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Deputy Thomas Rodney is no stranger to tense situations. Having served multiple tours in the worst of environments, facing death had practically become just another day at the office.
But nothing could have prepared him for this.
In a woodland county in the Pacific Northwest, a sinister presence has awakened. A roadwork crew has disappeared without a trace; a truck is found run off the road; a lakefront property is mysteriously vacant, its roof damaged as though something large descended from high above; and an eerie quiet has overtaken the countryside.
In the curving hills, the quiet gives way to the droning of wings. Wasps—mutated, huge, and carnivorous—have invaded the area.
But they are not the only visitors.
Their attack on Thomas is thwarted by the arrival of a mysterious paramilitary unit armed with advanced weaponry and technology. The patch on their uniforms reading G.O.R.E. SECTOR (Giant Organism Reconnaissance and Extermination), they have one to protect the public from giant monsters, which have been steadily appearing all over the globe.
As the day rages on, Thomas Rodney puts his investigative and military skills to work, assisting G.O.R.E. Sector with destroying the hive before the insect population spreads to the entire west coast.
But nothing could have prepared him for this.
In a woodland county in the Pacific Northwest, a sinister presence has awakened. A roadwork crew has disappeared without a trace; a truck is found run off the road; a lakefront property is mysteriously vacant, its roof damaged as though something large descended from high above; and an eerie quiet has overtaken the countryside.
In the curving hills, the quiet gives way to the droning of wings. Wasps—mutated, huge, and carnivorous—have invaded the area.
But they are not the only visitors.
Their attack on Thomas is thwarted by the arrival of a mysterious paramilitary unit armed with advanced weaponry and technology. The patch on their uniforms reading G.O.R.E. SECTOR (Giant Organism Reconnaissance and Extermination), they have one to protect the public from giant monsters, which have been steadily appearing all over the globe.
As the day rages on, Thomas Rodney puts his investigative and military skills to work, assisting G.O.R.E. Sector with destroying the hive before the insect population spreads to the entire west coast.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
312 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cole
221 books74 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
Among authors of this name:
*Michael Cole - Rare, Antiquarian Books
*Canon Michael Cole - Editor, Christian periodicals
*Michael Cole - Children's books
*Michael Cole - Psychology, Children's development
*Michael F. Cole - Infectious Diseases
*Michael R. Cole - Horror, Science Fiction
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
Among authors of this name:
*Michael Cole - Rare, Antiquarian Books
*Canon Michael Cole - Editor, Christian periodicals
*Michael Cole - Children's books
*Michael Cole - Psychology, Children's development
*Michael F. Cole - Infectious Diseases
*Michael R. Cole - Horror, Science Fiction
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
October 25, 2023
As a lover of creature horror, I was happy to read this one. It's more like a monster-hunting book with plenty of twists and surprises. It is not your usual giant creature that destroys an entire city tale either. I found myself growing to like the characters. The creatures are wasps, hornets, and other giant insects, which I found refreshing.
It is more of a science fiction horror rather than one that contains jump scares. However, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. There will be a second book coming, which I look forward to reading. A great read.
It is more of a science fiction horror rather than one that contains jump scares. However, it didn't take away from my enjoyment. There will be a second book coming, which I look forward to reading. A great read.
November 14, 2023
Thrilling, exceptionally well written & uniquely crafted action adventure!….
What an intense buzz!!…..
Lol! ;)
In all seriousness, though, HIVE, Book 1, is a wild, extremely well written, phenomenally fun read!
Michael Cole is a master at pacing & suspense. This story is perfectly balanced in all ways.
The character development is spot on. We really get to know the actors — their personalities, humor styles, joys & losses, & their histories.
The world building is also sublimely crafted. Reading along from the first paragraphs until the exciting conclusion is just like watching a big budget action film. Except instead of on a screen, it’s playing out crisply in your mind’s eye.
Everything is written in such a manner that the scenes are so alive. So clear.
This skill of Cole’s allows you to become immersed right into character’s experiences, as if you are there with them. From creating the personal inner worlds of each character; quiet, thoughtful & individually introspective moments. To long lasting, absolutely gripping, truly heart pounding, action sequences.
To find a story which plays out just like a colorful, full volume, movie in your imagination as you read is a rare & awesomely fun book indeed.
I am thrilled to have stumbled across Michael Cole’s HIVE series. (Thank you Kindle Unlimited for randomly recommending it!) A storyline that is uniquely presented & so excitingly creative.
