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The Hive
ON THE RUN TO SAVE HER BABY
A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from a Christy Award-nominated author.
Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they’ll help her find her way home.
Matthew “Scorn” Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What’s he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg?
Unfortunately, he’ll have to answer that question on the run. Zain’s people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain’s baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child?
A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from a Christy Award-nominated author.
Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they’ll help her find her way home.
Matthew “Scorn” Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What’s he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg?
Unfortunately, he’ll have to answer that question on the run. Zain’s people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain’s baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child?
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 16, 2015
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415 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 8, 2015
Review Originally Found At: https://26countlesspossibilities.word...
Genre: Sci-Fi, Christian, Romance.
Age Range: 16+ for romance.
Stars: 4/5 stars
My Thoughts:
Just finished this book and wow, that ending! I want the second book RIGHT NOW!!!
Okay, now onto my review :D
Zain is a girl who is telepathically connected to her home, the Hive. Her brain buzzes with chatter, and it fulfills her. Suddenly, she’s ripped away from the only home she knows and her thoughts are her own. The Hive controls it’s occupants and no one cares; Zain didn’t either until she realized there was more out there.
This book was very interesting! Zain had an electronic arm and that reminded me of Cinder from Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. I could tell John Otte took a lot of time on Zain, her characteristics and home. She was a well developed character who left you concerned for her.
I am really curious about Mathew/Scorn. We didn’t get to dwell in his life much as most of the story is focused on Zain and her struggles. I hope the second book shows more of his life and trials. The author gave us little bits and pieces, but not enough to put together the whole puzzle.
Overall:
I loved The Hive, and I am looking forward to going back into Zain and Matthew’s world.
Something you might want to know:
There is a part where Zain takes off her clothes for Matthew. She wear a special suit so that with a click of a button she can change her clothes and/or undress. She did it because of things she saw on the internet. This personally made me really uncomfortable, it was only about 2-3 paragraphs long and they didn’t mention it again.
I received this book from the author (John Otte) In exchange for my honest review.
Genre: Sci-Fi, Christian, Romance.
Age Range: 16+ for romance.
Stars: 4/5 stars
My Thoughts:
Just finished this book and wow, that ending! I want the second book RIGHT NOW!!!
Okay, now onto my review :D
Zain is a girl who is telepathically connected to her home, the Hive. Her brain buzzes with chatter, and it fulfills her. Suddenly, she’s ripped away from the only home she knows and her thoughts are her own. The Hive controls it’s occupants and no one cares; Zain didn’t either until she realized there was more out there.
This book was very interesting! Zain had an electronic arm and that reminded me of Cinder from Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles. I could tell John Otte took a lot of time on Zain, her characteristics and home. She was a well developed character who left you concerned for her.
I am really curious about Mathew/Scorn. We didn’t get to dwell in his life much as most of the story is focused on Zain and her struggles. I hope the second book shows more of his life and trials. The author gave us little bits and pieces, but not enough to put together the whole puzzle.
Overall:
I loved The Hive, and I am looking forward to going back into Zain and Matthew’s world.
Something you might want to know:
There is a part where Zain takes off her clothes for Matthew. She wear a special suit so that with a click of a button she can change her clothes and/or undress. She did it because of things she saw on the internet. This personally made me really uncomfortable, it was only about 2-3 paragraphs long and they didn’t mention it again.
I received this book from the author (John Otte) In exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2015
Sci-fi is not a genre I am often drawn to, but I enjoy Otte's writing so I thought I would give this book a try. The first two pages I was a tad intimidated and thought I might need a sci-fi-English translator. ;) However once I pushed through, I really got into the story. I enjoyed Otte's vivid descriptions and an engaging plot line that held my interest til the end and kept me up way too late the last two nights. Overall I enjoyed the character development and romantic tension in the story. Definitely worth reading!
I also appreciated how the spiritual/faith elements were woven into the story. I often cringe at fiction from Christian authors because the spiritual elements sometimes seem cheesy or a bit awkward or forced, but in The Hive, Otte incorporates them naturally and very creatively.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I also appreciated how the spiritual/faith elements were woven into the story. I often cringe at fiction from Christian authors because the spiritual elements sometimes seem cheesy or a bit awkward or forced, but in The Hive, Otte incorporates them naturally and very creatively.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2016
I'm normally not a fan of stand alones but this was a good one. It had a satisfying ending and a good message. :)
October 3, 2015
I had problems with this book.
