Hive Knight

Trinity of the Hive #1

by Grayson Sinclair

A Dark Fantasy LitRPG

When they took my life, I thought I had nothing left to lose. I was a fool.

The Ouroboros Project was my last chance at salvation, but the new, virtual reality was just as bad as the world I’d left. Backroom deals with corrupt nobles, slavery, and murder were all swept under the rug in the pursuit of gold.

Despite everything, I found mercenary life fulfilling, until my guild was attacked. Now, I've got unknown, extremely rich enemies on all sides, a mysterious woman with strange magic and compound eyes, and a guild to save.

They brought their war to my home. It’s only fair I return the favor.

Hive Knight is book 1 of the Trinity of the Hive series, the first in a dark fantasy series by Grayson Sinclair. Hive Knight features a dystopian real world and a gritty, bleak and immersive VR world.

Disclaimer: Not for the faint of heart or those with weak constitutions (roll a saving throw). Doesn't contain a harem.



Contains graphic violence, dark themes, explicit language, and sex scenes . Content warnings for the following: death of a child, violent death of a sibling and parents, slurs against mental illness/psychiatric disability, rough sex with willing participants, blood exchange and drinking, chattel slavery, copious consumption of alcohol, child abuse, parental abuse of children, suicide, suicidal ideation, transphobic language, torture.

Genres: Fantasy

488 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2020

Reviews

[Roberto Flores · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tried! Tried so hard! Made it three quarters through and I'm done.

So this is lacking story. The characters are flat, the situations and relationships are unbelievable. I never found out the plot line, three quarters and still no main plot line. It all feels forced with nothing to back it up.

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

The low rating in this novel is all my own fault. I have over the years, gained a very strong dislike of "in a game" novels. The blurb flat out told me what it was going to be about, but I thought the story would have made up for it. It did not.

There were so many things in this novel that rubbed me the wrong way that I didn't bother wasting time jotting them down.

I will not be reading the sequel, although I will read another book of the author that looks interesting.
If it doesn't make the mistake of this book (especially where relationships are concerned). I think we would be able to get along.

This book was well written, but what it wrote about are things I disliked. Especially the protagonist being controlled into agreeing, among other things.

1.5/5 Stars

[Stephen Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror meets fantasy in this hybrid.

Hive Knight is one hell of a novel. Set in a post-apocalyptic / fantasy world the plot is well done with some of the best action scenes and characters I’ve read in LitRPG. There are so many cool little details that attract a readers attention. The classes and LitRPG elements are well defined and fun. Hive Knight is emotional, engaging, and full of both horror and action elements. This is not a light read by any means and easily in my top 10 from now on. I love the way Grayson writes.

[Akshay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hive Knight (Trinity of the Hive, #1) - A Thrilling Blend of Fantasy and Intrigue

Hive Knight (Trinity of the Hive, #1) by Grayson Sinclair introduces readers to a captivating world where magic and political intrigue intertwine, giving rise to a compelling and action-packed fantasy adventure. With its engaging characters and intricately woven plot, this novel marks the promising beginning of the Trinity of the Hive series.

Sinclair's world-building is a standout feature, creating a realm where ancient magic and powerful factions vie for control. The atmospheric descriptions transport readers to a world teeming with mythical creatures and mystical landscapes, enhancing the immersive experience. The intricate political dynamics that shape the story's backdrop add depth to the narrative.

The protagonist, Character Name, is a

compelling and relatable

figure who undergoes a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. As a Hive Knight, their struggles and growth are emblematic of the broader theme of finding one's place in a world of uncertain allegiances and dangerous secrets. The supporting cast, from allies to adversaries, further enriches the story.

The novel's plot is a balanced mix of action, mystery, and intrigue. Sinclair masterfully weaves together plot threads that revolve around ancient prophecies, power struggles, and the protagonist's personal journey. The twists and turns keep readers engaged, while the exploration of the lore and history of the world adds a layer of depth.

Sinclair's writing style is evocative and visual, allowing readers to vividly imagine the

lush landscapes

and magical battles that unfold. The dialogue is dynamic and emotionally charged, reflecting the tensions and personal motivations of the characters. The prose adds a layer of immersion to the reading experience.

In comparison to other fantasy series, Hive Knight (Trinity of the Hive, #1) distinguishes itself with its focus on intrigue and political dynamics. While some series prioritize epic battles, this novel excels in creating a multi-layered narrative that delves into the complexity of allegiances and the consequences of wielding power.

In conclusion, Hive Knight (Trinity of the Hive, #1) is a promising debut in the fantasy genre, offering readers an immersive and action-packed journey into a world of magic and intrigue. Grayson Sinclair's strong world-building and compelling characters make this novel a worthy introduction to the Trinity of the Hive series. Fans of fantasy with a focus on politics and personal growth will find this book a

captivating

and enjoyable read.

[Jonathan Grothe · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has a really great premise.
MC was in a post apocalyptical world and joined a secret gov't project to give people immortality through VR. The way they start in the future and use flashback and tragic backstory to tell it is amazing. I really want to know more about how that unfolds, and what that means for the future.

I made it just over halfway through this book before finally dropping it.
What lost me was the fact that an obviously smart MC with overwhelming strength gets set into a bad position, and then just forgets how to be great at things. Everything with the Demi-Human is just bad. He literally just ignores everything that makes him a smart guild leader and just follows the whims of the demi human. Then his explanation to his guild is just, its complicated just trust me...
Not to mention the story starts with him doing all this great stuff to get a broken new class, that he then never uses before it gets replaced. And he is just fine with that and goes off to adventure with her. There is so much that could be great with all these plot points, but they are just written off for continence instead of a solid story progression.

[Adam Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Familiar and yet new.

The intro to the story is an almost identical set up to some other litrpg books, the world has been overrun by zombie like monsters and in an effort to save humanity(or what's left of it), digital immortality is sought for. The story jumps from the very start of that into the digital world, and leaves you with a lot of questions from there. I hope those are answered later in the series. The MC, once we get to know him in game, is at the pinnacle of power for the game. A ruthless man these days, who stumbles upon an NPC that changes his hard heart somewhat. A lot of the trappings are very familiar to anyone who's read the genre. The set up and world are what make this interesting, as well as the happenings going on. After an estimated 30 years in the digital world things are changing and shaking things up. Things that the characters would swear are impossible are happening, and the reader is left with even more questions. Over all the writing is decent and I'm definitely going on to book 2, because I now need to see how things play out.

[AshishB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Book for an RPG gamer.
I loved this book purely coz of the premise, the RPG style story and layout of the world described.
I'm a die hard fan of RPG games, have played almost all of them. So this story just ticked all the right boxes when I started to read. The romance in this book is minimal which is another brilliant thing the author did. The story is great, I would've loved a bit longer book which author could easily have done. 2 big problems I have with this book is 1. backdrop of the story of Durendal and 2. The World
both of these things should've been penned in great great details. The only reason why this book has no less than 5 stars is coz the addition of Iris in the story and her story. That is super intriguing and this kind of 2nd supporting main character hasnot been used in games. There are anime like Guilty Crown and etc which has the similar characters like Iris but I have not read one yet in the book.

Overall, cant wait for the next book !!!

[Avalon · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book overall is pretty mediocre. Not much to write home about.

I liked the new idea, but that's about it. Didn't find anything that would validate the term "dark LitRPG" though. Yes, there's violence, but I don't think just describing that in more detail makes a book dark. There's a difference between dark and gore.

What I don't really get is how the insectoid species of the HIVE in case of Eris can look nearly like an elf. I mean... she has longer ears than an elf and supposedly she has faceted eyes (which still have distinct pupils and irises) and that's it. She also has a hive memory, whatever that is supposed to be.

Also ... really? Getting kind of married and then doing it like rabbits all the time after knowing each other for ... 3 days? Also why is every fantasy species sexually compatible with humans?

All in all: Nice idea, sadly not well thought out and most of the intriguing ideas were thrown overboard before beginning to even write or so it seems to me.

[Michael Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just shy of 5 stars. Unlike most litrpg/Gamelit this character starts at level 100 but a class change leads to some challenges. At times the MC is a bit OP all factors considered and the first half of the book is seems more Gamelit and than Litrpg but no doubt I consider the time put into this book time well spent. A few twists and turns, good action, and the romance parts are well done in such a way as to contribute to the story not take away from it. My one complaint is one that is very typical in this genre in that the MC's interal recriminations for past failing gets to be a bit much. I lost count of how many times the MC brought the same thing up but still that was probably the only thing that kept this from a 5 star rating.

[Michael Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading the first couple of chapters. Written well and good story, but i almost gave up and stopped reading. I continued a little bit more and as soon as the new character was introduced, it became a book I could not put down until I had finished the book.
Once you get past the start the book takes off and becomes an excellent read. Thoroughly enjoyed the story and looking forward to the next book in the series. Grayson Sinclair is now added to one of my authors to follow. He is a great writer and story teller.

[James Sneed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Voices inside and out

This is a really self-contained story written by someone who absolutely knows how to write! While his sexual adventures do exist and are relatively descriptive,they do not interrupt the flow of the story not do they function by themselves. Yes, there is an obligatory hero/anti-hero, his presence only enhances the story line! It's a really great story written by a really good wordsmith!

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great world building

The author really took the time to build a realistic world for a semi post apocalyptic vr experience. I was a big fan of the protagonist having lived in the world for quite awhile before the story starts. Really cool skills and concepts. Very much looking forward to the next one!

[Thetinyfaery · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I was worried this book would be way too dark for my tastes, but I am so happy I went for it. The story was an absolute RIDE. I'm a sucker for antiheroes and dystopian worlds, and I wasn't disappointed in the least. It had the grit of GoT and the worldbuilding of my favorite fantasies. I am so ready for #2!!

[JD · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, the author throws you into an epic. The words are fluent, yet descriptive. Painting an elaborate scenery without too much descriptives that would tie things down. The MC is a likeable guy, who mostly makes good decisions and is very relatable. And more surprising than most, the outside world is just as interesting as the one within.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hive Knight: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 1), my first excellent read from author Grayson Sinclair. Outstanding read, well-written with characters & plot that in places is very unique. I look forward to Trinity of the Hive Book 2. "I received a free review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Jesse Holmgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad read, I found it to be above average in the genre and don't feel as though I've wasted my time. If you read much litrpg at all, a lot of the concepts will feel familiar, but I wasn't left feeling like it was "just another same old litrpg".
Spoiler alert:
I especially like the battlemage werewolf conjuring ice claws with a frostbite debuff, that was cool, too bad he was a dick.

[Sandra Bergman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Feels flat. Nothing makes me care for the character and world. I stuck it out about 80% butflashbacks and timejumps to let the reader know the character can make it a challenge. I wasn't too involved but when the truth about Sophie was revealed I couldn't take anymore. That's what you take the blame for? Really?

[Brian M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start.

Different take on litrpg as the MC starts at max level. Was a twist that took getting used too. Although this has litrpg this is more of a morality and actions story that does not lean to much on the crunchy side.

[Danny Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool concept plus cool characters equals cool book. There are some pretty awesomely described battle scenes. The plot was entertaining and kept me engaged throughout the book. It has some unique game elements which was fun. I am definitely going on to the next book in the series.

[Grant Merrifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Good book. I really enjoyed this book I really enjoyed the story I certainly look forward to reading a next book in the series

[SetsunaNara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A buzzing success

Author, Grayson Sinclair, effortlessly manages to establish a robust world rich with lore and politics that span several co~occurring lifetimes.

[Rey Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Stephanie Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting first book

A well written series. It's nice having an older MC who has made progress in life but still has room to grow.

[Lester Covax · Rating 2 out of 5]

Equivalent to the worst show on the CW network you've watched. Neil Hellegers, as narrator, continues his reign as the most emo single trick pony in the business.

[Stanislas Sodonon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a review of the audiobook.

Ok, so this book worked, mostly - I finished it, didn't I? The whole "tortured soul meets redemptor" thing is rather convincing, which is important.

Other things... didn't work so well.

The "game to save the world" thing: Utterly nonsensical. We're never shown a good reason why the game exists and what problem it solves. And we don't know why it's a fantasy game either.

The Player selection: ludicrous. They are nothing but entropy generators, apparently, so it doesn't really matter.

The stakes: obscure. Before the first plot twist, it's all about becoming " strongER"; but no one knows why. After the plot twist, we get a Old-Evil-From-The-East, a pretty conventional approach.

How can you spend more than thirty years in a place and still not know anything about the people who live in it?

I think I'm slowly falling out of love with the litrpg concept. The whole XP-on-murder / activate skill Z / HUD display, is getting tediously repetitive.

[Percula1869 · Rating 2 out of 5]

An absolutely excellent book. It was exactly what I was looking for. I’ve been dying for a fantasy or gamelit book with a decent non harem romance and this book completely delivered. The story was also great, world building was rich, and the characters were well developed. My one small nitpick is that it didn’t do so well with the gamelit aspect. All he ever does in increase strength and constitution a bunch of times. But the rest of the book was so damn good that it doesn’t really matter at all. I can’t wait for book 2.

Edit: I’ve changed my rating and review because in the very next book it turns into a harem. Not to mention the original couple spend the entire book separated.