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Wings of Fire #12
The Hive Queen
Growing up in the hives, Cricket has always had a million questions. Why are trees forbidden, even in art? Why do her parents seem to hate her? And the biggest, most dangerous and secret question of all: why is Cricket immune to Queen Wasp's powers? Whenever the queen takes control of all the HiveWings, speaking through their mouths and seeing through their eyes, Cricket has to hide, terrified of being discovered. Now she's hiding again, wanted for stealing the Book of Clearsight along with her new SilkWing friends, Blue and Swordtail, and the fierce LeafWing, Sundew. The fugitives need answers, and fast, in order to prevent a LeafWing attack. But Cricket has more questions than ever. How can she stay hidden and discover the queen's deadliest secret? And if she does succeed — can a powerless dragonet really do anything to topple a regime and stop a war?
286 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2018
1594 people are currently reading
8353 people want to read
About the author
Tui T. Sutherland
195 books6,131 followersOkay, I know what you’re thinking. Tui? What kind of name is that? Is it short for something?
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
Nope. Among the many great things to come out of New Zealand (the Lord of the Rings movies, cats that paint, my mom) is a bird called the tui—not as well known as the kiwi, but a heck of a lot noisier!
I was born July 31 (same birthday as Harry Potter!) in Caracas, Venezuela, and lived in Asuncion, Paraguay; Miami, Florida; and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, before moving to New Jersey in high school, where I started doing theatre—mostly backstage work, because (a) it was fun, and (b) you got to hang out in the dark with cute boys. (Er, I mean . . . because it was artistically fulfilling, yes.)
I graduated from Williams College in ’98 and I currently live in Boston with my husband, my perfect new baby, and my adorable yoodle Sunshine (what’s a yoodle? A puppy that’s three-quarters poodle and one-quarter Yorkshire terrier, of course!).
Much to my parents’ relief, I abandoned my theatrical aspirations after college for the far more stable and lucrative career of fiction writing.
My first two official books were beginning readers, part of Grosset & Dunlap’s “First Friends” series for kids learning to read. MEET MO AND ELLA is tough to find now, but FUN WITH MO AND ELLA should still be out there somewhere.
My first novel for teenagers was THIS MUST BE LOVE, which retells Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a modern-day high school, from the POV of the two heroines, Hermia and Helena.
And now I'm writing in a new project called SEEKERS! It's a children's book series that I'm writing with Erin Hunter. Check out my blog to find out more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
September 20, 2019
I NEED BOOK 13.
But as for an actual review:
Reading from Cricket's perspective was amazing and, at times, so sad. This series continues to blow me away with the relevance to kids, teens, and even adults' lives. Cricket informs us right off the bat that her parents can't stand her and that her mother left the family to go "pursue her dreams." So many people I know have dealt with similar issues, and it's sad and hard to see. Cricket is still dealing with this, even though she's never liked her mother. Cricket's character grows and learns throughout the book, though her questions never cease.
I enjoyed seeing her bubbly attitude and realistic look at life take the radicals aback in how she simply laid out what would happen if the LeafWings went straight into war and attacked the HiveWings and burned the hives. Death, and most of it innocent people.
The first series arc started in the middle of a war with the Dragonets of Destiny dealing with the repercussions of a pointless war. This series is now taking the side of "what do you do after a genocide;" is it OK for retaliation or do things need to be left? What should be done. The characters, Cricket especially, struggle with these questions because wrongs have been done, yet another genocide is not the answer. Cricket starts to see her HiveWing world for the horrific slave-trade/indentured servant world that it is, at it's a culture shock for her to see how badly her world suffers from racism.
All-in-all, I loved watching Cricket understand the repercussions of genocide and racism and watching her come to understand that the HiveWings are a racist society towards everyone else.
But as for an actual review:
Reading from Cricket's perspective was amazing and, at times, so sad. This series continues to blow me away with the relevance to kids, teens, and even adults' lives. Cricket informs us right off the bat that her parents can't stand her and that her mother left the family to go "pursue her dreams." So many people I know have dealt with similar issues, and it's sad and hard to see. Cricket is still dealing with this, even though she's never liked her mother. Cricket's character grows and learns throughout the book, though her questions never cease.
