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Zeroes #2
Swarm
X-Men meets Heroes when New York Times bestselling author Scott Westerfeld teams up with award-winning authors Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti in the second book of an explosive new trilogy about a group of teens with amazing abilities.
They thought they’d already faced their toughest fight. But there’s no relaxing for the reunited Zeroes.
These six teens with unique abilities have taken on bank robbers, drug dealers and mobsters. Now they're trying to lay low so they can get their new illegal nightclub off the ground.
But the quiet doesn’t last long when two strangers come to town, bringing with them a whole different kind of crowd-based chaos. And hot on their tails is a crowd-power even more dangerous and sinister.
Up against these new enemies, every Zero is under threat. Mob is crippled by the killing-crowd buzz—is she really evil at her core? Flicker is forced to watch the worst things a crowd can do. Crash’s conscience—and her heart—get a workout. Anon and Scam must both put family loyalties on the line for the sake of survival. And Bellwether’s glorious-leader mojo deserts him.
Who’s left to lead the Zeroes into battle against a new, murderous army?
They thought they’d already faced their toughest fight. But there’s no relaxing for the reunited Zeroes.
These six teens with unique abilities have taken on bank robbers, drug dealers and mobsters. Now they're trying to lay low so they can get their new illegal nightclub off the ground.
But the quiet doesn’t last long when two strangers come to town, bringing with them a whole different kind of crowd-based chaos. And hot on their tails is a crowd-power even more dangerous and sinister.
Up against these new enemies, every Zero is under threat. Mob is crippled by the killing-crowd buzz—is she really evil at her core? Flicker is forced to watch the worst things a crowd can do. Crash’s conscience—and her heart—get a workout. Anon and Scam must both put family loyalties on the line for the sake of survival. And Bellwether’s glorious-leader mojo deserts him.
Who’s left to lead the Zeroes into battle against a new, murderous army?
448 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2016
147 people are currently reading
4819 people want to read
About the author
Scott Westerfeld
89 books21.3k followersScott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He is best known for the Uglies and Leviathan series. His current series, IMPOSTORS, returns to the world of Uglies.
The next book in that series, MIRROR'S EDGE, comes out April 6, 2021.
The next book in that series, MIRROR'S EDGE, comes out April 6, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
October 21, 2016
10/25/15:
I just finished the first book and loved it. It's going to be a year until the next book comes out, but already this is me;
10/18/16: Review:
Oh my god, this book was amazing, I devoured it even though I'd been in a low-key book slump this whole year.
Also, is it just me, or is Ethan (Scam) just like more interesting and way better than all the characters? Nobody seems to like him, but he's always been my favorite. <3
We definitely get more in deep with everyone character rounding them off some more. While I don't particularly like the other main characters, that didn't stop me from loving the book.
The antagonist wasn't very flushed out, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
THE CLIFFHANGER IS KILLING ME, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!
This is probably one of my favorite books this year, much like Zeroes was last year.
I just finished the first book and loved it. It's going to be a year until the next book comes out, but already this is me;
10/18/16: Review:
Oh my god, this book was amazing, I devoured it even though I'd been in a low-key book slump this whole year.
Also, is it just me, or is Ethan (Scam) just like more interesting and way better than all the characters? Nobody seems to like him, but he's always been my favorite. <3
We definitely get more in deep with everyone character rounding them off some more. While I don't particularly like the other main characters, that didn't stop me from loving the book.
The antagonist wasn't very flushed out, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
THE CLIFFHANGER IS KILLING ME, I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW!
This is probably one of my favorite books this year, much like Zeroes was last year.
November 10, 2016
This review appears on Happy Indulgence! Check it out for more reviews.
While Zeroes was a great introduction into the kids that make up the superhero squad, Swarm amped up the pace and the storyline as the Zeroes encounter their first villain.
The story starts off with a bang, as the Zeroes have opened up a new nightclub called the Dish, which they use to experiment with their powers. As people are drawn to the club, they soon meet two people who are like them and also have powers – Davey and Ren who can shut down their powers and also manufacture fake money. They temporarily shut down the powers that the Zeroes have relied on for so long, which sets across a motion of self-doubt and unworthiness for most of the characters.
They’re also warned of a new villain who is chasing their tails – the Swarm, who can control a crowd to do bad things, like kill. On the other side of the things, the group is warned of a new villain – the Swarm, who can control a crowd to do bad things, like kill. This gorier, darker turn that the sequel takes was actually quite an unexpected surprise, given how light the tone of Zeroes was. His narcissistic personality and sinister behaviour was actually quite fascinating, especially when he took love and happiness as a slight against him.
With Nate’s trademark self-confidence taking a blow, Ethan kind of hating the voice he has no control over, Thibault feeling forgotten and lonely and Kelsie constantly questioning herself, there’s a lot of angst and feeling sorry for themselves. Although there was lots of action happening when it came to their encounters with Davey, Ren and the Swarm, the whinging and the negativity made the book drag for me. Each of the Zeroes are all dealing with their own issues and it felt too disconnected and morose at times. I wasn’t a fan of Kelsie this time around and couldn’t agree with her actions.
Although it wasn’t really a happy occasion for any of the Zeroes, I liked how they went home for Christmas and we could see how they each celebrated. I really felt for Thibault, who is easy overlooked and ignored because of his power to blend in and be forgotten. I also liked meeting Chizara’s Nigerian family and how they welcomed Kelsie. Seeing this lesbian relationship evolve throughout the course of the novel was also a plus, although there wasn’t enough focus on it for my liking. Flicker and Thibault were also the cutest as usual, although we did see her point of view take a back seat when it came to the rest of the Zeroes. I wanted more, seeing as it was a tiny beacon of light in an ocean of darkness.
