Hive is the first in a two-book series. The second book, Rogue is now available.
A. J. Betts has created a claustrophobic world of nine interlocking hexagonal houses where the community lives in a commune-like structured society. In Hayley’s world, there are no words for ‘ocean’ or ‘sky’ or even ’love’, “but that doesn’t mean we didn’t feel it.”
Every member of the community has a role in ensuring that there is enough food and resources for everyone. Hayley is the beekeeper, part of the garden house, which she shares with fifty-five others; this is her ‘family’.
Hayley begins to question not only her world, but her sanity when she hears a drip of water from a ceiling. “Water didn’t drip from a ceiling. Water…came from God. It was God’s gift which filtered down from heaven. Water was precious and sacred.”
Hayley finds an unexpected ally in the son of the judge, who is a member of the council. As he explains to Hayley: “You tend the hive - I tend the night. I fix the dangers, because nothing good comes from fear."
Hive explores many issues regarding society, family and faith. It’s also a gripping and fast-paced read that will appeal to readers of 14+. I would recommend caution for sensitive readers, as there are some confronting moments in the book.