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Hive Minds Give Good Hugs
Dorky, socially awkward entomology student Evelyn wakes up one morning to find herself as some sort of alien-human hybrid trapped on an unknown planet. Once the initial panic winds down, she quickly learns she's capable of producing more of additional bodies all sharing one mind. Being well-versed in sci-fi tropes, she quickly resolves to not devour the planet and turn into an unflinching biological armada, and instead uses her new powers to try and help as many people as possible.
Unfortunately, it turns out that helping people is often very, very difficult. With dreams of Earth filtering into her mind as she sleeps, the mystery of what she is and how she got here slowly comes to light while her power and responsibility grows ever larger. For an anxious young woman who was already struggling to get by in a normal life, it all feels like a bit too much.
Hive Minds Give Good Hugs is a story about mistakes, difficult choices, neurodivergency, and cool alien ecology. It's a very human story, even though Evelyn might never be one again.
Unfortunately, it turns out that helping people is often very, very difficult. With dreams of Earth filtering into her mind as she sleeps, the mystery of what she is and how she got here slowly comes to light while her power and responsibility grows ever larger. For an anxious young woman who was already struggling to get by in a normal life, it all feels like a bit too much.
Hive Minds Give Good Hugs is a story about mistakes, difficult choices, neurodivergency, and cool alien ecology. It's a very human story, even though Evelyn might never be one again.
549 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2022
82 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 16, 2022
A book with this silly of a title has absolutely no right to be this good or this thought provoking. Seriously, real talk here. This will make it into my top 10 books I've read this year, if not the top 5. Some of the topics that are tackled by this include: The nature of identity. The morality of killing. What does it cost to create a safe society for everyone? Are those costs acceptable? That kind of thing. The questions that are posed and the answers that are given has caused me to continue to think about this book well after I read it.
In addition to that the inner monologue is top notch, and the world building is creative and consistent. The level of detail strikes the right balance of giving you enough to give you a solid idea of how all these alien designs work and gives you a clear idea of her vision on how it all looks, yet not too much to be bogged down in minutiae. There's just enough science behind it to make it believable, yet still sits firmly in the 'fiction' part of Science Fiction. You could really believe that a planet like this exists.
That isn't to say that the book is without flaws. It does get bogged down in the latter half of the book when the main character eventually meets an alien civilization. You can kind of see what she's trying to do here, trying to point out how alien the mc has really become, and to drive home the character's moral center, which is completely insufferable. She's a pacifist in the way that only a middle class white girl can be. Killing another sentient being is bad no matter what. It's an act of evil in it's purest form, and the lengths in which she goes to adhere to this center is ludicrous. However, this is not the author's viewpoint. Towards the end of the book, the MC's worldview is challenged often and repeatedly, coming to a conclusion that allows for more nuance. It was a nice turn of events.
All in all that doesn't really impact the rating I'm giving this book, though. I've already bought one of her other books to see if it's the same quality as this one and I eagerly await to see what score I give that one too. Seriously. Don't skip this one. 5 stars.
October 13, 2022
I wanted to like it but too much time in existential crisis to be likable. I wanted to have a fun escape but instead I’m listening to someone have panic attacks every chapter.
Also she gets progressively dumber each chapter to the point she is near suicidal in how dumber her decisions are. Like she can get rid of her anxiety and mellow panic attack but no because they don’t like medicine even though her problems are causing so much issues for her and others. The only times I like her are when she is too angry to freak out or is actually changing her brain chemicals.
Also she goes back and forth on trying to be a god based on how guilty she feels and what about.
I completely agree with the side character Tara and see the MC as a screaming baby with too optimistic views of the world. Just complaining while people are killed and judging because she holds her ideals higher than others lives. Then finally she understands and suddenly story is out the window and becomes a bullet point ending instead of a story.
The last chapter was just too fast.
Also she gets progressively dumber each chapter to the point she is near suicidal in how dumber her decisions are. Like she can get rid of her anxiety and mellow panic attack but no because they don’t like medicine even though her problems are causing so much issues for her and others. The only times I like her are when she is too angry to freak out or is actually changing her brain chemicals.
