The Hive

Aether #1

by Bibiana Krall

#ShortStory #Futureism #Cyberpunk #Dystopia

The Hive

Los Angeles, the year of awakening, 2070. A city is devastated by poverty, war and division. Beauty emerges and creates a haven for the lost, unwanted and broken. THE HIVE is known far and wide as the place to find redemption, peace and joy.

A young woman finds herself questioning their practices and hierarchy. A sworn member, Melissa #21 is one of the faithful.

She must choose to stand up or loose herself, after she sees through the lie.

If she openly questions the King's authority, will she make it out of The Hive alive?

Mint

It's the year 2099 and Cerise is alone and running a data facility nicknamed "The Farm." Left to her own devices she explores a virtual world and when she miscalculates the dosage for a a hallucinogen, she is trapped in a nightmare.

Can she find her way home again?


Welcome to the Aether Series by Bibiana Krall

A collection of short fiction speculating on the future. From cults to A.I. and beyond...you will find these stories surreal, modern and realistic enough to make you wonder if this Dystopian world is what waits for us on the other side.

All the important questions we want to ask, but no one can answer exist in the Aether.

Genres: Dystopia, Short Stories, Speculative Fiction

44 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2021

About the author

Join her free list (become Literati) and get an exclusive Gothic short-story, WITCHHAUS. as her personal thank you for subscribing. Bibiana has been publishing heroine-driven stories since 2015! Celebrate ten amazing years of empowered storytelling. If you run a book clucb let's chat! www.bibianakrall.com/freebook

Thank you for your support. Take care out there.

Reviews

[P.B. Flower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A futuristic and dystopian world
I am a recent fan of this author and stumbled across Mint from this series. I abandoned it 75% of the way to start from book one. Because I want to assimilate the entire Aether Series.

The Hive is about how blind belief and following is the problem and not the cult itself. Surrendering oneself in search of themselves to another can only make you lose yourself some more. The theme gave me The Island movie vibes. It is thought provoking and I could draw a parallel to how we operate in today's world.

Now I am off to book two! See you all soon...

[Jena Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bibiana Krall’s books and stories are fresh, daring, exciting, with a dash of literary and thought-provoking ideas. And it all radiates from a strong heroine. As Author Krall explains, “My Muse is always waiting and watching for lightning to strike.”

Her latest short story is “The Hive”, a somewhat dystopian tale set fifty years in the future. The amazing young heroine in this story has joined “The Hive” for safety. But is it safe for her soul? This is a fast-paced story as the young woman tries to blend in until she realizes it’s better to run across the coals and fire. The symbolism of bees, hives, and a Guru Tree give the reader much to contemplate.

Thanks to Bibiana Krall for an intense story. You may need to read this story twice!

[John Dolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't waste your time ploughing through 'The Handmaid's Tale'. You can catch the same elements of Dystopian oppression and resultant rebellion in Ms. Krall's pacey short tale - and the author gets immediately into the gist of the story. The world she paints for us (with just a few deft strokes) is scarily believable. A great quick read.

[Veronica Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast forward to 2070--humankind has survived yet another war. The have and have-not gaps have widened, leaving most desperate to even survive and all wanting anything to ease the despair of a dismal existence. One young woman grasped at the chance to escape a dire end by joining the seductive Hive, where promises of a nirvanic essence and blissful way of life lured many to give up everything.

In her new environs, Melissa 21 begins to realize the exuberant cost of attaining The Hive status. Individualism, creativity and freedom become a thing of the past. Servitude, deception and envy are the new morals. A simplistic error offers new possibilities for Melissa 21--will she choose wisely? Will others sabotage her move?

Author Bibiana Krall takes us on a futuristic journey where humankind again, faces harsh choices of survival. Shadowy honey for the masses is alive and well---will a bond of hope and molecular resistance finally make a stand against an evil existence? You have one choice--which Hive will you choose?

[Brenda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The Hive’ is a thought-provoking dystopian story set in the non too-distant future. It takes a shot across the bows of large organisations that prey on the vulnerable. The place is a lodestar for the lost and disillusioned who are looking for a better life.
Having succumbed to its promises, one sassy young woman gets wise to the true nature of its hierarchy and rebels. But escaping from the clutches of this cult-like corporation is highly dangerous and her daring exploits to break free keep the reader enthralled throughout.
Ms Krall paints a vivid picture of The Hive – an architectural masterpiece that’s a symbol of hope and prosperity with its life-coaching ministry, self-help empire and arcane rituals, all, however, presided over by a nefarious elite who wield the power.
A step in a different direction from the author’s supernatural short stories, this intriguing novella is equally as compelling. Written with her usual panache, she brings everything to life, presenting graphic pictures in the mind’s eye.
For fans of the dystopian genre, this book is sure to please. 5*

[E. Billups · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most of Mrs. Krall’s work, and I’m always captivated by her beautiful prose and unique storylines. The Hive is no different. This dystopian short story takes place in 2070 in a place called the Hive, controlled by one man. Eros runs this high-tech world like a cult leader, wielding control over his brainwashed, loyal subjects, vying for his attention and love. The Melissa’s, differentiated by a number, relinquish their lives, their individualism to live in this utopia. Oh, what deception, control, manipulation hides behind this perfect world, an illusion until one subject breaks through the delusion, the lie.

