The Swarm

By: Arthur Herzog

Narrated by: Charles Henderson Norman

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

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.

good enough

Quite entertaining. Felt a bit dated and the narration kind of drove that as well. Felt a bit like ana old radio show. The story moved along at a good enough pace and was relatively well written.

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.

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

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.