Swarm

By: Jennifer D. Lyle

Narrated by: Krystal Hammond

On a sunny September morning, the creatures first appear. Shur sees one of them hovering outside the window in history class: it looks like a giant butterfly, at first too beautiful and strange to seem like a threat. But when emergency alerts light up everyone’s phones around her, she realizes something very, very wrong is happening outside. These … things are everywhere.

By the time Shur makes it back to her house with her brother, Keene, and their two best friends, it’s clear they must face whatever comes next on their own. A terrifying species the world’s never seen before has suddenly emerged, and few living things are safe. As the creatures swarm and attack outside, life for Shur and her friends becomes a survival game. They board the windows, stockpile supplies, and try to make sense of the news reports for as long as the power stays on.

Yet nothing can prepare them for what follows. The butterflies are only the beginning. The next onslaught will be deadlier, and even closer to home.

©2023 Jennifer D. Lyle (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Pretty solid

Solid book, good story except I found the ending lacking. I can tell it was a good story when I was done I saw a butterfly on my windshield and my heart skipped a beat or two.

Couldn’t stop listening

The plot was one of a kind! The story was well written and fast paced. And I liked the characters. A different narrator would have made it five stars across the board.

Surprisingly ejoyable

Purchased because sounded interesting and was cheap. After listening, would not have been disappointed if I had used a credit on it. It is a YA title, but a story that should entertain older listeners. Writer sets up a realistic environment for the story to unfold in, adds believable characters, and then delivers believable interaction between them. There's enough suspense, thrills, and action to keep you going for the 11 hours of the listen. Could actually see this playing out exactly as written given a "Swarm" appearing. Well done. I will say that you shouldn't expect hardcore Sci-Fi, hardcore Horrors or Thrills, but for general entertainment this hit the spot.

United Against Monsters

This was a new take on "infected and mutated" storylines. Almost all of it takes place within a single family home where teen twins, their friends, their much younger brother are forced to take shelter from large carnivorous aberrations of previously innocuous insects. In this setting, the twin girl, who has an anxiety disorder, finds her heightened awareness and need for personal order the group's greatest strength in survival.

Suspenseful, post apocalyptic story

Fun narrative that will keep reader guessing. It will be a great read aloud for my eighth grade class next year.

Butter-Dies

Love a good end of the world/natural disaster book and this did not disappoint! Love taking a generally loved and innocent creature and making it evil, classic bait and switch!