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SpaceHive
"A fast-paced cross-pollination of invading giant wasps and bees sure to sting the imagination." - Paula Shene, author
There's a buzz in the air — and it's deadly.
After getting kidnapped by alien bees, twelve-year-old Jason Anderson arrives to a spaceship called SpaceHive. There, he learns of a plot to annihilate Earth's population, so that the extra-terrestrial bees can migrate to a new world.
As a swarm of spaceships make a beeline toward Earth, Jason must convince three friendly worker bees to help him escape his space prison and find other humans to help stop the invasion. But General Vard, wasp commander of the Black Watch, has other plans.
Can Jason unite the nations of Earth in their common fight to destroy the alien invaders, or will Earth lose to the sting of conspiracy and a worldwide massacre?
★★★★★ - "Delightful and thoughtful science fiction."
★★★★★ - "A great read that will help teens understand their global importance and potential."
There's a buzz in the air — and it's deadly.
After getting kidnapped by alien bees, twelve-year-old Jason Anderson arrives to a spaceship called SpaceHive. There, he learns of a plot to annihilate Earth's population, so that the extra-terrestrial bees can migrate to a new world.
As a swarm of spaceships make a beeline toward Earth, Jason must convince three friendly worker bees to help him escape his space prison and find other humans to help stop the invasion. But General Vard, wasp commander of the Black Watch, has other plans.
Can Jason unite the nations of Earth in their common fight to destroy the alien invaders, or will Earth lose to the sting of conspiracy and a worldwide massacre?
★★★★★ - "Delightful and thoughtful science fiction."
★★★★★ - "A great read that will help teens understand their global importance and potential."
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2012
10 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Kenna McKinnon
45 books43 followersHoney lover, Kenna McKinnon, is the author of SpaceHive, a middle grade sci-fi/fantasy novel replete with giant alien bees; her mental health is revealed in The Insanity Machine, a memoir with co-author Austin Mardon, PhD, CM; and her life and times with DISCOVERY – A Collection of Poetry, all released in 2012. A children's chapter book, Benjamin & Rumblechum; A quirky mystery thriller starring a female schizophrenic private eye, Blood Sister (did SHE do it?); Short Circuit and Other Geek Stories in memory of her son. Recently published is a paranormal/fantasy trilogy of dark, dark novellas, Den of Dark Angels; and a fantasy dragon adventure, Engaging the Dragon. A superhero hair stylist tale of Timothie Hill and the Cloak of Power is her most recent book, based on a real character in Edmonton, Canada. Her books are crouching at Amazon KDP and in selected local bookstores and public libraries.
Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with Distinction with a degree in Anthropology (1975). She has lived successfully with schizophrenia for many years and is a member of the Writers' Guild of Alberta and the Canadian Authors Association. She has two children and three grandsons.
Her author's blog: http://KennaMcKinnonAuthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaMcKinno...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KennaMcKinnon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennamckinnon
Her most memorable years were spent at the University of Alberta, where she graduated with Distinction with a degree in Anthropology (1975). She has lived successfully with schizophrenia for many years and is a member of the Writers' Guild of Alberta and the Canadian Authors Association. She has two children and three grandsons.
Her author's blog: http://KennaMcKinnonAuthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennaMcKinno...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/KennaMcKinnon
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kennamckinnon
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 30, 2019
Space Hive: by Kenna Mckinnon
A story written for young teens, this sci-fi adventure tells the story of Warrior Wasps and Giant Bees who intend to invade and conquer our planet in order to use earth´s resources after their own planet´s means of survival have been depleted.
The main character, young Jason, who was stung by a bee when he was young and is therefore immune to the killer bees venom, is captured and taken up into the Bees´ spaceship called Spacehive, as he is believed to be a spy.
Jason realises that he must try to stop the invasion and save the world. Together with Aadab, an Indian Freedom fighter who is in hiding on earth, they work together to try to find a way to defeat the Queen Bee. Jason needs to use all his intelligence and common sense if he wants to succeed.
Will he accomplish what he sets out to do, or will earth become enslaved? Read the book and find out!
A story written for young teens, this sci-fi adventure tells the story of Warrior Wasps and Giant Bees who intend to invade and conquer our planet in order to use earth´s resources after their own planet´s means of survival have been depleted.
The main character, young Jason, who was stung by a bee when he was young and is therefore immune to the killer bees venom, is captured and taken up into the Bees´ spaceship called Spacehive, as he is believed to be a spy.
Jason realises that he must try to stop the invasion and save the world. Together with Aadab, an Indian Freedom fighter who is in hiding on earth, they work together to try to find a way to defeat the Queen Bee. Jason needs to use all his intelligence and common sense if he wants to succeed.
Will he accomplish what he sets out to do, or will earth become enslaved? Read the book and find out!
May 29, 2019
There was war, giant warrior wasps and bees came to earth to take it over and use the resources from it.
Jason was kidnapped by the first attempt by a giant bee and brought to their giant Hive ship. He learned all about their weapons and ray machines until he became a friends of the bees. and through him, humans won the war.
Stephen, Jason's father said in the book after the war: Before the war, tragic as it was, we faced starvation in many parts of the globe. Too many people, too many depressed areas where money, food and clean water are sparse. Greedy leaders, natural disasters, civil war. all of this separation, racism and hatred was all leading to something bad.
So was it good, that the wasps and bees came with their ray guns and war machines and wiped out a third of the population?
Had they been on our planet before?
Now the Earth has grown bush and green again, because of the giant bees and friends to everyone. Now it is a true global village, no longer divided by language, customs and borders.
Understanding and patience. the world could use more of each.
A very imagination story
Jason was kidnapped by the first attempt by a giant bee and brought to their giant Hive ship. He learned all about their weapons and ray machines until he became a friends of the bees. and through him, humans won the war.
Stephen, Jason's father said in the book after the war: Before the war, tragic as it was, we faced starvation in many parts of the globe. Too many people, too many depressed areas where money, food and clean water are sparse. Greedy leaders, natural disasters, civil war. all of this separation, racism and hatred was all leading to something bad.
So was it good, that the wasps and bees came with their ray guns and war machines and wiped out a third of the population?
Had they been on our planet before?
Now the Earth has grown bush and green again, because of the giant bees and friends to everyone. Now it is a true global village, no longer divided by language, customs and borders.
Understanding and patience. the world could use more of each.
A very imagination story
May 23, 2019
Jason Anderson is a special kid, he also is immune to bee stings. Good thing when alien bees are ready to try and take over the world. The author adds some fun humor to this adventure that is written for young adults but can be enjoyed by all. I loved the puns throughout and the subtle humor beneath the well written journey.
October 29, 2012
I was given an advanced review copy of this work to review. The YA novel is a sci-fi adventure in which a young man named Jason must help fight a race of giant, interstellar wasps in order to save Earth. The bottom line: Sometimes humorous, sometimes terrifying, and always imaginative, this high-tech, interplanetary tale will keep you buzzing through page after page. You will never look at bees the same way!
In fact, as I’m writing this review, I am watching a handful of carpenter bees ravage my wooden deck, and it’s actually making my skin crawl. The story follows a race of giant bees—bigger than humans—with their eyes on Planet Earth. The most terrifying is the General, a nightmarishly huge wasp bent on destroying humans.
The story is full of technology—the humans have advanced from our present-day technology, but so have the bees. They have sinister technology, characters, and motivations that underscore the novel with a tone of foreboding dread: The Death Watch, the Eternity Drive, the War Machine, Death Rays, and the deadly General. Even in the story’s lighter parts, these threats are constantly in the background, giving the reader a sense of urgency. Still, not all the bees are bad, and I enjoyed the more light-hearted interactions Jason has with the friendlier apians and was touched by some of the more poignant moments as well.
I also enjoyed the themes running through the book: Jason and his father are firm believers in the possibilities offered by education and science. Through the conflict with the bees, they risk their lives to use science to help the Earth. Another theme the author makes us question is the nature of humanity. Though under attack by a horrendous race of bees, some of the humans are still sticking to their own factions, valuing loyalty to individual countries rather even over loyalty to the human race as a whole. As a music lover, I also liked how Jason links music and science, and uses music to his own advantage in a way reminiscent of Dune. And suggestions about the nature of the Bees’ history and the nature of magic versus science was intriguing as well.
I enjoyed the story overall. There are places where the imagery truly carries each scene (descriptions like “blood orange light” stress the sinister intentions of the bees). My one wish was to be just a bit deeper inside some of the character’s heads before all the storylines come together. Still, I enjoyed the use of future slang; and overall, the suspense of the story carried the writing, making this a page turner and a quick read.
I recommend this book for fun-loving sci-fi fans, apian lovers, and readers liking a multi-cultural examination of the way we humans live, and can live, in this world.
In fact, as I’m writing this review, I am watching a handful of carpenter bees ravage my wooden deck, and it’s actually making my skin crawl. The story follows a race of giant bees—bigger than humans—with their eyes on Planet Earth. The most terrifying is the General, a nightmarishly huge wasp bent on destroying humans.
The story is full of technology—the humans have advanced from our present-day technology, but so have the bees. They have sinister technology, characters, and motivations that underscore the novel with a tone of foreboding dread: The Death Watch, the Eternity Drive, the War Machine, Death Rays, and the deadly General. Even in the story’s lighter parts, these threats are constantly in the background, giving the reader a sense of urgency. Still, not all the bees are bad, and I enjoyed the more light-hearted interactions Jason has with the friendlier apians and was touched by some of the more poignant moments as well.
I also enjoyed the themes running through the book: Jason and his father are firm believers in the possibilities offered by education and science. Through the conflict with the bees, they risk their lives to use science to help the Earth. Another theme the author makes us question is the nature of humanity. Though under attack by a horrendous race of bees, some of the humans are still sticking to their own factions, valuing loyalty to individual countries rather even over loyalty to the human race as a whole. As a music lover, I also liked how Jason links music and science, and uses music to his own advantage in a way reminiscent of Dune. And suggestions about the nature of the Bees’ history and the nature of magic versus science was intriguing as well.
I enjoyed the story overall. There are places where the imagery truly carries each scene (descriptions like “blood orange light” stress the sinister intentions of the bees). My one wish was to be just a bit deeper inside some of the character’s heads before all the storylines come together. Still, I enjoyed the use of future slang; and overall, the suspense of the story carried the writing, making this a page turner and a quick read.
I recommend this book for fun-loving sci-fi fans, apian lovers, and readers liking a multi-cultural examination of the way we humans live, and can live, in this world.
July 16, 2013
I believe we all know about honey bees and their delicious honey. I believe most of us also know a little something about killer bees and wasps. Let me ask you: Would you feel anything if you were stung by a bee? They do carry quite sting. I know this from experience. I'm just glad it was a honey bee, albeit a complete accident on my part and the part of the bee.
This sci-fi story is about bees that are immense - much larger than humans and they have their mind set on Earth and the destruction of humans.
I think this unusual story could frighten the daylights out of young readers who will most likely find the story amusing, as well as very interesting. Thank God the main character, young 12-year-old Jason Anderson is immune to bee stings. Is there any hope for the rest of mankind ? Wind your way through the pages and find out. The time will fly as will the way you look at bees after reading this interesting novel.
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
The Rain Snake: A True Story of Love, Faith and Trust
I Saw the Light
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
This sci-fi story is about bees that are immense - much larger than humans and they have their mind set on Earth and the destruction of humans.
I think this unusual story could frighten the daylights out of young readers who will most likely find the story amusing, as well as very interesting. Thank God the main character, young 12-year-old Jason Anderson is immune to bee stings. Is there any hope for the rest of mankind ? Wind your way through the pages and find out. The time will fly as will the way you look at bees after reading this interesting novel.
Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author
The Rain Snake: A True Story of Love, Faith and Trust
I Saw the Light
Thomas, The Friendly Ghost
Fighting the Devil: A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder
September 5, 2012
Clever story for young teens.
When Jason Anderson was just four years old, he was stung by a honey bee and didn’t feel a thing. Jason’s immunity to bee venom made him an unlikely hero at the age of twelve when the Earth was invaded by a swarm of space bees and wasps. This clever boy managed to make friends with one of the worker bees and learn crucial information to help save the planet.
The author weaves a creative tale about an invasion from space by a swarm of bees and wasps, designed to appeal to young teenage readers. She uses real life knowledge about beehives to describe a space bee society (although I’m not sure bees and wasps ever live together). On Earth bees move their hive, creating a new queen, when food supplies dwindle or the hive is damaged. In this story the space bees occupy a planet until they use up all the natural resources and then find a new planet to build a new space hive.
Jason is the son of a scientist and his intelligence and courage are desperately needed when the swarm attacks his home in Canada. It’s a scary story with death and destruction. Jason sees people die and thinks he lost his own family, but the clever boy rises above his fear to help save the world. Jason makes friends with gentle worker bees, who only want to care for their queen. He works to defeat the terrible killer wasps and the lazy Queen Bee, hoping to save his worker-bee friends and live in peace.
I recommend this book for young teens and hope Kenna McKinnon uses her ingenuity to invent more stories to encourage reading in this age group.
When Jason Anderson was just four years old, he was stung by a honey bee and didn’t feel a thing. Jason’s immunity to bee venom made him an unlikely hero at the age of twelve when the Earth was invaded by a swarm of space bees and wasps. This clever boy managed to make friends with one of the worker bees and learn crucial information to help save the planet.
The author weaves a creative tale about an invasion from space by a swarm of bees and wasps, designed to appeal to young teenage readers. She uses real life knowledge about beehives to describe a space bee society (although I’m not sure bees and wasps ever live together). On Earth bees move their hive, creating a new queen, when food supplies dwindle or the hive is damaged. In this story the space bees occupy a planet until they use up all the natural resources and then find a new planet to build a new space hive.
Jason is the son of a scientist and his intelligence and courage are desperately needed when the swarm attacks his home in Canada. It’s a scary story with death and destruction. Jason sees people die and thinks he lost his own family, but the clever boy rises above his fear to help save the world. Jason makes friends with gentle worker bees, who only want to care for their queen. He works to defeat the terrible killer wasps and the lazy Queen Bee, hoping to save his worker-bee friends and live in peace.
I recommend this book for young teens and hope Kenna McKinnon uses her ingenuity to invent more stories to encourage reading in this age group.
August 11, 2016
Review of SpaceHive by Kenna McKinnon
5 stars
“SpaceHive” is a zippy little tale which makes the “what if” of alien invasion seem probable, and even likely. Forget what you’ve read and heard about the humanoids with oblong heads and huge onxy eyes; it’s space insects we should be worrying about instead—bees and wasps. Oh, and we also need to worry about the shortsightedness of those in power, because it’s all too easy to destroy during a war, even a war against an advanced alien species.
The good news is, there are individuals like young Jason, age twelve when the aliens invade, and Aadab, a freedom fighter in India, who won’t take this invasion lying down; instead, they will use good common sense and cleverness to fight back. As long as there’s life, there’s hope.
“SpaceHive” was written for middle-grade and above, but us oldsters can enjoy it too.
5 stars
“SpaceHive” is a zippy little tale which makes the “what if” of alien invasion seem probable, and even likely. Forget what you’ve read and heard about the humanoids with oblong heads and huge onxy eyes; it’s space insects we should be worrying about instead—bees and wasps. Oh, and we also need to worry about the shortsightedness of those in power, because it’s all too easy to destroy during a war, even a war against an advanced alien species.
The good news is, there are individuals like young Jason, age twelve when the aliens invade, and Aadab, a freedom fighter in India, who won’t take this invasion lying down; instead, they will use good common sense and cleverness to fight back. As long as there’s life, there’s hope.
“SpaceHive” was written for middle-grade and above, but us oldsters can enjoy it too.
March 15, 2013
Absolutely fantastic!!!!!! Oh, and I'm not a young adult although I like to think I am!!!! The way Kenna describes the characters is in my opinion superb and leaves no question as to whether they exist... they just do. Hat off to an excellent writer.
March 7, 2020
I was looking for a light fun read to fill a gloomy Saturday afternoon by the fireside & this book filled the brief perfectly. I don’t often read YA books but the concept of giant wasps invading Earth was too intriguing to miss. Delightfully written, the author paints a wonderful picture of the insects as they plan their attack & I feel this book would make a great gift for any youngster. Reading this was an afternoon well spent.
January 27, 2013
Jason Anderson is immune to bee stings. That may not seem like much, but what if the world was suddenly invaded by giant bees from another planet, and this immunity was mankind’s only hope for survival?
This is one of the major plot points that weave its way throughout the pages of the novel. Jason is only 12 years old, but when the invasion hit, he transforms from a boy to a hero. He is abducted by a bee and brought to their ship. There, he learns the ins and outs of the bees, their plans for the Earth, and more importantly, how to defeat them. The relationships between the characters were beautifully crafted, especially the friendship between Jason and the bee that abducted him. The author mixes a cocktail of humour and horror, creating a masterpiece that reminds me of Percy Jackson. I look forward to reading anything that is written by Kenna. She knows exactly what to write to suck me into her world and leave me thinking about it long after I close the book. Great for teenagers and middle school students.
This is one of the major plot points that weave its way throughout the pages of the novel. Jason is only 12 years old, but when the invasion hit, he transforms from a boy to a hero. He is abducted by a bee and brought to their ship. There, he learns the ins and outs of the bees, their plans for the Earth, and more importantly, how to defeat them. The relationships between the characters were beautifully crafted, especially the friendship between Jason and the bee that abducted him. The author mixes a cocktail of humour and horror, creating a masterpiece that reminds me of Percy Jackson. I look forward to reading anything that is written by Kenna. She knows exactly what to write to suck me into her world and leave me thinking about it long after I close the book. Great for teenagers and middle school students.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews