|
"The trio investigate a world inhabited by insectiod life whilst on the run from the Empire.
The Swarm is much better than the preceding volumes in the series. The concept of ancestor worship is nicely explored and the danger here seems much more real - probably because a swarm of vicious/hungry insects is thoroughly plausible whereas the events of the rest of the series to date are extremely unlikely (e.g. ghosts/zombies/giant gooey viruses/people cutting out your brain, etc.) and as such, the tension is more tangible.
Additionally, Thrawn makes an appearance - a not insubstantial one at that. The character is mostly well written, being cold, calculating, aloof and professional. There are a few slips, such as rather blindingly obvious conclusions that he somehow doesn't reach without a minor epiphany, but generally his presence is rather refreshing.
The series still suffers from the same old problems, though. We know that the protagonists will be fine, we know that it will all sort itself out in the end, and even the thoroughly apt twist at the end is unlikely to be explored further in the next volume. Also, given how bright the Arranda children are supposed to be, you can't help but be perplexed by their continuing penchant for repeating mistakes.
Enjoyable, but not outstanding."
|