Thank you to NetGalley and Rocky Mountain Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Full disclosure: I had never heard of D.L. Orton nor any of her other books prior to stumbling upon this ARC and being completely intrigued by the summary and cover. After reading it... well, frankly, I think that EVERYONE should have heard of D.L. Orton! This author is a phenomenal writer.

First of all, the premise of this book (and presumably the series) is just really cool. I found it to be a believable future, which I can't often say for time travel books. There are three character POVs that we jump between, and while this is occasionally confusing, I was able to reorient myself within the first few sentences of each new POV. For the first time in a long time, I connected with all three of these main characters, and found myself internally and enthusiastically rooting for some characters and booing others.

Second of all, the writing itself is beautifully done. Descriptions are eloquent and not overly flowery. Dialogue is easy to follow. While I would prefer less cursing (personal taste), I did not feel that the cursing was out of place considering the environment and situations in which these characters found themselves.

I'll admit that I was disappointed to "lose" Madders, a very intriguing character, near the beginning, but the inclusion of log entries connecting the timelines gives me hope that Madders might again become a player later in the series.

Overall I really enjoyed this, and I eagerly await Madders of Time #2!

Content Warnings:
- Terminal illness
- Violence
- Miscarriage
- Cursing
- Alcohol

Let me say right off, I loved this book, and had a hard time putting it down. Shall we look at why?

First off, I’m always intrigued by dystopian time travel stories. But this is a difficult topic to do well, so I always have a certain amount of trepidation in starting these types of books. I needn’t have worried.

So how did the author handle it? She did not bog down the story with made up physics. Instead, it’s told through the experiences of the characters. And she has some really great characters - three very likable viewpoint characters - all scientists - a narcissistic billionaire, a reasonable military man who wants to save the world, and a paranoid government agent.

The chapters switch between the three viewpoint characters, Diego Nadales, Matt Hudson, and Isabel Sanborn. Each chapter is written in first person - my preferred viewpoint to read.

The book begins near end of human time on Earth. There are only two humans - Diego Nadales and Isabel Sanborn - and a AI called Madders, who holds the consciousness of Matt Hudson, left. They decide to send Diego Nadales back in time to see if he can change the timeline. And it is Madders who will watch events unfold to determine if Diego was successful.

Pros

- The viewpoint characters are very likable. It’s easy to become invested in their well being.

- A profound setting: the end of humanity on Earth.

- “May you live in interesting times,” purported to be a curse whose provenance has never been established, is a great description for the events in this book. Terrible for the characters, but a great plot.

- DL Orton is an excellent writer.

Cons

- Maybe I'm quibbling, because this is the first book in a series, but rather than drawing this book to a close, it just seems to stop. I was left feeling rather frustrated. It is why I gave the book a 4.5 rather than a 5.0. (However since you can only provide whole numbers on NetGalley, I will round up to 5.0.)

That said, I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series and plan to add her earlier series to my TBR list. So obviously, I’m not too put off.

Trigger warning: miscarriage

Will I read more of this author? Yes!

Going into “Hive”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve read a couple of D.L. Orton’s books before and remember enjoying them, so I was excited to leap in, and I was not disappointed!

One of the main reasons I absolutely loved “Hive” was the sweet, pure love story that is set in the realistic world Orton has created. Sometimes it’s hard to find a couple like Diego and Isabel in books. These two have made mistakes, but that doesn’t change how they feel about one another and it never had even after so many years of not seeing one another. Even when Isabel becomes hurt and Diego volunteers to help her, he never takes advantage of the situation, and he makes her feel cared for. I also love how pure and honest they are with each other. Nothing hidden, nothing exaggerated; just honesty and love. Reading from both perspectives gives the reader reassurance that their love is true and wholesome.

Within the other chapters, the reader follows Professor Matthew Hudson and I simply adore his character. He’s scientific, knowledgeable, cares for his niece like his own daughter, and has a lovable sense of dry humor. I loved these chapters where we meet other characters (like Sam and Cassie, Matt’s niece) who add not only a level intelligence to the text (so does Isabel!), but also a balance of lightness and severity of the situation they are in. Time travel and wormholes are not a joking matter, but they personalities were so fun and entertaining to read.

The pacing of the plot was excellent. I never found myself bored. I actually was sad to finish reading because I didn’t want to leave Orton’s world. The time travel and the set up to a dystopian world was perfect! The beginning chapter lured me in to what the future would look like and the time travel back to the past was captivating to find out where it all begin.

I simply cannot wait for the next installment of the “Madders of Time” series!