I enjoyed seeing her bubbly attitude and realistic look at life take the radicals aback in how she simply laid out what would happen if the LeafWings went straight into war and attacked the HiveWings and burned the hives. Death, and most of it innocent people.
The first series arc started in the middle of a war with the Dragonets of Destiny dealing with the repercussions of a pointless war. This series is now taking the side of "what do you do after a genocide;" is it OK for retaliation or do things need to be left? What should be done. The characters, Cricket especially, struggle with these questions because wrongs have been done, yet another genocide is not the answer. Cricket starts to see her HiveWing world for the horrific slave-trade/indentured servant world that it is, at it's a culture shock for her to see how badly her world suffers from racism.
All-in-all, I loved watching Cricket understand the repercussions of genocide and racism and watching her come to understand that the HiveWings are a racist society towards everyone else.
April 9, 2019
Cricket is my favorite character of this arc of the Wings of Fire series, so I'm so happy we got to follow her in this book and that we received a lot of answers to the questions I had. These are some awesome types of dragons, and I'm glad the out-of-control animus powers have been reigned in at this point. That would have been very messy in this series. Sundew was hilarious as usual. Swordtail played his Sokka-like role really well. Blue was less frustrating to read about thankfully, and other than rolling my eyes at Cricket's relentless crush on Blue, I loved every second of my inhale read of this.
January 31, 2022
Well what to say about this one? I had thought I would like this story a lot more than I actually did. At first it started out very interesting but towards the end it was actually putting me to sleep! I kid you not. When I should be wide awake with the big climax going on I was actually struggling to stay awake and that I have to admit is a bad sign. I have had this happen to me with books before and generally it is the book itself as if I start reading something else I wake up. But I am unsure where this one had gone wrong or why it was having this affect on me? The plot seemed to have danger in it so...?
I did like the main character, Cricket. She seems very innocent and naïve. In many ways she sort of reminds me of myself. And she is so curious and full of questions. It's just hard for her to get answers. Plus others find her constant questions so annoying.
Jumping into a random book in this series I admit I don't fully understand their hive system but I quickly caught on. But some parts do seem a tad strange. These dragons are not the usual fire breathing dragons I am used to in epic fantasy novels. Their wing structure for one is very different. And many of them eat fruits? But the oddest thing is that the queen had destroyed all the trees?? Umm...don't you need trees to make air? Oxygen?? And trees are pretty resilient. I think they tend to grow back after forest fires.
And now thinking about it maybe what rubs me the wrong way is the petty squabbling in here? How the queen is so nasty and narcissistic? She has this mental power over almost everyone but most people just go to these parties? I think that part maybe rubbed me the wrong way? I really don't know. Anyway whatever the problem was this book was putting me to sleep!
I did like the main character, Cricket. She seems very innocent and naïve. In many ways she sort of reminds me of myself. And she is so curious and full of questions. It's just hard for her to get answers. Plus others find her constant questions so annoying.
Jumping into a random book in this series I admit I don't fully understand their hive system but I quickly caught on. But some parts do seem a tad strange. These dragons are not the usual fire breathing dragons I am used to in epic fantasy novels. Their wing structure for one is very different. And many of them eat fruits? But the oddest thing is that the queen had destroyed all the trees?? Umm...don't you need trees to make air? Oxygen?? And trees are pretty resilient. I think they tend to grow back after forest fires.
And now thinking about it maybe what rubs me the wrong way is the petty squabbling in here? How the queen is so nasty and narcissistic? She has this mental power over almost everyone but most people just go to these parties? I think that part maybe rubbed me the wrong way? I really don't know. Anyway whatever the problem was this book was putting me to sleep!
January 5, 2019
I don't typically read books in two days, but with this book (this series in general) I can't put it down. I really enjoyed Cricket's perspective on the story. Though I believe it wasn't as good as the tenth book and some of the other books in the series it still deserves five stars.
December 31, 2019
Review 2018
The Hive Queen was very slow in the beginning, however near the middle it started picking up pace. Tui raises a lot of questions about war through Cricket's perspective. Cricket has to deal with the fact that her tribe killed hundreds of LeafWings in the tree wars and also learn that it was many years ago and not to hold those against the HiveWings.