Most of them spawned by my high expectations and love for John Otte's Failstate series.
So let's talk about the problems.
My first complaint is the characters. They felt flat and I was unable to relate to them.
I also felt like Zain was super... awkward to read about? Her scenes felt a bit stuttery. Zain also didn't do much action, and I just didn't connect with her at all. She needed a bit more of a backbone in my opinion.
My next complaint is the world. Failstate takes place in a rich world, but the Hive's world felt more like the world of Star Wars or Star Trek than an original world.
Also, the pro-life element felt sort of forced, and literally nothing happens with Zain's baby.
Another problem I had was the ending. I didn't like how things turned out.
HOWEVER, I did like a few things. Like the Hive. They were super cool. And that cover is just stunning. Also the computer hacking stuff. And Matt.
FOR THE PARENTS-
INTIMACY - There is an unneeded scene where Zain tries to show her "appreciation" for Matt's hospitality by basically offering to sleep with him.
CUSSING - None.
VIOLENCE - Low.
Rating - 2 1/2 out of 5
DISCLAIMER
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
While this is my opinion, I know others have enjoyed this book. If you want to read it, go ahead. Don't discard this book just because I didn't enjoy it.
Most of them spawned by my high expectations and love for John Otte's Failstate series.
So let's talk about the problems.
My first complaint is the characters. They felt flat and I was unable to relate to them.
I also felt like Zain was super... awkward to read about? Her scenes felt a bit stuttery. Zain also didn't do much action, and I just didn't connect with her at all. She needed a bit more of a backbone in my opinion.
My next complaint is the world. Failstate takes place in a rich world, but the Hive's world felt more like the world of Star Wars or Star Trek than an original world.
Also, the pro-life element felt sort of forced, and literally nothing happens with Zain's baby.
Another problem I had was the ending. I didn't like how things turned out.
HOWEVER, I did like a few things. Like the Hive. They were super cool. And that cover is just stunning. Also the computer hacking stuff. And Matt.
FOR THE PARENTS-
INTIMACY - There is an unneeded scene where Zain tries to show her "appreciation" for Matt's hospitality by basically offering to sleep with him.
CUSSING - None.
VIOLENCE - Low.
Rating - 2 1/2 out of 5
DISCLAIMER
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
While this is my opinion, I know others have enjoyed this book. If you want to read it, go ahead. Don't discard this book just because I didn't enjoy it.
October 6, 2015
This is my third John Otte book. The storyline was intriguing. We have a woman who is part of a collective. She awakens and gets separated from her hive (similar but better than The Borg). Turns out she's not only a cyborg, but she's pregnant one. Oops.
Great premise. And the writing is solid.
I liked the characters: Zain, Matt, and Jim especially. Of the three, I really wanted to learn more about Jim. He's a fantastic complex side character.I'd like to know more of his backstory.
It's been a while since I read Numb, which is set in the same storyworld as The Hive. I love how the politics in this series come together. The Ministrix, the Praesidium, and now The Hive. It does have a Star Trek/Star Wars feel to it, which I think is well done. Fans of either series should enjoy this book.
As far as criticism goes, at times I felt like the plot tension was resolved too conveniently. Other than that, it was a well told story, and I'd like to read more from this story world.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Great premise. And the writing is solid.
I liked the characters: Zain, Matt, and Jim especially. Of the three, I really wanted to learn more about Jim. He's a fantastic complex side character.I'd like to know more of his backstory.
It's been a while since I read Numb, which is set in the same storyworld as The Hive. I love how the politics in this series come together. The Ministrix, the Praesidium, and now The Hive. It does have a Star Trek/Star Wars feel to it, which I think is well done. Fans of either series should enjoy this book.
As far as criticism goes, at times I felt like the plot tension was resolved too conveniently. Other than that, it was a well told story, and I'd like to read more from this story world.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
October 6, 2015
This was an awesome and well thought out story full of action and suspense, I couldn't put it down! Now I really need to pick up Numb...Read full review at:http://sutorinohana.blogspot.com/2015...
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2016
Zain is on the run to save her baby
A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from Christy award winner John Otte.
Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they'll help her find her way home.
Matthew "Scorn" Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What's he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg?
Unfortunately, he'll have to answer that question on the run. Zain's people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain's baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child?
12079274_10207398586904983_2139244286825775611_n
The Hive turned out to be one of the best books I've read this year. When I saw that the main characters were teenagers, I wondered if the book would be geared more for the YA crowd. Instead, I found a story that has a definite broad appeal. Especially with the mature topics discussed, it reads like an adult sci-fi/action/adventure novel. I was pleasantly surprised.
Even if someone was not usually a sci-fi fan, I think they would enjoy this book thoroughly. The technical jargon wasn't too much, the world it is set in not too difficult to understand, and the governing bodies especially were easily relatable to the real world, the church specifically. There were some interesting parallels drawn.
Though it is technically a sequel, one doesn't have to read Numb before reading The Hive. It is a stand alone novel.
The characters were well developed, and I found myself easily drawn into their world. While Zain and Scorn definitely learn some lessons on their journey, it doesn't come off as preachy or unbelievable.
It made me want to read more, so I'm hoping for a sequel! I've added Numb to my reading list as well.
I would recommend The Hive without hesitation. I actually think it would be a great first sci-fi/space opera read for someone. It stays firmly within the genre without being too heavy handed.
A pregnant cyborg and a teenage boy fight against intergalactic governments to protect the unborn in this novel from Christy award winner John Otte.
Why is Zain pregnant? She belongs to the Hive, a collective of cyborgs who choose to live apart from the rest of human society. At times, the Hive rent out some of their females to produce tailor-made children for paying couples. But Zain is an engineer, not a breeder. When she finds herself separated from the Hive, she decides to find the person who she thinks ordered the baby. Surely they'll help her find her way home.
Matthew "Scorn" Nelson has spent the better part of his teenage years cracking computer systems, causing mischief and havoc wherever he can. But the night of his greatest triumph turned into a painful memory, one he wants to erase. But that night was also his first step on a road to faith. When Zain arrives on his doorstep, Scorn is horrified. What's he supposed to do with a pregnant teenage cyborg?
Unfortunately, he'll have to answer that question on the run. Zain's people want to reclaim her and terminate her pregnancy. And both the Ministrix and the Praesidium, two intergalactic governments in a constant state of cold war, want Zain's baby for their own reasons. Will their enemies run them down? Or will Zain find a new Hive for both her and her child?
12079274_10207398586904983_2139244286825775611_n
The Hive turned out to be one of the best books I've read this year. When I saw that the main characters were teenagers, I wondered if the book would be geared more for the YA crowd. Instead, I found a story that has a definite broad appeal. Especially with the mature topics discussed, it reads like an adult sci-fi/action/adventure novel. I was pleasantly surprised.
Even if someone was not usually a sci-fi fan, I think they would enjoy this book thoroughly. The technical jargon wasn't too much, the world it is set in not too difficult to understand, and the governing bodies especially were easily relatable to the real world, the church specifically. There were some interesting parallels drawn.
Though it is technically a sequel, one doesn't have to read Numb before reading The Hive. It is a stand alone novel.
The characters were well developed, and I found myself easily drawn into their world. While Zain and Scorn definitely learn some lessons on their journey, it doesn't come off as preachy or unbelievable.
It made me want to read more, so I'm hoping for a sequel! I've added Numb to my reading list as well.
I would recommend The Hive without hesitation. I actually think it would be a great first sci-fi/space opera read for someone. It stays firmly within the genre without being too heavy handed.
October 10, 2015
The Hive
The Ministrix # 2
By John Otte
Her ship was no longer functioning. It's last act was giving her the means to survive and escape. But when she was disconnected from the Hive (a cybernetically enhanced society) and isolated with her own thoughts she discovered a disturbing and perplexing truth. Zain was pregnant - but why or how was not information she could access. A fragmented, corrupted file gave her a clue, a single name - Scorn.
Is this Scorn a way back to her people? Zain is determined to track down this lead, but the world outside the Hive is something she has never experienced. And Zain is about to get a sudden and confusing crash course on the Ministrix, the Praesidium, and humanity in general.
Matthew Nelson (aka Scorn) is known for his skills in the unseen realms of the cyber world. If you've been hacked Scorn or his friends are probably involved in it. But Scorn is determined to leave this life behind, and hopefully before he gets caught up in a game that becomes even more dangerous. But one of his games had an unexpected result and he is about to be visited by this mistake.
It was all a little harmless fun, until he had to face the results of his fun. And now his life and the life of Zain and her unborn child are on the line as well. Can they find a safe haven until they can plan their next step? What follows is a chase with Zain and Scorn as persons of interest and if they aren't careful they may find themselves at the mercy of the Praesidium, the Ministrix, and anyone interested in the possible reward being offered.
The Hive is the second book in The Ministrix series. If you haven't read the first book (Numb) yet don't worry this book can stand alone so you can go back and read the first one next. Fans of Science fiction will enjoy the science elements woven throughout. If you enjoy Dystopian, Star Trek, and Star Wars give this book, this series a try - I think you will be well pleased with your experience.
But a word of warning don't let the Ministrix or the Praesidium know that you've glimpsed some of their closely guarded secrets - you may not enjoy the experience when they discover your whereabouts. And they will discover you if you divulge what you've discovered.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book in PDF form, which I devoured within four hours, from the author in exchange for my honest review.
The Ministrix # 2
By John Otte
Her ship was no longer functioning. It's last act was giving her the means to survive and escape. But when she was disconnected from the Hive (a cybernetically enhanced society) and isolated with her own thoughts she discovered a disturbing and perplexing truth. Zain was pregnant - but why or how was not information she could access. A fragmented, corrupted file gave her a clue, a single name - Scorn.
Is this Scorn a way back to her people? Zain is determined to track down this lead, but the world outside the Hive is something she has never experienced. And Zain is about to get a sudden and confusing crash course on the Ministrix, the Praesidium, and humanity in general.
Matthew Nelson (aka Scorn) is known for his skills in the unseen realms of the cyber world. If you've been hacked Scorn or his friends are probably involved in it. But Scorn is determined to leave this life behind, and hopefully before he gets caught up in a game that becomes even more dangerous. But one of his games had an unexpected result and he is about to be visited by this mistake.
It was all a little harmless fun, until he had to face the results of his fun. And now his life and the life of Zain and her unborn child are on the line as well. Can they find a safe haven until they can plan their next step? What follows is a chase with Zain and Scorn as persons of interest and if they aren't careful they may find themselves at the mercy of the Praesidium, the Ministrix, and anyone interested in the possible reward being offered.
The Hive is the second book in The Ministrix series. If you haven't read the first book (Numb) yet don't worry this book can stand alone so you can go back and read the first one next. Fans of Science fiction will enjoy the science elements woven throughout. If you enjoy Dystopian, Star Trek, and Star Wars give this book, this series a try - I think you will be well pleased with your experience.
But a word of warning don't let the Ministrix or the Praesidium know that you've glimpsed some of their closely guarded secrets - you may not enjoy the experience when they discover your whereabouts. And they will discover you if you divulge what you've discovered.
I was provided an advanced copy of this book in PDF form, which I devoured within four hours, from the author in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2015
The Hive deals with (at least on some level) the idea of whether or not a child can be born an accident and then if the child can be aborted for the mother's benefit. It is a great theme, especially with the social issues in America today. Tangled with this was also the idea of taking responsibility for our actions and looking out for more than just ourselves. While I think that these themes could have been explored more, I still enjoyed reading about something pertinent to modern culture even if set in the future.
My one true complaint was that I felt Zain's solution to their problem came about a little too easy. I thought it would have taken a bit more effort, especially after the ordeal Mat and the others had just gone through for her. Maybe if she had contemplated this solution before, I would have found it more believable.
