Hive (Madders of Time)
by D. L. Orton 
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In a crumbling biodome surrounded by endless seas and swarms of microdrones, humanity's last survivors cling to hope. For Isabel, a dying scientist, and Diego, the man she loves, time is running out-literally. The Earth is ravaged, and the biodome that was meant to save them is failing. But when Isabel stumbles upon a long-lost time bridge, the possibility of changing the past emerges, offering one final chance to rewrite history. There's just one problem: only one person can make the show more journey. As they grapple with the weight of impossible choices, love, and regret, Isabel and Diego must decide whether altering the course of time is worth the risk. Will their sacrifice save the future, or will tampering with the past ensure humanity's extinction? Tense, emotional, and thought-provoking, Hive is a story of survival, love, and the ultimate cost of second chances. When the future is at stake, how far would you go to change it? show lessTags
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Member Reviews
TL/DR: A thoroughly enjoyable fantasy time-travel book mostly set in a near-future America just outside of Denver Colorado. Strong characters and intricately laid plot that leads to a cliffhanger. Book 2 due in November. Point knocked off for the cliffhanger ending.
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In January of this year author DL Orton posted to Threads: “I write pages and pages of character background before I ever start writing a book. I think characters are more interesting and dynamic when I know who they are before I start building their stories on the page.”
Character building is something this independent author is known for - read reviews of this latest book, or any of the previous books in the “Between Two Evils” series and you’ll see show more that the depth of the characters is something reviewers often comment on. The characters in this latest book allow the author’s sense of humor to shine through - the main characters exchange bad puns and engage in comedic wordplay, while some of the side characters seem to be there mostly to provide comic relief.
That humor helps to ground the intricately laid out plot that plays around with the concepts of time travel and a multiverse. I’ll run through the main characters and give you some of the highlights of the plot in what follows but will necessarily be leaving out a lot of the texture and detail.
A wheelchair-bound Isabel Sanborn sets the storyline in motion, along with her dead-but-uploaded-to-an-AI friend Matthew Hudson (the AI goes by the name “Madders”). She sends Diego Nadeles back in time on a mission to change the past in order to prevent the bleak future they currently inhabit. When Diego leaves, she will be alone - the last human in the biodome that is the last home of humanity on a dystopian world. And, since it will take all the power they have left to send Diego to the past she’s consigning herself to a quick death as the biodome will fail around her.
In the past future-Diego makes a brief appearance before the story continues with present-Diego and present-Isabel charting their way into a relationship as the events leading to dystopia begin to unfold.
Dave, whom Isabel has recently divorced as the book begins, is an evil genius billionaire in an Elon Musk meets Lex Luther mold. Isabel works for Dave, and her project is the creation of robot bees designed to pollinate crops, as nature’s bees falter on the road to extinction. As the plot unfolds it becomes apparent that Dave has other designs on the robot swarm, hoping to manufacture and sell them as carriers of biological weapons, equipped with stingers to deliver death to their targets. Isabel’s plot to thwart Dave is a highlight of the book.
Meanwhile present-day Matt Hudson gets sucked into a secret government research project to determine who or what is behind a small spherical object that crashes in Denver. He’s assisted by his PhD student Sam and eventually his daughter Cassandra.
How much of what happens is consistent with the timeline that leads to dystopia? That is being monitored throughout by Madders, the future-AI stuck in a computer in the biodome on a failed world. Madders has woken up after solar power has refilled the batteries in the biodome. He has access to “peeper” technology that allows him to peer into the past. Madders gives a status of how the timeline is varying at the start of each new chapter.
So where is all this leading? Well, to a cliffhanger. It is Book 1 after all.
Now I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers in books. It can be a long time between books, especially for a newly published book like this one, so cliffhangers can be pretty frustrating. But I have to say that I agree with all those other reviewers who comment on the strong characters Orton writes. As a reader you really do become involved in their stories and want them to succeed. And I also enjoyed the way the plot unfolded. The end result is that, despite my dislike for cliffhangers, I liked this book a lot and can’t wait for the next one. Which is slated to come out in November of this year. I’ll have to wait…
This is the first book by DL Orton that I’ve read. Since finishing the book and doing a bit of research on the author I’ve learned that the characters in this book also feature in the “Between Two Evils” series. So, I may need to go back and dive into those books while waiting for the next “Madders of Time” book to arrive. show less
************
In January of this year author DL Orton posted to Threads: “I write pages and pages of character background before I ever start writing a book. I think characters are more interesting and dynamic when I know who they are before I start building their stories on the page.”
