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Hive Mind #0.5
Perilous
Amber is one of over a million seventeen-year-olds in one of the great hive cities of twenty-sixth century Earth. She’s worried that she only has a year left before she enters the Lottery of 2532 to have her abilities assessed. Lottery will decide her hive level, her profession, her whole future life.
Amber fears that her lack of any obvious talent will mean she’s sent down into the depths of the hive, but her friend, Forge, is addicted to taking risks. When Forge chooses exactly the wrong moment to put himself in danger, Amber must stop worrying about the future, and concentrate on surviving the present.
Perilous is a prequel novella in the Hive Mind series.
Amber fears that her lack of any obvious talent will mean she’s sent down into the depths of the hive, but her friend, Forge, is addicted to taking risks. When Forge chooses exactly the wrong moment to put himself in danger, Amber must stop worrying about the future, and concentrate on surviving the present.
Perilous is a prequel novella in the Hive Mind series.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2017
45 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Janet Edwards
32 books495 followersLatest release:- Adversary, the fifth book in the Hive Mind series.
Please visit Janet's website to get more information, and sign up for her newsletter if you'd like to be kept informed of future releases.SET IN THE HIVE FUTURE
PERILOUS: Hive Mind A Prequel Novella
TELEPATH
DEFENDER
HURRICANE
BORDERLINE
ADVERSARY
SET IN THE 25th CENTURY PORTAL FUTURE
SCAVENGER ALLIANCE
SCAVENGER BLOOD
SET IN THE 28th CENTURY PORTAL FUTURE
Set in 2781
HERA 2781: A Drago Short Story
HESTIA 2781: A Drago Novel
ARRAY 2781: A Drago Novel
SOL 2781: A Drago novel
Set in 2788, the year before the Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH 2788: The Earth Girl Short Stories
EARTH AND FIRE: An Earth Girl Novella 1
EARTH AND AIR: An Earth Girl Novella 2
FRONTIER: An Epsilon Sector Novella
Set in 2789, the Main Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH GIRL
EARTH STAR
EARTH FLIGHT
Set in 2789 directly after the Earth Girl Trilogy
EARTH PRIME: The Earth Girl Aftermath Stories 1
SET IN THE GAME FUTURE
REAPER
EARTH GIRL:-
◾Voted an American Library Association YALSA Teens' Top Ten title for 2014.
◾A Tayshas 2014 choice.
◾Kirkus starred review for a book of exceptional merit.
◾A Kirkus best book of 2013.
◾Booklist starred review for being outstanding in its genre.
◾Booklist Editors’ Choice: Books for Youth, 2013.
◾An Amazon.co.uk best Young Adult book of 2012.
◾A Kobobooks.com best Young Adult book of 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 23, 2024
I enjoy these books. They have issues, but i devour them. If you like the series, this is a nice prequel.
June 9, 2018
This is a prequel to the Hive Mind series, and while it does help understand some of the background, I didn't like it as much as the books in the actual series. I suggest reading it in between Hive Mind 1 & 2, although you don't have to and can certainly read it first as there are no spoilers to book 1 in the series.
This is set about a year before book 1 when Amber is worried she won't do well the following year because she has an obvious lack of talent in any of the teen activities. She is not reassured by adults who tell her that those activities aren't the only skills needed. However, one of her friends, Forge, chooses a very bad moment to put himself in danger, and so Amber has to focus on the present.
This is set about a year before book 1 when Amber is worried she won't do well the following year because she has an obvious lack of talent in any of the teen activities. She is not reassured by adults who tell her that those activities aren't the only skills needed. However, one of her friends, Forge, chooses a very bad moment to put himself in danger, and so Amber has to focus on the present.
May 1, 2018
There's something about Janet Edwards' writing that I find very addictive! This was no exception. I've already read book one in the series, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this prequel a lot. I read far too late into the night, but wanted to know what happened next so I kept reading. I like Amber a lot and enjoyed this look into her life before she went into the Lottery. Lots of action and a good story. Plus there are hints about the future for Amber. I'm enjoying this series and ready to read book 2 in the series very soon.
February 14, 2025
This is a prequel to the Hive Mind series. While it does introduce the series' major characters and situations, it really doesn't add much to it. If I'd read it first I might've gotten more out of it. But out of order, it's not worth the time.