That said, I loved the intricacies of the politics Otte has created for his world, as well has his use of a hive to symbolize the way Christianity should work. With everyone working to the greater good it the Kingdom, supporting and helping each other without question, but with the freewill to chose. I hope to see a sequel coming soon, or else another stand alone in this world.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My one true complaint was that I felt Zain's solution to their problem came about a little too easy. I thought it would have taken a bit more effort, especially after the ordeal Mat and the others had just gone through for her. Maybe if she had contemplated this solution before, I would have found it more believable.
That said, I loved the intricacies of the politics Otte has created for his world, as well has his use of a hive to symbolize the way Christianity should work. With everyone working to the greater good it the Kingdom, supporting and helping each other without question, but with the freewill to chose. I hope to see a sequel coming soon, or else another stand alone in this world.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2015
Science fiction and political intrigue, what's not to like? I read the first book in the series, Numb, when it came out, and I was excited that there was a second book releasing! That being said, you don't have to read Numb first, as The Hive can stand alone.
I was a bit worried that a book with two such young main characters might not appeal to a reader in her mid-thirties. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about, as I still greatly enjoyed reading The Hive!
There are definitely strong Christian themes throughout the book, and John Otte did a great job integrating that into the story. So, it doesn't feel like a sci-fi book with a bit of Bible tacked on as an afterthought.
I was slightly disappointed that the only thing in common with Numb was that both stories took place in the same galaxy. Still, it's possible that additional books in the series will end up tying threads from both stories together.
Definitely a solid novel for anyone looking for some great sci fi. It's a clean read, but I'd still recommend it for older adults and teens simply because some of the themes in the book may be more than younger readers are ready for.
I was a bit worried that a book with two such young main characters might not appeal to a reader in her mid-thirties. Turns out, there was nothing to worry about, as I still greatly enjoyed reading The Hive!
There are definitely strong Christian themes throughout the book, and John Otte did a great job integrating that into the story. So, it doesn't feel like a sci-fi book with a bit of Bible tacked on as an afterthought.
I was slightly disappointed that the only thing in common with Numb was that both stories took place in the same galaxy. Still, it's possible that additional books in the series will end up tying threads from both stories together.
Definitely a solid novel for anyone looking for some great sci fi. It's a clean read, but I'd still recommend it for older adults and teens simply because some of the themes in the book may be more than younger readers are ready for.
October 10, 2015
This book is not just a good read... IT'S AN AWESOME READ! I LOVE Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and this book totally met and exceeded my expectations. I ADORE the FAILSTATE Series by John W. Otte too, but his new book surprised me in ways that captivated my attention and mental capacities completely. If I hadn't had to eat or sleep it would've only taken me 1 day to read it instead of 2. I Pre-Ordered the E-Book for my Kindle at Amazon already. Why? Well, the characters are relevant, the story is compelling, and the background is tantalizing in ways only GOOD Science Fiction can be. Check it out on Amazon and get ready for an intergalactic ride of immensely emotional leaps and bounds towards understanding more than advanced technology or different worlds to find friendship, faith, and feelings we can all relate to in some way, shape, or form. Try it... you may REALLY like it!
October 10, 2015
What happens when there’s a fight between the home you’ve known and the truth you discover? Is safety worth giving up the most precious things in life? And what are those things? These are questions The Hive explores from the very start. They carry through to touch everyone that we encounter. The Hive is most certainly a morality play set among the stars. But it’s not at all a heavy-handed one.
John Otte does a wonderful job allowing readers to empathize with the characters without drowning us in their emotions. Zayn, Scorn, and the rest of the cast were fun to get to know. It’s been quite a while since I laughed – and cried – with a character to the degree I did throughout this novel.
A great deal of futuristic technology is mentioned throughout The Hive. But not all of it is well explained. That, really, is my only criticism.
John Otte does a wonderful job allowing readers to empathize with the characters without drowning us in their emotions. Zayn, Scorn, and the rest of the cast were fun to get to know. It’s been quite a while since I laughed – and cried – with a character to the degree I did throughout this novel.
A great deal of futuristic technology is mentioned throughout The Hive. But not all of it is well explained. That, really, is my only criticism.
November 18, 2020
What an interesting story.