There's a lot of answers at the end of the book, especially about the Queen's methods.
There has been some hinting to Sundew's relationship with Willow and delves more into her character.
I love how Tui kept Blue's character and still made him relevant to the story. I was expecting him to be dull and not like himself since he isn't the main character, but she pulled it off really well.
Can't wait to read this again next year!
The Hive Queen was very slow in the beginning, however near the middle it started picking up pace. Tui raises a lot of questions about war through Cricket's perspective. Cricket has to deal with the fact that her tribe killed hundreds of LeafWings in the tree wars and also learn that it was many years ago and not to hold those against the HiveWings.
There's a lot of answers at the end of the book, especially about the Queen's methods.
There has been some hinting to Sundew's relationship with Willow and delves more into her character.
I love how Tui kept Blue's character and still made him relevant to the story. I was expecting him to be dull and not like himself since he isn't the main character, but she pulled it off really well.
Can't wait to read this again next year!
May 27, 2018
I heard this on audio during my holidays in India and loved it. Excellent book. Highly recommended.
December 20, 2018
The Hive Queen was released early at my local bookstore, so I've been able to read it a week in advance from the actual release date; this isn't a review based on speculation or my opinion of previous books, but on The Hive Queen and The Hive Queen alone.
I'm going to start this off by saying: I didn't hate it. It was... tolerable. However, as the twelfth book in a series, you'd hope that it would be living up to its prequels, and it really isn't.
The pacing is absolutely awful; the plot-changing event happens on literally two pages directly before the end of the book. It feels like the author felt that every page had to have something happening on it, and the result is a crammed, rushed mess where unimportant side characters are described for the same length of time as major revelations.
On top of the pacing and plot point saturation issues, there is also a major issue, in my opinion, with how interactions between the SilkWings and the HiveWings are described.
The Pyrrhia characters who are featured in the book also feel shoehorned in. They only show up in the prologues and epilogues, and it feels more as though they're being used to make old fans interested in the new books instead of giving proper focus to new characters that will interest both old and new fans. Issues that are huge for the actual protagonists are easily handled by the preexisting characters who cameo ( )
I want to enjoy and endorse this book, because I loved the series when it started out. But I really can't; not with the worrying way the author and narrative seem to view slavery and slaveowners as a plot device rather than a serious issue; not with how characters are flat and emotionless (unless they're the current protagonist, who is allowed to feel things); not with how the pacing is awful and rushed; not with how moments that should have emotional weight are skimmed over in a page or two and forgotten. I'd only recommend this book if you're invested in the series already and want to know where it could go next - if you're a new reader, I'd just stop at The Brightest Night.
I'm going to start this off by saying: I didn't hate it. It was... tolerable. However, as the twelfth book in a series, you'd hope that it would be living up to its prequels, and it really isn't.
The pacing is absolutely awful; the plot-changing event happens on literally two pages directly before the end of the book. It feels like the author felt that every page had to have something happening on it, and the result is a crammed, rushed mess where unimportant side characters are described for the same length of time as major revelations.
On top of the pacing and plot point saturation issues, there is also a major issue, in my opinion, with how interactions between the SilkWings and the HiveWings are described.
The Pyrrhia characters who are featured in the book also feel shoehorned in. They only show up in the prologues and epilogues, and it feels more as though they're being used to make old fans interested in the new books instead of giving proper focus to new characters that will interest both old and new fans. Issues that are huge for the actual protagonists are easily handled by the preexisting characters who cameo ( )
I want to enjoy and endorse this book, because I loved the series when it started out. But I really can't; not with the worrying way the author and narrative seem to view slavery and slaveowners as a plot device rather than a serious issue; not with how characters are flat and emotionless (unless they're the current protagonist, who is allowed to feel things); not with how the pacing is awful and rushed; not with how moments that should have emotional weight are skimmed over in a page or two and forgotten. I'd only recommend this book if you're invested in the series already and want to know where it could go next - if you're a new reader, I'd just stop at The Brightest Night.