December 31, 2017
This was my first Edwards experience not set in the "Portal" future and the verdict is still out. I have absolutely consumed that initial series of stories from her and love Jarra, Blaze, and all the heroes from those tales. Because of my fandom, I decided to give her Hive Mind a try and to begin with the prequel book. I still certainly appreciate the heroine but I'm not immediately enthralled by the setting and plot. Also, my biggest complaint would be with the dialog. It feels so scripted...not natural at all. I don't remember this being as big an issue with the Portal books but maybe I just forgive it a little easier with those. I will probably go ahead and read the next book in this series, but I'm not racing out to do so.
August 24, 2023
3 1/2 stars. Surprisingly sweet little book. It does one of the things I approve most of in prequels, which is treat its own time as the forefront of the story. I really frigging hate when a story feels like all of its beats are trying to set up the plot that is going to come next (looking at you, Star Wars prequels).
This is a nice little self-contained story about Amber's 17th year, and focuses on the friend group she has and their relationships, getting into detail about how the society of the teen levels works. It's a lovely insight really - while the series as a whole looks into the sociology of Hive Society and gives you a general overview of how it works, this feels more intimate, since the teens *don't* have all the answers given to them by their imprints about how things slot together. The kids have a lot of trust in the Hive, combined with a feeling that the Hive has actually earned that trust. Each child is a cog that is going to be expected to grow up and play its own part in the bigger picture, and their lessons contain a lot of getting to know how each part is significant, how to do maintenance, how to step up if things go wrong and hold each other accountable.
So yeah, I really liked it. It's also nice to see Ambers relationships with Forge and her other friends, which we're told about but don't get to see in later books.
Reading this was a nice time, and since I'm having a series of real life stressors at the moment, I'm gonna carry on through and re-read the rest of the books again. Comfort reads for the win.
This is a nice little self-contained story about Amber's 17th year, and focuses on the friend group she has and their relationships, getting into detail about how the society of the teen levels works. It's a lovely insight really - while the series as a whole looks into the sociology of Hive Society and gives you a general overview of how it works, this feels more intimate, since the teens *don't* have all the answers given to them by their imprints about how things slot together. The kids have a lot of trust in the Hive, combined with a feeling that the Hive has actually earned that trust. Each child is a cog that is going to be expected to grow up and play its own part in the bigger picture, and their lessons contain a lot of getting to know how each part is significant, how to do maintenance, how to step up if things go wrong and hold each other accountable.
So yeah, I really liked it. It's also nice to see Ambers relationships with Forge and her other friends, which we're told about but don't get to see in later books.
Reading this was a nice time, and since I'm having a series of real life stressors at the moment, I'm gonna carry on through and re-read the rest of the books again. Comfort reads for the win.
December 23, 2017
I loved it a LOT!
As always in Janet Edwards novellas, she mixes tiny bits of information in a big chunk of information. I'm so excited to find out which bits and peaces are important for for Hive Mind 2. I mean, you learned a lot about Amber and Forge (aka people you already know) - it was interesting seeing them ineract and her reactions to him... it was quite entertaining (and frustrating^^).
But what was more exciting, seeing those characters that were just briefly mentioned in Telepath. However, the novella was from Ambers point of view, so we (0nly) see them as she sees them - but that adds a certain touch to it (in my opinion).
Now I'm even more excited for Hive Mind 2 - I really can't wait for it to come into my hands, so I can devour it^^
As always in Janet Edwards novellas, she mixes tiny bits of information in a big chunk of information. I'm so excited to find out which bits and peaces are important for for Hive Mind 2. I mean, you learned a lot about Amber and Forge (aka people you already know) - it was interesting seeing them ineract and her reactions to him... it was quite entertaining (and frustrating^^).
But what was more exciting, seeing those characters that were just briefly mentioned in Telepath. However, the novella was from Ambers point of view, so we (0nly) see them as she sees them - but that adds a certain touch to it (in my opinion).
Now I'm even more excited for Hive Mind 2 - I really can't wait for it to come into my hands, so I can devour it^^
January 2, 2021
3,5 stars
This is a prequel novella to Janet Edward's Hive Mind series and takes place roughly one year before the events of the first book in the series. I have read it between books one and two which worked pretty well.