Coming into this novel, I was expecting some of my questions to be answered, such as why the Zeroes can have powers in the first place. I was disappointed that this still wasn’t addressed, especially as they started to encounter other people like them. With superpowers, there’s so much potential in the abilities that people can have, but Swarm having a “souped up” version of Kelsie’s power was kind of lacking.
Swarm starts off with a bang and introduces unexpected gore, fast-paced action, a lesbian relationship and an evil villain with powers. While all these were welcome additions, the darker tone of the novel caught me off guard especially with the amount of angst and self-doubt in the novel. At this point, I’m not sure if the origin of their powers will be addressed, but it’s still a fun, action-packed superhero read nonetheless.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
While Zeroes was a great introduction into the kids that make up the superhero squad, Swarm amped up the pace and the storyline as the Zeroes encounter their first villain.
The story starts off with a bang, as the Zeroes have opened up a new nightclub called the Dish, which they use to experiment with their powers. As people are drawn to the club, they soon meet two people who are like them and also have powers – Davey and Ren who can shut down their powers and also manufacture fake money. They temporarily shut down the powers that the Zeroes have relied on for so long, which sets across a motion of self-doubt and unworthiness for most of the characters.
They’re also warned of a new villain who is chasing their tails – the Swarm, who can control a crowd to do bad things, like kill. On the other side of the things, the group is warned of a new villain – the Swarm, who can control a crowd to do bad things, like kill. This gorier, darker turn that the sequel takes was actually quite an unexpected surprise, given how light the tone of Zeroes was. His narcissistic personality and sinister behaviour was actually quite fascinating, especially when he took love and happiness as a slight against him.
With Nate’s trademark self-confidence taking a blow, Ethan kind of hating the voice he has no control over, Thibault feeling forgotten and lonely and Kelsie constantly questioning herself, there’s a lot of angst and feeling sorry for themselves. Although there was lots of action happening when it came to their encounters with Davey, Ren and the Swarm, the whinging and the negativity made the book drag for me. Each of the Zeroes are all dealing with their own issues and it felt too disconnected and morose at times. I wasn’t a fan of Kelsie this time around and couldn’t agree with her actions.
Although it wasn’t really a happy occasion for any of the Zeroes, I liked how they went home for Christmas and we could see how they each celebrated. I really felt for Thibault, who is easy overlooked and ignored because of his power to blend in and be forgotten. I also liked meeting Chizara’s Nigerian family and how they welcomed Kelsie. Seeing this lesbian relationship evolve throughout the course of the novel was also a plus, although there wasn’t enough focus on it for my liking. Flicker and Thibault were also the cutest as usual, although we did see her point of view take a back seat when it came to the rest of the Zeroes. I wanted more, seeing as it was a tiny beacon of light in an ocean of darkness.
Coming into this novel, I was expecting some of my questions to be answered, such as why the Zeroes can have powers in the first place. I was disappointed that this still wasn’t addressed, especially as they started to encounter other people like them. With superpowers, there’s so much potential in the abilities that people can have, but Swarm having a “souped up” version of Kelsie’s power was kind of lacking.
Swarm starts off with a bang and introduces unexpected gore, fast-paced action, a lesbian relationship and an evil villain with powers. While all these were welcome additions, the darker tone of the novel caught me off guard especially with the amount of angst and self-doubt in the novel. At this point, I’m not sure if the origin of their powers will be addressed, but it’s still a fun, action-packed superhero read nonetheless.
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2017
[3.5 stars] Zeroes was an interesting YA read – I liked the concept, the writing voice(s), and the characters (all but 1, anyway). What I didn’t like was that the events within it seemed a little inconsequential. In Swarm, I found that much needed substance in the second half of the book and, incidentally, liked it better.
It finally utilized that “good vs evil” vibe, diving further into each teen’s magical abilities, bringing in that fine distinction of moral boundaries. I thought it was quite creative, even if it is an old concept. The characters are definitely the selling points behind the series so far. The authors did an excellent job diversifying and representing minorities (and not in a “token” way, by any means). I’d love to see more such diversification in books, and was pleasantly surprised to discover it here.
All that said, it was still a good 75% in before I felt truly emotionally invested in the story. So here I sit, now fully invested after all that effort, looking out for the release of the final book (Nexus) which should be released sometime in September 2017. The trouble is, there’s not even a cover, much less a solid date [Update: it has a cover and a date - February 13, 2018]. This is the epitome of my luck – as soon as I decide I want to know what happens next in a series, its outlook becomes shaky.
Overall, this wouldn’t be my first recommend of the genre, but at the end of the day I liked it and was kept interested the whole way through. For subject matter and language, I would only hand this to older teens (and adults like myself who refuse to grow up).
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
It finally utilized that “good vs evil” vibe, diving further into each teen’s magical abilities, bringing in that fine distinction of moral boundaries. I thought it was quite creative, even if it is an old concept. The characters are definitely the selling points behind the series so far. The authors did an excellent job diversifying and representing minorities (and not in a “token” way, by any means). I’d love to see more such diversification in books, and was pleasantly surprised to discover it here.
All that said, it was still a good 75% in before I felt truly emotionally invested in the story. So here I sit, now fully invested after all that effort, looking out for the release of the final book (Nexus) which should be released sometime in September 2017. The trouble is, there’s not even a cover, much less a solid date [Update: it has a cover and a date - February 13, 2018]. This is the epitome of my luck – as soon as I decide I want to know what happens next in a series, its outlook becomes shaky.
Overall, this wouldn’t be my first recommend of the genre, but at the end of the day I liked it and was kept interested the whole way through. For subject matter and language, I would only hand this to older teens (and adults like myself who refuse to grow up).
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
Other books you might like:
October 3, 2016
This review also appears on my blog, Reading with Jenna.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All I can say right now is whoa. And I need the next book ASAP! Swarm ends on an incredibly painful cliffhanger and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself for the next 12 months while I wait for the next book to be released…
This trilogy is getting better and better. I enjoyed Zeroes immensely but wasn’t completely sold on all the characters and the plot of the book. Swarm takes it to a completely different level. It was engaging, fast-paced and action-packed. The whole novel takes place over just a few days and there’s so much that happens in the book that it’s hard not to get swept up in everything that’s going on. It also struck me again how unique and interesting the superpowers in this series are. This book picks up 6 months after the events in Zeroes and is about what happens when our group of Zeroes meet a pair of other Zeroes that don’t have good intentions. As they try to stop this couple from causing mass destruction, it turns out that there’s a bigger enemy called Swarm who has a mission that puts all Zeroes in danger. I really, really loved the plot of this book. I enjoyed it more than the events in Zeroes because, to me, it seemed a bit more logical and clear. I connected with it much more and was really invested in what was going on in the story. This might have been because I was more familiar with the characters at this point and could focus on the plot – who knows? I just thought that the plot explored a lot of really interesting questions about superheroes and superpowers, and whether having a superpower means that you’re automatically doing good. And what happens when your powers unknowingly destroy things and cause harm instead?
The other thing that I really loved about this book were the characters. When I read Zeroes, the only two characters that I really liked were Flicker and Anonymous. The others I either disliked or didn’t really care for. However, the character development in this book was fantastic. In the previous book, I felt like I didn’t have a good idea of who some of the characters were but Swarm definitely rectified that. We got to know more about Crash and she became a character that I came to like a lot more. We also get to see a different side to Bellwether and that was really refreshing. I also started to like Mob a little bit more. She was a character that I didn’t really understand or connect with in Zeroes but her character really morphed into somebody who was really interesting. Finally, there’s Scam… I’m still not completely sold on Scam. While the Ethan side of him is kind of endearing because he’s so awkward, I find it really hard to connect with his character. He also didn’t have a lot of page time in this book and I don’t feel any closer to him than before.
I really loved the character relationships in this book. I will adore Flickonymous forever and ever, and I’m really keen to see how their storyline plays out in the final book of the trilogy because this book killed me with all the feels. What I really enjoyed about Swarm was that the other romances in this book weren’t obvious. There were ships in the previous book that I was sure were going to sail in Swarm but the authors definitely turned some things on their heads. It was really refreshing and enjoyable to see. The group as a whole is more tight-knit and I’m interested to see where the next book takes them.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All I can say right now is whoa. And I need the next book ASAP! Swarm ends on an incredibly painful cliffhanger and I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself for the next 12 months while I wait for the next book to be released…
This trilogy is getting better and better. I enjoyed Zeroes immensely but wasn’t completely sold on all the characters and the plot of the book. Swarm takes it to a completely different level. It was engaging, fast-paced and action-packed. The whole novel takes place over just a few days and there’s so much that happens in the book that it’s hard not to get swept up in everything that’s going on. It also struck me again how unique and interesting the superpowers in this series are. This book picks up 6 months after the events in Zeroes and is about what happens when our group of Zeroes meet a pair of other Zeroes that don’t have good intentions. As they try to stop this couple from causing mass destruction, it turns out that there’s a bigger enemy called Swarm who has a mission that puts all Zeroes in danger. I really, really loved the plot of this book. I enjoyed it more than the events in Zeroes because, to me, it seemed a bit more logical and clear. I connected with it much more and was really invested in what was going on in the story. This might have been because I was more familiar with the characters at this point and could focus on the plot – who knows? I just thought that the plot explored a lot of really interesting questions about superheroes and superpowers, and whether having a superpower means that you’re automatically doing good. And what happens when your powers unknowingly destroy things and cause harm instead?
The other thing that I really loved about this book were the characters. When I read Zeroes, the only two characters that I really liked were Flicker and Anonymous. The others I either disliked or didn’t really care for. However, the character development in this book was fantastic. In the previous book, I felt like I didn’t have a good idea of who some of the characters were but Swarm definitely rectified that. We got to know more about Crash and she became a character that I came to like a lot more. We also get to see a different side to Bellwether and that was really refreshing. I also started to like Mob a little bit more. She was a character that I didn’t really understand or connect with in Zeroes but her character really morphed into somebody who was really interesting. Finally, there’s Scam… I’m still not completely sold on Scam. While the Ethan side of him is kind of endearing because he’s so awkward, I find it really hard to connect with his character. He also didn’t have a lot of page time in this book and I don’t feel any closer to him than before.
I really loved the character relationships in this book. I will adore Flickonymous forever and ever, and I’m really keen to see how their storyline plays out in the final book of the trilogy because this book killed me with all the feels. What I really enjoyed about Swarm was that the other romances in this book weren’t obvious. There were ships in the previous book that I was sure were going to sail in Swarm but the authors definitely turned some things on their heads. It was really refreshing and enjoyable to see. The group as a whole is more tight-knit and I’m interested to see where the next book takes them.
July 10, 2018
4.5* Teebo! 💙
July 21, 2024
2024
2022
2020
2019
The bad guy in this *YIKES*
Swarm is absolutely terrifying! How on earth do you fight someone who controls other people TO DEATH? And by "to death" I mean, he controls people until they kill other people. It's insane!
And the ending! *ugh* CLIFFHANGER CITY!
I still didn't like Nate in this one, but I appreciate what he did for the group. For Thibault. Although, he also may have not bothered me as much because this book didn't focus on him as much.
I really loved watching Kelsie and Chizara's relationship grow. I super ship them now! I was all for Ethan working up his courage to talk to Kelsie, but after seeing how Kelsie and Chizara reacted to each other. After seeing how them fit together. How they compliment each other. I have completely jumped the Kelsie and Ethan boat for the Kelsie and Chizara ship.
And I was completely heartbroken over the Flicker and Thibault scene where she takes off her bracelet. *SOB* I completely ship them, too. So it was an extra blow for me when he disappeared. Come on, Thibault! Come back!
2022
2020
2019
The bad guy in this *YIKES*
Swarm is absolutely terrifying! How on earth do you fight someone who controls other people TO DEATH? And by "to death" I mean, he controls people until they kill other people. It's insane!
And the ending! *ugh* CLIFFHANGER CITY!
I still didn't like Nate in this one, but I appreciate what he did for the group. For Thibault. Although, he also may have not bothered me as much because this book didn't focus on him as much.
I really loved watching Kelsie and Chizara's relationship grow. I super ship them now! I was all for Ethan working up his courage to talk to Kelsie, but after seeing how Kelsie and Chizara reacted to each other. After seeing how them fit together. How they compliment each other. I have completely jumped the Kelsie and Ethan boat for the Kelsie and Chizara ship.
And I was completely heartbroken over the Flicker and Thibault scene where she takes off her bracelet. *SOB* I completely ship them, too. So it was an extra blow for me when he disappeared. Come on, Thibault! Come back!
November 25, 2015
Just waitin' here....
April 18, 2017
After being so impressed with Zeroes, I really really wanted to love this book, but Swarm just didn’t live up to it’s potential as either a sequel or as a book in itself. That isn’t to say that I hated it or anything, because I obviously found it worth 3 stars, but the things I didn’t really enjoy far outweighed the things I did.
Things I liked:
Things I (really) didn’t like:
So, overall, Swarm had a few good parts and characters, but those few good parts couldn’t outweigh the instances of ableism, the poorly paced and semi-predictable plot, nor the stagnated character development. Due to those factors, I will probably not finish the series anytime soon. There are just too many other books I need and desire to read first.
Things I liked:
- Anon and Flicker’s relationship was so cute and well written. I always enjoyed reading their interactions with each other. I also loved another relationship introduced in this book, but I won’t name those involved because of spoilers.
-The numerous POVs did not bother me. I felt that each character’s voice was easily discernable and added to the story. There were some I preferred to read, but that’s always the way it goes with multi-POV books.
-Consequences from the last book were well-incorporated into the plot without too much exposition.
- The writing style itself was as good as the first book, if not better. I could easily picture the settings and characters in my head.
Things I (really) didn’t like:
- The characters were a bit stagnated. Some of them had matured in ways that didn’t make sense with the events of the last book and others didn’t really grow at all. This caused me several eye-rolls as the characters made very similar mistakes as they did Zeroes.
- It took me 100 or so pages to into the plot. At times it was full of twists and hurtling toward the climax, but at others, it dragged a bit. Still because of the aforementioned character stagnation, I found some twists a bit predictable, which was a shame.
-The ending didn’t make me excited to read the last book at all, though it was clearly meant to do just that.
- Lastly, but most importantly, there were several instances of ableism (in fact, 3 in the first chapter alone) that were never addressed within the novel. Additionally, I was ignorant to the fact that while Flicker’s blindness seemed like good representation in the first book, her power to see through other’s eyes is quite ableist. That issue becomes even more pronounced in Swarm. This discussion on Diversityinkidlit explains it and ‘magical disabilities’ much better than I can, so I really recommend everyone read it.
So, overall, Swarm had a few good parts and characters, but those few good parts couldn’t outweigh the instances of ableism, the poorly paced and semi-predictable plot, nor the stagnated character development. Due to those factors, I will probably not finish the series anytime soon. There are just too many other books I need and desire to read first.
February 21, 2017
Read this immediately after the first book. Both on the same day.
The Zeroes are a united group this time. Mostly.
Cue up use of wealthy kid's money to create their own headquarters, a pair of Zero sociopaths reanacting Mick & Mallory, a seriously disturbed personage created by bullying (or was he?), unexpected romance. .. no not that one, and a massive crashed cargo ship.
It's a little bit easier to remember that guy. Ethan's still the guy we like but don't like who keeps getting them into trouble with his mouth. Chizara is happier, she's gained better control over her power, maybe. Kelsie is still grieving but it's been 6 months so time has been helping there. Nate is still the ringmaster. And the girl we can't help but love, Flicker, is happily in love with her beau. ... oh yeah, that guy.
This book felt somewhat choppy.
It's not at all a bad book.
Best I can describe it is like one of my favorite amusement park rides. The one where you are in a bench seat, heaviest people towards the outside. It's a gravity ride but there's two wheels of motion. Yours and 2 other benches are spinning from a large arm that is also being spun.
So you're whirled around and forward to a near stop facing out at the edge of the ride, then pulled backwards into a whirl that flips into forward motion again and comes to a near stop again, repeat.
That's the kind of "choppy" I experienced. Things slow down and you're trying to wrap your head around what just happened but then story takes off in a different direction and it's like hey wait, what now?
Given the basis of the series, it wasn't really a bad thing.
This time around, people die. Gruesomely. Strangely. And you'll definitely be mad. I'm still trying to puzzle out if one really even happened.
The definite bad thing about this book. Cliffhanger.
Indications are that this is a trilogy. Which means we've got a hook them with the 1st, then finish the story in a 2 part followup.
I say wait till book 3 is out before reading this one.
I hope I can remember enough of this one when the 3rd comes around.
The Zeroes are a united group this time. Mostly.
Cue up use of wealthy kid's money to create their own headquarters, a pair of Zero sociopaths reanacting Mick & Mallory, a seriously disturbed personage created by bullying (or was he?), unexpected romance. .. no not that one, and a massive crashed cargo ship.
It's a little bit easier to remember that guy. Ethan's still the guy we like but don't like who keeps getting them into trouble with his mouth. Chizara is happier, she's gained better control over her power, maybe. Kelsie is still grieving but it's been 6 months so time has been helping there. Nate is still the ringmaster. And the girl we can't help but love, Flicker, is happily in love with her beau. ... oh yeah, that guy.
This book felt somewhat choppy.
It's not at all a bad book.
Best I can describe it is like one of my favorite amusement park rides. The one where you are in a bench seat, heaviest people towards the outside. It's a gravity ride but there's two wheels of motion. Yours and 2 other benches are spinning from a large arm that is also being spun.
So you're whirled around and forward to a near stop facing out at the edge of the ride, then pulled backwards into a whirl that flips into forward motion again and comes to a near stop again, repeat.
That's the kind of "choppy" I experienced. Things slow down and you're trying to wrap your head around what just happened but then story takes off in a different direction and it's like hey wait, what now?
Given the basis of the series, it wasn't really a bad thing.
This time around, people die. Gruesomely. Strangely. And you'll definitely be mad. I'm still trying to puzzle out if one really even happened.
The definite bad thing about this book. Cliffhanger.
Indications are that this is a trilogy. Which means we've got a hook them with the 1st, then finish the story in a 2 part followup.
I say wait till book 3 is out before reading this one.
I hope I can remember enough of this one when the 3rd comes around.
May 16, 2016
Zeroes was one of my favorite books last year. This is a worthy sequel. The characters and plot are just as memorable and exciting, there are some new fun characters with equally awesome and terrifying powers, and there seemed to be even more at stake in this book than the last. I hope my favorite character makes a reappearance in the third book, and I can't wait to see who else will join the story.
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC
October 9, 2016
A physical ARC of this book was kindly provided by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
I will start my review with the mini review which I wrote for the first book in this series, Zeroes, on Goodreads:
"It turns out that I read this book last year! And while I can’t write a full review because it’s no longer fresh, I do remember that I found the superpowers to be extremely unique. I also liked some characters, but hated others. And the plot, while action-packed wasn’t really my cup of tea. I don’t know whether its because I was still freshly disappointed in the TV shows Misfits and Heroes (for different reasons), or if I just expected…more…but I’m hoping that I will be more impressed with the sequel."
Having now read the sequel, I can say that I was in fact more impressed with the sequel, Swarm, which came out on September 27th of this year. I will discuss what I was impressed with, and will then explain my reason for giving this book three starts at the end.
I would first like to go into how impressed I was with the powers with which Westerfeld, Lanagan, and Biancotti came up with for this series. There are numerous superhero stories around, and it’s quite difficult to come up with a power which hasn’t been used before. I particularly liked Anonymous and Flicker’s powers! Anonymous is forgotten by everyone, once he leaves the room, and Flicker can’t see through her own eyes, but can see through the eyes of everyone else who is near her.
This time around, I still disliked Scam, to the point where I skimmed over the chapters featuring his point of view. I also wasn’t too fond of Mob. And even though I did like Anonymous and Flicker’s powers, I did not find that the character themselves were very distinct from one another. They felt a little flat to me.
The writing was clear, and easy to follow. There was some eloquent phrasing, as well as some sections which made me laugh, but I do have to point out that some chapters held my attention better than others. Due to this book having been written by three authors, it is hard to say whether the amount of attention each chapter could hold was due to the person writing, or due to the character being written about.
As for the plot, while I did find it to be a little more interesting than that of the first book, it still wasn’t a story for me. Perhaps this would be the kind of plot which I would enjoy playing out within a movie or TV show, rather than in a book. Or maybe I came in with preconceptions formed due to the discontinuation of the TV show Heroes (which I enjoyed), and my dislike for how the plot of Misfits developed in later seasons. Maybe I simply don’t like superhero books.
The reason why I read the book was in order to experience more of Anonymous and Flicker, and not necessarily together, because their relationship felt a little cliche to me. And I skimmed some chapters, while skipping others (such as Scam’s chapters), which I really really dislike doing. But I also wanted to see how it would end.
I think that there is a lot of potential here, considering the imaginative powers given to these characters, but I simply disliked how it was all executed.
I will start my review with the mini review which I wrote for the first book in this series, Zeroes, on Goodreads:
"It turns out that I read this book last year! And while I can’t write a full review because it’s no longer fresh, I do remember that I found the superpowers to be extremely unique. I also liked some characters, but hated others. And the plot, while action-packed wasn’t really my cup of tea. I don’t know whether its because I was still freshly disappointed in the TV shows Misfits and Heroes (for different reasons), or if I just expected…more…but I’m hoping that I will be more impressed with the sequel."
