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Stay inside. Don’t get bit. Pray for an antidote.

It was supposed to be a vacation. Clear aquifer waters, wildlife sightings, sunshine and roller coasters.

But the manatee beneath their paddle boards distracted Cage and Joule, and they didn’t see what happened to their guide. He simply passed out, stopped breathing, and died.

Faster and deadlier than Zika, the new strain is delivered through a simple mosquito bite. How do you avoid mosquitos in Florida? And why does the antidote already exist when no one can even name the disease that’s spreading faster than anyone can keep up with?

How do you avoid the bite you can’t see coming?

Once you’re bitten, you have one hour…

414 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2022

20 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Scudiere

66 books398 followers
📖𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘆, 𝘂𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲
♟️stories you can't outguess! 𝘎𝘰 𝘢𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘵𝘳𝘺!
🏆USA TODAY bestselling author
🎁grab a FREE BOOK at my website ReadAJS.com

𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝟥𝟢 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
13 reviews
January 29, 2022
AJ Scudiere writes an amazing variety of readable stories, that are well-paced and with great dialogue. The Swarm stands out for several reasons. The Swarm is part of the Black Carbon Series of books which are about nature gone wrong. What makes The Swarm noteworthy is that the book combines natural extremes, murder, and corporate espionage into a highly fascinating fast-paced read. A brother and sister team Joule and Cage Mazor are the main characters in the Black Carbon books. They are different enough and compelling people that they hold your interest throughout. The book is set in some of the best parts of the southeastern United States including Florida, Charleston South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. No surprise the book is about bugs, but I won’t go beyond this generality to avoid any spoilers. The murder mystery is unexpected and takes the book in a whole different direction. If you like books that make you think and books that have some really interesting science behind them then read this book. When you find an author who writes books you like that you can’t put down, then you are eager to share these books with people. Try one and you will be hooked, and you are lucky since you have lots of books that you can read.
Profile Image for Felix Bearden.
Author 7 books1 follower
January 26, 2022
Critique of Felix Bearden for
The Swarm
A.J. Scudiere


Over all rating: 5 Star

Tests
For me, there are a few main criteria for rating a book. In no particular order, they are:

Well researched.
The amount of research that A.J. does to “educate” her readers is more than us mere mortals are normally able to do. My rating in that regard is 5 star. I always learn something from her books. I have long since stopped double-checking what she writes as facts. With over 3000 species of mosquitos in the world, she need only a few to build this story.

Well written.
Her text is smooth and easy to read. It is not necessary to reread sections to understand her meaning. She is able to describe the emotions in such a way that the reader feels them along with the character. My rating is 5 star.

Unique.
There is no one who creates the kind of stories that one finds in The Swarm, as well as the stories in the other series NightShade. 5 star.

Am I anxious for the author’s next book?
Even though her next book is not in the same series (Nightshade, I think), I am looking forward to reading it. Is there a 6 Star?

Thanks A.J. for another great evening of reading.
225 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2022
Mosquitoes!

Only A.J. Scudiere could make me want to look up mosquitoes. As in all of her books, this one is well researched and the tension level is quite high in places. Can't wait for the next adventure!
90 reviews
February 4, 2022
I really enjoyed the swarm, it was well written and a lot of mystery and enough action for anyone to enjoy. It sure took a lot of detective for Jewel and cage to figure out what was going on. I liked the people at the CDC and the other associated characters. Anyone who enjoy a good mystery should not miss this novel.
Profile Image for Craig.
348 reviews
February 5, 2022
With The Swarm, AJ Scudiere has once again outdone herself. The pacing and intrigue in this story drew me in from the first page. I finished the book in one day. It’s been quite a while since I have been able to say that about any book.

Once again, we are brought into the lives of Joule and Cage Mazur. We are able to experience another of the myriad ways the Earth’s ecosystem is changing. Especially in ways that do not benefit mankind. This particular story is, in some ways, very appropriate for the times we are in. It involves viruses, vaccines, evolving science, and corporate malfeasance. Most importantly, though, it keeps you guessing until the end.

Another aspect of Scudiere’s writing that I enjoy is when she brings in characters from some of her other stories, in a way to make them be a shared universe. In this book, she links the Black Carbon series with her stand-alone story Resonance. It’s a joy to be able to get reacquainted with these former main characters.

The one absolute I have learned is that it is dangerous to know Cage and Joule. An inordinate amount of people tends to die around them.

Overall, I would give The Swarm 5 stars. It was highly entertaining, and I eagerly leapt through the pages. I believe everyone will enjoy reading this book.
Profile Image for Monica Mac.
1,704 reviews40 followers
February 27, 2022
Wow, Joule and Cage are back with another nailbiter of a story!

Joule and Cage are a pair of twins who have been through so much more than anyone of their age should have so it is understandable that they have trouble relaxing, even when they are on holidays. They were right to be worried as they watch the impact of mosquito bites on people in their orbit but there is so much more going on than they know......

I have to admit, reading about the Epipen (should I give it now, or not) thing was excruciating for me because I am a nurse and making sure that people are safe after vaccinations is what I do. I know, I know, these two are young and don't have any medical training but even so, it was hard to read! That aside, this book had plenty of tense moments which is what you want in a book like this and I just wanted to turn the pages in my Kindle faster and faster.

Looking forward to reading more of Joule and Cage's adventures! :) I wonder what terrible thing they have to contend with next???

4.5 stars from me.
1,612 reviews32 followers
February 4, 2022
AJ you have really done it this time. Talk about nail biting, sitting on the edge of your seat – and oh yeah those nail marks on the dining room table – I think those were my husband trying to drag me away from the table, BUT you should see him! Good thing I have short nails – because I had bitten them off already reading this novel. Being from Florida and already sick about the number of Manatees we have lost this year due to world climate change and now you are Sicking mosquitoes on us too yet. And hey by the way, how is they have an antidote for this disease, when supposedly no one has ever heard of it and no one knew about it. BUT you best not leave your house unless you buy the antidote – you have exactly one hour to make it – or opps, plop you’re a goner! A.J. Scudiere this is one of the best you have written. I received this novel through bookFunnel and this is my true and honest review.
5 reviews
February 19, 2022
Once again the Mazur twins find themselves at the center of a vexatious situation spanning several southern states. The twins find that nature can be a great catalyst for greed and murder. Working on a job site in Charleston, SC just might be one of the most taxing misadventures of their career.

This installment of the Black Carbon series continues to showcase A.J.'s ability to develop characters and draw the audience in with her fantastic method of mixing real science with science fiction. I highly recommend giving this book a chance.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,786 reviews71 followers
February 5, 2022
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Loy.
1,541 reviews
February 9, 2022
The Swarm is another installment of the Black Carbon series. Joule and Cage are paddleboarding and run into a swarm. This starts the nonstop action and adventure.
I enjoyed the writing as always. The character development was particularly good. The characters really added to the story
I read the book in about two evenings-- This book shows A J Scudiere’s talents. Worth a read.

Profile Image for Dawn Suplicki.
7 reviews
February 15, 2022
Loved it! The action started right away which I wasn't expecting. I wanted to read it slownto savor it, but that never happens with AJ's books. As always I learned a few things without even trying. I enjoyed the new characters and they fit in perfectly.
Profile Image for J.B..
Author 13 books613 followers
May 13, 2022
You’ll never react the same way to a mosquito bite again! Joule and Cage are reluctantly dragged in to another dangerous and freaky event and have to use their signature brand of smarts, science, team work, and sheer will to survive. Another harrowing, compelling, and GREAT Black Carbon novel!
54 reviews
January 30, 2025
Mosquitos are the worst! But what do you do when a bite becomes MORE than a bite? The twins are in Florida and have a new threat to worry about. I love the Black Carbon series and how adrenaline packed they are!
8 reviews
February 14, 2022
Great job again A.J. Anyone who has met a mosquito near a southern shore will enjoy this story. The morale is WEAR BUG SPRAY! Good tie-back to the CDC in "Resonance". Had to read that one again.
Profile Image for Danielle Vandehaar.
817 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2022
I really enjoy the parts where the twins are figuring out the science and making a plan. The large scale conspiracy much less so.
5 reviews
March 1, 2022
Another scare your socks off, stay up all night winner.
You won't be sorry for ordering this book. Do it now!
Profile Image for Natalie  Clauson .
42 reviews8 followers
May 5, 2023
Love love love the series

I am really enjoying this series love how it's just not about bugs that can destroy your life can't wait for the next book
192 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2022
OMG… if you haven’t read any of A.J. SCUDIERE you must simply start right now!
This book The Swarm is part of the Black carbon series. A young brother and sister team have managed to survive and even thrive a turbulent life.
The swarm is highly toxic mosquitoes that quickly kill people. The cause of this toxicity a challenge to find and can the mosquitoes be eliminated before the human population is decimated.
Well…..read it and find out what happens next!
13 reviews
March 1, 2022
Another adventure fest with Cage & Joule! Who does not hate a mosquito? If you thought you hated them already, this book takes it to the next level! What I love most about this author is her ability to incorporate her knowledge & forensic skill into ALL of her books. The Swarm is just another great read with great characters and an exemplary story line! Thank you AJ, the only thing you do wrong is being unable to write a book a week for ALL of your series!!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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