Orton is a talented author with the ability to create characters you care about, a world where every single aspect is well-thought-out and captivating, and themes that are so relatable to our world today that I found it all easy to connect with and wanted more. I will obviously rate “Hive” a 5 out of 5 stars!

My opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (Rocky Mountain Press) for giving me the opportunity to read “Hive”.

Wow. Just wow. I'm honestly not sure what to say. It had comedy, romance and it almost made me shed tears. It made me feel all kinds of emotions.

I'm quite the fan of time-travel and have enjoyed TV series with it as a topic (Timeless and Loki). Hive is the first book I've read that has it as a topic and it definitely won't be the last.

I'm super excited for the next part in this series, Jump, and I have already added the Between Two Evils series to my TBR! I'm curious to read more about Matthew, Isabel and Diego.

I definitely recommend it for people curious about the multiverse, time-travel and changing fate for the good... or bad.

P.S. Could I lend the machine to go to another universe where the second book is already out?

What if you had the power to travel back in time to prevent an unimaginable tragedy—would you get it right the first time? Or would it take multiple attempts to rewrite the outcome? D.L. Orton's Hive (Madders of Time) plunges into the psychological and ethical complexities of time travel, blending sci-fi intrigue with deeply human questions about love, sacrifice, and the cost of second chances.

A Brief Overview of the Plot

At the heart of Hive (Madders of Time) is older Diego, who is tasked with the impossible — traveling back through time to save the world from complete destruction and ensure his children survive. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Diego's mission is far more than just a science fiction quest; it's a harrowing exploration of how far one person is willing to go to change their reality. Alongside Diego's time-bending struggle, there’s an infusion of humor and warmth through the supporting characters, particularly Matthew Hudson, whose quick wit and playful banter with Sam provide much-needed levity in this high-stakes narrative.

Familiar Faces, Changed Dynamics

Following on from Orton’s earlier works, Hive reintroduces familiar figures like Diego and Isabel.
While these two central characters tug at the threads of continuity from the earlier stories, a noticeable shift in their personalities left me reflecting on their growth—or, in Diego’s case, the lack thereof. Diego feels more of a pushover compared to the assertiveness he exhibited in previous installments. Similarly, Isabel has changed into an ‘I am right no matter what. Like it or hit the highway’ person. Maybe these fifteen years with Dave jaded her. I was not a fan of the core changes in Isabel and Diego.

In this edition, Isabel’s life’s work is to create an artificial honeybee, Superdrones. As a person who has owned honeybees in the past, just know this may not be the best idea. I look forward to the future book proving me right. What is that old saying, “Never fool with mother nature”?

That said, Hive introduces a surprisingly delightful new dynamic through Matthew Hudson. His sharp, laugh-out-loud banter with Sam and touching interactions with his niece, Cassie, truly shine as some of the book’s finest moments. Hudson adds a human depth that feels essential against the intense backdrop of time travel and danger.

Key Themes

Orton dives headfirst into the moral dilemmas of time travel. Questions like, "Should you only try once to prevent catastrophe? What happens when things go wrong, and how far is too far?" ripple through the narrative. It’s a poignant and thought-provoking lens through which to view Diego's attempts, particularly when one considers the emotional toll that failure (and retrying) exacts on him.

The human cost of meddling with time is palpable throughout, bringing up debates about responsibility, destiny, and sacrifice. What does it mean to insert yourself into the past repeatedly, knowing the consequences of your actions may ripple far beyond just you?

A New Beginning for the Series

While Hive functions as the launchpad for a new chapter in the Madders of Time series, it carries a sense of nostalgia for returning fans. For newcomers, there are just enough breadcrumbs explaining the backstory, though it’s a richer experience if you’ve read Orton’s earlier books.

The sci-fi elements, though compelling, don’t overshadow the emotional heartbeat of the story. Yes, time travel is central, but it’s the relationships—fractured, humorous, fleeting, and enduring—that anchor the narrative. This balance of technical intrigue and human vulnerability is where Orton truly excels.

Final Thoughts

Hive (Madders of Time) is an ambitious and emotional entry into the time-travel storytelling niche.
The characters of Diego and Isabel frustrated me because I had read the first three previous books. A new reader may love the modern characters where Isabel seemed to know it all (maybe Dave was right about her in that respect) and Diego was just a wimpy, little background character, afraid to say anything to Isabel that would upset her. I miss the old Diego who was the hero. I wanted their future to turn out just a little differently. It was basically the same story.