Also she goes back and forth on trying to be a god based on how guilty she feels and what about.
I completely agree with the side character Tara and see the MC as a screaming baby with too optimistic views of the world. Just complaining while people are killed and judging because she holds her ideals higher than others lives. Then finally she understands and suddenly story is out the window and becomes a bullet point ending instead of a story.
The last chapter was just too fast.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2022
Wow
So very different from pretty much everything else I have read in Fantast/Sci-Fi, but in a very interesting way. It was fascinating to see Eve's inner narrative. It also felt incredibly real to the point that the author had to have put much of their own feelings and personal life into this. I can think of no other way to get such an obviously intimate perspective on someone's thoughts. It was very well done.
So very different from pretty much everything else I have read in Fantast/Sci-Fi, but in a very interesting way. It was fascinating to see Eve's inner narrative. It also felt incredibly real to the point that the author had to have put much of their own feelings and personal life into this. I can think of no other way to get such an obviously intimate perspective on someone's thoughts. It was very well done.
November 2, 2022
I've just finished listening to the audiobook version of this while I was working. I absolutely loved it! There was so much interesting science as well as so many different creatures. I found myself agreeing with so much of the conclusions the characters ended up coming to, while identifying with them too. I enjoyed this so very much, Thank you Natalie Maher :)
October 17, 2022
A lovely tale in desperate need of a rewrite.
The novel has a lot of great ideas in both of its storylines, but its very flawed pacing ruins a lot of the appeal. The story goes very slowly for a very long time, and just when you think it's gonna pick up, it gets slower again. That is, until the very end, where it rushes to an unearned conclusion. It's a real shame because there are a lot of elements of that story that I would've liked to have done justice but they're either stretched out in a boring way or almost entirely skipped. The rushing in the end is probably to set up a sequel, which unfortunately I have no interest in.
Another major issue I have is with the protagonist. Unlike some other reviewers here I didn't find her entirely annoying from the getgo. But over time, as she remained the same, and even reverted in areas, she started getting on my nerves. This is even worse in the flashback sequences, where the protagonist remains a wet blanket even as things get very dire and dangerous. The depiction of her anxiety is also repetitive and not very interesting to read about.
I still give it 5-stars because while the pacing and protagonist are big issues, I just loved the rest of the novel so much. I will definitely check out the author's future work.
The novel has a lot of great ideas in both of its storylines, but its very flawed pacing ruins a lot of the appeal. The story goes very slowly for a very long time, and just when you think it's gonna pick up, it gets slower again. That is, until the very end, where it rushes to an unearned conclusion. It's a real shame because there are a lot of elements of that story that I would've liked to have done justice but they're either stretched out in a boring way or almost entirely skipped. The rushing in the end is probably to set up a sequel, which unfortunately I have no interest in.
Another major issue I have is with the protagonist. Unlike some other reviewers here I didn't find her entirely annoying from the getgo. But over time, as she remained the same, and even reverted in areas, she started getting on my nerves. This is even worse in the flashback sequences, where the protagonist remains a wet blanket even as things get very dire and dangerous. The depiction of her anxiety is also repetitive and not very interesting to read about.
I still give it 5-stars because while the pacing and protagonist are big issues, I just loved the rest of the novel so much. I will definitely check out the author's future work.
November 8, 2022
Almost
This is an odd one.
When the book is good, it's really good. The character struggles with loneliness and doesn't just adapt to the situation. Refreshing but also a really nice touch. The entire concept of how alien the situation is is really driven home by this and makes for a great take on this genre.
However when it misses the mark it is bad. The not dream sequences and the character seeming to vary between full control and understanding of her physiology, and then not doing is noticeable and throws things off a bit.
Still a great read, but on occasion it trips over itself.
This is an odd one.
When the book is good, it's really good. The character struggles with loneliness and doesn't just adapt to the situation. Refreshing but also a really nice touch. The entire concept of how alien the situation is is really driven home by this and makes for a great take on this genre.
However when it misses the mark it is bad. The not dream sequences and the character seeming to vary between full control and understanding of her physiology, and then not doing is noticeable and throws things off a bit.
Still a great read, but on occasion it trips over itself.
September 4, 2023
4.5 stars A great story that can be a bit painful to listen to.
First, I loved the overall story and am sad that it is over.
But, the story is written with a heavy emphasis on analyzing the main characters mental issues. From ADHD to near crippling anxiety to body image issues and even near suicidal depression.
While I can’t relate to the asexuality or the body image issues, I can all too easily relate to the social anxiety and depression that can come with it as a socially anxious introvert myself. The problem with this is that the main character spends so much time talking about and analyzing their own behavior and things that I put a lot of effort into NOT thinking about on a daily basis.
The MCs self-righteous insistence on pacifism being the only non-evil path had me literally shouting at my phone in frustration while driving and listening to the audiobook.
But, the fact that the book could affect me in those ways really is a testament to how well it was written and how well it was performed by the narrator. I could feel the pain in the narrators voice while the MC agonized over making the “right” decisions.
I have one complaint that drops the book from 5 to 4.5 stars for me. It is difficult to describe without being a spoiler. There is one question, which is addressed at the end, but not as completely as I would like. We learn the why, but not the how. And the how seems very important to me.
First, I loved the overall story and am sad that it is over.
But, the story is written with a heavy emphasis on analyzing the main characters mental issues. From ADHD to near crippling anxiety to body image issues and even near suicidal depression.
While I can’t relate to the asexuality or the body image issues, I can all too easily relate to the social anxiety and depression that can come with it as a socially anxious introvert myself. The problem with this is that the main character spends so much time talking about and analyzing their own behavior and things that I put a lot of effort into NOT thinking about on a daily basis.
The MCs self-righteous insistence on pacifism being the only non-evil path had me literally shouting at my phone in frustration while driving and listening to the audiobook.
But, the fact that the book could affect me in those ways really is a testament to how well it was written and how well it was performed by the narrator. I could feel the pain in the narrators voice while the MC agonized over making the “right” decisions.
I have one complaint that drops the book from 5 to 4.5 stars for me. It is difficult to describe without being a spoiler. There is one question, which is addressed at the end, but not as completely as I would like. We learn the why, but not the how. And the how seems very important to me.
Read
November 25, 2022Very quirky and fun; great escalation. Really enjoyed it! A bit of a shame that the end felt a bit rushed. Wouldn't have minded a bit more detail on the ending and I feel like, in the final chapter (or so), there was very little of Evelyn's internal monologue going on. That was one of the aspects that made the rest of the book so enjoyable so it felt a bit strange that the finale was narrated a lot more soberly without getting her analysis on it.
February 15, 2025
Audiobook
I am of the opinion that the title and coverart are apt enough, that anyone who feels some degree of interest in this book, ought to read it. It is multifaceted, and thus in my opinion, able to appeal to a rather broad demographic.
The book balances (though not necessarily "carefully balances") such things as:
-Philosophy on the Morality of Violence
-Quirky characters going on adorably enthusiastic tangents
-Wilderness survival tactics
-Fun, but still vaguely realistic, hypothetical alien biology
-Philosophy on whether it's right to interfere with a Culture
-A strange, but still adorable romance
-Contemporary Pop Culture and Internet Meme references
-Governance by Benevolent Dictatorship
-Mental Health and Neurodivergence representation and discussion
-Numerous Bugs, both as pets, and as food.
-Hivemind(s), filling narrative roles other than the Big Bad Evil Guy.
I confess, I don't super like the ending: it leaves things unsaid/unfinished, but in an intentional, poignant manner. Seeing as how the book discusses more than a little bit of morality, it could be very possible that it's meant as a means of letting the readers imagine the ending that they believe most morally correct. Not my favorite type of ending, but I suppose it works well enough.
Shout-out to the voice-actor/narrator of the audiobook: the narration was excellent. This audiobook had the all-too-rare quality of the narration adding to the overall experience of the book, making it really shine. I'll still mention that there was at least one instance of shouting a line of dialogue that ended in "she whispered", but 1 or 2 minor errors are more than forgivable alongside all the rest.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the book. It touched on elements I've always wanted to see in my media, but rarely ever found. For a seemingly silly title, this is one of my all-time favorites.
I am of the opinion that the title and coverart are apt enough, that anyone who feels some degree of interest in this book, ought to read it. It is multifaceted, and thus in my opinion, able to appeal to a rather broad demographic.
The book balances (though not necessarily "carefully balances") such things as:
-Philosophy on the Morality of Violence
-Quirky characters going on adorably enthusiastic tangents
-Wilderness survival tactics
-Fun, but still vaguely realistic, hypothetical alien biology
-Philosophy on whether it's right to interfere with a Culture
-A strange, but still adorable romance
-Contemporary Pop Culture and Internet Meme references
-Governance by Benevolent Dictatorship
-Mental Health and Neurodivergence representation and discussion
-Numerous Bugs, both as pets, and as food.
-Hivemind(s), filling narrative roles other than the Big Bad Evil Guy.
I confess, I don't super like the ending: it leaves things unsaid/unfinished, but in an intentional, poignant manner. Seeing as how the book discusses more than a little bit of morality, it could be very possible that it's meant as a means of letting the readers imagine the ending that they believe most morally correct. Not my favorite type of ending, but I suppose it works well enough.
Shout-out to the voice-actor/narrator of the audiobook: the narration was excellent. This audiobook had the all-too-rare quality of the narration adding to the overall experience of the book, making it really shine. I'll still mention that there was at least one instance of shouting a line of dialogue that ended in "she whispered", but 1 or 2 minor errors are more than forgivable alongside all the rest.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed the book. It touched on elements I've always wanted to see in my media, but rarely ever found. For a seemingly silly title, this is one of my all-time favorites.
July 12, 2024
Audiobook edition
I am of the opinion that the title and cover-art are apt enough, that anyone who feels some degree of interest in this book, ought to read it. It is multifaceted, and thus in my opinion, able to appeal to a rather broad demographic.
The book balances (though not necessarily "carefully balances") such things as:
-Philosophy on the Morality of Violence
-Quirky characters going on adorably enthusiastic tangents
-Wilderness survival tactics
-Fun, but still vaguely realistic, hypothetical alien biology
-Philosophy on whether it's right to interfere with a Culture
-A strange, but still adorable romance
-Contemporary Pop Culture and Internet Meme references
-Governance by Benevolent Dictatorship
-Mental Health and Neurodivergence representation and discussion
-Numerous Bugs, both as pets, and as food.
-Hivemind(s), filling narrative roles other than the Big Bad Evil Guy.
The Audiobook Narrator was excellent. A few, small moments of misjudging a scene (eg. shouts a line that ends with "[character] said, quietly"). Overall performance, though, is of the rare excellence to add to the experience: I quite wonder if listening to the audiobook version might be superior to reading the text version.
I confess, I don't super like the ending: it leaves things unsaid/unfinished, but in an intentional, poignant manner. Seeing as how the book discusses more than a little bit of morality, it could very possibly be a means of letting the readers imagine the ending that they believe most morally/emotionally fitting.
Otherwise, though, I highly enjoyed the book. 10/10.
I am of the opinion that the title and cover-art are apt enough, that anyone who feels some degree of interest in this book, ought to read it. It is multifaceted, and thus in my opinion, able to appeal to a rather broad demographic.
The book balances (though not necessarily "carefully balances") such things as:
-Philosophy on the Morality of Violence
-Quirky characters going on adorably enthusiastic tangents
-Wilderness survival tactics
-Fun, but still vaguely realistic, hypothetical alien biology
-Philosophy on whether it's right to interfere with a Culture
-A strange, but still adorable romance
-Contemporary Pop Culture and Internet Meme references
-Governance by Benevolent Dictatorship
-Mental Health and Neurodivergence representation and discussion
-Numerous Bugs, both as pets, and as food.
-Hivemind(s), filling narrative roles other than the Big Bad Evil Guy.
The Audiobook Narrator was excellent. A few, small moments of misjudging a scene (eg. shouts a line that ends with "[character] said, quietly"). Overall performance, though, is of the rare excellence to add to the experience: I quite wonder if listening to the audiobook version might be superior to reading the text version.
I confess, I don't super like the ending: it leaves things unsaid/unfinished, but in an intentional, poignant manner. Seeing as how the book discusses more than a little bit of morality, it could very possibly be a means of letting the readers imagine the ending that they believe most morally/emotionally fitting.
Otherwise, though, I highly enjoyed the book. 10/10.
September 19, 2025
Rushed/short.
The central relationship/people, as little of them as is shown, are extremely similar to that/those in Vigor Mortis.
The ending is far less likely than another prospect that is mentioned but flatly denied.
The central message of the story is absurd, and, I think, is also part of Vigor Mortis' message. That or these are tragedies at their core/end with characters slowly sliding through a rationalisation process into evil. In the end it reminded me of the early books of a practical guide to evil when Cat was just an angry teenager who couldn't see other's perspectives and compensated for that with lies and violence, but given that this is a problem in two of THUNDAMOO!!!!!'s works so far, I can't help but wonder whether it's not the characters intentionally but the author that struggles with perspective. Maybe it's just a lack of knowledge. If this is the only way forward for species, it seems like a Tragedy.
I enjoyed Vigor Mortis much more due to its much greater length and complexity.
This is a good thing to read if you like to play 'spot the obvious literary influences'.
I guess I'm judging harshly because Vigor Mortis was better than I remembered.
You know what annoyed me? This is going to sound weird, but I would have liked more nuts and bolts and biology talk. I would have liked there to be more work involved in her abilities, whether that be having to make more of an effort to learn, or having to finesse certain things. Instead it's just a telepathic interface.
The central relationship/people, as little of them as is shown, are extremely similar to that/those in Vigor Mortis.
The ending is far less likely than another prospect that is mentioned but flatly denied.
The central message of the story is absurd, and, I think, is also part of Vigor Mortis' message. That or these are tragedies at their core/end with characters slowly sliding through a rationalisation process into evil. In the end it reminded me of the early books of a practical guide to evil when Cat was just an angry teenager who couldn't see other's perspectives and compensated for that with lies and violence, but given that this is a problem in two of THUNDAMOO!!!!!'s works so far, I can't help but wonder whether it's not the characters intentionally but the author that struggles with perspective. Maybe it's just a lack of knowledge. If this is the only way forward for species, it seems like a Tragedy.
I enjoyed Vigor Mortis much more due to its much greater length and complexity.
This is a good thing to read if you like to play 'spot the obvious literary influences'.
I guess I'm judging harshly because Vigor Mortis was better than I remembered.
You know what annoyed me? This is going to sound weird, but I would have liked more nuts and bolts and biology talk. I would have liked there to be more work involved in her abilities, whether that be having to make more of an effort to learn, or having to finesse certain things. Instead it's just a telepathic interface.
November 12, 2022
Natalie, fucking /amazing/ piece of work you've done here. It blew me away time and again how you hit so many notes with the character that I personally have: I love hiveminds (Stellaris and Starcraft: Zerg ftw!), I love biology, I love sci-fi, and other hive monster movies/games, I grew up with Star Trek TNG (the ideas you proposed about the Prime Directive are amazing!) and watched every trek, I LOVED your take on hive minds and adaptation with absorbing DNA (kinda like tyranid gene-stealers I suppose?), Isekai is my favorite anime genre! I also use discord too, and I have ADHD! You really hit home for me on so many things brought up, including pop-culture references.
