Firlefanz
Lady of the Land
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Registered: 05-2003
Location: Germany
Posts: 1797
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The Swarm - Frank Schätzing
The Swarm, by Frank Schätzing, is speculative fiction, and I probably won't hit off the mark by much if I call it Science Fiction outright. I won't spoil the ending for you, so let's just say that we know less about what's lurking in the depth of our oceans than we know of most of the solar system.
So, yes, it's a story that focuses on the oceans. Schätzing manages to weave scientific facts into an incredible scenario of almost non-stop catastrophes - and none of that is actually far fetched. I readily admit that I admire this ability. The Swarm teems with real science even as the plot develops.
However, the story-telling itself is much less impressive. Schätzing has a very annoying habit of introducing new characters and then killing them off at the end of the chapter, just when they have become familiar and likable. Not once, not twice, but at least five times. And he doesn't spare main characters, either.
Despite this warning, it's worth a read, especially if you are somewhat interested in marine science and communication science. And I don't say that just because part of the story is taking place in my home town. 
--- - Firlefanz
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9/21/2007, 7:31 am
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QS2
Shepherd
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Registered: 03-2006
Posts: 576
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Re: The Swarm - Frank Schätzing
Well part of the way I guess to write good SF, is to read other writers SF now and then as well. Simply to have an extra source for dredging up good ideas and to help keep up with potential relevant scientific shifts. Of course not all writers are really equally good, some can sound very reliable but not be and vice versa. Still, it is probably one of the easier ways to stay a bit up to date. 
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9/21/2007, 11:48 am
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Anything in particular that you think is really good about it? Or is it like an overall good read?
