author.