Mostly this novella expands a bit more on the kind of society Amber grows up in, we learn more about the teenager life before they enter the Lottery and are assigned their future jobs and the anxiety that comes with wondering "what will I be doing for the rest of my life?" and "will my social level become really low, too embarrassingly low maybe?".
It also descibes an event, a bit of a desaster (but not a serious one) and how everyone deals with it. Already Amber shows that she is level-headed and there for those who need her.
Since this novella takes place before the main series, there is none of the telepath life for Amber yet, which I find one of the most intriguing parts of the story. Therefore this was a nice, not too-long read that provided a bit more context, but wasn't terribly exciting.
This is a prequel novella to Janet Edward's Hive Mind series and takes place roughly one year before the events of the first book in the series. I have read it between books one and two which worked pretty well.
Mostly this novella expands a bit more on the kind of society Amber grows up in, we learn more about the teenager life before they enter the Lottery and are assigned their future jobs and the anxiety that comes with wondering "what will I be doing for the rest of my life?" and "will my social level become really low, too embarrassingly low maybe?".
It also descibes an event, a bit of a desaster (but not a serious one) and how everyone deals with it. Already Amber shows that she is level-headed and there for those who need her.
Since this novella takes place before the main series, there is none of the telepath life for Amber yet, which I find one of the most intriguing parts of the story. Therefore this was a nice, not too-long read that provided a bit more context, but wasn't terribly exciting.
January 4, 2023
The reader has to have read Telepath before this book, else it won't make a lot of sense. There is a lot of foreshadowing for the follow-on books.
Given it's short length, I expected the story to be less developed than the full-length novels, but that isn't the case The story is very well done. The characters each have their own personality.
Given it's short length, I expected the story to be less developed than the full-length novels, but that isn't the case The story is very well done. The characters each have their own personality.
October 19, 2017
a good setup for hive mind telepath
or, if you've already read Telepath, it gives more information on Amber and her relationships with others in her age and corridor group.
or, if you've already read Telepath, it gives more information on Amber and her relationships with others in her age and corridor group.
January 7, 2018
Really enjoyed this prequel, of course I then had to go back and re-read the first book. I love the strong female characters in both the Hive and Portal series. Can’t wait for more.
December 6, 2019
I enjoyed this little snippet into the life of Amber and her friends before she went through Lottery but I don't feel that it added that much to the world as a whole.
October 3, 2022
Good book
September 30, 2017
A prequel where Amber and Forge have adventures on Teen Level. Gives you a lot better insight into how normal people live in the Hive than the first book did. Fun! I found Atticus to be one of the most interesting characters in this book. So much so that I looked him up in Telepath to see what became of him.
November 14, 2024
Overall: A Great little prequel to the excellent novel Telepath. It adds depth to the character and setting for readers of the novels. Those who have not read the novels may find it a bit slow to start, but if that doesn't bother you then this novella is a great bit of world-building.
On 1st Reading: If you are looking for an SF story that you can sink into like the warm embrace of a welcoming comfy chair, look no further than the Hive Mind series.
There are seriously tense moments. There are disturbing questions about society and identity that got right under my skin and creeped me out.
Yet this introductory story is told in a warm, friendly and innocent manner that just sucks you right into the world, I feel like I know these people and I really can't wait to meet up with them again in the next book.
I guess Ms Edwards is just an excellent and subversive writer.
I've read all her novels and I can see her becoming more ambitious with each release. I already wait for each new story with baited breath. I fully expect that a few books down the road I'll be shelving her with my all time greats such as Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey. Not an honour I give out lightly.
On 2nd Reading: On rereading I noticed many more details, seriously good world building, pacing and simply darn good storytelling. While the main character goes through a lot, stepping back and looking at the implications of what is happening makes me realise that a lot more is happening then she realises. Great stuff, enough material for at least another book used just as background to make the world feel real. Talent!
