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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review tour hosted by The Write Reads
MY REVIEW:
Hive by D. L. Orton
Any sci-fi book that features elements of time travel, alternate universes, and a bleak future usually grab my attention. Hive was no exception; as soon as I read the synopsis on this one, I knew I’d love it.
Not only are the characters real and relatable, but the scientific nature of the happenings in this story, are easy enough to understand and keep up with. Sometimes with Science Fiction, authors can over explain technology they’re introducing, but for me Orton kept things explained in a way I could easily keep up with the different tech booms happening.
I enjoyed the characters immensely as they’re also relatable. Isabel and Diego are the best main characters because they feel real to me. First off, they were a couple when they were younger, they split up and Isabel ended up with Diego’s friend, Dave whose a real jerk. 15 years later and a divorce finalized, Isabel finds her way back to Diego. They just work. Even though they’re both incredibly smart people working on developing technologies to help others, they enjoy the simple life of retreating away together to a secluded cabin.
But I digress. Most of this book is about a future Isabel and Diego sending a message to an alternate past version of themselves to try and divert the catastrophe that lead to the end of everything. The book starts off on a bang with this element where you’re with them in a future version of themselves. They’re living in a collapsing biodome and waiting to be taken out of existence by these vicious drones that are working to break through the protective dome. They are the only two humans left.
So with all this cool technology, they have just enough power to send Diego to an alternate past version of themselves and try to get it right. Future Diego, as an old man, leaves clues for past Isabel and Diego to try and get them moving in the right direction. But as things continue, it appears like the activity is still happening pretty similarly to how it did before. Causing some concern that this jump may not have been worth it at all.
A story filled with very high stakes, lots of tension and an adventure I didn’t know I was going to go on. I loved this book so much and cannot wait for the next installment in November, 2025!
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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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
D. L. Orton
The BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, D. L. ORTON, lives in the foothills of Colorado where she and her husband are raising three boys, a golden retriever, two Siberian cats, and an extremely long-lived Triops. Her future plans include completing the books in the BETWEEN TWO EVILS series followed by an extended vacation on a remote tropical island (with a Starbucks).
When she’s not writing, playing tennis, or helping with algebra, she’s building a time machine so that someone can go back and do the laundry.
Ms. Orton is a graduate of Stanford University’s Writers Workshop and a past editor of “Top of the Western Staircase,” a literary publication of CU, Boulder. The author has a number of short stories published in online literary magazines, including Literotica.com, Melusine, Cosmoetica, The Ranfurly Review, and Catalyst Press.
Her debut novel, CROSSING IN TIME, has won numerous literary awards including an Indie Book Award and a Publishers Weekly Starred Review. It was also selected as one of only 12 Great Indie Stars by BookLife’s Prize in Fiction.
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