December 30, 2018
In The Hive Queen, Cricket and co. must figure out a way to prevent war on the brainwashed HiveWings by uncovering the secrets of their menacing Queen.
Sutherland has continuously impressed me with her ability to tackle mature and messy topics. This book has themes of tyranny, dictatorship, prejudice, handling privilege, repercussions of genocide, racism, and enslavement that parallel the real world. She handles these issues in such a way delicate but meaningful way that is so refreshing for 'kids' books. Really, hats off to Tui for pulling this off so well.
I've been reading these books since I was little and it's been interesting to see the series mature along with its readership.
This book is well written and makes you truly think about society and what you believe. As ever, the characters are well fleshed out and grow like real 'people.' Sutherland still has it, and I'm very excited to see what happens to all the dragons in the future!
P.S. The foreshadowing at the end?? I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE FOR THE NEXT ONE
Sutherland has continuously impressed me with her ability to tackle mature and messy topics. This book has themes of tyranny, dictatorship, prejudice, handling privilege, repercussions of genocide, racism, and enslavement that parallel the real world. She handles these issues in such a way delicate but meaningful way that is so refreshing for 'kids' books. Really, hats off to Tui for pulling this off so well.
I've been reading these books since I was little and it's been interesting to see the series mature along with its readership.
This book is well written and makes you truly think about society and what you believe. As ever, the characters are well fleshed out and grow like real 'people.' Sutherland still has it, and I'm very excited to see what happens to all the dragons in the future!
P.S. The foreshadowing at the end?? I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL JUNE FOR THE NEXT ONE
April 4, 2019
I liked this book more than the first in this series (within the series) as the main character Cricket was at least more someone I could identify with more than Blue, who at least in the beginning was so passive. She's a scientist and a bookworm, but still too sweet and soft for me to identify with.
However, Sundew is deeeeefinitely me, and it was interesting reading more about her through Cricket's eyes.
I'm hoping that the next book (which is not out yet, what am I going to do now that I've finished burning through them all) will have her as the main. Or one of the following ones.
I feel like the society in this book is sort of thought provoking in a good way, especially considering this is a young adult title.
However, Sundew is deeeeefinitely me, and it was interesting reading more about her through Cricket's eyes.
I'm hoping that the next book (which is not out yet, what am I going to do now that I've finished burning through them all) will have her as the main. Or one of the following ones.
I feel like the society in this book is sort of thought provoking in a good way, especially considering this is a young adult title.
November 5, 2023
This series has already had two smarty pants characters that were FANTASTIC. Why on earth did they make a third one that’s just boring. This series has a great storyline, but the main characters are so boring that it’s taking forever. Lunas one of the better ones and she’s not even in the story. The background characters like Scarab, Jerboa, and Luna are more interesting right now than the main ones we have. I like Swordtail but he needs more than just an endless love for Luna. I like the interactions that the characters have, but their “individualities” have either been reused too many times in WoF or they are literally stupid. I’m hoping this arch improves.
November 23, 2021
still not as invested/interested in this arc as the first two, but i do love cricket and sundew (adhd & lesbian icons respectively). also this continues to be shockingly not-bad at talking about radical revolution
April 3, 2019
I can't believe I caught up to the publication. Just Darkstalker (spinoff/prequel) and the graphic novel left!
August 5, 2023
Synopsis:
- Cricket had so many questions in life. Why does her parents never loved her? Why wood is such a forbidden resource? What is the Chrysalis? Why is she immune to Queen Wasp's mind control? These are a only a few queries she had that needed answers. Yes, ANSWERS. Her mind is restless without them. But now that she (and her unlikely companions) were wanted fugitives in hiding, getting these answers was the most difficult ever. Will she continue to seek clarity on her mysteries despite jeopardizing their whole plan?
Strengths:
1. Funny character dynamics.
2. Progressive world building focusing on culture.
3. Some interesting themes ('Curiosity kills the Cat', broken family, adoption, etc.)
4. Increased LGBTQ representation.
5. Nice showcase of an incoherent team.
6. Scarab's character.
Flaws:
1. Unenjoyable/worsened casts of characters.
2. Minimal plot.
3. Half-baked themes.
4. Weakest climax.
5. Cliche elements (like the villain.)
6. Mostly dull.
7. An underwhelming sequel.
Remarks and Rating:
- Yeah...the novelty of the last book has drained out. This was a painfully average read.
