The Swarm

A Novel

By: Frank Schatzing

Narrated by: George Weightman

Length: 37 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Now a CW Original Series

The Der Spiegel number #1 blockbuster bestseller about an intelligent life force that takes over the oceans and exacts revenge on mankind!

Whales begin sinking ships. Toxic eyeless crabs poison Long Island’s water supply. Around the world, countries are beginning to feel the effects of the ocean’s revenge. In this riveting novel, full of twists, turns, and cliffhangers, a team of scientists discovers a strange, intelligent life force called the Yrr that takes form in marine animals in order to wreak havoc on man for his abuses. The Day After Tomorrow meets The Abyss in his gripping, scientifically realist, utterly imaginative thriller. With the compellingly creepy and vivid skill of this author to evoke story, character, and place, Frank Schatzing’s book are certain to find a home with fans of Michael Crichton.

©2004 Frank Schatzing (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Fascinating ideas

Fascinating ideas, interesting characters, good science. My nit- the narrator can’t pronounce nuclear, which was a word used frequently enough to irritate.

Poorly Paced

For a book about intelligent sea life declaring war on humanity, there are far too little passages that focus on the potentially intriguing international economic and religious impacts of this and more time spent on romances between side characters. Some secondary antagonists are so stereotypical I could predict their lines as they were being narrated.

Thrilling

Loved every minute of this and couldn't get enough. Once you start its hard to put down. Great narration albeit a bit spotty at times and can feel a tad bit preachy in some spots. Loved all of the details and descriptions and very well researched.

Overall I would highly recommend this book to anyone

Potboiler having familiar plot.

Narration is reasonably clear, but is also a bit labored and uninspirational.

This long winded story plods from one predictable episode of marine animals attacking humans to the next.“. In my view, much ado of an almost boring equivalent of a class B second feature.

My recommendation: skip this one.

Wordy

Felt words were added for sake of words. First part of book really captured me the ending was meh

Great hard sci-fi / near term sci-fi book

Really good story and on point with the science. Would definitely recommend for anyone that likes a thriller as well.

A great ocean adventure story!

Action, intrigue, betrayal! Science, mystery, disaster! Like all good stories with many characters, Schatzing introduces them to us a few at a time. We get to know them a bit and then meet others. Various events and plot lines converge for the big excitement of discovery. This is a fun read!!!

Meh

Good basis of a story but too long winded. Action parts were good. Think I like the show better

Loved this book!

Narrator is absolutely amazing with all the different characters. Loved this story and it’s in depth look at the science involved. I started it after seeing a couple episodes of the show, now the show pisses me off for lack of depth that the book provided. Some slow parts of character back grounds but I still found them interesting. Worth the listen for sure.

Enjoyed this listen immensely !

I loved the narrators skill, the story concept, and the character development. And the writing is beautiful. Some may find the back story of the characters tedious with insufficient sci-fi focus but the protagonists are unusual personalities with the author diving deeply into their psyche and relationships. I found these passages moving that added depth to the story. The science and concept presented is unique with a poignant message on our interconnection to other species as well as our own.. Some heavy philosophical ideas are presented that will stay in my mind and heart a long time. Those who are ecologically minded will appreciate this book the most but those who aren't should give it some consideration.