The dynamic additions of Matthew Hudson and his interactions with Sam, Cassie, and all the other characters in the Colorado military facility fill some of that gap with plenty of Orton’s characteristically funny nicknames for everyone. You know, the names we only say in our head now, because everyone takes themselves so seriously. The humor was much appreciated and kept me coming back for mor.

If you’re a fan of time-travel stories, rich relationships, and probing philosophical questions, this book will tick all those boxes. It sets the stage for bigger things to come (I hope) and leaves just enough unanswered questions that you’ll be eagerly anticipating the next installment.

My biggest question to Orton is where is the old man with the red sneakers when you need him?

Thank you to Netgalley and Rocky Mountain Press for the free copy of the book. All opinions are proudly my own. I was born with that Right.

this was a strong start to the Madders of Time series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. The characters had that element that I expected and was invested in what was going on. DL Orton wrote this well and was glad I was able to go through this story. I'm excited to read more in this series and from DL Orton.

WOW - this book was incredible. From literally the first page, I was sucked in and couldn’t put the book down. DL Orton is an incredibly talented author and I’m definitely going to be reading some of her other books while I wait for the sequel to Hive. The writing style is engaging and evocative and the subtle worldbuilding that permeates the book is some of the best I’ve read recently. The pacing of the book keeps you engaged and the steady building of the stakes - both personal and global - makes every choice the characters make feel like it has weight and importance. Orton also does a great job of giving the reader the necessary scientific background while still maintaining realism - almost every info-dump in the book feels immersive and a part of the natural conversation. The characters feel authentic, and their relationships add emotional weight to a high-stakes story about saving the world.
The one critique I do have is that every single chapter changes the POV between the three main protagonists, which felt a bit jarring and pulled me out of the story a bit. That said, it's a minor critique and this book was certainly a 5/5 read.
If done wrong, alternate timeline stories can get really confusing and messy. This book is a perfect example of how to do it right. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. One thing about time travel books is that sometimes you worry the author hasn't done this before and doesn't know what he/she is doing, but that's not the case with Orton. The intros to each chapter were clever and the shifting POV really helped sell the story. Other than the misquoting of Back to the Future at a couple points (which was hard to tell if that was the author or the character), I don't rally have any complaints. On a side note, I like how the British character was written, with proper slang and everything.

D. L. Orton created a wonderfully detailed world with complex and well-written characters. It had a good plot, and was well written, but I wished for more - more setup and more time with the characters before their lives changed rapidly. I still enjoyed the book at the end of the day and I look forward to reading more from Orton.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rocky Mountain Press and DL Orton for the e-ARC!

Hive blends dystopian survival with time travel, delivering emotional depth through its central characters, Isabel and Diego. While the pacing starts slow, the complex relationships and intriguing sci-fi concepts pick up momentum, making it a solid read for fans of character-driven, high-stakes fiction.

Review of Hive: Madders of Time - Book 1 by DL Orton

My thanks to Rocky Mountain Press for the ARC.

I am a new reader of Orton’s sci-fi adventures in time travel. Evidently, there is a previous time-travel trilogy by Ms. Orton (Between Two Evils) involving the same main characters as this novel (the first of another trilogy), Isabel and Diego. In the Preface, Ms. Orton makes it clear that being new to her “world” will not be a problem…and it wasn’t.

I do like science fiction, but I am rather picky about which sci-fi authors I read. Also, full disclosure, I prefer reading murder mysteries and historical fiction novels with the occasional science fiction novel dropped into the mix when I need a change of pace, world, time, etc. I do believe that it takes a different kind of reading for science fiction, and I like that change of pace. I am happy to say that after reading Hive, I have added Ms. Orton to my preferred sci-fi authors list.

I also start reading slowly and carefully when reading sci-fi. I never know if the narrative will be filled with technical jargon that I understand better if I read it slowly at first. I really didn’t feel that was necessary as I read the Prologue of Hive…at least not at first. After the Prologue, chapters are called Entry 1, Entry 2, etc. I couldn’t help but hear in my mind a Star Trek captain saying, “Captain’s log Star date…” as I began each “chapter.” Honestly, it took me about halfway through the book to get a grasp of the beginning of each Entry before the chapter narrative began. Once I did understand the intro to each Entry, I realized that the intro sort of grounds the chapter. The intros ARE helpful.

As with all books with good stories, I found myself reading faster and faster. I loved the story. I loved all of the characters…even the ridiculous government officials and the “bad guys.” It looks like book 2 in this trilogy is coming out November 2025. I can’t wait!