When Zain wakes up she realizes two things, she is no longer in the Hive and she is pregnant. She has no idea how either of those things came about. As she searches for her Hive she discovers that she is being hunted by several people, and when she finally does get found by the leader of her Hive, he wants her baby aborted - she wants her baby and has to find a way to stay away from her Hive to save it.
"Scorn" is a teenager prone to getting into trouble, especially for his ability to hack into systems he isn't supposed to hack into. He and Zain cross paths and together they try to keep her safe. Scorn knows how Zain got pregnant and he doesn't want her to know because he has come to really like her and if she knows she'll hate him.
There are some TMI moments in the story, fleeting but I think could have been handled with more discretion. One scene was a bit confusing to me. Zain wants to be friends with Scorn and when she searches her memory she comes up with the idea that intimacy brings about friendship and she is going to try that - but a couple of scenes before that she is very offended when she is faced with the possibility of being forced into a pleasure den by two women who have "rescued" her. She knew that to give herself to someone would be wrong, yet she is willing to do it a few pages later.
There is a mild Christian message in the story, and there is no blatant sexuality and no bad language, although there are a couple of slang words used.
When Zain wakes up she realizes two things, she is no longer in the Hive and she is pregnant. She has no idea how either of those things came about. As she searches for her Hive she discovers that she is being hunted by several people, and when she finally does get found by the leader of her Hive, he wants her baby aborted - she wants her baby and has to find a way to stay away from her Hive to save it.
"Scorn" is a teenager prone to getting into trouble, especially for his ability to hack into systems he isn't supposed to hack into. He and Zain cross paths and together they try to keep her safe. Scorn knows how Zain got pregnant and he doesn't want her to know because he has come to really like her and if she knows she'll hate him.
There are some TMI moments in the story, fleeting but I think could have been handled with more discretion. One scene was a bit confusing to me. Zain wants to be friends with Scorn and when she searches her memory she comes up with the idea that intimacy brings about friendship and she is going to try that - but a couple of scenes before that she is very offended when she is faced with the possibility of being forced into a pleasure den by two women who have "rescued" her. She knew that to give herself to someone would be wrong, yet she is willing to do it a few pages later.
There is a mild Christian message in the story, and there is no blatant sexuality and no bad language, although there are a couple of slang words used.
December 28, 2018
A hugely fun book with an serious undertone.
Zain is part of a collective consciousness called 'the Hive'. She's a cyborg. And somehow, mysteriously, she's pregnant. Occasionally the Hive rent a womb for paying customers outside their tightly-controlled region of the universe - for couples in the Ministrix or individuals in the Praesidium, other just-as-tightly-controlled intergalatic governments. But these tailor-made children are always implanted in breeders, never in an teenage engineering cyborg like Zain. The spaceship she is on has a critical malfunction and, as she escapes, she finds herself outside the range of the Hive.
Every effort to return only takes her further from her goal. Eventually she realises the only clue she has to finding her way home is that someone named 'Scorn' ordered a child. It follows therefore that this Scorn person knows how to contact the Hive, even if he does happen to reside in the Praesidium.
Matthew Nelson is horrified when Zain arrives on his doorstep, claiming he ordered a child. He's just managed to get rid of three of his bullying school friends by hacking into the Praesidium's system and getting them called up for military service. Temporarily, of course. Just to teach them a lesson.
But things are going seriously wrong in Matthew's life. He's meddled in cyber-systems he would best have left alone. And now both he and Zain are targets.
Zain is part of a collective consciousness called 'the Hive'. She's a cyborg. And somehow, mysteriously, she's pregnant. Occasionally the Hive rent a womb for paying customers outside their tightly-controlled region of the universe - for couples in the Ministrix or individuals in the Praesidium, other just-as-tightly-controlled intergalatic governments. But these tailor-made children are always implanted in breeders, never in an teenage engineering cyborg like Zain. The spaceship she is on has a critical malfunction and, as she escapes, she finds herself outside the range of the Hive.
Every effort to return only takes her further from her goal. Eventually she realises the only clue she has to finding her way home is that someone named 'Scorn' ordered a child. It follows therefore that this Scorn person knows how to contact the Hive, even if he does happen to reside in the Praesidium.