Absolutely recommend this book to readers who are drawn to quality content & exceptionally well written stories.
I cannot wait to read Book 2 & see what type of adventurous wild ride awaits me there!…..
What an intense buzz!!…..
Lol! ;)
In all seriousness, though, HIVE, Book 1, is a wild, extremely well written, phenomenally fun read!
Michael Cole is a master at pacing & suspense. This story is perfectly balanced in all ways.
The character development is spot on. We really get to know the actors — their personalities, humor styles, joys & losses, & their histories.
The world building is also sublimely crafted. Reading along from the first paragraphs until the exciting conclusion is just like watching a big budget action film. Except instead of on a screen, it’s playing out crisply in your mind’s eye.
Everything is written in such a manner that the scenes are so alive. So clear.
This skill of Cole’s allows you to become immersed right into character’s experiences, as if you are there with them. From creating the personal inner worlds of each character; quiet, thoughtful & individually introspective moments. To long lasting, absolutely gripping, truly heart pounding, action sequences.
To find a story which plays out just like a colorful, full volume, movie in your imagination as you read is a rare & awesomely fun book indeed.
I am thrilled to have stumbled across Michael Cole’s HIVE series. (Thank you Kindle Unlimited for randomly recommending it!) A storyline that is uniquely presented & so excitingly creative.
Absolutely recommend this book to readers who are drawn to quality content & exceptionally well written stories.
I cannot wait to read Book 2 & see what type of adventurous wild ride awaits me there!…..
March 27, 2024
4.5, но закръглям в полза на автора.
Коул има усет за екшъна, сравним с този на светилата в жанра Матю Райли и Скот Мариани, но добавя към това апокалиптични визии за чудовища, излезли като от филм за “Годзила”. В случая човечеството е нападнато от ята оси и стършели, придобили огромни размери, а ако кошерите им не бъдат унищожени бързо, това ще означава край на света такъв, какъвто го познаваме. За щастие със задачата да спрат изчадията се е заел екип опитни командоси, към които Томас се присъединява, а резултатът е здрав фантастичен екшън от първата до последната от 157-те страници.
Цялото ми ревю може да прочетете в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/hive/
Коул има усет за екшъна, сравним с този на светилата в жанра Матю Райли и Скот Мариани, но добавя към това апокалиптични визии за чудовища, излезли като от филм за “Годзила”. В случая човечеството е нападнато от ята оси и стършели, придобили огромни размери, а ако кошерите им не бъдат унищожени бързо, това ще означава край на света такъв, какъвто го познаваме. За щастие със задачата да спрат изчадията се е заел екип опитни командоси, към които Томас се присъединява, а резултатът е здрав фантастичен екшън от първата до последната от 157-те страници.
Цялото ми ревю може да прочетете в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/hive/
November 9, 2025
I was expecting a lot worse.
TL; DR: Another kaiju-reminiscent sci-fi story of Michael Cole that pumps the blood and glory straight into your veins for a high-stakes, blood-pumping, rip-roaring good time.
I have experience with only one other Michael Cole book, Unearthed, which I wasn’t crazy about, but do enjoy because dinosaurs. This is so well written and I’m honestly surprised. It’s not incredible or world-changing, but I expected something more b-movie in the writing too.
Characters: They were all pretty believable. Sure there are some cheesy lines and other expected things, but it’s basically a war story with giant bugs, what do you expect. War is hell, sometimes the only way to cope is humor. Everyone made an impact and I understood them all and look forward to learning more about them. What’s more to ask? I saw some people complaining about the camaraderie at first sight and honestly, I found it pretty believable. Again, war is hell, you’ll take the allies you can get.
Setting: Very similar to Unearthed in my opinion: bug Forest. It works.
Story: I cared about Thomas when you introduced him, I believed the meteor incident (besides a few issues that other people have elaborated on in other reviews), I loved the improvising and everything. It was cool, it was great, and I had fun reading it.
Writing: It’s remarkably good for the b-movie book that it is. Like I said, I expected run-of-the-mill dialogue, descriptions, and setup. Instead, I got a relatively well-explained and interesting plot that I could almost always believe. It felt great to read and never got bogged down by too much or too little detail. It was fun.
I had a good time with this book, which I honestly wasn’t expecting. I’ve had my opinion on big monster battles tainted as of late, but this makes me believe that there’s some real hope for this. I’ve already put the next book in my kindle library.
4.2 🌟
TL; DR: Another kaiju-reminiscent sci-fi story of Michael Cole that pumps the blood and glory straight into your veins for a high-stakes, blood-pumping, rip-roaring good time.