Character building is something this independent author is known for - read reviews of this latest book, or any of the previous books in the “Between Two Evils” series and you’ll see show more that the depth of the characters is something reviewers often comment on. The characters in this latest book allow the author’s sense of humor to shine through - the main characters exchange bad puns and engage in comedic wordplay, while some of the side characters seem to be there mostly to provide comic relief.
That humor helps to ground the intricately laid out plot that plays around with the concepts of time travel and a multiverse. I’ll run through the main characters and give you some of the highlights of the plot in what follows but will necessarily be leaving out a lot of the texture and detail.
A wheelchair-bound Isabel Sanborn sets the storyline in motion, along with her dead-but-uploaded-to-an-AI friend Matthew Hudson (the AI goes by the name “Madders”). She sends Diego Nadeles back in time on a mission to change the past in order to prevent the bleak future they currently inhabit. When Diego leaves, she will be alone - the last human in the biodome that is the last home of humanity on a dystopian world. And, since it will take all the power they have left to send Diego to the past she’s consigning herself to a quick death as the biodome will fail around her.
In the past future-Diego makes a brief appearance before the story continues with present-Diego and present-Isabel charting their way into a relationship as the events leading to dystopia begin to unfold.
Dave, whom Isabel has recently divorced as the book begins, is an evil genius billionaire in an Elon Musk meets Lex Luther mold. Isabel works for Dave, and her project is the creation of robot bees designed to pollinate crops, as nature’s bees falter on the road to extinction. As the plot unfolds it becomes apparent that Dave has other designs on the robot swarm, hoping to manufacture and sell them as carriers of biological weapons, equipped with stingers to deliver death to their targets. Isabel’s plot to thwart Dave is a highlight of the book.
Meanwhile present-day Matt Hudson gets sucked into a secret government research project to determine who or what is behind a small spherical object that crashes in Denver. He’s assisted by his PhD student Sam and eventually his daughter Cassandra.
How much of what happens is consistent with the timeline that leads to dystopia? That is being monitored throughout by Madders, the future-AI stuck in a computer in the biodome on a failed world. Madders has woken up after solar power has refilled the batteries in the biodome. He has access to “peeper” technology that allows him to peer into the past. Madders gives a status of how the timeline is varying at the start of each new chapter.
So where is all this leading? Well, to a cliffhanger. It is Book 1 after all.
Now I’m not a big fan of cliffhangers in books. It can be a long time between books, especially for a newly published book like this one, so cliffhangers can be pretty frustrating. But I have to say that I agree with all those other reviewers who comment on the strong characters Orton writes. As a reader you really do become involved in their stories and want them to succeed. And I also enjoyed the way the plot unfolded. The end result is that, despite my dislike for cliffhangers, I liked this book a lot and can’t wait for the next one. Which is slated to come out in November of this year. I’ll have to wait…
This is the first book by DL Orton that I’ve read. Since finishing the book and doing a bit of research on the author I’ve learned that the characters in this book also feature in the “Between Two Evils” series. So, I may need to go back and dive into those books while waiting for the next “Madders of Time” book to arrive. show less
4.5
Book source ~ The Write Reads Tour
The beginning of this book is the grim end of humans on Earth. They’ve just buried Isabelle Sanborn’s ex-husband, David Kirkland (a class A asshole, btw) and with Isabelle herself dying, she needs to convince the love of her life, Diego Nadales, to go back in time and try to fix their timeline. They need him to avert the apocalypse that destroys everything they were trying to save.
In 2020, I read Crossing in Time by the author. It’s essentially this story, but much more polished. The issues I had in CiT are resolved in Hive and the story moves along at an even and smooth pace. The characters are flawed making them feel more real and the situation is nail biting. Kirkland is a real jackhole. show more Wow. Why in the hell did Isabelle marry him over Diego? We aren’t given an answer to that question, but I question her intelligence about a guy so obviously awful. One disappointment is there is no real POV for “old” Diego who travelled back in time. We glimpse him here and there, but that’s it. Bummer. The ending is a cliffhanger setting up Book 2 Jump and I’m looking forward to seeing how it unrolls. If you like some time travel and apocalyptic action in your sci-fi then be sure to pick this up. show less
Book source ~ The Write Reads Tour
The beginning of this book is the grim end of humans on Earth. They’ve just buried Isabelle Sanborn’s ex-husband, David Kirkland (a class A asshole, btw) and with Isabelle herself dying, she needs to convince the love of her life, Diego Nadales, to go back in time and try to fix their timeline. They need him to avert the apocalypse that destroys everything they were trying to save.
