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Hive #1
Hive
All I can tell you is what I remember, in the words that I have.
Hayley tends to her bees and follows the rules in the only world she has ever known.
Until she witnesses the impossible: a drip from the ceiling.
A drip? It doesn't make sense.
Yet she hears it, catches it. Tastes it.
Curiosity is a hook.
What starts as a drip leads to a lie, a death, a boy, a beast, and too many awful questions.
Hayley tends to her bees and follows the rules in the only world she has ever known.
Until she witnesses the impossible: a drip from the ceiling.
A drip? It doesn't make sense.
Yet she hears it, catches it. Tastes it.
Curiosity is a hook.
What starts as a drip leads to a lie, a death, a boy, a beast, and too many awful questions.
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2018
49 people are currently reading
1290 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Betts
8 books265 followersI'm a Perth-based writer who writes realistic fiction for teenagers (14+) but adults enjoy them too. I'm also an English teacher, poet, writer of non-fiction texts, presenter and reader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
July 20, 2018
https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
I’ve read quite a few reviews and heard a lot about A.J. Betts novel Zack & Mia so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and review Betts’ latest novel Hive.
Hayley’s world consisted of 6 hexagonal houses each connected to a common room by corridors. Above these was a nursery and above that the Upper house for The Council. The Council was the ruling group which was headed by the Judge, a role that was inherited.
Much like a bee hive everyone has their designated role. There were those that nurture and teach, those that prepare meals, those that tend the gardens and those that work in the machine rooms with everyone working together for a common good.
Hayley is a gardener, she tends the hives, her voice is young and naive which is appropriate for someone brought up in a cult-like world where every part of your life is set out and controlled from birth to death. Chimes sound and are adhered to. They signal work times, meal times and sleep time where the people are locked in dorms. Made me think it was very similar to a prison.
No one questions their world, that is just the way it is, God’s way. If anyone questions why something happens the elders simply answer “God works in mysterious ways.”
Hayley is inquisitive and she can’t help breaking rules and asking questions and not accepting vague answers. But they have ways of dealing with people who ask too many questions.
Hayley was instantly likeable, so young and naive. She was inquisitive and strong. She quite often spoke her mind with dire consequences.
The story was like nothing I’ve read before. Note quite cult, not quite dystopian and not quite science fiction, but a mixture of the three.
I had a lot of questions reeling around in my head while I was reading the story. Some were answered, others weren’t. But I must say I was totally sucked into the story shocked at how the community lived and accepted this way of living; but then I suppose they knew no better.
The ending left me holding my breath and eagerly awaiting the next book, Rogue, due to be released in 2019. Just to whet your appetite there is a one page teaser for the next book at the end of Hive.
An exquisite tale of a girl who asked too much.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace book club
To see the original review visit Beauty & Lace http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
I’ve read quite a few reviews and heard a lot about A.J. Betts novel Zack & Mia so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read and review Betts’ latest novel Hive.
Hayley’s world consisted of 6 hexagonal houses each connected to a common room by corridors. Above these was a nursery and above that the Upper house for The Council. The Council was the ruling group which was headed by the Judge, a role that was inherited.
Much like a bee hive everyone has their designated role. There were those that nurture and teach, those that prepare meals, those that tend the gardens and those that work in the machine rooms with everyone working together for a common good.
Hayley is a gardener, she tends the hives, her voice is young and naive which is appropriate for someone brought up in a cult-like world where every part of your life is set out and controlled from birth to death. Chimes sound and are adhered to. They signal work times, meal times and sleep time where the people are locked in dorms. Made me think it was very similar to a prison.
No one questions their world, that is just the way it is, God’s way. If anyone questions why something happens the elders simply answer “God works in mysterious ways.”
Hayley is inquisitive and she can’t help breaking rules and asking questions and not accepting vague answers. But they have ways of dealing with people who ask too many questions.
Hayley was instantly likeable, so young and naive. She was inquisitive and strong. She quite often spoke her mind with dire consequences.
The story was like nothing I’ve read before. Note quite cult, not quite dystopian and not quite science fiction, but a mixture of the three.
I had a lot of questions reeling around in my head while I was reading the story. Some were answered, others weren’t. But I must say I was totally sucked into the story shocked at how the community lived and accepted this way of living; but then I suppose they knew no better.
The ending left me holding my breath and eagerly awaiting the next book, Rogue, due to be released in 2019. Just to whet your appetite there is a one page teaser for the next book at the end of Hive.
An exquisite tale of a girl who asked too much.
This review is part of the Beauty & Lace book club
To see the original review visit Beauty & Lace http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
July 1, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
3.5 stars
I will freely admit that my usual reading fodder rarely extends to young adult and dystopian style fiction. However, a new book by a successful Perth based writer, who I have not yet had the pleasure of reading encouraged me to try Hive, by A.J. Betts. This visually appealing front cover, a foil gold embossed bee wings design initially drew me into this book. I was intrigued and my curiosity was rewarded by a highly innovative storyline, that I questioned over and over again.
Hive brings us the story of Hayley, a teenager who lives in a strange and alternative hexagonal world. The world Hayley inhabits involves care of bees. This is an extremely ordered world, where rules are to be followed and routines strictly adhered to. Hayley believes there is no other world out there than the one she lives in. Hayley’s world changes when she spies a drip in the ceiling. Suddenly her outlook is changed, but in Hayley’s world it does not pay to be inquisitive about the world you live in. The drip marks the beginning of a number of changes to Hayley’s life and the world of those living in her community. First there is the drip, which is followed by a death and before Hayley knows it, a loophole has been exposed. Hive is deadly, perplexing and utterly intriguing.
Hive, signals quite the turning point for me. I often struggle to connect to the dystopian genre and young adult themes. However, I did appreciate a number of things about this book. I can safely say adult readers will be able to appreciate this text. While on the younger readers end of the scale, I would say that Hive is a book ideally suited to older teenagers.
A.J. Betts has created an alternative vision of living that is incredibly well described and complex. It did take me some time to simply get in tune with the world depicted in this novel, but once it happened, I was happy to go with the flow. I really admired the approach the author has taken with this novel, it has a real Logan’s Run/The Island/The Handmaid’s Tale (alternative world feel films) feel. I enjoyed the sequences that described the day-to-day and sustainable form of living taken by the community featured in Hive. I could easily visualise many moments of this text transferring to the big screen, there is a definite cinematic quality to this novel.
Hayley, the central protagonist in Hive, is depicted with a natural propensity to inquire about her surroundings, which is matched with a kind of wide-eyed innocence. I think readers of all ages will find a link to Hayley and her story. I believe Hayley is the type of protagonist readers want to cheer on and make it until the end. Through Betts’ prose, we become easily swept up in her welfare. I know I found that the latter stages of the book seemed to whizz by, the pace definitely quickens. As the book progressed, I also began to feel quite angry about the oppressive nature of the community in which Hayley resides and the lack of options for living in this odd world. Betts includes a surprising end for her main protagonist and we are left hanging (hopefully not for too long) with the promise of a second novel on its way, via a back page teaser.
Sometimes it is a good thing for a big reader like me to explore other genres and themes. I am thankful to the latest novel by A.J. Betts, Hive, for pushing me way out of my comfort zone with this alternative world and unsettling offering. Reach for Hive if you appreciate young adult and visionary based works of fiction.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hive is book #69 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
3.5 stars
I will freely admit that my usual reading fodder rarely extends to young adult and dystopian style fiction. However, a new book by a successful Perth based writer, who I have not yet had the pleasure of reading encouraged me to try Hive, by A.J. Betts. This visually appealing front cover, a foil gold embossed bee wings design initially drew me into this book. I was intrigued and my curiosity was rewarded by a highly innovative storyline, that I questioned over and over again.
Hive brings us the story of Hayley, a teenager who lives in a strange and alternative hexagonal world. The world Hayley inhabits involves care of bees. This is an extremely ordered world, where rules are to be followed and routines strictly adhered to. Hayley believes there is no other world out there than the one she lives in. Hayley’s world changes when she spies a drip in the ceiling. Suddenly her outlook is changed, but in Hayley’s world it does not pay to be inquisitive about the world you live in. The drip marks the beginning of a number of changes to Hayley’s life and the world of those living in her community. First there is the drip, which is followed by a death and before Hayley knows it, a loophole has been exposed. Hive is deadly, perplexing and utterly intriguing.
Hive, signals quite the turning point for me. I often struggle to connect to the dystopian genre and young adult themes. However, I did appreciate a number of things about this book. I can safely say adult readers will be able to appreciate this text. While on the younger readers end of the scale, I would say that Hive is a book ideally suited to older teenagers.
A.J. Betts has created an alternative vision of living that is incredibly well described and complex. It did take me some time to simply get in tune with the world depicted in this novel, but once it happened, I was happy to go with the flow. I really admired the approach the author has taken with this novel, it has a real Logan’s Run/The Island/The Handmaid’s Tale (alternative world feel films) feel. I enjoyed the sequences that described the day-to-day and sustainable form of living taken by the community featured in Hive. I could easily visualise many moments of this text transferring to the big screen, there is a definite cinematic quality to this novel.
Hayley, the central protagonist in Hive, is depicted with a natural propensity to inquire about her surroundings, which is matched with a kind of wide-eyed innocence. I think readers of all ages will find a link to Hayley and her story. I believe Hayley is the type of protagonist readers want to cheer on and make it until the end. Through Betts’ prose, we become easily swept up in her welfare. I know I found that the latter stages of the book seemed to whizz by, the pace definitely quickens. As the book progressed, I also began to feel quite angry about the oppressive nature of the community in which Hayley resides and the lack of options for living in this odd world. Betts includes a surprising end for her main protagonist and we are left hanging (hopefully not for too long) with the promise of a second novel on its way, via a back page teaser.
Sometimes it is a good thing for a big reader like me to explore other genres and themes. I am thankful to the latest novel by A.J. Betts, Hive, for pushing me way out of my comfort zone with this alternative world and unsettling offering. Reach for Hive if you appreciate young adult and visionary based works of fiction.
*I wish to thank the publisher, Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Hive is book #69 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
June 27, 2018
When Hive landed on my doorstep I have to admit that I didn't even read the blurb on the back. I was just completely smitten with the pretty, shiny cover. I always forget how much I love going into a book blind. For me there's that extra layer of excitement with not having any idea what will happen. And I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Hayley lives a very simple, well ordered life. Everything is controlled. From food choices, eating times, bed times, marriage and births. Everyone in her community has a role to play and everything runs smoothly. It's been that way for generations. No questions asked. But one day Hayley sees a drip coming from the ceiling. But that's impossible. Their water source does not come from up there. Yet she tastes it and feels it. That one small drip and Hayley's need for answers will set in motion a chain of events to impact Hayley and her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Hive was such a smooth read. It read and flowed really easily. And the world building was great. There were some really cool concepts. I was so eager to see where the story was going to go and what would happen next. The last few chapters were especially gripping. I couldn't read fast enough, but at the same time I didn't want to come to the end. And what an ending it was! I really, really hope that the wait for book two is not too long. Please!
Hayley lives a very simple, well ordered life. Everything is controlled. From food choices, eating times, bed times, marriage and births. Everyone in her community has a role to play and everything runs smoothly. It's been that way for generations. No questions asked. But one day Hayley sees a drip coming from the ceiling. But that's impossible. Their water source does not come from up there. Yet she tastes it and feels it. That one small drip and Hayley's need for answers will set in motion a chain of events to impact Hayley and her life in ways she never could have imagined.
Hive was such a smooth read. It read and flowed really easily. And the world building was great. There were some really cool concepts. I was so eager to see where the story was going to go and what would happen next. The last few chapters were especially gripping. I couldn't read fast enough, but at the same time I didn't want to come to the end. And what an ending it was! I really, really hope that the wait for book two is not too long. Please!
June 19, 2018
This was SO GOOD. How can I possibly wait until 2019 for the sequel??
July 24, 2019
Provided by the State Library Victoria as part of the Inky Awards.
Hive. I never thought much about the title, but it makes absolute sense to the context of the book. It’s a short little novel that is under three hundred pages and it follows a girl, called Hayley whose world is restricted to nine different rooms, six of which are called houses, one is a commons room, one a nursery and the final one is for the council. That is her world and as far as she is concerned at the beginning, that was the entire world. Some three hundred people, a few hexagonal rooms. Hayley herself is a bee keeper and she tends the bees, but one day, when searching for a rogue bee, she see a drip from the ceiling, which shouldn’t be possible…
The book was written decently, quite well in fact and the idea is really well conjured up, hexagonal rooms which reflect often shape of a beehive, of which our main character tends. A completely isolated society of just a few hundred people who have been living by themselves for what they believed for a ‘long time.’ For the most part, it’s a pretty little book as Hayley and her best friend, Celia live life in this place. I say this as the book, for the first half at least did not really go anywhere and it was incredibly slow for the fuse to light up. From the drop of water, and something else(no spoilers) there’s a lot of simply wondering around, and while we get to meet our characters, not much happens in terms of story for about one hundred pages.
In this book, the characters are all unintelligent and they don’t know or understand much in the ways of life. When Hayley is accused of adultery because a boy fell on her, she really has no idea what it is and spends much of her time wondering what committing sin or adultery is. And she’s fifteen years old. She actually believed that getting married and getting with a guy on the marriage bed included talking together. Here’s a quote -
“It’ll just be you and me… we can do anything, you realise? We can talk—”
Yup. As everything is so isolated, the people really don’t have a way of education. Even though they appear to be in a high tech faculty for situations of fallout or something, they have no access to phones or computers, which makes knowledge a very hard thing to attain. I suppose that also bothered me at the amount of things that Hayley didn’t believe in. She even thought that a Dragon came from someone’s hand, or her naivety to believe in, or rather not believe in mythical creatures, like cows, that go moo!
Things to get better towards the end, and we finally learn about what is actually going on in their world, but that only really takes place in the last fifty pages, so I’ll say most of the story takes place during the first fifty to sixty pages and the last fifty to sixty pages. The middle is a lot of chatter, Hayley asking a lot of questions about everything, from questioning God(everyone is devout christians in this book) and why an octopus has eight legs.
I did enjoy the setting of the book as well as the language used by the author, but the nothing too much really occurred for about one hundred pages, and while it is understandable for characters to be naive at times, too many questions were asked in this book by Hayley. There are some bits that are violent but nothing a twelve or thirteen year old shouldn’t be able to handle in a novel. 6/10
Hive. I never thought much about the title, but it makes absolute sense to the context of the book. It’s a short little novel that is under three hundred pages and it follows a girl, called Hayley whose world is restricted to nine different rooms, six of which are called houses, one is a commons room, one a nursery and the final one is for the council. That is her world and as far as she is concerned at the beginning, that was the entire world. Some three hundred people, a few hexagonal rooms. Hayley herself is a bee keeper and she tends the bees, but one day, when searching for a rogue bee, she see a drip from the ceiling, which shouldn’t be possible…
The book was written decently, quite well in fact and the idea is really well conjured up, hexagonal rooms which reflect often shape of a beehive, of which our main character tends. A completely isolated society of just a few hundred people who have been living by themselves for what they believed for a ‘long time.’ For the most part, it’s a pretty little book as Hayley and her best friend, Celia live life in this place. I say this as the book, for the first half at least did not really go anywhere and it was incredibly slow for the fuse to light up. From the drop of water, and something else(no spoilers) there’s a lot of simply wondering around, and while we get to meet our characters, not much happens in terms of story for about one hundred pages.
In this book, the characters are all unintelligent and they don’t know or understand much in the ways of life. When Hayley is accused of adultery because a boy fell on her, she really has no idea what it is and spends much of her time wondering what committing sin or adultery is. And she’s fifteen years old. She actually believed that getting married and getting with a guy on the marriage bed included talking together. Here’s a quote -
“It’ll just be you and me… we can do anything, you realise? We can talk—”
Yup. As everything is so isolated, the people really don’t have a way of education. Even though they appear to be in a high tech faculty for situations of fallout or something, they have no access to phones or computers, which makes knowledge a very hard thing to attain. I suppose that also bothered me at the amount of things that Hayley didn’t believe in. She even thought that a Dragon came from someone’s hand, or her naivety to believe in, or rather not believe in mythical creatures, like cows, that go moo!
Things to get better towards the end, and we finally learn about what is actually going on in their world, but that only really takes place in the last fifty pages, so I’ll say most of the story takes place during the first fifty to sixty pages and the last fifty to sixty pages. The middle is a lot of chatter, Hayley asking a lot of questions about everything, from questioning God(everyone is devout christians in this book) and why an octopus has eight legs.
I did enjoy the setting of the book as well as the language used by the author, but the nothing too much really occurred for about one hundred pages, and while it is understandable for characters to be naive at times, too many questions were asked in this book by Hayley. There are some bits that are violent but nothing a twelve or thirteen year old shouldn’t be able to handle in a novel. 6/10
August 26, 2019
3.5 stars
What an unexpected surprise! I was completely hooked from beginning to end with Hive, as we find out about the cult-like world that Hayley lives in.
It starts with a bee going where it shouldn't, a drip from the ceiling and secrets that shouldn't be told, and from there, Hayley's life is thrown into turmoil. Hayley discovers something unusual about her orderly world via a drip in the ceiling which unravels a chain of events that sets everything into motion.
There's an immediacy about the writing that just wraps you into the mystery and pulls you into Hayley's story. Although everything we know about the world is told through Hayley, the reader can put the pieces together from the way she perceives the world. It's structured, everyone has a role, there's a certain power figure and nothing is as it seems, which makes it all the more fascinating.
It does talk about religion a lot, with many overwhelming references to God at times. However, it does illustrate the character's fanaticism which shapes her way of thinking.
While the overall concept of Hive is reminiscent of other cult-like, dystopian reads, it's definitely the execution of it that offered a unique, atmospheric experience. It's a read that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, and I had fun putting the pieces together.
Trigger warnings: unexpected gore, brain washing
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What an unexpected surprise! I was completely hooked from beginning to end with Hive, as we find out about the cult-like world that Hayley lives in.
It starts with a bee going where it shouldn't, a drip from the ceiling and secrets that shouldn't be told, and from there, Hayley's life is thrown into turmoil. Hayley discovers something unusual about her orderly world via a drip in the ceiling which unravels a chain of events that sets everything into motion.
There's an immediacy about the writing that just wraps you into the mystery and pulls you into Hayley's story. Although everything we know about the world is told through Hayley, the reader can put the pieces together from the way she perceives the world. It's structured, everyone has a role, there's a certain power figure and nothing is as it seems, which makes it all the more fascinating.
It does talk about religion a lot, with many overwhelming references to God at times. However, it does illustrate the character's fanaticism which shapes her way of thinking.
While the overall concept of Hive is reminiscent of other cult-like, dystopian reads, it's definitely the execution of it that offered a unique, atmospheric experience. It's a read that keeps you guessing from beginning to end, and I had fun putting the pieces together.
Trigger warnings: unexpected gore, brain washing
I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2018
Refreshingly unique and highly absorbing, Hive by A.J. Betts is the first in a two part dystopian YA series about a community who live in a hexagonal world. YA and dystopian go hand in hand but they are not my usual reading material. I think I overdosed on it a few years back and it’s been a struggle to tolerate ever since. But I will tell you now, what a novel to break the drought with! Hive had me captivated from the beginning, I only wish it was one huge novel rather than a two part series, but I know YA doesn’t really work that way. I’ll certainly be looking out for the conclusion to this story because the ending of Hive has really left me hanging.
The world building in Hive is exceptionally good, so imaginative and so precise in its detailing. Basically, three hundred people live in this constructed hexagonal world. Day and night is created with phased artificial light and everything is indoors, even the outdoors. Zero population growth is carefully maintained through a meticulous process that ensures genetic integrity. Strict rules are in place and life mimics that of a religious sect. Five generations into this new world and no one remembers a time when life existed elsewhere. I expect book two will go into more detail about why Hive was created, although my initial impressions are because of global warming/environmental devastation. The whole set up kind of reminded me of Wall-E, that Disney movie about the little robot that was cleaning up a destroyed Earth while everyone else was living up in space. I loved how this hexagonal system was set up, it was so ingenious and I could actually envisage this as an authentic option for safe habitation.
However, as is the way with alternate worlds, no matter how ingenious the concept, as time goes on, oppression rears it head and someone always needs to lord it over everyone else. In Hive, the citizens are kept ignorant, only taught as children what ‘they need to know’, which is of course all propaganda geared to ensuring they tow the line at all times and develop a life sustaining fear of ‘sin’. Being diagnosed as ‘mad’ is an ever present threat as serious sanctions are put into place when this happens and no one ever returns to the general population cured. Hayley, the main character, suffers from the main symptom of madness, head pains, and she goes to great lengths to hide her symptoms. One day, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, a little haven she has discovered that eases her pains, and she witnesses something that sets her onto a path of questioning everything she has ever believed about her world. At first I felt that Hayley was incredibly naive, but this is in keeping with her sheltered existence. She’s actually quite intuitive and endlessly curious, two things that are not a bonus where she comes from. I liked how A.J. Betts picked apart Hayley’s careful existence, her increasing bewilderment and fear highlighting all that was wrong with her world and just how powerless she really was against the establishment. She was nothing more than a puppet lying in wait for them to tug on her strings. The abuse of power and state centred control within this world was harrowing to contemplate.
There are some serious issues underlying the story in Hive and it poses many questions for contemplation. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all ages. I was so impressed with this story, from the world building through to the characterisation, the engrossing plot and the unique premise. It’s a chilling little read, make no mistake, a cautionary tale of an alternate future. I’m really looking forward to Rogue, book two, and hope I don’t have to wait a whole year for it!
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Hive for review.
The world building in Hive is exceptionally good, so imaginative and so precise in its detailing. Basically, three hundred people live in this constructed hexagonal world. Day and night is created with phased artificial light and everything is indoors, even the outdoors. Zero population growth is carefully maintained through a meticulous process that ensures genetic integrity. Strict rules are in place and life mimics that of a religious sect. Five generations into this new world and no one remembers a time when life existed elsewhere. I expect book two will go into more detail about why Hive was created, although my initial impressions are because of global warming/environmental devastation. The whole set up kind of reminded me of Wall-E, that Disney movie about the little robot that was cleaning up a destroyed Earth while everyone else was living up in space. I loved how this hexagonal system was set up, it was so ingenious and I could actually envisage this as an authentic option for safe habitation.
However, as is the way with alternate worlds, no matter how ingenious the concept, as time goes on, oppression rears it head and someone always needs to lord it over everyone else. In Hive, the citizens are kept ignorant, only taught as children what ‘they need to know’, which is of course all propaganda geared to ensuring they tow the line at all times and develop a life sustaining fear of ‘sin’. Being diagnosed as ‘mad’ is an ever present threat as serious sanctions are put into place when this happens and no one ever returns to the general population cured. Hayley, the main character, suffers from the main symptom of madness, head pains, and she goes to great lengths to hide her symptoms. One day, she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time, a little haven she has discovered that eases her pains, and she witnesses something that sets her onto a path of questioning everything she has ever believed about her world. At first I felt that Hayley was incredibly naive, but this is in keeping with her sheltered existence. She’s actually quite intuitive and endlessly curious, two things that are not a bonus where she comes from. I liked how A.J. Betts picked apart Hayley’s careful existence, her increasing bewilderment and fear highlighting all that was wrong with her world and just how powerless she really was against the establishment. She was nothing more than a puppet lying in wait for them to tug on her strings. The abuse of power and state centred control within this world was harrowing to contemplate.
There are some serious issues underlying the story in Hive and it poses many questions for contemplation. I highly recommend this novel to readers of all ages. I was so impressed with this story, from the world building through to the characterisation, the engrossing plot and the unique premise. It’s a chilling little read, make no mistake, a cautionary tale of an alternate future. I’m really looking forward to Rogue, book two, and hope I don’t have to wait a whole year for it!
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Hive for review.
August 1, 2018
Hive by A.J. Betts is a compelling, melodic but oh, so chilling read. Betts has written a book akin to Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale where control is largely imposed upon an unquestioning society.
Hive is the story of fifteen-year-old Hayley. Hayley lives in a different world. A world made of hexagons, and secrets and lies. A world with new meanings and assigned roles. A world where our world has completely disappeared from view.
Betts has created a new world order based upon the structure of a bee hive. Hexagons line up with hexagons and each pod plays a different purpose. Madness is abhored in Hayley’s hive. Hayley struggles to hide her head pains from the community for fear of being discovered as mad.
Hayley’s world is a world of order and confinement; where power is concentrated within the hands of a few and where knowledge can be a powerful weapon. Hayley stumbles across the ‘drip’ and starts asking questions about its existence. Such questions place her life in terrible danger.
Hive is a well-constructed narrative and compelling reading. It is an easy-to-read book that will stay with readers long after you delve within its pages. My only complaint is I have to wait until next year to read the sequel, Rogue.
Bravo A.J. on a wonderful book. Highly recommended for YA readers and those who enjoy books which make you ponder the intricies of human society and relationships.
Hive is the story of fifteen-year-old Hayley. Hayley lives in a different world. A world made of hexagons, and secrets and lies. A world with new meanings and assigned roles. A world where our world has completely disappeared from view.
Betts has created a new world order based upon the structure of a bee hive. Hexagons line up with hexagons and each pod plays a different purpose. Madness is abhored in Hayley’s hive. Hayley struggles to hide her head pains from the community for fear of being discovered as mad.
Hayley’s world is a world of order and confinement; where power is concentrated within the hands of a few and where knowledge can be a powerful weapon. Hayley stumbles across the ‘drip’ and starts asking questions about its existence. Such questions place her life in terrible danger.
Hive is a well-constructed narrative and compelling reading. It is an easy-to-read book that will stay with readers long after you delve within its pages. My only complaint is I have to wait until next year to read the sequel, Rogue.
Bravo A.J. on a wonderful book. Highly recommended for YA readers and those who enjoy books which make you ponder the intricies of human society and relationships.
December 10, 2019
Hive is the first in a young adult duology by Australian author A.J. Betts. Set in a dystopian future, Hayley's world is made up of hexagonal houses where everyone has a vocation. Hayley is a gardener and tends the bee hive and plants with her best friend Celia. Grow lights change colour to dictate the passage of time and all 300 inhabitants have a job to do. Each person contributes to the running of the settlement that almost operates like a hive.
Isolated from the rest of the world, governed by God where nobody knows their birth parents, this community also had the feeling of a religious cult.
Hayley is naturally inquisitive and when she notices a drip in an area that is off limits to her, she's desperate for answers. If she's going mad then she'll have a bleak future, but what if something else is going on?
The world building was clever, the writing was evocative and I enjoyed learning about Hayley's settlement and the goings on within the group.
I don't often read YA or dystopian fiction, so it took me a little while to settle into Hayley's world, but reading Hive was a refreshing palate cleanser from my usual eclectic fare.
The next in the duology is Rogue and I'm planning on reading that next.
* Won in a Pan Macmillan giveaway hosted by The Very Hungry Thesaurus on Instagram *
Isolated from the rest of the world, governed by God where nobody knows their birth parents, this community also had the feeling of a religious cult.
Hayley is naturally inquisitive and when she notices a drip in an area that is off limits to her, she's desperate for answers. If she's going mad then she'll have a bleak future, but what if something else is going on?
The world building was clever, the writing was evocative and I enjoyed learning about Hayley's settlement and the goings on within the group.
I don't often read YA or dystopian fiction, so it took me a little while to settle into Hayley's world, but reading Hive was a refreshing palate cleanser from my usual eclectic fare.
The next in the duology is Rogue and I'm planning on reading that next.
* Won in a Pan Macmillan giveaway hosted by The Very Hungry Thesaurus on Instagram *
August 20, 2018
Actual rating 4.5 Stars.
'Hive' is the first of A.J. Betts' book that I have read but 'Zac & Mia' is next on my list!
After having the amazing opportunity to meet Amanda at the book club we run at our local book store, I had been completely psyched to read this book! It was amazing to listen to Amanda tell us about the book and give us a few teasers, but you could see she was so passionate and excited about her book and it just spilled through to all of us there!
So where do I even begin?
As I got towards the end of this book, I realised that is began to make me think of 'The Giver' quartet, an amazing series of books written in a stunning manner and have the focus of substantial topics. I found 'Hive' to be along the same lines.
Betts went through such thorough research to write this book from learning that hexagons are natures strongest shapes, to learning the ways of bees and the caring of a hive to seed vaults and how the exist around the world. Well I can guarantee you that the research shows!
Hayley is a wonderful inquisitive little character, full of awareness and never ending questions and a gap that's just waiting to be filled with knowledge.
Living in a small world where ways are set, paths are clear and standards are made, madness is not accepted, but Hayley's head pains set her apart. After discovering a drip of water from the ceiling she is astonished because everyone knows that all the water in the world comes only from the Source and no where else, so did she imagine it? Is she going mad?
The discovery of the drip leads her on an adventure that has her realising her world is not quite what it seems.
I seriously recommend this for people who love 'The Giver'.
'Hive' is the first of A.J. Betts' book that I have read but 'Zac & Mia' is next on my list!
After having the amazing opportunity to meet Amanda at the book club we run at our local book store, I had been completely psyched to read this book! It was amazing to listen to Amanda tell us about the book and give us a few teasers, but you could see she was so passionate and excited about her book and it just spilled through to all of us there!
So where do I even begin?
As I got towards the end of this book, I realised that is began to make me think of 'The Giver' quartet, an amazing series of books written in a stunning manner and have the focus of substantial topics. I found 'Hive' to be along the same lines.
Betts went through such thorough research to write this book from learning that hexagons are natures strongest shapes, to learning the ways of bees and the caring of a hive to seed vaults and how the exist around the world. Well I can guarantee you that the research shows!
Hayley is a wonderful inquisitive little character, full of awareness and never ending questions and a gap that's just waiting to be filled with knowledge.
Living in a small world where ways are set, paths are clear and standards are made, madness is not accepted, but Hayley's head pains set her apart. After discovering a drip of water from the ceiling she is astonished because everyone knows that all the water in the world comes only from the Source and no where else, so did she imagine it? Is she going mad?
The discovery of the drip leads her on an adventure that has her realising her world is not quite what it seems.
I seriously recommend this for people who love 'The Giver'.
July 31, 2019
4 1/2 stars! I devoured this and I need the next book ASAP 👍
June 10, 2018
Look out for "Hive" for it is, hands down one of the most unnerving and unsettling books I've come across! Throughout I was constantly chilled and could never guess what would come next, and that ending has got me dying to know what is in store for book 2! What an atmospheric, unnerving read! Full review to come closer to publication, thank you Pan Macmillian Australia for providing me with a copy to review!
August 18, 2019
“Within me, the truth unfurled, opening as a flower. I breathed as if for the first time.”
<<>>>>
Thanks to the State Library of Victoria for sending me a copy of this book for the Inky Awards.
This book was... very strange! I've definitely never read anything like it. At all. I strongly recommend you read it if you like mind-boggling sci-fis that, as soon as you finish reading them, make you close the book and stare into the abyss contemplating life for a good half an hour.
I think why I only rated it 3 stars was because although I adore the concept, the characters weren't very strong and the genre of book isn't really for me. So, it's more of a personal opinion.
<<>>>>
Thanks to the State Library of Victoria for sending me a copy of this book for the Inky Awards.
This book was... very strange! I've definitely never read anything like it. At all. I strongly recommend you read it if you like mind-boggling sci-fis that, as soon as you finish reading them, make you close the book and stare into the abyss contemplating life for a good half an hour.
I think why I only rated it 3 stars was because although I adore the concept, the characters weren't very strong and the genre of book isn't really for me. So, it's more of a personal opinion.
July 12, 2019
Hive is a unique dystopian story. Intricately crafted, the world beautifully written, this gentle and compelling story is just the start of an exciting two-book series. The narrator, alongside the reader, knows only of the day-to-day rhythm of life and the stories she has been told. As she questions, explores and discovers scant details, she, and the reader, learns there is far more to the world than she could have expected.
Hayley is a beekeeper. It is her job to tend the Hive, just one of the gardeners in the gardener house, one of the six houses, that rely on water from the source and follow the patterns set out by the generations before them. But Hayley has a secret, one that has her questioning everything around and soon the walls of her world seem to hem her in. But will questioning provide the answers she is looking for?
Hive is not action heavy. Instead it relies on gentle storytelling and Hayley’s curiosity to drive the plot. A little slow at times, the ending gives away a few details about the state of the world that made me eager to read on. Hive is the first book in a duology. It felt very much like just the beginning of the story and I hope the second book will make things so much more interesting and clearer. I recommend having the second book on hand when starting Hive, especially when the ending is such a surprise and so abrupt.
The construction of Hayley’s world, told to the reader through Hayley’s eyes, is so detailed and beautifully crafted. The descriptions are beautiful but I loved how it remains true to Hayley’s voice and her knowledge. It also means that the reader only knows what Hayley knows, and so the details about her world and how it came to be are few. More is revealed at the end but I’m sure the second book will expand on these unknown entities.
Hive - a new and unique voice is YA Australian dystopian fiction, perfect for readers looking for something just a little bit different.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Hayley is a beekeeper. It is her job to tend the Hive, just one of the gardeners in the gardener house, one of the six houses, that rely on water from the source and follow the patterns set out by the generations before them. But Hayley has a secret, one that has her questioning everything around and soon the walls of her world seem to hem her in. But will questioning provide the answers she is looking for?
Hive is not action heavy. Instead it relies on gentle storytelling and Hayley’s curiosity to drive the plot. A little slow at times, the ending gives away a few details about the state of the world that made me eager to read on. Hive is the first book in a duology. It felt very much like just the beginning of the story and I hope the second book will make things so much more interesting and clearer. I recommend having the second book on hand when starting Hive, especially when the ending is such a surprise and so abrupt.
The construction of Hayley’s world, told to the reader through Hayley’s eyes, is so detailed and beautifully crafted. The descriptions are beautiful but I loved how it remains true to Hayley’s voice and her knowledge. It also means that the reader only knows what Hayley knows, and so the details about her world and how it came to be are few. More is revealed at the end but I’m sure the second book will expand on these unknown entities.
Hive - a new and unique voice is YA Australian dystopian fiction, perfect for readers looking for something just a little bit different.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library
Want to read
July 5, 2019this sounds so weird I love it
April 18, 2021
Would love to give this 4.5 stars as it had me hooked. Love the gentleness of the world Hayley lives in and the way the jobs are shared and the people looked after. However it did remind me of Lowry's The Giver.
Will recommend to age 13+. There is one small bit that is a bit too much info for 11-year olds (imho). Should be enjoyed by those who like post-apocalyptic tales.
Will recommend to age 13+. There is one small bit that is a bit too much info for 11-year olds (imho). Should be enjoyed by those who like post-apocalyptic tales.
February 26, 2024
I finished it yesterday and I just sat down and read it . the start was so boring and I often read a whole chapter and don't know anything that happened but it starts getting better and then so GOOD in the middle.
Im definitely reading the second book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPEND TO THE WILL
LIke he WAS HE R MEANT FOIR HER
QHAY DID HE BETRAY HERRR
HE SAID HE WOULD GO WIHT HER BUT DIDINT"T AND HE SAID DON"T COME BACK TO HER
IT WAS SOO HEARTBREAKING
BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH A SWEETHEART
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
SORRY IM ONLY WRITING A FULL REVIEW SORT OF ONLY RIGHT NOW
_________
Im definitely reading the second book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPEND TO THE WILL
LIke he WAS HE R MEANT FOIR HER
QHAY DID HE BETRAY HERRR
HE SAID HE WOULD GO WIHT HER BUT DIDINT"T AND HE SAID DON"T COME BACK TO HER
IT WAS SOO HEARTBREAKING
BECAUSE HE WAS SUCH A SWEETHEART
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
SORRY IM ONLY WRITING A FULL REVIEW SORT OF ONLY RIGHT NOW
_________
Read
July 23, 2018Review to come.
In the meantime...
It's always fun and interesting to read an unusual, speculative, culty, and/or apocalyptic story set in Australia. Though this is not immediately clear in the reading, one does suspect when they understand that this author is based in Australia.
This was a well-built world with lots of thought evidently put into it, though some things might seem a little illogical at first, and I kept reading to see where the plot went, while not feeling particularly invested in the main character.
She's overly naive, which is to be expected from someone raised in the environment she lives in... but beyond that she seems to make many overly stupid and selfish decisions, reacts to a whole lot of events that happen to her, and is generally very self-pitying.
I've seen this handled in a way that allows readers to still connect to the character, but this didn't seem to be the case here.
I'm interested enough in the story, and it is short enough, to keep going... though it does end on a terribly cliff-hanger, and now the wait begins...
In the meantime...
It's always fun and interesting to read an unusual, speculative, culty, and/or apocalyptic story set in Australia. Though this is not immediately clear in the reading, one does suspect when they understand that this author is based in Australia.
This was a well-built world with lots of thought evidently put into it, though some things might seem a little illogical at first, and I kept reading to see where the plot went, while not feeling particularly invested in the main character.
She's overly naive, which is to be expected from someone raised in the environment she lives in... but beyond that she seems to make many overly stupid and selfish decisions, reacts to a whole lot of events that happen to her, and is generally very self-pitying.
I've seen this handled in a way that allows readers to still connect to the character, but this didn't seem to be the case here.
I'm interested enough in the story, and it is short enough, to keep going... though it does end on a terribly cliff-hanger, and now the wait begins...
May 28, 2019
Hayley lives in a dystopian community where "Blessed Are the Fruit" should be the motto. Housing is in a set of bee hive like structures. Everyone has a predetermined role as a gardener, engineer, netter (they catch "meat"), beekeeper, etc. Loyalty and adherence to some unwritten set of rules handed down by "God" and administered by a judge controls the community. Sex and marriage is regulated.
Hayley is a questioner and comes across a series of events which questions what the community is, where it comes from and where it actually is.
The descriptions of the world Hayley lives in are sparse which seems to match the little knowledge Hayley and the others actually have. There is a slow build up and a finality that leads to the promised second book.
This is a fine YA dystopian story which is challenging to understand at times. The sparse staccato writing matches nicely to Hayley's own confused thoughts. Roll on Book 2.
Hayley is a questioner and comes across a series of events which questions what the community is, where it comes from and where it actually is.
The descriptions of the world Hayley lives in are sparse which seems to match the little knowledge Hayley and the others actually have. There is a slow build up and a finality that leads to the promised second book.
This is a fine YA dystopian story which is challenging to understand at times. The sparse staccato writing matches nicely to Hayley's own confused thoughts. Roll on Book 2.
June 27, 2018
Interview with A.J.Betts is on my blog. :)
https://rebeccagough.wordpress.com/20...
https://rebeccagough.wordpress.com/20...
November 7, 2019
Trigger warnings: death, animal death, fire.
3.5 stars.
I'd heard nothing but good things about this book, so I was really interested to pick it up. I...have to admit, I DID guess where things were going very early on in the piece, but that didn't really change my enjoyment of the story. The first half is pretty heavy on the worldbuilding front - understandably - so it wasn't really until the second half of the book that I found myself invested and intrigued in what was happening.
I liked the writing and I liked the characters. The ending snuck up on me and now I'm really mad that I don't have book 2 ready to pick up straight away because I NEED TO KNOW WHERE THINGS GO FROM HERE OMG.
3.5 stars.
I'd heard nothing but good things about this book, so I was really interested to pick it up. I...have to admit, I DID guess where things were going very early on in the piece, but that didn't really change my enjoyment of the story. The first half is pretty heavy on the worldbuilding front - understandably - so it wasn't really until the second half of the book that I found myself invested and intrigued in what was happening.
I liked the writing and I liked the characters. The ending snuck up on me and now I'm really mad that I don't have book 2 ready to pick up straight away because I NEED TO KNOW WHERE THINGS GO FROM HERE OMG.
Read
June 28, 2018The world A. J. Betts has created has traces of A Handmaid's Tale and even Room, yet is utterly unique in its own way. This world captured me from the first pages; all its secrecy and the sense of deception created had me unable to put it down until I knew more.
If you haven't already, definitely have a read. Looking forward to the next installment! - Sarah
If you haven't already, definitely have a read. Looking forward to the next installment! - Sarah
September 1, 2018
4.5***** This was such a great story, something very different that really makes you wonder. Set in the Hive where everyone lives, no one asks questions and everyone follows the rules, life seems good. Until one girl asks too many questions and her inquisitive nature leads her places she never could have imagined. I cannot wait until book 2 comes out next year, what a cliffhanger of an ending.
July 9, 2018
I was lucky to have this one sent to me, at my request, by Pan Macmillan.
I loved this. Once I got into it I found myself completely immersed in the world and its secrets! I didn't know what was going to happen next, and the ending has me busting for book two to come out!
This is getting some comparisons to The Handmaid's Tale, which I think kind of makes sense, but I thought it was more culty and creepy, and less feministy dystopia than that.
I think this is a good one for fans of Gather the Daughters.
I loved this. Once I got into it I found myself completely immersed in the world and its secrets! I didn't know what was going to happen next, and the ending has me busting for book two to come out!
This is getting some comparisons to The Handmaid's Tale, which I think kind of makes sense, but I thought it was more culty and creepy, and less feministy dystopia than that.
I think this is a good one for fans of Gather the Daughters.
November 20, 2024
This started off as a classic tale of society stuck in a ‘big thing’ post apocalyptic event. This is not my fav genre of book if I’m honest so I wasn’t really sure I was going to enjoy it and I’m glad I pushed through. I’m considering reading the next book!!
I have nothing too negative to say about this book apart from I didn’t love how the main character described a lot of things by referencing different fruits. Like it makes sense but also I hated it.
Over all I liked this! I’m glad I consumed this story as a novel and not a movie or tv show because I hate most of those types of shows so much.
I have nothing too negative to say about this book apart from I didn’t love how the main character described a lot of things by referencing different fruits. Like it makes sense but also I hated it.
Over all I liked this! I’m glad I consumed this story as a novel and not a movie or tv show because I hate most of those types of shows so much.
September 23, 2019
3.5 Stars
I am writing this after finishing Rogue as well, and do not regret giving this 3 stars. While this book had an interesting premise, reading it made me confused a lot and I get that it was probably the point - why are these things happening? Why are they bad? But wait, that's just this? I just don't think the world building was strong enough or that we got to spend long enough in it. 260 pages is very short! I was intrigued enough to finish it within 2 days and want to read the sequel though.
I am writing this after finishing Rogue as well, and do not regret giving this 3 stars. While this book had an interesting premise, reading it made me confused a lot and I get that it was probably the point - why are these things happening? Why are they bad? But wait, that's just this? I just don't think the world building was strong enough or that we got to spend long enough in it. 260 pages is very short! I was intrigued enough to finish it within 2 days and want to read the sequel though.
October 3, 2021
I found myself completely immersed in the world presented in Hive. Picked for me by someone else, this book was so different to anything I have read, and I enjoyed every minute of it. An engaging story about what happens when everything you've been told is a sham, and what happens when you dare to ask questions. I'm about to dive directly into the sequel, Rogue, which says a lot about how much I enjoyed this. So glad I didn't read this before the sequel was published!!!! I can't wait to see what is in store.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
3.4🐝
I don't read that much dystopian but I loved this. Very quick and smooth.
I don't read that much dystopian but I loved this. Very quick and smooth.
January 23, 2021
3.5 an interesting and well-written book for school. Solid premise and engaging characters and world. Really great audiobook.
October 14, 2018
My View:
Let’s start by admiring the spectacular cover art with its gold embossing, award winning I would suggest.
The narrative is simply driven, and quietly spoken which belies the horrors of the actual landscape. Through Hayley’s eyes we explore a futuristic world where the division of labour determines an individual’s existence and pathway to adulthood, a world where dissidents are not tolerated.
A J Betts has quickly established this “other world”, the main characters and a mystery that is just starting to be unravelled by Hayley in this, the first book in the Hive series. Hayley is the perfect vehicle for us to explore and experience life in the Hive. She has a naivety, curiosity and intelligence that connects her to the reader. We care about Hayley. “Does it ever feel to you like life is a puzzle? “ I nodded. It did. “It’s not like that for everyone you know…. For most people life just happens and they don’t ask why or how. They don’t notice the gaps between the puzzle pieces, or wonder what they mean.” (p.243) Hayley is a naturally curious person, and you know what happened to the cat….
A great read that will leave you wanting more. A read that all ages can embrace. A read that will leave you thinking, thinking…so many unanswered questions, so much material here to stimulate discussion.
Let’s start by admiring the spectacular cover art with its gold embossing, award winning I would suggest.
The narrative is simply driven, and quietly spoken which belies the horrors of the actual landscape. Through Hayley’s eyes we explore a futuristic world where the division of labour determines an individual’s existence and pathway to adulthood, a world where dissidents are not tolerated.
A J Betts has quickly established this “other world”, the main characters and a mystery that is just starting to be unravelled by Hayley in this, the first book in the Hive series. Hayley is the perfect vehicle for us to explore and experience life in the Hive. She has a naivety, curiosity and intelligence that connects her to the reader. We care about Hayley. “Does it ever feel to you like life is a puzzle? “ I nodded. It did. “It’s not like that for everyone you know…. For most people life just happens and they don’t ask why or how. They don’t notice the gaps between the puzzle pieces, or wonder what they mean.” (p.243) Hayley is a naturally curious person, and you know what happened to the cat….
A great read that will leave you wanting more. A read that all ages can embrace. A read that will leave you thinking, thinking…so many unanswered questions, so much material here to stimulate discussion.
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