On 3rd Reading: I see in my 1st review of this book that I said "a few books down the road I'll be shelving her with my all time greats such as Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey" . After her recent books, that is now the case. In fact those two authors are a good description of Ms Edwards' writing: She has the forward thinking, social issue addressing, mystery-loving style of Asimov, but with the much, much better storytelling and character development of McCaffrey. I'd add to that mix the fact that in her latest books Ms Edwards has shown that in writing action scenes she is way better than either Asimov or McCaffrey, and this is amplified by the fact that there is always an issue at stake (Asimov style) and every character is one you care deeply about (McCaffrey style).
So, yes, Janet Edwards is my favourite living author.
On 4th Reading: This particular little story doesn't seem all that epic at first glance - it starts out as the tale of a 17 year old living in a vast underground city, but as you read it, not only do you come to care about young Amber, you get to see how this society works and you are made to ask some very serious questions about free will, the role of government and how much freedom we should give up for safety. At the same time there is an entirely different and much more serious story going in the background on that Amber is oblivious to, but that readers may deduce (reading it 4 times may have something to do with it ;-) ).
This is not the most action packed of Ms Edwards works - it's not meant to be - but all that character building and world building gives it a special place in my heart.
On 1st Reading: If you are looking for an SF story that you can sink into like the warm embrace of a welcoming comfy chair, look no further than the Hive Mind series.
There are seriously tense moments. There are disturbing questions about society and identity that got right under my skin and creeped me out.
Yet this introductory story is told in a warm, friendly and innocent manner that just sucks you right into the world, I feel like I know these people and I really can't wait to meet up with them again in the next book.
I guess Ms Edwards is just an excellent and subversive writer.
I've read all her novels and I can see her becoming more ambitious with each release. I already wait for each new story with baited breath. I fully expect that a few books down the road I'll be shelving her with my all time greats such as Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey. Not an honour I give out lightly.
On 2nd Reading: On rereading I noticed many more details, seriously good world building, pacing and simply darn good storytelling. While the main character goes through a lot, stepping back and looking at the implications of what is happening makes me realise that a lot more is happening then she realises. Great stuff, enough material for at least another book used just as background to make the world feel real. Talent!
On 3rd Reading: I see in my 1st review of this book that I said "a few books down the road I'll be shelving her with my all time greats such as Isaac Asimov and Anne McCaffrey" . After her recent books, that is now the case. In fact those two authors are a good description of Ms Edwards' writing: She has the forward thinking, social issue addressing, mystery-loving style of Asimov, but with the much, much better storytelling and character development of McCaffrey. I'd add to that mix the fact that in her latest books Ms Edwards has shown that in writing action scenes she is way better than either Asimov or McCaffrey, and this is amplified by the fact that there is always an issue at stake (Asimov style) and every character is one you care deeply about (McCaffrey style).
So, yes, Janet Edwards is my favourite living author.
On 4th Reading: This particular little story doesn't seem all that epic at first glance - it starts out as the tale of a 17 year old living in a vast underground city, but as you read it, not only do you come to care about young Amber, you get to see how this society works and you are made to ask some very serious questions about free will, the role of government and how much freedom we should give up for safety. At the same time there is an entirely different and much more serious story going in the background on that Amber is oblivious to, but that readers may deduce (reading it 4 times may have something to do with it ;-) ).
This is not the most action packed of Ms Edwards works - it's not meant to be - but all that character building and world building gives it a special place in my heart.
May 6, 2024
Wonderful escapism
I was delighted to read a story that was well thought out, with proper spelling and delightful characters. I've read all four books currently out three times as I await breathlessly to learn what happens with Keith,Greg as and,of course, Amber.
I was delighted to read a story that was well thought out, with proper spelling and delightful characters. I've read all four books currently out three times as I await breathlessly to learn what happens with Keith,Greg as and,of course, Amber.
February 22, 2025
I hope the later books have more of Casper as well as our main character Amber.
January 31, 2019
entertaining!
September 24, 2017
If you loved Telepath don't miss this one it give some great back story to Amber's history.This review was originally posted on Books In Brogan
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September 26, 2017Structural editing so no rating.
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December 6, 2018WOW! This book lays the foundation for the rest of the series and does a great job of introducing the world and some of the characters and how they first interacted. Very well worth buying and reading but you may as well get the rest of the series when you do to save time...you will want more.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews