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Hell Hare House Short Reads
Tesato's Code
A reluctant corporate assassin who is losing her edge, discovers fellow assassins are dying after killing high-value targets.
When she botches a hit, her employers assign her such a target—a top scientist.
Love and loss cloud her judgment, and only following her code will help her survive.
Futuristic thriller from Karen Bayly.
When she botches a hit, her employers assign her such a target—a top scientist.
Love and loss cloud her judgment, and only following her code will help her survive.
Futuristic thriller from Karen Bayly.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2022
5 people want to read
About the author
Karen Bayly
32 books33 followersKaren Bayly’s passion for writing began as a child when she wrote soap operas for her dolls to perform under her creative direction. These days it’s her biology PhD, research background, and general dismay at how the world is going that informs her writing, a fusion of science fiction, horror, and fantasy.
However, she dabbles in literary fiction and screenplays as well. She received an Honourable Mention for The Waiting in the Mainstream/ Literary Short Story Category, 73rd Writer’s Digest Competition. In 2016, she reached the quarterfinals of Screencraft’s Cinematic Short Story Competition with Daphne’s Dance. In the same year, her short science fiction screenplay, The Reconciled, reached the quarterfinals of Screencraft’s Short Screenplay Competition.
Her short stories, flash fiction, and poems have appeared in journals such as Toasted Cheese, Overland, Yellow Mama Webzine, Skive Magazine, Voluted Tales, and Every Day Fiction. Her stories have been featured in anthologies from Black Beacon Press, Black Hare Press, and Crystal Lake Publishing.
In 2019, Mary Celeste Press published Karen’s first novel, Fortitude, a steampunk adventure. Two companion stories have followed: “Foul Beasts” in Black Beacon Press’s anthology, Murder and Machinery, and “The Clockwork Witch” in Black Hare Press’s Punk anthology. Fortitude is currently unavailable but watch this space!
In 2022, Black Hare Press published her novelette, Tesato’s Code.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Australia, with two cats, a guitar, and a ukulele.
However, she dabbles in literary fiction and screenplays as well. She received an Honourable Mention for The Waiting in the Mainstream/ Literary Short Story Category, 73rd Writer’s Digest Competition. In 2016, she reached the quarterfinals of Screencraft’s Cinematic Short Story Competition with Daphne’s Dance. In the same year, her short science fiction screenplay, The Reconciled, reached the quarterfinals of Screencraft’s Short Screenplay Competition.
Her short stories, flash fiction, and poems have appeared in journals such as Toasted Cheese, Overland, Yellow Mama Webzine, Skive Magazine, Voluted Tales, and Every Day Fiction. Her stories have been featured in anthologies from Black Beacon Press, Black Hare Press, and Crystal Lake Publishing.
In 2019, Mary Celeste Press published Karen’s first novel, Fortitude, a steampunk adventure. Two companion stories have followed: “Foul Beasts” in Black Beacon Press’s anthology, Murder and Machinery, and “The Clockwork Witch” in Black Hare Press’s Punk anthology. Fortitude is currently unavailable but watch this space!
In 2022, Black Hare Press published her novelette, Tesato’s Code.
She lives in the outer suburbs of Sydney, Australia, with two cats, a guitar, and a ukulele.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 31, 2022
Exciting science fiction story
The world of this novella reminded me of Brave New World, where humanity is sorted into grades of worthiness and the masses are controlled through drugs and the media.
Lily Tesato is an assassin for HiveCorp. In her world there is no crime, or justice, only reassignment for those who break the rules, or assassination for those who are particularly dangerous to HiveCorp.
I loved Lily. Her complexities are well conveyed, and her code makes sense in the hellish landscape of a possible future where she exists. I particularly liked the nuances of her unusual past and her friendship with fellow assassin, Bez.
I also really loved Maree T68, and I would have loved to have spent more time with her.
This is a compelling, absorbing novella set in a horrific, but believable world, with interesting and complex characters. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!
The world of this novella reminded me of Brave New World, where humanity is sorted into grades of worthiness and the masses are controlled through drugs and the media.
Lily Tesato is an assassin for HiveCorp. In her world there is no crime, or justice, only reassignment for those who break the rules, or assassination for those who are particularly dangerous to HiveCorp.
I loved Lily. Her complexities are well conveyed, and her code makes sense in the hellish landscape of a possible future where she exists. I particularly liked the nuances of her unusual past and her friendship with fellow assassin, Bez.
I also really loved Maree T68, and I would have loved to have spent more time with her.
This is a compelling, absorbing novella set in a horrific, but believable world, with interesting and complex characters. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!
December 12, 2023
This is the story of Lily, a reluctant, but exceptional Hive Corp assassin.
As the story unfolds we delve deeper into the corrupt, corporate-owned society that created her; the dark underbelly of a dystopian, cyberpunk world where the corporations decide who lives and who dies.
But with one botched job, Lily's life takes on a whole new trajectory. One with layers and twists even she can't fathom. (I certainly didn't see them coming!)
This book had me hooked from the first page. Perfectly paced suspense and plenty of action to keep on the edge of your seat.
I really hope Bayly does a second, I need to know more!
As the story unfolds we delve deeper into the corrupt, corporate-owned society that created her; the dark underbelly of a dystopian, cyberpunk world where the corporations decide who lives and who dies.
But with one botched job, Lily's life takes on a whole new trajectory. One with layers and twists even she can't fathom. (I certainly didn't see them coming!)
This book had me hooked from the first page. Perfectly paced suspense and plenty of action to keep on the edge of your seat.
I really hope Bayly does a second, I need to know more!
December 14, 2023
"Tesato's Code" is a gripping dystopian thriller set in a world where corporations have taken control. The protagonist, Lily Tesato, is a CorpAssassin owned by HiveCorp. She navigates the dark streets of Pancifica with a lethal grace, embodying the efficiency and detachment required for her job. Lily's world is further complicated by the intersecting lives of others, like Irina Cijutu, a nurse fighting against the oppressive system, and Doctor Yeager Desus, a chemist and drug addict under Lily's surveillance.
The story delves deep into the psyche of Lily, showcasing her struggles with the moral implications of her job and the dark ennui that follows her actions. The narrative is enhanced by a cast of well-developed characters, such as the mysterious Controller, a pivotal figure in Lily's life, and Maree T68, a domestic worker who plays a key role in the resistance against the ruling corporations.
A striking aspect of the story is its depiction of a society stratified into FreeWillers and CorpHands, where the latter are subjugated and manipulated. The characters' interactions within this societal structure reveal the complexities and moral ambiguities of a world dominated by corporate interests.
The author skilfully weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and resistance, capturing the essence of a dystopian future where human lives are controlled by corporate entities. The narrative is engaging, driven by strong character development and a well-crafted plot that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. The book succeeds in painting a vivid picture of a dystopian society, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
The story delves deep into the psyche of Lily, showcasing her struggles with the moral implications of her job and the dark ennui that follows her actions. The narrative is enhanced by a cast of well-developed characters, such as the mysterious Controller, a pivotal figure in Lily's life, and Maree T68, a domestic worker who plays a key role in the resistance against the ruling corporations.
A striking aspect of the story is its depiction of a society stratified into FreeWillers and CorpHands, where the latter are subjugated and manipulated. The characters' interactions within this societal structure reveal the complexities and moral ambiguities of a world dominated by corporate interests.
The author skilfully weaves a tale of intrigue, betrayal, and resistance, capturing the essence of a dystopian future where human lives are controlled by corporate entities. The narrative is engaging, driven by strong character development and a well-crafted plot that keeps the reader hooked until the very end. The book succeeds in painting a vivid picture of a dystopian society, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.
November 10, 2022
The beautiful people at Black Hare Press have supplied me with a magnificent box of amazing literary horrors. The wonderful 'Tesato's Code' by Karen Bayly was one of them.
Welcome to a brave new scary future world.
A world in which Lily Tesato, is a corporate assassin for HiveCorp. While being at the stage where she is losing her edge, Lily discovers fellow assassins are dying after killing high-value targets.
She feels the danger drawing near, when she botches a hit and her employers assign her with a similar target—a top scientist.
Lily is now tangled in a terrifying and deadly cat and mouse chase while love and loss cloud her judgment. One thing will help her survive. Following her code.
Enter an action packed, drama infused, tech, futuristic thriller from the talented Karen Bayly.
Wonderfully penned main characters and relationships between them with delicious character 'sidekicks' that you will fell in love with.
This is thriller at its finest, one that I couldn't stop but play in my head as a fantastic movie and led me to a one-sitter reading session.
Even though a short story, the world building is extremely well done. There is definitely room for an expansion and I'm more than eager to have that extra bit more of this fantastic story.
Welcome to a brave new scary future world.
A world in which Lily Tesato, is a corporate assassin for HiveCorp. While being at the stage where she is losing her edge, Lily discovers fellow assassins are dying after killing high-value targets.
She feels the danger drawing near, when she botches a hit and her employers assign her with a similar target—a top scientist.
Lily is now tangled in a terrifying and deadly cat and mouse chase while love and loss cloud her judgment. One thing will help her survive. Following her code.
Enter an action packed, drama infused, tech, futuristic thriller from the talented Karen Bayly.
Wonderfully penned main characters and relationships between them with delicious character 'sidekicks' that you will fell in love with.
This is thriller at its finest, one that I couldn't stop but play in my head as a fantastic movie and led me to a one-sitter reading session.
Even though a short story, the world building is extremely well done. There is definitely room for an expansion and I'm more than eager to have that extra bit more of this fantastic story.
January 1, 2023
"The CorpAssassin owned the night. HiveCorp owned her."
Karen Bayly offers us a vision of a dreadful future in Tesato's Code, one where corporations control the population through drugs and the media... "Hmm, the future?" I hear you ask.
Pancifica as a setting is as fascinating as it distressing; futuristic and with a distinctly Japanese flavour, fanatastic technology and means of transportation, but where corporations rule ruthlessly, endless advertising is projected against the smog, and childroids have to be protected from sexual predators. Society is split into two main classes, FreeWillers and CorpHands.
Lily Tesato is a HiveCorp assassion; her job is to remove those who have become too problematic for the corp. Her code, however, is her own - or rather a result of the martial arts training received from her spiritual uncle in her youth. Respect your target and kill cleanly. Ultimately, it's her adherence to this code that drives the edge-of-your-seat plot all the way to the dramatic, and clever, climax. With every new challenge, you'll learn more about Lily...her past, her emotional wounds, the way she works...and be warned, you won't always like her, but she'll still be with you at the end, and she'll leave you guessing even after you've finished the last page.
Karen Bayly offers us a vision of a dreadful future in Tesato's Code, one where corporations control the population through drugs and the media... "Hmm, the future?" I hear you ask.
Pancifica as a setting is as fascinating as it distressing; futuristic and with a distinctly Japanese flavour, fanatastic technology and means of transportation, but where corporations rule ruthlessly, endless advertising is projected against the smog, and childroids have to be protected from sexual predators. Society is split into two main classes, FreeWillers and CorpHands.
Lily Tesato is a HiveCorp assassion; her job is to remove those who have become too problematic for the corp. Her code, however, is her own - or rather a result of the martial arts training received from her spiritual uncle in her youth. Respect your target and kill cleanly. Ultimately, it's her adherence to this code that drives the edge-of-your-seat plot all the way to the dramatic, and clever, climax. With every new challenge, you'll learn more about Lily...her past, her emotional wounds, the way she works...and be warned, you won't always like her, but she'll still be with you at the end, and she'll leave you guessing even after you've finished the last page.
April 24, 2023
** I received an ARC for an honest review ***
Summary
I recently read the novelette Tesato’s Code by Australian speculative fiction author Karen Bayly.
The plot follows the protagonist Lily, an assassin for the massive conglomerate corporation that runs everything from medical sciences, domestic servants and the more secretive arm of the businesses of assassination. This futuristic world includes genetic manipulation, implant enhancements and keeps a tight rein on dissent or rebellions.
But assassins are being taken out by their own kind as the cooperation clamps down on rising rebellions within the ranks of its own and in the Free-Willers society. Lily comes face-to-face with secrets from her past and an astonishing future is revealed.
Review
Tesato’s Code had some fabulous world-building and it would have been fantastic if it were longer to better explore the history and intricacies of the world. Bayly writes a fine science fiction that is solidly written with individualised characters despite the conglomerate corporation’s attempt to make all its citizens subservient.
Conclusion
A recommended read for fans of dystopian science-fiction, thrillers, LGBTQIA and dark fiction. A great read!
Summary
I recently read the novelette Tesato’s Code by Australian speculative fiction author Karen Bayly.
The plot follows the protagonist Lily, an assassin for the massive conglomerate corporation that runs everything from medical sciences, domestic servants and the more secretive arm of the businesses of assassination. This futuristic world includes genetic manipulation, implant enhancements and keeps a tight rein on dissent or rebellions.
But assassins are being taken out by their own kind as the cooperation clamps down on rising rebellions within the ranks of its own and in the Free-Willers society. Lily comes face-to-face with secrets from her past and an astonishing future is revealed.
Review
Tesato’s Code had some fabulous world-building and it would have been fantastic if it were longer to better explore the history and intricacies of the world. Bayly writes a fine science fiction that is solidly written with individualised characters despite the conglomerate corporation’s attempt to make all its citizens subservient.
Conclusion
A recommended read for fans of dystopian science-fiction, thrillers, LGBTQIA and dark fiction. A great read!
April 25, 2023
A well-written and enjoyable short read for fans of futuristic sci-fi. The story follows HiveCorp assassin Lilly who must adhere to the rules of her world while trying to escape it. Bayly's penned an engaging read and there's plenty to love about this novelette.
December 22, 2023
Would you rather be a FreeWiller, constantly hopped up on designer drugs, or a CorpHand, brainwashed to do one specific task until the day they die? Is one really better than the other?
"Tesato's Code" paints a visceral image of a future that's straight from our worst nightmares. Lily is an assassin by trade, but certainly not by choice, living in a world where free will, freedom, and morality are just empty words. After an assignment goes wrong, she finds herself getting more and more entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by her corporate overlords. Will she manage to survive, or will she become just another pawn swiftly knocked off the board?
The tight narrative, dynamic action scenes, and complex characters make for a fantastic story and I wouldn't mind revisiting the world therein, as grim and unwelcoming as it is, in the future. Excellent piece of writing by Karen Bayly!
"Tesato's Code" paints a visceral image of a future that's straight from our worst nightmares. Lily is an assassin by trade, but certainly not by choice, living in a world where free will, freedom, and morality are just empty words. After an assignment goes wrong, she finds herself getting more and more entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by her corporate overlords. Will she manage to survive, or will she become just another pawn swiftly knocked off the board?
The tight narrative, dynamic action scenes, and complex characters make for a fantastic story and I wouldn't mind revisiting the world therein, as grim and unwelcoming as it is, in the future. Excellent piece of writing by Karen Bayly!
December 15, 2023
Exciting and inventive quick read
Well thought out dystopian world with an interesting social structure, exciting action, and an intriguing plot. Without giving away any spoilers, the revelations towards the end are satisfying. I just wish the story was longer - or maybe Karen will write some more stories in the same world.
Well thought out dystopian world with an interesting social structure, exciting action, and an intriguing plot. Without giving away any spoilers, the revelations towards the end are satisfying. I just wish the story was longer - or maybe Karen will write some more stories in the same world.
Read
February 19, 2025The world of this one was interesting, and the ace rep was a nice surprise.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews