For the first twenty years of her life, Trixie Barnum had no idea she wasn't human.
When four killer bees swoop in to save her from a kidnap attempt, Trixie learns the truth. She's a member of the Lost Generation of Absolia, a group of bee shifters who were wiped out in a devastating attack on a world she doesn't remember.
Trixie’s not sure what she wants, but she's willing to visit Absolia and learn more about her past. Her homecoming should be a triumphant return--but the current reagent has no desire to be replaced by a queen – especially not one raised as a human.
Political intrigue swirls around Trixie. As her team of sexy killer bees does their best to teach her everything she needs to know, the danger around her only grows, along with her attraction to each of the men.
Will Trixie take her rightful place as queen of Absolia, or will her new world tear her apart?
I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent world building and storyline setup, can’t wait for the next part!
For a person who really isn’t into insect shifter stories and was originally going to make a lot of Bee Movie jokes while writing this review, Hive Queen left me pleasantly surprised! I was impressed at how much backstory to the world of Absolia Sasha was able to pack into the narrative without it seeming like a plot dump, which I do appreciate in “isekai”-leaning stories like this one.
Trixie’s protectors are very likeable characters, and you get to see each of their personalities shine through in this book. Personal favorite is Nick with his sweet talk!
Minor gripe with the book was that straight from the get-go the bee-shifting hints were being laid on pretty thick. Having a buzzing feeling? Enjoying *lots* of honey in your tea? Lowkey kind of corny, but that’s just me. Also...was it intentional for two of the guys to be named Nick and Jonas? Was this a Jonas Brothers reference? I lol'd.
This was a great read. You never think of a shifter series revolving around bees, but this did not disappoint. Trixie is a supposed queen who never knew her true identity as she was raised in the human world. Luke, Nick, Jonas & Wade are sent to find her and bring her back to the hive. They each have their own talents to contribute to rescuing her and brining her back safely, although someone is out to kill her before she can make it there. Trixie is immediately drawn to each of these men and feels a connection to each one and she is not sure how she feels about that – she is use to one man/one woman – not one woman multiple men.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this series and have already put it on my list to watch out for its release. I am also going to look into other books by Sasha Wexler.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy through Hidden Gems ARCs for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A new author for me, so I wasn’t sure what to expect really. When Beatrice “Trixie” Barnum gets fired from her job at the local diner, she is on her way home from work when she is attacked and almost kidnapped, only to be rescued by a handsome stranger. When the handsome stranger follows her home, she lets him in and for some reason, feels safe with him when another person begins knocking at the door. As Trixie begins to learn about her true background, that the first twenty years of her life as a human is a lie, and that she is really from a place called Absolia, and is a bee shifter princess who is their next queen. Will Jonas, Luke, Nick, and Wade be able to protect Trixie and teach her everything she needs to know? I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book through the Hidden Gems Books program.
I ended up really liking this, far more than I thought I would.
I loved all the main characters, Trixie, Wade, Luke, Nick and Jonas. I loved how they interacted with each other and the development of the story. There were some laugh out loud moments but the overall feel of the book gave me warm and fuzzies. It is just a feel good type of read. The book doesn't end on a cliff hanger, but it certainly isn't the end of the story. You must keep reading to know how the story ends and that is exactly what I'm wanting to do. I have to know what happens to one of the guys, I don't want to say who, as it would be a bit of a spoiler, but I want to know that he's ok and will make another appearance in the coming books. Now to read book 2.
This book is an usual take on shifters. It uses Bees instead of mammals. I LOVED IT! There is political intrigue, the finding of another realm, and the discovery of a mother she has never met. Then there are the gorgeous men added to the mix. Who would ever want to be human? Wings are glorious things to have. The only thing I didn't like was that it ended. I would highly recommend this book!
This was such a great book! So good, I downloaded the second in the series before even writing this review. The main characters are so funny and likable, while the "villain" is definitely not. The book flowed pretty well, but did seem rushed a little. If it had been a little longer maybe there could have been more meat to it. That is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. It's a super fast read, and feels more like a novella.
🐝I love a good shifter series, but bee shifters, I had never even considered it! But holy guacamole man! I am IN LOVE! So good! So perfect! And I love the mystery/intrigue/political aspects of the book. I cannot wait to read the next one! 🐝
This is a 3.5 rating for me I definitely enjoyed this book, it has a fresh spin on shifters and I like bees. I feel like this book could have used an editor to make it go from good to great.
If you looking for a unique shifter book, this is it
I was looking for something different, but when I saw the description I was like, "eww, bug shifters." not because I hate bugs, but because when I think of half bug people I think of that Rick and Morty Episode where everyone turned into half praying mantis people. Thankfully this book is nothing like that. While it is a unique twist with bees, it's still starts off with the familiar " girl doesn't know who she is til she meets hot dudes who've been looking for her cause their survival depends on her returning to her people. " type Still, with the bee aspect to it, it makes it a new and interesting read for anyone looking for something different yet familiar.