Matthew Nelson is horrified when Zain arrives on his doorstep, claiming he ordered a child. He's just managed to get rid of three of his bullying school friends by hacking into the Praesidium's system and getting them called up for military service. Temporarily, of course. Just to teach them a lesson.
But things are going seriously wrong in Matthew's life. He's meddled in cyber-systems he would best have left alone. And now both he and Zain are targets.
July 20, 2023
Very pleasantly surprised! I heard Mr. Otte speak at an OYAN summer workshop and he sent the attendees home with this book. It's the first of his I've read, and I absolutely loved it. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but this was a very fun read. A little bit of romance, a fast-paced adventure all over the galaxy, and best of all, faith. I really enjoyed it!
March 13, 2020
Now I know what a page turner is. I couldn't put the thing down.
November 26, 2022
Good scifi but the writing was too preachy at times. Loved the prolife message though.
August 3, 2016
Rating: PG Some thematic elements involving a teen pregnancy.
Zain belongs to a Hive of Cyborgs and finds herself suddenly separated from them. As if this wasn't bad enough for her, she also discovers that she is pregnant and doesn't know how or why. To answer these questions, Zain goes on a journey that leads her to space stations and worlds, encountering people of the ugly, cruel, and kind variety, all the while hoping she can save her baby and also return to The Hive, her home.
I enjoyed this book. Generally, as a rule, I don't like too much sci-fi, but I suppose my exposure to a lot of Star Trek series helped my understanding some when details of computer/space ship/cyborg tech talk came up in the story. And Otte kept the tech talk sort of simple enough for me to follow. When it seemed I couldn't read anymore, the tech talk came to a stop. Tension among the interesting characters kept the story going at a steady pace. A page turner for me, and I don't often find enough of those kinds of books anymore.
The ending was satisfactory enough. I liked the redefinition of Hive used.
Zain belongs to a Hive of Cyborgs and finds herself suddenly separated from them. As if this wasn't bad enough for her, she also discovers that she is pregnant and doesn't know how or why. To answer these questions, Zain goes on a journey that leads her to space stations and worlds, encountering people of the ugly, cruel, and kind variety, all the while hoping she can save her baby and also return to The Hive, her home.
I enjoyed this book. Generally, as a rule, I don't like too much sci-fi, but I suppose my exposure to a lot of Star Trek series helped my understanding some when details of computer/space ship/cyborg tech talk came up in the story. And Otte kept the tech talk sort of simple enough for me to follow. When it seemed I couldn't read anymore, the tech talk came to a stop. Tension among the interesting characters kept the story going at a steady pace. A page turner for me, and I don't often find enough of those kinds of books anymore.
The ending was satisfactory enough. I liked the redefinition of Hive used.
October 24, 2015
John Otte describes himself as the writer of "unusual stories of geeky grace" and The Hive delivers.
As the mother of a couple of avid readers, I'm always looking for compelling Sci Fi with a spiritual thread that engages the reader in compelling explorations of faith. The Hive takes us on that journey in a cool futuristic setting. It's a fun read and worth the ride.
BTW, I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As the mother of a couple of avid readers, I'm always looking for compelling Sci Fi with a spiritual thread that engages the reader in compelling explorations of faith. The Hive takes us on that journey in a cool futuristic setting. It's a fun read and worth the ride.
BTW, I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2015
Engaging Story
There was so much to love about this book. Zain and Matthew are interesting characters. Zain is a cyborg and a pregnant teen. She's also a mechanic. Matthew is a average Joe high school student who happens to be a master hacker. He's not overly likable at first, which actually makes him more endearing as the story progresses.
There's a lot of action and the story is well-paced. The end was a bit rushed but satisfying.
There was so much to love about this book. Zain and Matthew are interesting characters. Zain is a cyborg and a pregnant teen. She's also a mechanic. Matthew is a average Joe high school student who happens to be a master hacker. He's not overly likable at first, which actually makes him more endearing as the story progresses.
There's a lot of action and the story is well-paced. The end was a bit rushed but satisfying.
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