The Swarm (Card and Johnston novel)

Lore & Background

The novel is set after the first invasion of Earth, which was beaten back by a coalition of corporate and international military forces and the Chinese army. China has been devastated by the Formics' initial efforts to eradicate Earth life forms and prepare the ground for their own settlement. The Scouring of China struck fear into other nations, and that fear led to drastic action when scientists determined that the single ship that caused such damage was merely a scout ship.

Reader's Guide

The Swarm is significant as the opening volume of the Second Formic Wars trilogy, continuing the Ender's Game series. It depicts a reorganized Earth government comprising a Hegemon, responsible for keeping formerly warring nations in line, and a Polemarch, responsible for organizing all military forces into the new International Fleet. The story highlights that ambition, politics, greed, and self-interest remain, as important military members place career prospects ahead of Earth's defense. The plot follows Bingwen, Mazer Rackam, Victor Delgado, and Lem Jukes as they work to create a weapon that can effectively defend humanity. The book's legacy includes setting up the trilogy, with projected sequels titled The Hive (released June 11, 2019) and The Queens.

Did You Know?

• The Swarm was released on August 2, 2016.
• The sequel The Hive was released on June 11, 2019.
• The projected third book in the trilogy is titled The Queens.