In 2020, I read Crossing in Time by the author. It’s essentially this story, but much more polished. The issues I had in CiT are resolved in Hive and the story moves along at an even and smooth pace. The characters are flawed making them feel more real and the situation is nail biting. Kirkland is a real jackhole. show more Wow. Why in the hell did Isabelle marry him over Diego? We aren’t given an answer to that question, but I question her intelligence about a guy so obviously awful. One disappointment is there is no real POV for “old” Diego who travelled back in time. We glimpse him here and there, but that’s it. Bummer. The ending is a cliffhanger setting up Book 2 Jump and I’m looking forward to seeing how it unrolls. If you like some time travel and apocalyptic action in your sci-fi then be sure to pick this up. show less
This is a fast-paced, propulsive read filled with amiable characters who aren't afraid to joke around even when things are tense or confusing. The hook gets set pretty early, and the pages melt away as you plunge ahead to follow the events. It's exactly the kind of popcorn read that helps you escape after a long day.
The tech is very cool—both the stuff that Isabel developed and the items that Matthew talks about and develops. Orton gives you enough to understand how it all works and to visualize it clearly without bogging down the pace with paragraphs and paragraphs of details. The plausibility of it all? Eh, it's SF, it's plausible enough if you come with a standard level of suspension of disbelief needed for time travel (especially, show more in this case, when the time travel comes with a side order of multiverse story).
Because of the pacing, Orton's able to get away with a few things that maybe she couldn't in a slower-moving book. I don't actually see the grounding of the romance between Diego and Isabel—he's carried a torch for years, she regrets making the choice years ago to walk away. But...that's it. We don't see many sparks, just have to take it because we're told that. There's no reason for the senior agent involved with Matthew to be such an ass to everyone, all the time, especially when just a sentence from him now and then would be enough to get people to work with him instead of his threats (and I don't care how instinctive and characteristic his brusqueness is, you don't move up in an organization simply be being mule-headed, there has to be at least an insincere level of cooperativeness expressed occasionally). All the depth of the characters that could be brought out are merely nodded to, or you have to assume them.
Actually, this all might be necessary because of her pacing. If so, I understand the choice (as much as I disagree with it).
I want to stress, however, in the moment, you don't think about this (and if you do, you brush it off because you don't want to step out of the movement). Everything works, everything clicks while you're reading and speeding off to the next twist/revelation. It's only after you get to the ending that leaves you holding onto the cliff's edge with your fingers that this might occur to you if you stop and think about it. Mostly, you're going to be thinking about how long it will be until you can get your hands on Book Two.
It's easily enjoyable, engrossing, and entertaining. You should give it a try. show less
The tech is very cool—both the stuff that Isabel developed and the items that Matthew talks about and develops. Orton gives you enough to understand how it all works and to visualize it clearly without bogging down the pace with paragraphs and paragraphs of details. The plausibility of it all? Eh, it's SF, it's plausible enough if you come with a standard level of suspension of disbelief needed for time travel (especially, show more in this case, when the time travel comes with a side order of multiverse story).
Because of the pacing, Orton's able to get away with a few things that maybe she couldn't in a slower-moving book. I don't actually see the grounding of the romance between Diego and Isabel—he's carried a torch for years, she regrets making the choice years ago to walk away. But...that's it. We don't see many sparks, just have to take it because we're told that. There's no reason for the senior agent involved with Matthew to be such an ass to everyone, all the time, especially when just a sentence from him now and then would be enough to get people to work with him instead of his threats (and I don't care how instinctive and characteristic his brusqueness is, you don't move up in an organization simply be being mule-headed, there has to be at least an insincere level of cooperativeness expressed occasionally). All the depth of the characters that could be brought out are merely nodded to, or you have to assume them.
Actually, this all might be necessary because of her pacing. If so, I understand the choice (as much as I disagree with it).
I want to stress, however, in the moment, you don't think about this (and if you do, you brush it off because you don't want to step out of the movement). Everything works, everything clicks while you're reading and speeding off to the next twist/revelation. It's only after you get to the ending that leaves you holding onto the cliff's edge with your fingers that this might occur to you if you stop and think about it. Mostly, you're going to be thinking about how long it will be until you can get your hands on Book Two.
