As an avid science fiction enthusiast, I was thrilled to dive into Hive, the first book in D.L. Orton’s Madders in Time series. The premise captivated me from the start: a dystopian world where the last remnants of humanity desperately cling to hope amidst overwhelming despair. The story unfolds in a future where "the last survivors" are living under glass domes while swarms of microdrones attack what’s left of civilization. I was particularly intrigued by the emotional stakes of love and sacrifice that seem woven throughout the narrative.
Orton creates a beautifully haunting world through her vivid descriptions and engaging prose. The backdrop of Hive benefits from a perfect mix of gritty realism and a glimmer of hope, which resonated deeply throughout the story. The characters, particularly our leads, Isabel and Diego, are compelling and relatable. Their love story is impactful—made even more poignant by the life-and-death decisions they face.
One of the highlights for me was the inclusion of Madders, a sarcastic AI character who maintains the biodome. His humor brought a refreshing lightness to the otherwise heavy themes, and I found myself chuckling at his witty remarks—even while the world crumbles around him. This element of humor balances the emotional weight described by other readers, such as Mt. Michaels, who noted the "sharp dialogue" and emotional stakes that make Hive not just a typical sci-fi tale but something more enriching. The blend of humor, relatable characters, and a gripping plot certainly matched my expectations laid out in the book description.
However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the read, I did notice some drawbacks that impacted the pacing now and then. The narrative employs multiple points of view, shifting between Diego, Isabel, and Madders. At times, this was a bit disorienting and took me out of the immediate story. I agree with other reviewers, like Charles Magesa, who highlighted that this approach can be a double-edged sword—it offers depth to the characters but occasionally slows the action. This became especially evident during the middle of the book, where the pacing lagged as world-building took precedence over plot advancement.
The climax, however, certainly makes up for it. The conclusion was taut with suspense and left me yearning for more. It’s worth mentioning that a few readers expressed frustration with the cliffhanger ending, and I must admit, I was among them! The desire to delve into the next book immediately was strong, and the emotional stakes left me both satisfied and needing closure on some plotlines.
In addition to the richly developed characters and world-building, the themes of hope, love, and sacrifice resonated deeply with me. The choices Isabel and Diego make are not only about survival but also about the impacts of those choices on their lives and others in the timeline. The story tackles ecological collapse and covers timely issues—such as climate change and the misuse of technology—important to our present-day realities.
All in all, Hive proved to be an impressive start to the Madders in Time series, boasting a blend of sci-fi intrigue and poignant emotional moments. While the shifting narratives sometimes disrupted the pacing, the overall experience remained engaging and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Hive to anyone who enjoys character-driven stories interwoven with fantastical elements. If you appreciate narratives that challenge the essence of time, love, and the human experience amidst dystopian settings, this book is definitely for you. I can’t wait to see where Orton takes us next in this series! My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½.