- I don't know why, but I think the main characters were downgraded compared to the last book. At least Sundew was stable, and Scarab was honestly the best one. Blue's character flaw became more apparent in here (as a side-protagonist.) Cricket, despite being the main perspective, lost her witty humor and intellectual charm from the previous book. And Tui T. Sutherland was obviously struggling on what to do with Swordtail. He became more obnoxious, more ill-minded, and incompetent. He kinda just existed (and I was hoping he'll actually die. A major protagonist being killed. You know...something that is new for this series to do 😏.)
- It had interesting themes, but I find the book having a hard time making one stand out. It's like they only affect one or two things before being replaced with another for the readers to focus on.
- The first portion of the book was a slow trudge.
- I like Scarab, with her apathetic and unapologetic demeanor towards anyone outside of her daughter.
- For being the main villain, Queen Wasp felt lacking. Can she not kill or something? I just noticed there's a lot less blood/gore in this 3rd arc that was a common trait from the previous two arcs.
- Man...don't want to continue devaluating this book. But it's SO UNDERWHELMING. It didn't really add much to the context of what has built from the previous book. Okay, I'll try to count them:
1. What allowed Queen Wasp to mind control (but didn't explain how it was done.)
2. Cricket's family problems.
3. Chrysalis, I guess.
4. Jewel Hive.
That's basically all of it. It should be more than this to makes it a better follow-up. In hindsight, it's serves more of an extension for The Lost Continent rather than a continuation.
- With everything considered, I'll rate Wings of Fire: The Hive Queen a 4/10.
WINGS OF FIRE BOOKS RANKED:
1. The Dangerous Gift (9/10)
2. Moon Rising (8/10)
3. Legends: Darkstalker (8/10)
4. Talons of Power (8/10)
5. Winter Turning (7/10)
6. The Hidden Kingdom (7/10)
7. The Poison Jungle (7/10)
8. The Lost Continent (7/10)
9. The Dark Secret (6/10)
10. The Brightest Night (6/10)
11. The Dragonet Prophecy (6/10)
12. The Lost Heir (5/10)
13. Darkness of Dragons (5/10)
14. Legends: Dragonslayer (5/10)
15. The Flames of Hope (4/10)
16. Escaping Peril (4/10)
17. The Hive Queen (4/10)
JUSTIFICATION:
- This book was simply lackluster. It was so bland that I don't feel anything during and after reading it. And is this even a sequel??? 'Cause it served more of an extension of the first book.
Cricket somehow lost her quirkiness. Yeah, she's still curious...but just plain curious (do you get what I mean?) Blue's fundamental character flaw became more obvious, and Swordtail was the most useless aside from 'locating' (which was still a collective effort of the group btw) the Chrysalis who turned out to be unproductive themselves. Sundew also somehow didn't utilize her plants as much as from the previous book which was a missed opportunity to summon some creative sequences.
I don't really care about Cricket's backstory. It doesn't have a major connection with the arc plot. There are only two crucial things that happened here: The reveal of Wasp's mind control, and one of the hives burning down. Well, I guess four if you could count Scarab, and the introduction of Bumblebee. So...these stuff could actually be move to either the previous or next series entry because this book didn't add much else. SUCH REDUNDANCY!!!
I would actually prefer to hate a book than feel completely devoid about it. That is why this is at the bottom.
September 1, 2024
Finally out of my reading slump (somewhat) to finish more of my childhood series. I’m in love with these characters the more I read and I also love seeing old ones too. Cricket you will never not be famous
December 6, 2024
i love you cricket
no qualms here with this wof book. i love cricket
no qualms here with this wof book. i love cricket
September 17, 2022
Review by Lucy, age 9, 9/17/22
This book is about a dragon named Cricket and her friends Blue, Swordtail, and Sundew. Sundew is a Leafwing whose tribe is supposedly dead to the Hivewings and Silkwings. Cricket and her friends have just recently rescued Luna, Blue’s sister and Swordtail’s love, also a Flamesilk, only to lose her again when her own silk blows her out to sea. Cricket and her friends decide do go to Jewel Hive to look for Luna and speak with the Chrysalis there (the secret Silkwing movement to take down the Hivewings and free the Silkwings.) Cricket and Blue find that freeing the Silkwings AND the Hivewings without harming anyone but Queen Wasp would be harder than they thought.
Reviewed by Grace, age 8, 3/16/19
This book is from the Best Series in the Entire World. It is about Cricket, a Hive Wing. In the book before (The Lost Continent), Cricket met Blue. Blue was a Silkwing. At the end of “The Lost Continent,” Blue was in his metamorphosis. (He was born wingless, and at age 6 they go through that.) Now Blue’s sister is gone and Cricket, Blue, Swordtail, and Sundew have stolen the Book of Clearsight. The Leaf Wings wanted the book so they could declare war on the Hive Wings. In return for stealing the Book of Clearsight, Sundew, Hemlock, and Belinda will show them the way to the Flamesilk cave.
Finally in this book they’re trying to find out how the queen hypnotizes the Hive Wings. They sorta kinda found out. But that’s also a spoiler so I won’t go into more detail.
Cricket found an egg that was orphaned. It wasn’t able to be hypnotized yet because it was an egg. This is the silliest part: when it hatched Cricket woke up and saw a crack in the egg. The egg was hatching. “No, don’t hatch yet!” she shouted! The egg did not agree with her. As soon as it hatched the baby tried to eat her. Its name was Bumblebee. It didn’t eat her, and it was safe from hypnotism.
Now they’re going to the Poison Jungle. Yes, the Poison Jungle. Duhn dun dun! Where the Leaf Wings live, because they’re not wiped out anymore! (Luna should have believed the warning signs, earlier from the “Lost Continent.”)
The End. Until the 13th book, which I will probably have to wait a long time for
This book is about a dragon named Cricket and her friends Blue, Swordtail, and Sundew. Sundew is a Leafwing whose tribe is supposedly dead to the Hivewings and Silkwings. Cricket and her friends have just recently rescued Luna, Blue’s sister and Swordtail’s love, also a Flamesilk, only to lose her again when her own silk blows her out to sea. Cricket and her friends decide do go to Jewel Hive to look for Luna and speak with the Chrysalis there (the secret Silkwing movement to take down the Hivewings and free the Silkwings.) Cricket and Blue find that freeing the Silkwings AND the Hivewings without harming anyone but Queen Wasp would be harder than they thought.
Reviewed by Grace, age 8, 3/16/19
This book is from the Best Series in the Entire World. It is about Cricket, a Hive Wing. In the book before (The Lost Continent), Cricket met Blue. Blue was a Silkwing. At the end of “The Lost Continent,” Blue was in his metamorphosis. (He was born wingless, and at age 6 they go through that.) Now Blue’s sister is gone and Cricket, Blue, Swordtail, and Sundew have stolen the Book of Clearsight. The Leaf Wings wanted the book so they could declare war on the Hive Wings. In return for stealing the Book of Clearsight, Sundew, Hemlock, and Belinda will show them the way to the Flamesilk cave.
Finally in this book they’re trying to find out how the queen hypnotizes the Hive Wings. They sorta kinda found out. But that’s also a spoiler so I won’t go into more detail.
Cricket found an egg that was orphaned. It wasn’t able to be hypnotized yet because it was an egg. This is the silliest part: when it hatched Cricket woke up and saw a crack in the egg. The egg was hatching. “No, don’t hatch yet!” she shouted! The egg did not agree with her. As soon as it hatched the baby tried to eat her. Its name was Bumblebee. It didn’t eat her, and it was safe from hypnotism.
Now they’re going to the Poison Jungle. Yes, the Poison Jungle. Duhn dun dun! Where the Leaf Wings live, because they’re not wiped out anymore! (Luna should have believed the warning signs, earlier from the “Lost Continent.”)
The End. Until the 13th book, which I will probably have to wait a long time for
August 27, 2022
Rating: 9 out of 10
Oh my gosh- I LOVED THIS!! Cricket's POV is SO enjoyable and I love her as our protagonist! I know a lot of people think she's annoying, but I really like her because I can relate to her so much. I mean, who doesn't have that many questions? And I totally agree with her love for books :) As for the romance between her and Blue- AAAAHHHH I LOVE IT!!! I ship Blicket so hard!!! <333 They just love and support each other so much! They have a really healthy relationship :D unlike SOME people (*ahem* Bramblestar and Squirrelflight *ahem*)
“I don’t see how metaphorical mangoes are going to do us any good.”
If you read my other reviews, you'll probably be bored of this section because I ALWAYS say the writing is great- but it really is. This is probably my favorite arc in the Wings of Fire series- it's just so enjoyable and the characters are so easy to connect to! The plot was less action-packed than some of the other books, but I think it worked in the end. Tui T. Sutherland really took the time to make the plot complex and three-dimensional. There was so much character development and the romance was the perfect slow-burn. :)
“Cricket wanted the world to feel more like a book: Here is a question, so here is an answer. Here are the mysteries of the universe; now here is everything you want to know about them.”
Overall, a great book and one of my favorites of the series!! It doesn't quite top Moon Rising and The Poison Jungle (so far), but it's still an amazing read that I recommend to all dragon fans. Loved it! <33
Oh my gosh- I LOVED THIS!! Cricket's POV is SO enjoyable and I love her as our protagonist! I know a lot of people think she's annoying, but I really like her because I can relate to her so much. I mean, who doesn't have that many questions? And I totally agree with her love for books :) As for the romance between her and Blue- AAAAHHHH I LOVE IT!!! I ship Blicket so hard!!! <333 They just love and support each other so much! They have a really healthy relationship :D unlike SOME people (*ahem* Bramblestar and Squirrelflight *ahem*)
“I don’t see how metaphorical mangoes are going to do us any good.”
If you read my other reviews, you'll probably be bored of this section because I ALWAYS say the writing is great- but it really is. This is probably my favorite arc in the Wings of Fire series- it's just so enjoyable and the characters are so easy to connect to! The plot was less action-packed than some of the other books, but I think it worked in the end. Tui T. Sutherland really took the time to make the plot complex and three-dimensional. There was so much character development and the romance was the perfect slow-burn. :)
“Cricket wanted the world to feel more like a book: Here is a question, so here is an answer. Here are the mysteries of the universe; now here is everything you want to know about them.”
Overall, a great book and one of my favorites of the series!! It doesn't quite top Moon Rising and The Poison Jungle (so far), but it's still an amazing read that I recommend to all dragon fans. Loved it! <33
January 19, 2019
For such a short Wings of Fire book, I found myself clinging to the pages, eager to see what was going to happen next. This series hasn't disappointed me yet, and this book certainly didn't let me down. The characters are all so lovable, especially sweet bookworm Cricket and Sundew, who grew on me as the book progressed. But what I really like about this particular arc of the Wings of Fire series is just how serious these books get. This one deals with racism, genocide, slavery, and neglectful parents in a way that I believe any reader could understand and draw their own conclusions from.
And of course, what I always love about this series are the epilogues. This book's epilogue was chilling, and I cannot wait for June to see what happens next.
And of course, what I always love about this series are the epilogues. This book's epilogue was chilling, and I cannot wait for June to see what happens next.
November 20, 2020
Getting close to the end and I'm sad. In this book we learn a lot about Cricket and her life before she met her friends. We learn why she's different and how she really feels about Blue. Lots of twists and turns abound in this installation of the story, and there is no lacking for suspense in this one either. My favorite part only gives away a small portion of the plot line but I have to mention it. They end up caring for a baby dragonet that hatches on their watch and it becomes attached to the grumpy sundew. So much cuteness and hilariousness ensues! I so love that part of the story! Can't wait to see how it develops and if it does in the next book, which I could only get in hardcover and is sitting next to me. A wonderful series and I've gotten all my children into it. We love it.
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March 17, 2019Crickets is waiting in a cave for Blue to hatch. But then she meets up with Sundew and Swordtail again. They want to destroy the hives. But Cricket has other plans. She wants to answer all her questions about HiveWings. But they are fugitives and their troubles are just getting started. Will they ever be able to find the HiveWing secrets?