Having now read the sequel, I can say that I was in fact more impressed with the sequel, Swarm, which came out on September 27th of this year. I will discuss what I was impressed with, and will then explain my reason for giving this book three starts at the end.
I would first like to go into how impressed I was with the powers with which Westerfeld, Lanagan, and Biancotti came up with for this series. There are numerous superhero stories around, and it’s quite difficult to come up with a power which hasn’t been used before. I particularly liked Anonymous and Flicker’s powers! Anonymous is forgotten by everyone, once he leaves the room, and Flicker can’t see through her own eyes, but can see through the eyes of everyone else who is near her.
This time around, I still disliked Scam, to the point where I skimmed over the chapters featuring his point of view. I also wasn’t too fond of Mob. And even though I did like Anonymous and Flicker’s powers, I did not find that the character themselves were very distinct from one another. They felt a little flat to me.
The writing was clear, and easy to follow. There was some eloquent phrasing, as well as some sections which made me laugh, but I do have to point out that some chapters held my attention better than others. Due to this book having been written by three authors, it is hard to say whether the amount of attention each chapter could hold was due to the person writing, or due to the character being written about.
As for the plot, while I did find it to be a little more interesting than that of the first book, it still wasn’t a story for me. Perhaps this would be the kind of plot which I would enjoy playing out within a movie or TV show, rather than in a book. Or maybe I came in with preconceptions formed due to the discontinuation of the TV show Heroes (which I enjoyed), and my dislike for how the plot of Misfits developed in later seasons. Maybe I simply don’t like superhero books.
The reason why I read the book was in order to experience more of Anonymous and Flicker, and not necessarily together, because their relationship felt a little cliche to me. And I skimmed some chapters, while skipping others (such as Scam’s chapters), which I really really dislike doing. But I also wanted to see how it would end.
I think that there is a lot of potential here, considering the imaginative powers given to these characters, but I simply disliked how it was all executed.
October 12, 2016
I received a copy of Swarm from Allen and Unwin New Zealand to review. I read and reviewed the first book, Zeroes, last year. You can read that here.
I mentioned in my review of Zeroes that I’d be interested to know how involved each author is in writing these books. I think I read that a year ago and I still haven’t looked into it. Hopefully I’ll know by the time the next book comes out.
I felt like Swarm had a bigger threat for the Zeroes than the first book had. I remember them having to deal with bank robbers, drug dealers and the threat of a couple of them being blown up.. Okay, so that last one was kind of a big deal but this guy, Swarm, was a psychopath. But his power confused me a little and I’m not going to explain it or why it confused me because it would just spoil it. But I’m not really sure I want it explained.. I think it might make Swarm creepier than he already is.
I liked the ending of Swarm better than Zeroes too. It has a little cliffhanger that involves one of the characters I like so I really want to read the next book to find out what happens to them. I also want to know what’s next for the Zeroes too but the ending, with that one character, kind of shocked me. I really wasn’t expecting that.
I still have my problems with Bellweather/Nate wanting control of all the Zeroes. But I do think he had some good character development at the end of the book and I’ll be interested to see if that lasts or he’ll just go back to being the same old power hungry Nate.
I think there’s a reason they call themselves Zeroes… When they try to do the right think it always backfires and someone, or a lot of people, end up getting hurt. So they can’t call themselves heroes. And I didn’t like the sound of their nightclub and what they were doing to the crowd.
Anyway, I know it sounds like I didn’t like Swarm but I really enjoyed it and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book. I think I heard that this is a trilogy but don’t hold me to that.
I mentioned in my review of Zeroes that I’d be interested to know how involved each author is in writing these books. I think I read that a year ago and I still haven’t looked into it. Hopefully I’ll know by the time the next book comes out.
I felt like Swarm had a bigger threat for the Zeroes than the first book had. I remember them having to deal with bank robbers, drug dealers and the threat of a couple of them being blown up.. Okay, so that last one was kind of a big deal but this guy, Swarm, was a psychopath. But his power confused me a little and I’m not going to explain it or why it confused me because it would just spoil it. But I’m not really sure I want it explained.. I think it might make Swarm creepier than he already is.
I liked the ending of Swarm better than Zeroes too. It has a little cliffhanger that involves one of the characters I like so I really want to read the next book to find out what happens to them. I also want to know what’s next for the Zeroes too but the ending, with that one character, kind of shocked me. I really wasn’t expecting that.
I still have my problems with Bellweather/Nate wanting control of all the Zeroes. But I do think he had some good character development at the end of the book and I’ll be interested to see if that lasts or he’ll just go back to being the same old power hungry Nate.
I think there’s a reason they call themselves Zeroes… When they try to do the right think it always backfires and someone, or a lot of people, end up getting hurt. So they can’t call themselves heroes. And I didn’t like the sound of their nightclub and what they were doing to the crowd.
Anyway, I know it sounds like I didn’t like Swarm but I really enjoyed it and I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book. I think I heard that this is a trilogy but don’t hold me to that.
June 29, 2016
I think I liked this one more than the first one. Still took 80% of the book for crazy action to start. My favorite characters (and really the only reason I am still reading these) are Flicker and Anon. I think their superpowers are the most creative and interesting. UH BUT THAT ENDING KILLED ME.
And the final wait begins......
And the final wait begins......
October 15, 2016
NO NO NO NOT OKAY.
Some stuff I didn't like, some stuff I loved. Thibault is a precious baby too glorious for this world, Flicker is a fierce and majestic sweetheart, and I love Ethan because I can't resist a self-loathing underdog. That ending redeemed the book for me even though I AM NOT OKAY WITH IT.
3.5 ⭐️
Some stuff I didn't like, some stuff I loved. Thibault is a precious baby too glorious for this world, Flicker is a fierce and majestic sweetheart, and I love Ethan because I can't resist a self-loathing underdog. That ending redeemed the book for me even though I AM NOT OKAY WITH IT.
3.5 ⭐️
December 4, 2015
Cue jeopardy theme song!
And I'm waaaiiittttiiiinnnnngggghg . . . And I'm waaaaaiiiiittttttiiiiinnnnnngggg . . .
And I'm waaaiiittttiiiinnnnngggghg . . . And I'm waaaaaiiiiittttttiiiiinnnnnngggg . . .
Want to read
February 24, 2016OH MY GOD WE HAVE A COVER, WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?!!!
September 13, 2016
DAMMIT NOW I NEED THE NEXT ONE.
July 6, 2017
That ending tho .
March 19, 2018
3.5/5 stars
THAT ENDING THO!!!!!!!
Oh man, what a ride! I will be the first to admit this wasn't as good as the first book, but I enjoyed this book and I am enjoying the journey of our Zeroes.
I don't usually like to compare books, but here goes. I also recently read Renegades which is also about people with superpowers and by comparison, I'm finding the Zeroes trilogy more interesting than Renegades. (COME AT ME BRO.)
Swarm can get confusing at times with six different voices, but I feel they are each distinct people. They don't feel the same at all and I'm curious about all their powers!
If you liked Zeroes enough to make it here to Swarm's page - I think you're curious enough to continue the series. This is a pretty fast read and even though I'm only giving it 3 stars, I have no regrets in reading this!
THAT ENDING THO!!!!!!!
Oh man, what a ride! I will be the first to admit this wasn't as good as the first book, but I enjoyed this book and I am enjoying the journey of our Zeroes.
I don't usually like to compare books, but here goes. I also recently read Renegades which is also about people with superpowers and by comparison, I'm finding the Zeroes trilogy more interesting than Renegades. (COME AT ME BRO.)
Swarm can get confusing at times with six different voices, but I feel they are each distinct people. They don't feel the same at all and I'm curious about all their powers!
If you liked Zeroes enough to make it here to Swarm's page - I think you're curious enough to continue the series. This is a pretty fast read and even though I'm only giving it 3 stars, I have no regrets in reading this!
July 27, 2016
As a second novel in a series, it exceeds expectations. It is by far better then the first one. The characters are more relatable and I found that I was able to read a lot more depth and meaning in the characters and their powers then I was able to find in the first one. As I have just finished this book I am sort of shocked. The ending is horrible and inconclusive. It is almost yell worthy. It is defiantly an ending that will take awhile to get over and will leave me wandering the house instead of reading, not ready to move on. In this book, the Zeros are back at it again, this time running an illegal night club. But what could go wrong? Yes the police could break them up, or their parents find out. But the zeros never excepted that another evil Zero would show up. As the Zeros try to prepare to face this unexpected evil, they also have to deal with their families and friendships. There was a bit of a love triangle, but as a whole the romantic relationships in this book just added to the meaning and made the ending so much worse. The authors definitely were not afraid to go out of the box with this one and I am excited to see where the next one goes.
May 27, 2018
Seriously... I can’t even! I liked the first book, I even liked most of this one but the ending... just DEVASTATING! I don’t even know if I can read the final book because my favorite character is gone!😭😭😭
By no means is this book a literary masterpiece but if you can put that aside, this is such an easy and entertaining read: cool storyline, unique characters, and pretty fast-paced... It’ll definitely draw you in.
By no means is this book a literary masterpiece but if you can put that aside, this is such an easy and entertaining read: cool storyline, unique characters, and pretty fast-paced... It’ll definitely draw you in.
October 2, 2016
4.5stars
What an evil cliffhanger, but what an awesome ride! The first book had potential to go to interesting places, but this blew my mind. The characters have developed a ton, and I am glad there is a LGBTQA couple on the team, and not the horrid love triangle that the first book was hinting at. I need to know what happens next.
What an evil cliffhanger, but what an awesome ride! The first book had potential to go to interesting places, but this blew my mind. The characters have developed a ton, and I am glad there is a LGBTQA couple on the team, and not the horrid love triangle that the first book was hinting at. I need to know what happens next.
May 27, 2019
Once again, the only person I cared about was Thibault, although I would have liked to get to know Quinton a bit more
BUT
oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Rtc ... maybe... idk if I’ll remember enough of this, I sort of got bored and speed-read the last bit.
Onto book three I guess....
*why did I buy the whole trilogy 🤦🏻♀️*
BUT
oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Rtc ... maybe... idk if I’ll remember enough of this, I sort of got bored and speed-read the last bit.
Onto book three I guess....
*why did I buy the whole trilogy 🤦🏻♀️*
February 6, 2017
Fantastic conclusion! Tragic and stunning...
Read
August 28, 2021🚨SNARKY REVIEW WARNING🚨
Also I’m not going to even be talking about the book, only one aspect that literally gets me so annoyed. Here we go...
😱😱 Oh my gosh guys! Guess what?! The only black character in this book happens to be...gay! 😱
I KNOW! The crowd goes wild!!! How astounding is this?! These authors had the courage to do what no one (and by no one I mean literally everyone) had the guts to do!!! Make the only black character gay! How courageous! I mean it’s not like they are similar to so many other teen fiction authors who use the toofer method of diversity!