It's easily enjoyable, engrossing, and entertaining. You should give it a try. show less
Rating: 2.75* of five
The Publisher Says: What if saving the future meant rewriting the past?
In a dying world overrun by microdrones, humanity's last survivors cling to life inside the Eden-17 biodome. Isabelle Sanborn knows her time is running out, but one desperate plan might give humanity a second chance. With the help of Madders, an enigmatic AI built from the memories of a brilliant physicist, Isabelle sends Diego Nadales—the love of her life—35 years into the past. His mission? To change the course of history and prevent their world's collapse.
When Diego arrives in the vibrant yet fragile Main Timeline, he's forced to confront ghosts of the past, including a younger, ambitious version of Isabelle. As he battles to shape a show more better future, Diego must navigate a delicate web of relationships and events without destroying the very fabric of time.
Brimming with suspense, heart-pounding action, and a poignant love story that transcends time, Madders of Time - Book One is a breathtaking science fiction adventure. Award-winning author DL Orton weaves a tale that explores sacrifice, resilience, and the timeless power of love.
Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife and Dark Matter will find themselves captivated by this unforgettable journey through parallel worlds and intertwining destinies.
The clock is ticking. Can love survive the collapse of time itself?
Prepare to lose yourself in the first installment of the Madders of Time series—a story that will keep you turning pages and leave you hungry for more.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Blandly competent. Uninspiring. I do not remember one thing about this by-the-numbers picture of dystopia (but I did finish it), which is antithetical to the purpose of the genre. The comps are WILDLY overselling the execution.
If your immediate need is distraction without challenge, here's you a book.
Rocky Mountain Press demands $8.99 for a Kindlebook. I'd be frothing mad if I'd paid that for this. show less
The Publisher Says: What if saving the future meant rewriting the past?
In a dying world overrun by microdrones, humanity's last survivors cling to life inside the Eden-17 biodome. Isabelle Sanborn knows her time is running out, but one desperate plan might give humanity a second chance. With the help of Madders, an enigmatic AI built from the memories of a brilliant physicist, Isabelle sends Diego Nadales—the love of her life—35 years into the past. His mission? To change the course of history and prevent their world's collapse.
When Diego arrives in the vibrant yet fragile Main Timeline, he's forced to confront ghosts of the past, including a younger, ambitious version of Isabelle. As he battles to shape a show more better future, Diego must navigate a delicate web of relationships and events without destroying the very fabric of time.
Brimming with suspense, heart-pounding action, and a poignant love story that transcends time, Madders of Time - Book One is a breathtaking science fiction adventure. Award-winning author DL Orton weaves a tale that explores sacrifice, resilience, and the timeless power of love.
Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife and Dark Matter will find themselves captivated by this unforgettable journey through parallel worlds and intertwining destinies.
The clock is ticking. Can love survive the collapse of time itself?
Prepare to lose yourself in the first installment of the Madders of Time series—a story that will keep you turning pages and leave you hungry for more.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Blandly competent. Uninspiring. I do not remember one thing about this by-the-numbers picture of dystopia (but I did finish it), which is antithetical to the purpose of the genre. The comps are WILDLY overselling the execution.
If your immediate need is distraction without challenge, here's you a book.
Rocky Mountain Press demands $8.99 for a Kindlebook. I'd be frothing mad if I'd paid that for this. show less
Hive is the exhilarating first book in D.L. Orton’s new Madders of Time series, and it wastes no time diving into high-stakes dystopian sci-fi. Set in a world on the brink of total collapse, Orton delivers a deeply human story packed with time travel, moral quandaries, government conspiracies, and the emotional weight of trying to undo the inevitable.
The novel opens with Diego and Isa—seemingly the last two people alive in Eden-17, a glass-domed refuge where the wealthy once took shelter as the Earth succumbed to ruin. But now, even the dome is dying. With Isa’s health rapidly declining and their AI companion Madders growing desperate, they hatch a last-ditch plan: send Diego back in time to try and change everything.
Read more at show more target="_top">https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews/hive-review-a-heartfelt-high-stakes-time-t.... show less
The novel opens with Diego and Isa—seemingly the last two people alive in Eden-17, a glass-domed refuge where the wealthy once took shelter as the Earth succumbed to ruin. But now, even the dome is dying. With Isa’s health rapidly declining and their AI companion Madders growing desperate, they hatch a last-ditch plan: send Diego back in time to try and change everything.
Read more at show more target="_top">https://www.summonfantasy.com/reviews/hive-review-a-heartfelt-high-stakes-time-t.... show less
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