“Fire walking was the test and trial before she became a Melissa for life and willingly transferred over her remaining bank credits to Dionysus, Inc. . . . Adrenaline surged from facing the unknown and during the sensual ritual that followed soon after, her life, loyalty and body were given freely to The Hive.”

Melissa21 has stumbled upon the truth, Eros’s wicked plan. Something is terribly wrong! Such evils she hadn’t imagined when she pledged her life to the hive. Now, she must run from Eros’s men, his drones-a daring escape of survival from the high-tech walls to a devastated world beyond the hive’s boundaries.

There’s much symbolism in the story. The hive itself symbolizes hierarchy, corrupt power, deception. Its busy worker bees, the Melissa’s, are kept compliant with a strict regime, a tiny green pill, hoping to achieve recognition, while working toward a common goal that benefits their leader. And the potent concoction the hive produces-sweet intoxicating nectar made from a secret substance.

The Hive is a fast, compelling read with all the elements of the dystopian genre encompassed in a short story. The first page will captivate from the beginning to the end and leave you wanting more.

[Dean Asquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enter a dystopian world of corporational oppression and rebellion!

Bibiana Krall is a wonderful new author that I discovered through Twitter. I asked about short stories that people knew of and along with her recommendations, Bibiana also mentioned that she had written one (The Hive) and was soon to release another (Mint) so I have to check them out. Wow, I am so glad I did!

So far I have read The Hive and I quite simply adored it. Packed full of everything you want from a fantasy story but embedded within is real world problems and potential futures if changes aren’t made.

The story centres on what seems to be a cult but is actually a corporation that is feeding off of basic human needs under the false pretence of ‘giving you a better life’… when in actual fact, you are required to give up your freedom to supply ‘The Hive’ with workers and ultimately put money and power in the pockets of the rulers… sorry I mean company bosses!

Our main character is designated Melissa #21 and throughout the story, pushes the boundaries of her control as she begins to awaken from the hive mind… I won’t go too much into detail as being a short story, I could quite easily enter into the realm of spoilers and I don’t want to do that. I want you to experience the journey alongside Bibiana, Melissa #21 and me!

A thought provoking, dystopian short story about control, corporate greed and rising up… The Hive will have you gripped from the first page and calling for more at the end. Don’t sleep on this, conform to my way of thinking and read The Hive… oops sorry… I was entering the hive mind then…I’m back…I think…

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story. The author has a really good imagination. I could picture everything, everyone so clearly and was able to put myself in the story. I also greatly appreciated and agree with what she wrote at the end of the story; in the Author’s Notes.
One more thought...I have noticed all her book covers are fantastic!

[Mohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

👉Hello readers,I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.Today I'm going to review a speculative fiction short story book, which is a genre of literature that includes works with a setting that is not the real world and includes supernatural, futuristic, or other imagined aspects.

👉This is the start of the year 2070 in Los Angeles, a metropolis ravaged by poverty, conflict, and division.THE HIVE is a sanctuary for those seeking peace, joy, and restoration.Hercules, the business henchman, was the driving force behind his big brother's Dionysus, Inc. life-coaching ministry and self-help empire.Where they provide some Love Aether as a muscle relaxer and perform some mind peaceful activities but a young women Melissa #21,a sworn member found this practise unusual and strange so she try to figure out what's wrong with this and after knowing all the truth is she will able to escape The Hive alive? You will get to know when you give a read to this book.


👉I felt the author's writing style to be quite distinct, and the way she describes this type of story in such a short amount of time is both commendable and admirable.I also like the author quality of observation and imagination which she describe through this story and if you're looking for a new genre to read this is the book for you.Thanks for your precious time.

[Cynthia Raleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to imagine a dystopian civilization as existing far off in the murky future, but in The Hive, it isn't all that distant. The Hive pumps out their own dazzling brand of light, safety, and warm fuzzies to build a haven within the ruin of a post-war city; a bright and gleaming beacon for the lost and tired. Is it, though? The unique aspects of Bibiana Krall's story are fresh and intriguing and it brilliantly conveys the massive control of a huge organization that uses emotion, spirituality, and self-help methods to benefit those at the top. Business as religion, as healthcare, as a loving brother- and sisterhood community. Bibiana has skillfully created a microcosm of a world within a city, a world that thrives on ceremonies that harken back centuries as well as esoteric secrets wielded by an internal hierarchy. The Hive is sustained by those who are lonely, scared, or desperate for ... something. What is visible is merely a illusory crust of gold dust camouflaging a necrotic, sadistic, and privileged core. An engrossing read that will keep you riveted to the page from beginning to end.

[Cathleen Maza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I'm already a fan of author Bibiana Krall's work, I was blown away by the depth and passion stirred up by "The Hive". This futuristic story of a young woman's desperate struggle to choose between what is comfortable and what is right is nothing short of stunning. This is exactly what speculative fiction should be...risky, timely, and thought provoking. The overall plot is fast-paced and author Krall does an excellent job of carrying the action and momentum from beginning to end. Though the story is set fifty years into the future, the question it asks is timeless; are humans willing to give up their humanity in order to feel more special than the less fortunate? The social issues brought up may make some readers uncomfortable, but the author took a risk (much like Melissa #21) and I applaud it. Fans of speculative fiction at its best won't be disappointed by this one. Highly recommended.

[W. A. Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Read

A fascinating breakdown of life in a cult and the extraordinary series of events that lead to freedom. I enjoyed this novella and recommended it to all.

[SW · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hive is an incredible short story focused on the subject of manipulation and how one corporate entity can capitalize on the idea of happiness, belonging, and unity, but at what cost? At the cost, where it looks like an ideal organization to be a part of until you find out that false promises have been made, rites of passage are required to be part of the club, and that your power of choice and autonomy is no longer yours, but belongs to “The Hive.” This is a must read!

[Sheila Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, fast paced read. Dystopian, futuristic rather than usual horror from this wonderful author. Reminded me of Logan's Run, a crazy warped world controlled by the rich and the poor are slaves and exploited. Jump into The Hive, highly recommend!

[Rose English · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian quick read

The Hive may look new and sparkly offering a haven of redemption, a new life of constant joy and protection but what lies beneath the surface? Melissa #21 sees more than she bargained for, the boss man knows and now she's in trouble but can she ever be free of the Hive?

[Willow Rankin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this fairly quickly - being a free ebook that I got from one of the Amazon stuff your kindle days; and I have to say I'm glad I got it for free.
The story had some good elements - and I was intrigued by the cultish and new wave religious themes explored. However, due to the length of the story these ideas were (in my opinion) not fully developed, and thus the end left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed.
Overall, I am left with a book that promised so much but gave so very little.

[Emlynn McDermott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hive by Bibiana Krall is a dystopian short story. Think L. P. Hartley’s Facial Justice or Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale in a format more suited to today’s busy lives. The author sets her story in near-future Los Angeles, which means there’s no lengthy world building to wade through before reaching its heart. Seeking to escape a life of poverty and endless struggle, Melissa 21 agrees to relinquish her individual identity in exchange for membership in The Hive, where she expects to live and work in paradise. Instead, she finds herself toiling in a cult-like organization run by powerful and evil men harboring a terrible secret. With themes of elitism and corruption, The Hive is a cautionary tale that today’s world leaders would benefit from reading. It is the first in the Aether series, so don’t expect to have all your questions answered by the end. Do expect a compelling story with decidedly feminist flair that will leave you wanting more.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hive is a super short story but one that sticks itself onto your soul. Set in the future, we see a dystopian world which focuses on the wrong people gaining control and using their power to manipulate others and satisfy their own greedy needs. A very thought provoking book considering the real world problems we are finding ourselves confronted with. Bibiana really creates a vivid world in such a short time and there is a lot of power in her words that leaves you thinking for a while after.

This story is less than 50 pages I think, so a one sitting read that's great for dystopian fans, and also a great introduction to this author's work! I look forward to diving into her other books soon.

[Sambit Daspatnaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hive is a tightly woven dystopian sci-fi novella that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Set in a future Los Angeles, it explores a chilling version of utopia where individuality is the price of peace. Melissa #21 is a compelling lead, vulnerable yet sharp as she navigates the eerie comfort of The Hive and begins to question what she’s signed up for.

Bibiana Krall’s world building is crisp, with a fast pace writing style that themes around freedom, control, and conformity that lingers long after the final page. A perfect quick read for fans of speculative fiction with a dark, feminist edge. It does remind me of Harrison Bergeron. For all dystopian sci-fi fans, heres a book u can sherish.

[Nat · Rating 1 out of 5]

Confusing, incomplete, with weird gender dynamics that seemed forced.

[Hayley Anderton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick dystopian read with a really cool concept that was well executed! I only wish it was longer to explore the setup a little more but that’s my only complaint!!!