Review by xangemtheelibrarian - I Am the Swarm

xangemtheelibrarian 's review for:

I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins

3.0

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This one... Nell just felt like an inactive participant in her story for most of the book. Things kept happening to her and she just accepted it until she learned how to feel and process her emotions. And I will say that is one of the beautiful things about this story. She learns how to take up space and take action in her own life.

I will say this story feels like it focuses a lot on sexual assault, harassment, and bullying. If those topics are triggering for you, don't pick up this book.

Nell feels almost surrounded by men and boys who want to touch her without her consent, by girls who bully her and call her sister "easy," and a family that doesn't see what she's going through. Nell pushes further and further into sexual behavior with her Antidote to make all the bad feelings go away, and that plotline progresses alongside the other one of an adult and Antidote's brother making moves on her. Not only does her sister attempt suicide, but so does her mother. It's a lot for one girl to observe and process while she herself is trying to process her own hurt and trauma.

Content Warnings