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Microbiota and the Masses
Moena lives in a world of her own making, sealed off from the deadly pathogens of Bangalore in her own personal biome. But when she meets Rahul, a beautiful man working to clean up his city, her need for him draws her into danger. She will risk her health and her work to satisfy her lust for Rahul, and may find love along the way.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
33 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2017
About the author
S.B. Divya
26 books494 followersS.B. Divya (she/any) is a lover of science, math, fiction, and the Oxford comma. She is the Hugo and Nebula nominated author of Meru (2023), Machinehood, Runtime, and Contingency Plans For the Apocalypse and Other Possible Situations. Her short stories have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies, and she was the co-editor of Escape Pod, the weekly science fiction podcast, from 2017-2022. Divya holds degrees in Computational Neuroscience and Signal Processing, and she worked for twenty years as an electrical engineer before becoming an author. Born in Pondicherry, India, Divya now resides in Southern California. She enjoys subverting expectations and breaking stereotypes whenever she can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 16, 2018
Whaaaaaaaaaat? What an unexpected nice read!!
Shoutout to Vishakha, for recommending this lovely story!!
This is too short a story for me to review it. The setting of the world and the likelihood of it coming to pass feels all too real! I really enjoyed the writing style, especially the portion where craziness sets in for Moena. The narrative was especially good in that portion and I could feel her starting to lose it. I really liked Moena.
The scientific parts were done really well. They weren’t oversimplified or too technical and detailed but just right!
The relation of Moena and Rahul felt like it could have used a bit more detail, especially Rahul. Also, the happily ever after ending was a little cheesy for my taste but overall it’s a great story! So totally worth the time! The only complaint I have is it's too short.
Read this short freebie here!
Once again, thanks Vishakha! Keep them recommendations coming! :)
Shoutout to Vishakha, for recommending this lovely story!!
This is too short a story for me to review it. The setting of the world and the likelihood of it coming to pass feels all too real! I really enjoyed the writing style, especially the portion where craziness sets in for Moena. The narrative was especially good in that portion and I could feel her starting to lose it. I really liked Moena.
The scientific parts were done really well. They weren’t oversimplified or too technical and detailed but just right!
The relation of Moena and Rahul felt like it could have used a bit more detail, especially Rahul. Also, the happily ever after ending was a little cheesy for my taste but overall it’s a great story! So totally worth the time! The only complaint I have is it's too short.
Read this short freebie here!
Once again, thanks Vishakha! Keep them recommendations coming! :)
January 18, 2017
2.5 stars for this free online Tor.com short story. Review first posted on Fantasy Literature:
In Bangalore, India, pollution has become an ever-increasing problem that affects the health of the people living there. Moena Sivaram, a brilliant and wealthy young bioremediation scientist who is especially vulnerable to the many deadly pathogens, has created an airtight home, her own individual biome, that protects her health but seals her off from the rest of humanity as well as from microbes. When one of the panels of her home breaks down, Moena meets and falls in lust with Rahul, a handsome repairman who is also working as a volunteer with a group trying to reduce the effects of pollution. Tempted from her safe home, Moena risks her health and life to get to know Rahul by volunteering to help his ecological group, creating a fake identity to better match her apparent station in life to his.
The world-building is interesting in this story, especially Moena’s biome home, but the superficiality of the relationship pulls it down (she's initially into Rahul because he looks like her "favorite porn star"), especially when compared with the more complex relationships and insights in Jonathan Carroll’s stories that I was reading at the same time. And from a scientific point of view, the solution Moena develops ― and unilaterally implements ― to assist with polycarbonate breakdown in the waters of Bangalore is alarmingly untested.
In Bangalore, India, pollution has become an ever-increasing problem that affects the health of the people living there. Moena Sivaram, a brilliant and wealthy young bioremediation scientist who is especially vulnerable to the many deadly pathogens, has created an airtight home, her own individual biome, that protects her health but seals her off from the rest of humanity as well as from microbes. When one of the panels of her home breaks down, Moena meets and falls in lust with Rahul, a handsome repairman who is also working as a volunteer with a group trying to reduce the effects of pollution. Tempted from her safe home, Moena risks her health and life to get to know Rahul by volunteering to help his ecological group, creating a fake identity to better match her apparent station in life to his.
The world-building is interesting in this story, especially Moena’s biome home, but the superficiality of the relationship pulls it down (she's initially into Rahul because he looks like her "favorite porn star"), especially when compared with the more complex relationships and insights in Jonathan Carroll’s stories that I was reading at the same time. And from a scientific point of view, the solution Moena develops ― and unilaterally implements ― to assist with polycarbonate breakdown in the waters of Bangalore is alarmingly untested.
February 16, 2018
As cheesey as a 'love' story can get I guess. I will give extra credits to the author though, because the title cover says "a love story" and not a sci-fi short story. I read it because my reaction to coming across this book was "An Indian author had a SFF short story published by Tor? That's awesome, I've got to read that!"
The sci-fi setting and elements are good, although I'd have liked reading more descriptions about the setting and what was wrong with it.
The best thing about the short story is the main character's condition and her way of dealing with it. I can totally relate to her "Nope. I ain't going out into this world now or ever. No human relationships, thank you." way of living. But it has its nasty, dark side affects on a person and that was the most interesting part, I wanted to see where she'd end up with that sort of a lifestyle and the new desire that would need her to completely forgo her "comfort zone" or "no bullshit others bubble". There is a certain boldness in the author's characterization of Moena, especially if we consider the character in the context of India and its culture.
Moena's lust/love for Rahul and the whole love story is quite cheesey, and frankly, routine. I think the author should have done a bit more in terms of Moena's passion for saving the city of Bangalore. The author tries to balance the love story and the greater good thing, but it is so imbalanced. She should have written more words to underline the main character's desire and 'efforts' for the greater good as she had done for her desire and efforts for fulfilling her carnal desires because it just felt shallow on the character's part even though her actions are pretty justifiable and normal considering everything.
I both liked and meh'ed at the writing. The author uses some good metaphors while describing actions or feelings, but that's overdone considering the length of this story.
The sci-fi setting and elements are good, although I'd have liked reading more descriptions about the setting and what was wrong with it.
The best thing about the short story is the main character's condition and her way of dealing with it. I can totally relate to her "Nope. I ain't going out into this world now or ever. No human relationships, thank you." way of living. But it has its nasty, dark side affects on a person and that was the most interesting part, I wanted to see where she'd end up with that sort of a lifestyle and the new desire that would need her to completely forgo her "comfort zone" or "no bullshit others bubble". There is a certain boldness in the author's characterization of Moena, especially if we consider the character in the context of India and its culture.
Moena's lust/love for Rahul and the whole love story is quite cheesey, and frankly, routine. I think the author should have done a bit more in terms of Moena's passion for saving the city of Bangalore. The author tries to balance the love story and the greater good thing, but it is so imbalanced. She should have written more words to underline the main character's desire and 'efforts' for the greater good as she had done for her desire and efforts for fulfilling her carnal desires because it just felt shallow on the character's part even though her actions are pretty justifiable and normal considering everything.
I both liked and meh'ed at the writing. The author uses some good metaphors while describing actions or feelings, but that's overdone considering the length of this story.
January 4, 2021
I enjoyed this eco-science focused romance, set in Bangalore with disability rep. I'll definitely read more from this author
Read for free: https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
Read for free: https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
January 13, 2017
An unusually metaphorical story, with a standout message that I am just a tiny bit too ignorant to grasp. To summarize: presented as being like a carbon copy of Robert C. O'Brien's post-apocalypse story Z for Zachariah, with a small revision in that contamination is spread through people, specifically communicated by microbiota, so that the only way for our protagonist to avoid infection is to cut herself off completely from human contact. A concept easily oversimplified - or treated too technically - is communicated with startling and memorable language, taken straight out of disease control guidelines.
January 28, 2017
Wasn't my cup of tea. Although the book cover is pretty much magnificent!
“When you’re of age, Moena, we’ll find you a nice boy to marry. Or you’ll find one on your own, but keep this in mind: men desire women who can stand up to them and still remain short. They don’t want women who are smarter or wealthier or more famous. Better that you forget boys and marriage until you have your own measure.”
“When you’re of age, Moena, we’ll find you a nice boy to marry. Or you’ll find one on your own, but keep this in mind: men desire women who can stand up to them and still remain short. They don’t want women who are smarter or wealthier or more famous. Better that you forget boys and marriage until you have your own measure.”
April 23, 2020
A fun silly love story. The flowery language and plant metaphors are a little over the top. Moena and Rahul's relationship doesn't feel fully fleshed out. Moena's fantasies were more detailed than the real thing. Bonus points for the great descriptions of chronic illness and Bengaluru's pollution levels sadly.
ETA: Man, Tor really does get the best artists. That illustration is spectacular.
Read it here https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
ETA: Man, Tor really does get the best artists. That illustration is spectacular.
Read it here https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
January 11, 2020
A romantic SF-fantasy in a near-future Bangalore. It's, well, pretty silly and over-the-top, but still kind of fun. Tadiana's is the real review to read, if you don't mind minor spoilers: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Story link: https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
Story link: https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
February 23, 2018
3.5* - really liked the topic of this one! Felt a little rushed near the end.
December 3, 2020
Yes the cover art was irresistible! :D
This story was sweet and loved the science and writing style. I think the love story was superficial and rushed though and needed more pages. But I'll definitely want to read longer works from this author.
This story was sweet and loved the science and writing style. I think the love story was superficial and rushed though and needed more pages. But I'll definitely want to read longer works from this author.
August 7, 2022
She walked barefoot to the sunny citrus grove in the western side of the house. The soil beneath her feet changed from cool and moist to hard and gritty. eBees buzzed among the flowers. She hummed in harmony, a Carnatic song about love birds that was a century old. The heady perfume of orange and lime blossoms filled her up and made her blood sing along.
I really liked this, but what can I say, I love a good romance story and the setting was so interesting! I enjoyed the ecology and science themes that had just enough detail to feel real and yet keep some mysteries and not bore the reader. This is one of the short stories that could easily be a book and be better for it - I feel like there is a lot of potential and some of the moments were just raced through instead of savored and earned. This isn't really a criticism, it worked well in a short story format.
The moment when
Overall, this book is a mature version of Everything, Everything with soft sci-fi and ecology themes on the sides. I really loved this and would recommend!
https://www.tor.com/2017/01/11/microb...
January 23, 2021
3.5/5 stars. I liked the way this was written a lot more than the story itself as I don't quite relate to instances of insta-lust. Still, an interesting story. I'd love to read a whole novel with these two that maybe lets the relationship develop a little slower.
January 15, 2017
This is a beautiful story of love for not just another person, but for our planet. I'm still thinking about it the day after I finished it.
May 24, 2023
“What’s yours is mine. What’s mine is yours.
“Welcome home,” Moena said.”
very short and totally interesting story. got me a little bit lost with the science but overall I did enjoyed it once I could kind of understand what she was trying to do/studying. somethings didn't clear out to me, like it lack an explanation and felt rushed but still it was nice.
“Welcome home,” Moena said.”
very short and totally interesting story. got me a little bit lost with the science but overall I did enjoyed it once I could kind of understand what she was trying to do/studying. somethings didn't clear out to me, like it lack an explanation and felt rushed but still it was nice.
January 13, 2017
Primeiro objetivo da maratona alcançado.
Este conto sensacional de uma cientista com agorafobia e uma doença em que ela não pode ter contato com o mundo esterno e vive em seu ambiente artificialmente produzido até que se sente sexualmente atraída/apaixona por um carinha. O jeito como a autora conta tudo isto é perfeito.
#conto4 #janeiro #maratona24htlt3
Este conto sensacional de uma cientista com agorafobia e uma doença em que ela não pode ter contato com o mundo esterno e vive em seu ambiente artificialmente produzido até que se sente sexualmente atraída/apaixona por um carinha. O jeito como a autora conta tudo isto é perfeito.
#conto4 #janeiro #maratona24htlt3
January 13, 2017
This was odd, but beautiful - one of the free shorts Tor offers, and very worth the time taken to read it.