I just cannot begin to state how blown away I am by this novel. I enjoyed the pacing, the jumping perspectives all over the place, the ideas and perspectives you presented.. everything is so inspirational and left me asking questions for my own hive mind isekai novel I'm writing! I just love everything about your novel. Been binge reading it since I bought it.
Thank you, thank you thank you so much for creating such a beautiful piece of art. I've not been disappointed.
I just cannot begin to state how blown away I am by this novel. I enjoyed the pacing, the jumping perspectives all over the place, the ideas and perspectives you presented.. everything is so inspirational and left me asking questions for my own hive mind isekai novel I'm writing! I just love everything about your novel. Been binge reading it since I bought it.
Thank you, thank you thank you so much for creating such a beautiful piece of art. I've not been disappointed.
October 10, 2024
(7.5/10) Having read Bioshifter first, this story feels in some ways like an earlier attempt at the same sort of exercise. More so than Bioshifter, HMGGH feels less of an overarching plot and more of a series of problem solving exercises, both practical and ethical. Which is not to say that's a bad thing - the whole big thought experiment is interesting and thoroughly explored in this space, with plenty of imagination and biological detail added for sci-fi-nerdier readers. But while there is a plot to this story, it is not super clear where it's going throughout, which makes it hard to grasp the intended stakes.
Evelyn is a very endearing main character, especially in the story's stark acceptance of her limitations (another feature in common with Bioshifter). Thundamoo notes in one of her chapter intros that part of what makes this story hard to write is the lack of proper conversation between peers inherent to this plot, and I agree with her, in the sense that I think the story shines brightest in its one genuine relationship, that between Evelyn and Tara. I found myself hanging out for more updates on their story during most of my read.
Evelyn is a very endearing main character, especially in the story's stark acceptance of her limitations (another feature in common with Bioshifter). Thundamoo notes in one of her chapter intros that part of what makes this story hard to write is the lack of proper conversation between peers inherent to this plot, and I agree with her, in the sense that I think the story shines brightest in its one genuine relationship, that between Evelyn and Tara. I found myself hanging out for more updates on their story during most of my read.
November 29, 2024
This book has a slow start but it builds to a really awesome ending. I was so close to giving up during the slow start of Evelyn progressing and learning all the nitty gritty details of the new world, but the writing was good enough to make me trudge through it, all the while hoping I’ll get to the fun stuff soon. And WOW was it worth it.
The two storytelling timelines converged in a way I never expected, and by the end of it, you get romance, politics, philosophy, fantasy/sci-fi—all the best genres in one. It really makes you question the line between helping a society and removing all individual choices/freedom, and I loved how Evelyn and Tara, despite being super different from each other culturally, ended up basically making the same choice—becoming a dictator.
The ending of the book hints at a sequel, but I don’t think the sequel is out yet (or any time soon?). I will definitely pick up the sequel if and when it comes out though. I can’t wait for the further philosophical exploration the sequel will offer—and more on Evelyn’s and Tara’s relationship!!
The two storytelling timelines converged in a way I never expected, and by the end of it, you get romance, politics, philosophy, fantasy/sci-fi—all the best genres in one. It really makes you question the line between helping a society and removing all individual choices/freedom, and I loved how Evelyn and Tara, despite being super different from each other culturally, ended up basically making the same choice—becoming a dictator.
The ending of the book hints at a sequel, but I don’t think the sequel is out yet (or any time soon?). I will definitely pick up the sequel if and when it comes out though. I can’t wait for the further philosophical exploration the sequel will offer—and more on Evelyn’s and Tara’s relationship!!
January 13, 2023
Since I'm also a girl with ADD and panic attacks who played Starcraft and saved megalixirs until after the last boss (where is the end of this sentence going) it's so eerie reading a book like this where the main character has too many things in common with you even though I know ADD does that. You are one of my tribe I suppose. This book is fantastic in ways I'm too Swedish and newly awake to articulate with such few braincells online, I will commence lobbying for it everywhere.
I read a ton of books, like a hundred in a year sometimes and this is one of the best I've ever read. Please keep going, you've got this. I'll help spread the word wherever I can.
Efit: Also, in a game like a year ago I named the one pet Mr. Fluffbubbles. Kinda odd coincidence I just remembered. Well I gotta get back to avoiding my psychology exam (eh test like uni test not like I'm being examined gahh)
I read a ton of books, like a hundred in a year sometimes and this is one of the best I've ever read. Please keep going, you've got this. I'll help spread the word wherever I can.
Efit: Also, in a game like a year ago I named the one pet Mr. Fluffbubbles. Kinda odd coincidence I just remembered. Well I gotta get back to avoiding my psychology exam (eh test like uni test not like I'm being examined gahh)
August 6, 2025
5/5
"With great power comes great responsibility"
This book takes that quote and really pokes at it from every angle. Its light-hearted fun woven between hard questions with no right answers. Its cool science, evolution and interesting bug facts layered on top of conflicting moral imperatives.
I want to gush about this book, but I went into it knowing nothing other than it was written by one of my favorite authors and it would probably be traumatic as heck and I think that was the best way to read it.
If you like bugs, if you like hard hitting questions and weird science facts with healthy slices of trauma, you'll probably like this.
My only complaint was that it ended just a smidge too soon and I really wanted one final scene at the end. I suppose I'll just have to imagine the reunion, but man... I really, really wanted to read it.
"With great power comes great responsibility"
This book takes that quote and really pokes at it from every angle. Its light-hearted fun woven between hard questions with no right answers. Its cool science, evolution and interesting bug facts layered on top of conflicting moral imperatives.
I want to gush about this book, but I went into it knowing nothing other than it was written by one of my favorite authors and it would probably be traumatic as heck and I think that was the best way to read it.
If you like bugs, if you like hard hitting questions and weird science facts with healthy slices of trauma, you'll probably like this.
My only complaint was that it ended just a smidge too soon and I really wanted one final scene at the end. I suppose I'll just have to imagine the reunion, but man... I really, really wanted to read it.
March 30, 2023
This book has a very interesting premise, and some interesting ideas, but I don't think it actually engages with them very well. Most of the book is just interesting fluff standard isekai that runs about the same as any other isekai where the main character is alone. Near the end though it delves into ideas about the fact that while a normal person must accept they can only do things in one place at one time, a hive mind can do a lot more if they decide to. Unfortunately it doesn't evaluate these ideas in any philosophical framework beyond quoting Uncle Ben from Spiderman, who is great, but was talking to Spiderman, not the Borg. Ultimately if you like isekai you'll like this book, if you don't but want to read about a Hive mind you'll like half the book, and if you want something that deals with the moral responsibility of hive minds in society you will be disappointed.
November 4, 2023
The MC and feel of the story has a lot of similarities to Thundamoo's Vigor Mortis--perky MC rather unfazed by the strange new situation she is dumped into, exploring questions of identity and worth of life. Like Vigor Mortis, there was a lot of laughs mixed with a lot of ick's. I liked how the storyline alternated between Evelyn's college times and Evelyn's current existence, making the story into a kind of mystery--how did this all happen? I wasn't satisfied by the ending--less that it felt rushed, and more that it seemed to back itself into a corner where the only way to solve the situation was to go against Evelyn's principles. And then sort of Deus ex-Machina'd it. I would be curious to see where the story goes from here on though.
October 11, 2023
My first thought after seeing the cover: “Hey, that looks unique and possibly good!”
Me after reading the summary: “Wow, I've been wondering about hiveminds. This sounds excellent, I need toread listen to this!”
Conclusion: All of the above holds true. The pacing, worldbuilding and writing is very well done. I especially liked the unique alien cultures and worldviews (does that term still apply to eyeless individuals?)
I'm still reeling from having my mind blown so I can't think of anything to improve about this novel. 5 stars!
Me after reading the summary: “Wow, I've been wondering about hiveminds. This sounds excellent, I need to
Conclusion: All of the above holds true. The pacing, worldbuilding and writing is very well done. I especially liked the unique alien cultures and worldviews (does that term still apply to eyeless individuals?)
I'm still reeling from having my mind blown so I can't think of anything to improve about this novel. 5 stars!
June 11, 2025
First, I need to say I loved this wrighter. I read her other books and loved them. Bioshifter, in particular, is amazing and loved it. this one I wanted to love, and in certain points I did, but the ending. It felt rushed and unfulfilling. for about half the book, I was expecting an emotional payout with the other hive mind, but it was avoided completely, and that is frustrating as a reader.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the Mc she is fun and relatable, but the ending is why I couldn't give the book 5 stars.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the Mc she is fun and relatable, but the ending is why I couldn't give the book 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2023
Thought provoking and fun
I really enjoyed the exploration of a person of a single mind obtaining a hive mind. Author answered several questions I found myself wondering as I read. Emotions, ethics, sensations are all probed. Fun without being silly, provocative without making the suspension of disbelief to challenging.
I think this would be a fun read for a book club. 100% would recommend.
I really enjoyed the exploration of a person of a single mind obtaining a hive mind. Author answered several questions I found myself wondering as I read. Emotions, ethics, sensations are all probed. Fun without being silly, provocative without making the suspension of disbelief to challenging.
I think this would be a fun read for a book club. 100% would recommend.
October 2, 2023
That was an absurd book. I enjoyed it. It has some Sci-Fi elements similar to Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis as well as Dennis Taylor's Bobiverse series, though it's much closer to the Bobiverse series in terms of seriousness and humor.
This was a bit more emotional and tense than Bobiverse but it rarely felt dark to me.
This was a bit more emotional and tense than Bobiverse but it rarely felt dark to me.
June 28, 2024
Questions
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right? If you have immense power, you have the responsibility to use it to make the world a better place, don't you?
This story doesn't answer the questions, but Evelyn does think about them, consider them, and grapple them.
She also needs a hug.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely, right? If you have immense power, you have the responsibility to use it to make the world a better place, don't you?
This story doesn't answer the questions, but Evelyn does think about them, consider them, and grapple them.
She also needs a hug.
October 25, 2022
Holy shit, this freaking book. The utter gutpunches it has! Also the fact that the narrative is all from a neurospicey pov, and so authentically voiced. Jessica Almasy does an amazing job on the audiobook too
April 29, 2023
7/10 The events of the story are somewhat generic/easy to predict, not terribly complex in philosophy or communicated particularly inventively/artistically, but delivered with warmth and pacing that feels comfortable and presents clear imagery and focused ideas.
May 17, 2023
What did I just read?
For real, it warned me pretty early in exactly what to expect, and somehow I took that warning to heart and still found myself surprised and enthralled at every turn. Beautiful book from start to finish.
For real, it warned me pretty early in exactly what to expect, and somehow I took that warning to heart and still found myself surprised and enthralled at every turn. Beautiful book from start to finish.
December 28, 2023
Thundamoo / Natalie Maher has such a unique narrative voice, and I'm here for it... I was speculating alot during this story and it's 2 timelines, and I loved every minute of it...
The end was a bit rushed, but I'm super open to the ending possibility of a sequel someday...
The end was a bit rushed, but I'm super open to the ending possibility of a sequel someday...
April 18, 2024
As someone else pointed out, it's a good book work a weird name. It was very enjoyable, the concept has a solid basis but I could have done without a lot of the soul searching, but hey that's just me, you may still enjoy it. Overall a great read.
September 21, 2022
NoT bad
For the most part not bad. I feel like the last few chapters were rushed but I'm a bit biased on the 1,2 skip a few 99, 100 time jumps. Curious if a sequel is in the works.
For the most part not bad. I feel like the last few chapters were rushed but I'm a bit biased on the 1,2 skip a few 99, 100 time jumps. Curious if a sequel is in the works.
October 12, 2022
Just fucking incredible. Natalie, thankyou for yet another gritty hard truth book, full of feels and struggles for the unlucky enlightened.
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