Review of Swarm by Jennifer Lyle
When I first stumbled upon Swarm, I was intrigued. A tale intertwining the end-of-the-world chaos with a sprinkle of horror? Sign me up! Jennifer Lyle, known for her ability to weave thrill into YA narratives, promised a unique read. However, as I turned the pages, I found myself grappling with an escape route, rather than being captivated by the swirling intensity of a story that should have been rife with tension.
At its core, Swarm unravels through the eyes of Shur, a teenage girl whose world spirals into chaos when gigantic, carnivorous butterflies invade. Shur’s attempts to shelter her younger brother and friends while navigating this apocalyptic upheaval form the crux of the narrative. While the premise opens the door to an exhilarating adventure, I was disappointed to find the plot crawled more than it soared. The tension felt flat, almost stagnant; moments that should have had me on the edge of my seat merely registered as “things happening”.
The characters, while relatable enough, felt more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals. There were hints of depth—particularly in Shur’s struggles with anxiety, which resonated with me on a personal level—but these ideas were left largely undeveloped. It was almost as if the author started to delve into profound themes of mental health but quickly backed away, opting instead for surface-level portrayals. As someone who battles anxiety, I wished for a more in-depth exploration, one that could have mirrored the isolating experience of feeling trapped both physically and emotionally.
Lyle’s writing style is accessible, and there’s a certain simplicity to it that could appeal to younger teens dipping their toes into the realms of horror and science fiction. However, I found myself wishing for more maturity in both language and thematic depth, as it read more akin to middle grade than the YA audience it aims for. A missed opportunity, especially given the promising premise.
Additionally, the mysterious nature of the butterflies left me yearning for more. I craved the scientific intricacies or the chilling backstory behind these monstrous creatures, yet what I got instead felt like a mere brush-over of a fascinating concept. Perhaps if the characters had been older—biologists or researchers—there could have been a richer exploration of the swarm, imbuing the narrative with an intellectual gravity I found lacking.
In the end, Swarm isn’t without its merits. It may serve as an engaging introduction to sci-fi and horror for younger readers, offering a gentle nudge into darker themes. Yet, as an adult, I found the experience somewhat underwhelming. With a rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, I’d say this book is good for a single read but not quite compelling enough for a permanent spot on my shelf.
If you’re looking for a light, breezy adventure that dances on the edges of horror and end-of-the-world scenarios, Swarm might be a delightful pick. However, if you’re craving something with depth and a hearty meal of introspection, you might want to keep searching a little longer. Reflecting on my experience, I can’t help but feel that this book had the potential to soar far beyond its constraints, leaving me yearning for a more profound journey through its chaotic world.