November 21, 2017
Review included in a wrap-up video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWj7J...
June 15, 2025
SB Divya’s short story is about the near-degrading future of Indian cities and its environmental impacts on humans and animal species, including microbes.
This eco-fiction, with a love story, sets up for a perfect weekend read if you are fond of our environment and its well-being.
Moena Sivaram, a researcher, is in isolation, living in her own biome with the air masks and smart roofs to keep herself safe and secure from the outer world, which she has been devoid of for the past five years.
Then enters Rahul Madhavan, the repairman straight out of your smut movie fantasy, to diagnose the fault in one of Moena's roof structures.
He is indeed an engineer-turned-eco-warrior with a vision of a cleaner city.
Moena, wearing her bio kit with masks and shields, interacts with Rahul, smitten by his charm as well as knowledge.
She immediately masquerades as Meena Sivaraman and sets up a coffee date with Rahul to know more about him.
Soon both are taking samples from Agara Lake and involving themselves in research projects to ensure that the toxic level of the lake is arrested and normalised for future generations.
Will Rahul know the truth about Meena, aka Moena, and what is the secret she is hiding about herself and her physical health?
How will the romantic journey of them end or begin, along with their vision for the betterment of Namma Bengaluru and the Earth as a whole?
Read this unique story from an award-winning author to get a different perspective of the life we are living in, which is toxic in every form—an eye-opener in its own way.
This eco-fiction, with a love story, sets up for a perfect weekend read if you are fond of our environment and its well-being.
Moena Sivaram, a researcher, is in isolation, living in her own biome with the air masks and smart roofs to keep herself safe and secure from the outer world, which she has been devoid of for the past five years.
Then enters Rahul Madhavan, the repairman straight out of your smut movie fantasy, to diagnose the fault in one of Moena's roof structures.
He is indeed an engineer-turned-eco-warrior with a vision of a cleaner city.
Moena, wearing her bio kit with masks and shields, interacts with Rahul, smitten by his charm as well as knowledge.
She immediately masquerades as Meena Sivaraman and sets up a coffee date with Rahul to know more about him.
Soon both are taking samples from Agara Lake and involving themselves in research projects to ensure that the toxic level of the lake is arrested and normalised for future generations.
Will Rahul know the truth about Meena, aka Moena, and what is the secret she is hiding about herself and her physical health?
How will the romantic journey of them end or begin, along with their vision for the betterment of Namma Bengaluru and the Earth as a whole?
Read this unique story from an award-winning author to get a different perspective of the life we are living in, which is toxic in every form—an eye-opener in its own way.
September 21, 2017
Awww, I loved this! We'd have a squeaky-clean planet if all environmental cleanup were this romantic!
February 16, 2018
Interesting short story !!
August 7, 2018
3.5 stars
April 5, 2020
Combining hard speculative fiction, romance, and beautifully written. Kind of resonates a little right now with the whole world staying at home.
May 28, 2022
Interesting story.
December 26, 2022
3.5 to 4 stars 🌟
March 18, 2023
A basic and cheesy love story with an interesting setting and world building. Reading it was an enjoyable enough 20 mins.
January 31, 2017
May love multiple like bacteria. . . Or do they divide? Totally not a biologist
February 1, 2017
Moena lives alone in her experimental biome. She hasn't touched another human being in 5 years. When the handsome Rahid comes to her home to reprogram a malfunctioning SmartWindow, she finds that her interest in getting to know him better overcomes her fears of leaving the safety of her home and reconnecting with the outside world. Once outside though, her desire to help her fellow man keeps her coming back to help at a local water source.
This quick story is so full of feeling. I was aching for Moena and cheering for her the whole time.
This quick story is so full of feeling. I was aching for Moena and cheering for her the whole time.
January 18, 2017
I really like this story, I wish it had a more satisfying endings. Moena is a scientist, that lives in a world of her own making, sealed off from the deadly pathogens of Bangalore in her own personal biome. But when she meets Rahul, a beautiful man working to clean up his city, her need for him draws her into the danger of outside. Will she risk her life work, her health, and her life, to follow her heart?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews