Hive by D.L. Orton Series: Madders of Time #1
Published by Rocky Mountain Press on May 6th 2025
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Time Travel
Pages: 345
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Source: DL Orton
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 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.
Hive: Madders of Time is a fast-paced thrill ride that drops both new readers and returning fans of the author, D.L. Orton, into a time-bending adventure where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. With references sure to delight science enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike, Hive brings a fun sense of humor and an easygoing style to a story packed with intensity.
Time travel is presented in a refreshingly accessible way—especially for readers who may have found more science-heavy stories like Timeline a bit daunting. The energy stays high throughout, making this a quick, engaging read full of action, twists, and constant revelations, all led by a likable and charismatic cast.
One standout is Isabel, an assertive scientific genius fighting to retain control of her invention—honeybee bots designed to solve the pollinator crisis on Earth and sustain life in biodomes on other planets. She brings both heart and intellect to the story, and her arc was a personal favorite.
That said, the brisk pace can occasionally work against the narrative. Key moments and emotional beats don’t always get the space they need to fully resonate, and the impact of some slower-burning plot threads is diminished as a result. A bit more room to breathe could have helped those moments land with greater weight.
Still, Hive is a sci-fi adventure full of heart, wit, and forward momentum—ideal for readers who love clever storytelling, accessible science fiction, and a story that makes time fly.
About the Author : D.L. Orton
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*Special thanks to D.L. Orton, Rocky Mountain Press, and Dave at TheWriteReads for including me on this tour!
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I’m not huge on sci-fi, but I do love dystopian books and this one does sound thrilling, even if it gets in the way of emotional resonance. I might just have to give this one a go. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
I always personally prefer fantasy to sci-fi, but this was a really fun and fast read! And I love that the dystopian world had to do with bees, I thought it was very interesting!
Thank you for this generous and insightful review! I’m thrilled the humor, pop culture nods, and high-octane pace landed—and especially that Isabel’s arc resonated. She’s the brain and backbone of the story, and those honeybee bots were one of my favorite science threads to explore.
Totally fair call on the pacing—sometimes the story sprints where it should linger. I appreciate you calling that out. More emotional depth (and chaos) ahead in Jump—can’t wait to share what’s next. ⏳🐝💥
Thanks so much for reading my review and leaving such a thoughtful comment—it made my day! I loved Isabel’s arc (she’s such a powerhouse), and those honeybee bots were such a fun surprise.
I’m excited for all the chaos and emotion coming in Jump! 😊