I love this book so much.
I recommend this book to people who love fantasy.
I love this book so much.
I recommend this book to people who love fantasy.
April 8, 2019
I am very surprised that I finished this all in a few hours with only one break and that was too eat. Anyways, The Hive Queen was amazing!
October 12, 2019
This series is just too good. At this point, 12 books in, I'm so attached to this awesome world and here to stay! Side note: I would love a full-color encyclopedia-type book of all the dragons, kthxbye.
January 21, 2020
This took a second to get into, but I ended up liking this one and flying through the last half of it. This new saga in the series isn’t exactly my favorite—I just don’t care all that much about the characters—but this was still an overall enjoyable read.
February 28, 2019
see my last review on book 11
January 26, 2022
I LOVE CRICKET SO MUCH OMG
Yes, adopt any child in distress. (Bubble bee I want a plush of you please)
Yes, adopt any child in distress. (Bubble bee I want a plush of you please)
November 26, 2022
4.5 stars
One of my favorites in this series! I LOVED Cricket as a protagonist, and, though I’m sad not to be reading from her point of view anymore, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! This book was full of plot twists and exciting action, and after the cliffhanger at the end I’m so excited to read the next one!
One of my favorites in this series! I LOVED Cricket as a protagonist, and, though I’m sad not to be reading from her point of view anymore, I can’t wait to read the rest of the series! This book was full of plot twists and exciting action, and after the cliffhanger at the end I’m so excited to read the next one!
February 24, 2020
60% Great
The Hive Queen was a easy and generally satisfying book to listen too, with plenty of ideas to discuss with young kids learning about things such as war.
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Pages: 286
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Ages: 10+ for slight violence
The Hive Queen was a easy and generally satisfying book to listen too, with plenty of ideas to discuss with young kids learning about things such as war.
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Pages: 286
Author: Tui T. Sutherland
Ages: 10+ for slight violence
Read
June 3, 2025really good book
August 11, 2024
4⭐️
wayyyy better that the first one!
i enjoyed crickets pov a lot more that blue’s, and the plot of this book was ten times for interesting (though i dislike the chrysalis immensely)
wayyyy better that the first one!
i enjoyed crickets pov a lot more that blue’s, and the plot of this book was ten times for interesting (though i dislike the chrysalis immensely)
January 11, 2025
Tui T. Sutherland's The Hive Queen, the twelfth installment in the Wings of Fire series, masterfully blends action, mystery, and heart as we delve deeper into the complexities of the HiveWing and SilkWing tribes. This book is a standout due to its protagonist, Cricket, whose curiosity, intellect, and deep sense of morality make her an incredibly relatable and inspiring character.
Sutherland's ability to balance Cricket’s internal struggle—questioning authority and seeking the truth—with the high stakes of the overarching conflict is both compelling and thought-provoking. The world-building is exceptional, as the HiveWing society comes alive with vivid descriptions and an intricate caste system that raises questions about power and control.
The themes of questioning propaganda, challenging oppressive systems, and staying true to one’s values resonate strongly. As always, Sutherland’s dialogue sparkles with wit and charm, while the action scenes are pulse-pounding and immersive.
Fans of the Wings of Fire series will be thrilled by the twists and revelations in The Hive Queen, and new readers will find themselves captivated by Sutherland's rich storytelling. It’s a wonderful addition to the series and a must-read for fans of adventurous and heartfelt fantasy.
Sutherland's ability to balance Cricket’s internal struggle—questioning authority and seeking the truth—with the high stakes of the overarching conflict is both compelling and thought-provoking. The world-building is exceptional, as the HiveWing society comes alive with vivid descriptions and an intricate caste system that raises questions about power and control.
The themes of questioning propaganda, challenging oppressive systems, and staying true to one’s values resonate strongly. As always, Sutherland’s dialogue sparkles with wit and charm, while the action scenes are pulse-pounding and immersive.
Fans of the Wings of Fire series will be thrilled by the twists and revelations in The Hive Queen, and new readers will find themselves captivated by Sutherland's rich storytelling. It’s a wonderful addition to the series and a must-read for fans of adventurous and heartfelt fantasy.
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