I have experience with only one other Michael Cole book, Unearthed, which I wasn’t crazy about, but do enjoy because dinosaurs. This is so well written and I’m honestly surprised. It’s not incredible or world-changing, but I expected something more b-movie in the writing too.
Characters: They were all pretty believable. Sure there are some cheesy lines and other expected things, but it’s basically a war story with giant bugs, what do you expect. War is hell, sometimes the only way to cope is humor. Everyone made an impact and I understood them all and look forward to learning more about them. What’s more to ask? I saw some people complaining about the camaraderie at first sight and honestly, I found it pretty believable. Again, war is hell, you’ll take the allies you can get.
Setting: Very similar to Unearthed in my opinion: bug Forest. It works.
Story: I cared about Thomas when you introduced him, I believed the meteor incident (besides a few issues that other people have elaborated on in other reviews), I loved the improvising and everything. It was cool, it was great, and I had fun reading it.
Writing: It’s remarkably good for the b-movie book that it is. Like I said, I expected run-of-the-mill dialogue, descriptions, and setup. Instead, I got a relatively well-explained and interesting plot that I could almost always believe. It felt great to read and never got bogged down by too much or too little detail. It was fun.
I had a good time with this book, which I honestly wasn’t expecting. I’ve had my opinion on big monster battles tainted as of late, but this makes me believe that there’s some real hope for this. I’ve already put the next book in my kindle library.
4.2 🌟
September 24, 2024
I unfortunately didn't like the book :/ there were anti tech/very boomer views in it, but also I struggled with the writing. The main character was a badass and we didn't get much of a reason as to why. We got an info dump and a lot of jerkoffs from himself or teammates to his character but never did we truthfully SEE it. A lot of TELL and no SHOW. Him becoming the leader was so obvious from almost the beginning. Rather than kill...someone off so quickly they could've used this first book to allow the reader the opportunity to truthfully see the main character and believe he was a bad ass. Also the insta-camaraderie wasn't adding up for me either. Like instalove but somehow..worse :/ cool concept though, I'm sure future books are better as they won't have the world building element..
February 22, 2025
Amazing Creature Feature!
I've always liked reading author Michael Cole's creature novels, and I'm a fan of his work. His G.O.R.E. Sector series is fairly new, so I hadn't started reading them yet.
I decided to start The Hive and thought it was a phenomenal start to a new series. I'm kicking myself now for not reading this sooner. It's full of great military action and cool creatures. The characters are well written and relatable, and I can see readers caring about them.
I absolutely loved this book and am very keen to continue the series. Kudos to Cole for writing a compelling new series and keeping great creature features alive and well today.
I've always liked reading author Michael Cole's creature novels, and I'm a fan of his work. His G.O.R.E. Sector series is fairly new, so I hadn't started reading them yet.
I decided to start The Hive and thought it was a phenomenal start to a new series. I'm kicking myself now for not reading this sooner. It's full of great military action and cool creatures. The characters are well written and relatable, and I can see readers caring about them.
I absolutely loved this book and am very keen to continue the series. Kudos to Cole for writing a compelling new series and keeping great creature features alive and well today.
November 18, 2025
Hive opens with a strong preface that reminded me of the tension and creature-driven excitement I enjoy in Greig Beck’s books. Unfortunately, the storyline didn’t stay as clear or gripping. I often found the plot confusing, which may have been partly due to reading on night shifts, but some transitions just weren’t easy to follow.
My biggest struggle was visualising the wasps/hornets. Their size and shape were never described clearly enough to form a consistent picture, which weakened some of the creature-focused scenes.
Overall, Hive has a promising setup but didn’t fully deliver for me, mainly due to unclear plotting and vague creature descriptions.
My biggest struggle was visualising the wasps/hornets. Their size and shape were never described clearly enough to form a consistent picture, which weakened some of the creature-focused scenes.
Overall, Hive has a promising setup but didn’t fully deliver for me, mainly due to unclear plotting and vague creature descriptions.
November 1, 2025
I liked the premise of the novel, but its execution was a little sub par. The dialogue leans toward the cheesy side, and some of the interactions of the characters are not realistic in a military setting. Some of the descriptions of military equipment were inaccurate as well. Apache helicopters do not have door gunners for example. One glaring error in the story for me had to do with the explanation for the mutated animals. If the mutation was the result of a contagion brought to Earth my a meteor, then why are humans not affected? Perhaps that’s answered in another book in the series?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
Murder hornets!!!
Loved this book. No one can't tell me this isn't how it would have been if murder hornets nest hadn't been eradicated 🤣🤣. Granted murder hornets are the size of a hand or a little smaller but in my head my deepest fear have been made into a book and I love that.. fast paced. Great ending. Good read and something to think about all things I look for in a book. I was hyped for the 2nd book in the G.O.R.E SERIES but I guess I have to wait.
Loved this book. No one can't tell me this isn't how it would have been if murder hornets nest hadn't been eradicated 🤣🤣. Granted murder hornets are the size of a hand or a little smaller but in my head my deepest fear have been made into a book and I love that.. fast paced. Great ending. Good read and something to think about all things I look for in a book. I was hyped for the 2nd book in the G.O.R.E SERIES but I guess I have to wait.
August 6, 2024
That’s One Big Stinger
Hive book one of the G.O.R.E Sector by Michael Cole is a fun creature feature. I am def excited to see this series grow and its characters as well. The plot flowed really well and there was never a dull moment. The Wasps and Hornets in the story were deadly and agile. The characters were all great I really enjoyed each one of them. I def recommend this one to everyone out there that likes non stop action in a creature feature.
Hive book one of the G.O.R.E Sector by Michael Cole is a fun creature feature. I am def excited to see this series grow and its characters as well. The plot flowed really well and there was never a dull moment. The Wasps and Hornets in the story were deadly and agile. The characters were all great I really enjoyed each one of them. I def recommend this one to everyone out there that likes non stop action in a creature feature.
September 12, 2024
One time I was in TN raking up leaves. Accidentally I raked into a nest of yellow jackets. I was chased by them and stung about nine times. I cannot imagine those things as huge as a human being. If they had the same instinct, many would chase after an intruder, in spite of them being as large as or larger than the invader. Now envision thousands of these oversized insects invading the countryside and cities. Who do you call? G.O.R.E. Sector! Get ready for an epic battle. Recommended.
October 2, 2023
great book
Michael Cole does it again. Giant bugs is always fun except when they eat you. Hive is a great book with everything needed to keep you engaged. I literallu could not put the book down . When i finished it I was so disappointed because there was no more. I cant wait for the followup. Great job Mr. Cole
Michael Cole does it again. Giant bugs is always fun except when they eat you. Hive is a great book with everything needed to keep you engaged. I literallu could not put the book down . When i finished it I was so disappointed because there was no more. I cant wait for the followup. Great job Mr. Cole
December 9, 2023
Former army ranger Thomas Rodney, now a deputy for a local police force, gets more than he expected while investigating a missing works crew. As the list of missing people rises, along with a trail of destruction, the culprits are not your everyday foe. Faced with giants hornets and wasps, Thomas joins forces with the mysterious GORE squad. Good, fast moving story and the start of a new series.
February 5, 2024
WOW !!
Incredible story line and action that keeps you eagerly "turning the page" to see what happens next. The premise of a meteor shower causing mutations in simple organisms making them deadly to humanity is an interesting concept. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us.
Incredible story line and action that keeps you eagerly "turning the page" to see what happens next. The premise of a meteor shower causing mutations in simple organisms making them deadly to humanity is an interesting concept. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us.
June 6, 2024
I listened to this on audible, I absolutely love a creature feature, this book was absolutely fantastic fast paced and action packed. It was more on the monster hunter side which I thoroughly enjoyed! It was a mix of a few different genres but I loved it, this story was well written and very detailed. The plot was brilliant with plenty of twists and turns I recommend!
August 5, 2025
a very quick and fun read!
This was a quick read for me, not because it’s short but because it’s good, so good all I wanted to do was read the next page over and over again. I love the idea of something affecting the wildlife and turning them into monsters, not entirely new but a fun idea non the less. I highly recommend this book.
This was a quick read for me, not because it’s short but because it’s good, so good all I wanted to do was read the next page over and over again. I love the idea of something affecting the wildlife and turning them into monsters, not entirely new but a fun idea non the less. I highly recommend this book.
November 15, 2025
Un-Bee-livable!
What happens when a meteor breaks up over the planet? Things mutate!
Fast paced romp following the Raptor Squad as they save the planet by squashing one big at a time. Fun characters and enjoyable action but the editor needs to give this another go over. They seem to keep swapping the hornets and wasps at random times.
What happens when a meteor breaks up over the planet? Things mutate!
Fast paced romp following the Raptor Squad as they save the planet by squashing one big at a time. Fun characters and enjoyable action but the editor needs to give this another go over. They seem to keep swapping the hornets and wasps at random times.
January 1, 2026
Holy rollercoaster thrill ride!
What an amazing opening salvo into a series that, I hope, is fleshed out in its possibilities. I read this book in about 5 straight hours. Ya can’t put it down, not something so vivid and thought-provoking. Enjoy this like Starship Troopers. Trust me.
What an amazing opening salvo into a series that, I hope, is fleshed out in its possibilities. I read this book in about 5 straight hours. Ya can’t put it down, not something so vivid and thought-provoking. Enjoy this like Starship Troopers. Trust me.
October 19, 2023
A solid entry into the monster hunting genre
No complaints here, the pace was solid throughout, the characters are decently engaging, and the premise behind the creatures is pretty well done.
No complaints here, the pace was solid throughout, the characters are decently engaging, and the premise behind the creatures is pretty well done.
November 29, 2023
This would make a great CGI movie
Of course, it'd be like a fantastic B movie(see what I did there).
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. The action was pretty non-stop, and the characters were actually quite good.
Of course, it'd be like a fantastic B movie(see what I did there).
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. The action was pretty non-stop, and the characters were actually quite good.
January 28, 2024
Bee Nervous
Very entertaining. The characters were interesting and fun to follow. It will be a good series to keep up with reading. Good imagination,. A science fiction supposition of, what if?
Very entertaining. The characters were interesting and fun to follow. It will be a good series to keep up with reading. Good imagination,. A science fiction supposition of, what if?
March 14, 2024
Good characters and action
I liked this initial book with all the action, humor and characters. It’s like a fun action intense syfy. I’d recommend this book and the author has several other short good books too.
I liked this initial book with all the action, humor and characters. It’s like a fun action intense syfy. I’d recommend this book and the author has several other short good books too.
April 24, 2024
Review of this book.
The books and stories just keep getting better and better. This was a book to get a person really thinking. In a horrible way this is possible. The author knows how to put a really great idea into a book.
The books and stories just keep getting better and better. This was a book to get a person really thinking. In a horrible way this is possible. The author knows how to put a really great idea into a book.
December 5, 2024
Read both books. Now I am begging for more...please.
There was nothing I didn't like! I read the series backwards, but so fun. And strangely the whole idea believable!! I believe it is one of the reasons it is so terrific. Need more G.O.R.E.!!
There was nothing I didn't like! I read the series backwards, but so fun. And strangely the whole idea believable!! I believe it is one of the reasons it is so terrific. Need more G.O.R.E.!!
December 5, 2024
Hive
Great book ! It was a great ride with great characters who worked together into a cohesive team. Fast moving and I’m really looking forward to the next book. Thank you, Michael, you rock!
Great book ! It was a great ride with great characters who worked together into a cohesive team. Fast moving and I’m really looking forward to the next book. Thank you, Michael, you rock!
March 3, 2025
Monster Hunters
I am a big fan of monster hunter books like Meikle's S-Troop and all of DA Roberts's, and this is a series I'll add to that list. This first one makes me excited to read the rest. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes monster hunters.
I am a big fan of monster hunter books like Meikle's S-Troop and all of DA Roberts's, and this is a series I'll add to that list. This first one makes me excited to read the rest. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes monster hunters.
May 3, 2025
This is a high testosterone, action-packed, sci-fi comedy. The premise is simple. Years ago, a meteor struck Earth, and that meteor is now causing mutations in animals. The threat in this book came in the form of giant hornets and giant wasps.
July 9, 2025
gore galore
Fun and full of gore. Fast paced story with lots of monster battles with plenty of descriptive writing to let you visualize very well. Good cast of characters that should be fun to read in the up coming books.
Fun and full of gore. Fast paced story with lots of monster battles with plenty of descriptive writing to let you visualize very well. Good cast of characters that should be fun to read in the up coming books.
November 24, 2025
Excellent story
Each book in the series gets better. The characters and storyline of each chapter are both exciting and fun reading. Each bok a hard to put down story. A really great series.
Each book in the series gets better. The characters and storyline of each chapter are both exciting and fun reading. Each bok a hard to put down story. A really great series.
January 4, 2026
Now this is what I call a sy-fi horror story. Cause can someone call the sy-fi channel so they can make this a movie. The plot was amazing having the reader think they finished the job but to find out that there's a bigger problem. Love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews