Hive (Madders of Time Book One) by D. L. Orton is a science fiction novel where we find humanity’s last survivors clinging to hope in a deteriorating biodome surrounded by endless seas and deadly microdrones. As Earth collapses, scientist Isabel and her lover Diego face a grim future. That is until Isabel discovers a long-lost time bridge. This wormhole offers a chance to change the past and prevent the apocalypse, but only one of them can make the journey. With time running out, they must decide whether their love is worth the ultimate sacrifice. Hive explores the emotional and ethical complexities of time travel, blending heart-pounding action with poignant reflections on love, regret, and the fragility of hope.

Author D. L. Orton's cinematic descriptions and immersive details craft a dystopian world that’s both immersive and hauntingly plausible for readers. I enjoyed the way the setting brings out the high-pressure environment and emotional instability that the characters face. The high stakes of Isabel and Diego’s relationship add a human core to the sci-fi premise that feels realistic in the way they cling to each other in a collapsing world. There was a lot of intellect and realism in how the time-travel element was handled as it stayed away from the usual tropes and offered something original and a bit more deeply-considered. This pairs well with the way that the entertaining and poignant parts of the novel are paced, making for a unique blend of action, romance, and philosophical reflection in a standout read. Overall, Hive is a highly recommended read for science fiction fans, and I can’t wait to see what the series brings us next.

Isabelle and her boyfriend, Diego, are the final remnants of the human race. They live in a defective biodome that was designed to support human life. Isabelle's technological creations, AI microdrone bees, are responsible for bringing about this harrowing reality. Somewhere in the past, her ex-husband, Dave, utilized these microdrones for his own selfish gain, eventually leading to the decimation of human life. It's up to Isabelle, Diego, and Madders (their AI companion) to alter their troubling circumstances. Through time travel, Diego teleports back in time, intending to thwart the series of unfortunate events that lead to their catastrophic future. For this mission to succeed, he must first convince both his and Isabelle's younger selves to undertake a different course of action to alter their lives for the greater good. Read D L Orton's exciting tale, Hive, to discover if Isabelle and Diego's efforts are successful or all in vain.

Hive is a heart-racing time-travel adventure elegantly blended with romance and splashes of humor. It is a profound sci-fi story that delves into themes of regret, the complexities of human relationships, right versus wrong, undoing the past, learning from former mistakes, and the consequences of 'playing God' (in a manner of speaking). The storyline is well-explored through the POVs of three relatable protagonists, Isabelle, Diego, and Madders/Matt. D L Orton masterfully crafts their distinct journeys in a way that sets them apart from each other—yet appropriately merges them in ways that are vital to their character development and the plot's progression. I felt like I knew all three characters intimately the further I immersed myself in their narratives. Isabelle and Diego's evocative love story, in particular, fits in nicely with the entire "end of the world" scenario. It will make you root for them and their mission's success even more. If you're a sci-fi enthusiast and love character-driven stories about redemption and second chances, Hive has it all. I highly recommend this book.

In D L Orton's Hive, Isabelle, Diego, and Madders—a sophisticated AI system—are the last survivors of the human species. They coexist in a deteriorating biodome in a dying world. Due to the past misuse and abuse of powerful microdrones designed by Isabelle, human life is now on its last legs. The man responsible for this disastrous twist of events is Isabelle's egotistic ex-husband, Dave. With some quick thinking by Isabelle, a time portal is created, and Diego is sent into the past to deliver a warning to his and Isabelle's youthful selves. Guided by a future Diego's exhortations, the younger versions of Isabelle and Diego collaborate to prevent the microdrone's earlier prototype from being used to take humanity to extinction. To discover if their attempts are successful or not, read this thrilling tale.

Hive is the first book in the Madders of Time series. It is an engaging and intense story loaded with drama, danger, wit, and human connection. D L Orton has written an enjoyable sci-fi story centered around three intriguing characters that I believe readers will love. The sci-fi concepts are uniquely presented throughout the narrative. These aren't too complex to understand and can be easily comprehended by the average reader. The romantic story arc between Isabelle and Diego is detailed and elegantly portrayed in the light of their death-defying situation. Matt's narrative as a prisoner of the government adds welcome drama and tension to the underlying plot. Orton is a master at pulling readers into the life of each character while providing enough details to keep them invested in the characters' collective roles in the story. This book will impress sci-fi fans who enjoy themes of remorse, self-sacrifice, redemption, and second chances.

D L Orton's Hive: Madders of Time (Book One) takes place on a dying planet, Earth. The last remains of human life inhabit a biodome that is gradually breaking down and will eventually cease to function. It's up to Isabelle, Diego, and their advanced AI comrade, Madders, to change the course of human history before all life is lost forever. But, with microdrones circumnavigating the biodome, their mission is far from uncomplicated. This formidable tech was originally created to save the planet. Now, it is responsible for its very destruction. After it ended up in the wrong hands, the entire world succumbed to its destruction. Though desperate, the trio hasn't given up hope. Isabelle discovers a way to send Diego into the past via time travel. Tasked with the responsibility of guiding their past selves to make different choices, only time tell if they succeed. They say history tends to repeat itself. In this case, will it? Grab a copy of this captivating novel to find out.

Hive takes readers on a thrilling emotional and psychological journey that explores the cause-and-effect dynamics of the choices made by the main characters. I enjoyed watching Diego as he navigated his way into the past, given the seriousness of the situation and the life of a dying world weighing on his shoulders. Through Isabelle and Diego's dilemma as the last persons on Earth, D L Orton philosophically delves into the intricacies of time travel and the moral ramifications of altering history as it is (or was). This novel and the characters' unique journeys are sure to spark excitement and interest in the sci-fi community. Secondary characters, like Sam, Cassie, and Matthew (the human that Madders was modeled on), add a profound layer of wit and human touch to this fast-paced narrative. Isabelle and Diego's iconic relationship is memorable from start to finish. I know I'll revisit this book before the year is over. The journey was exciting and worth the read. If you're a fan of The Time Machine by H. G. Wells, you're sure to enjoy this story.