Toofer as in two for the price of one: a black and gay character.
Really, it’s crazy that they stepped on a ledge and chose ONE OF THE MOST PREVALENT STEREOTYPES OUT THERE RIGHT NOW!
But you know give them a hand for being diverse. 👏👏👏 I mean it’s diverse to use this stereotype, right? Cause that’s what a majority teen fiction is telling us right now?
*takes a breath, exhaling all my snark*
Okay I’m done, I’m just so done with this overused stereotype that makes authors feel better because they think they are being diverse when in actuality they are only perpetrating a stereotype.
I don’t know, maybe I’m alone in feeling this way about it.
Also I’m not going to even be talking about the book, only one aspect that literally gets me so annoyed. Here we go...
😱😱 Oh my gosh guys! Guess what?! The only black character in this book happens to be...gay! 😱
I KNOW! The crowd goes wild!!! How astounding is this?! These authors had the courage to do what no one (and by no one I mean literally everyone) had the guts to do!!! Make the only black character gay! How courageous! I mean it’s not like they are similar to so many other teen fiction authors who use the toofer method of diversity!
Toofer as in two for the price of one: a black and gay character.
Really, it’s crazy that they stepped on a ledge and chose ONE OF THE MOST PREVALENT STEREOTYPES OUT THERE RIGHT NOW!
But you know give them a hand for being diverse. 👏👏👏 I mean it’s diverse to use this stereotype, right? Cause that’s what a majority teen fiction is telling us right now?
*takes a breath, exhaling all my snark*
Okay I’m done, I’m just so done with this overused stereotype that makes authors feel better because they think they are being diverse when in actuality they are only perpetrating a stereotype.
I don’t know, maybe I’m alone in feeling this way about it.
December 24, 2017
Le danger des POV multiples, c'est de se retrouver avec des personnages moins bien servis ou moins intéressants.
Ici, on se retrouve avec des Zéros qui sont plus intéressants que d'autres et des personnages qui sont moins bien définis. Il manque de profondeur, même si j'ai bien aimé l'histoire racontée.
Les pouvoirs sont bien pensés, mais peu exploités. L'idée, introduite vers la fin, plaçant des pouvoirs différents comme étant des opposés l'un de l'autre devient intéressante quand on réfléchit au fait que ça donne au personnage un certain contrôle sur ses capacités, comme si un gradateur y était attaché. L'idée que les pouvoirs puissent aussi acquérir un niveau supérieur et qu'une fois ce nouveau plancher atteint, il s'avère impossible de redescendre, mériterait que le 3e volume s'y attarde.
Dans ce qui me reste... pouvoir la voix de Scam a-t-elle dit que ce pouvoir était unique et est-ce que Thibault restera effacé de l'existence ou est-ce qu'il s'est plutôt désincarné dans une invisibilité aussi visuelle que mémorielle?
Ici, on se retrouve avec des Zéros qui sont plus intéressants que d'autres et des personnages qui sont moins bien définis. Il manque de profondeur, même si j'ai bien aimé l'histoire racontée.
Les pouvoirs sont bien pensés, mais peu exploités. L'idée, introduite vers la fin, plaçant des pouvoirs différents comme étant des opposés l'un de l'autre devient intéressante quand on réfléchit au fait que ça donne au personnage un certain contrôle sur ses capacités, comme si un gradateur y était attaché. L'idée que les pouvoirs puissent aussi acquérir un niveau supérieur et qu'une fois ce nouveau plancher atteint, il s'avère impossible de redescendre, mériterait que le 3e volume s'y attarde.
Dans ce qui me reste... pouvoir la voix de Scam a-t-elle dit que ce pouvoir était unique et est-ce que Thibault restera effacé de l'existence ou est-ce qu'il s'est plutôt désincarné dans une invisibilité aussi visuelle que mémorielle?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2017
I really should have known better than to start a Westerfeld trilogy before it finished. Yes, I know he's not the only author, but his previous trilogies still should have taught me that the second book always ends with me going "Nooooooooo!" That said, I still loved this book and I love the characters and I have faith in the author that it will end satisfyingly. We rejoin our heroes six months after the events of the previous book. It's just before Christmas and the Zeroes have built a nightclub to experiment with their powers over a happy crowd. When some new Zeroes from another town show up and wreak havoc, they find themselves unexpectedly trying to save people. It does not go as planned. There's a fair amount of humor, some sweetness, a whole lot of drama, and some very, very sad parts. And now I have to wait a year to find out how it all turns out!
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed this book even more than its predecessor. I felt a stronger connection to the characters, and the plot had more pull, higher stakes and more intrigue. One of the things I enjoyed most about this book is that it left me wanting. I really wanted a moment when the Zeroes felt like a team, when they really pulled together and had an Avengers-esque moment of triumph and victory. But this book never gives you that satisfaction. The team comes together and falls apart constantly, and while this is less satisfying than a grand, exciting victory, it lends this story of super-powered teenagers a feeling of reality, a sense of grounding that could otherwise be missing. These kids are just teenagers, trying to deal with their parents and their relationships and discovering who they are while trying to manage having superpowers - and fighting super-powered villains. For every triumph, there's a fall, and it leaves me wanting more.
I very much look forward to the next book.
I very much look forward to the next book.
January 29, 2018
I cried. If a book makes me cry, it gets 5 stars, because that never happens. There you go. Character development was stellar, plot was pretty good, and the idea of the series is just genius.
May 26, 2020
This trilogy gets better and better but it was so sad to have one fo the Zeroes left behind at the end...I have hope and look forward to the next installment.
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