I was originally drawn to this book due to the beautiful cover and the time-travel element. What I didn't expect was the light "second-chance romance" trope and all the jokes/puns. If you are in the mood for a cozy, dystopian rom-sci-fi novel about time-travel, then it makes sense to give Hive a try.

Even though the characters are quite stereotypical, I did get attached to Diego, Isabel, and Madders. And while they did distract from the story, the jokes and puns were funny at times.

For those that don't take their dystopian futures too seriously and want something more light-hearted, Hive is a fun distraction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Rocky Mountain Press for a digital ARC in return for my honest review.

Hive covers—what else is new—the end of Earth and humanity is heading towards another apocalyptic future. In this case, three protagonists from the future (and alternate universe), try one last time to alter the timelines leading up to the end of humanity by sending back—get this—a sweat sock and a pink post-it note through a destructive manmade “meteor” that sets fire to multiple city blocks. Guess that’s one way to make sure your message gets noticed!! Through a series of clues, three scientists work on three projects to help create an alternate reality where humanity survives. But are we worth it? I guess that’s a question for another time.

The novel has a light touch to it, while definitely bringing up hard science topics around quantum entanglement, singularity and wormholes. It also is good at referencing key SciFi tropes and novels, which probably most readers will be familiar with—fun! As the first of the series, it focuses quite a bit on the relationships as it sets up the movement towards success, or failure. It covers a lot of romantic and familiar ground more than plot, in many cases. There are good people and evil people (maybe some are both)—to create a mostly entertaining story.

DL Orton recreated a world in which her characters shine bright. Most of her characters were well written and complex. Relatable even if you want to hate them. Except for her military personnel. They felt stereotypical and forced. I enjoyed the plot and the book was well written, I just wished for more. More setup. More time with the characters before their lives changed rapidly. And, sadly, more build up. But, with all of that said, I still loved the book and will continue reading anything from Orton.

One more opinion thing I wish were different…in the Matters logs, the “next day”, “two weeks later” felt clunky and should have been actual dates.

ARGH!!!!!

D.L. Orton wrote a trilogy a few years ago featuring Diego and Isabel which i loved and I had been waiting for the fourth book ever since I finished the third book in 2017. So when I saw this book, even though it seemed to be a completely new series I jumped at the chance to snag an ARC.

I have the memory of a gadfly at the best of times so expecting me to remember anything other than Diego and Isabel's names from nearly eight years ago is laughable. Nevertheless, I found it (relatively) easy to read this book cold. Diego and Isabel are the last living survivors in an Earth biodome, Diego's best friend Dave has recently committed suicide and their other friend Madders is now an AI. Isabel is dying of cancer so she devises a Hail Mary plan to send Diego back in time with the last of the biodome's energy to try to prevent the series of catastrophes which destroyed Earth and eventually led to humanity's almost complete extinction (Diego and Isabel being the last remnants). Hopefully, in time, the biodome's solar panels will recharge and re-activate Madden's Ai.

Given the limitations of sending someone back in time/to an alternate reality and knowing what were the catalysts which led to almost total annihilation, can Diego turn the dial enough to change the future?

Before I wrote my review of this book I reread my review of the third book in the previous series and I think I expressed the fascinating yet confusing time lines very well. Despite my total lack of understanding of physics (my teacher actually had tears in her eyes when she found out I had passed my 'o' level) or the science of this series I loved every second and was so disappointed when it ended.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

4.5 / 5

Had such a fun time reading this book, and was rooting for / invested in each of the characters POV’s. There were plenty of times that I was laughing out loud, and stressed out for Madders, Diego and Isabel. I’m curious to see how big of an impact the bees will have in the next book especially the way this one ended. There are still a few questions left unanswered but I guess I will have to pick up the next book when it comes out. The book itself started out slow, but picked up pretty quickly and each chapter kept the plot progressing forward and ramped up nicely at the end. Any level of sci-fi reader could enjoy this, I just wish some of the plans that the scientists were working on were explained a little more at the end, but that didn’t hinder my reading enjoyment.
Has elements of time travel, government secrets, black holes / wormholes and different timelines.
Trigger warnings: miscarriages

Thank you to NetGally and Rocky Mountain Press for this ARC.

This was a good first book in a series. At first, I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book because time travel books are so hit or miss. I can't say that I'm a fan of where it ended! I don't like big, unpleasant cliffhangers in a series unless I can get right to book two. That said, I found the characters engaging, the world-building interesting, and the writing flowed well. I think it's worth a read.

We have time travel, the multiverse, a romance that spans decades, and an evil billionaire who is trying to conquer the world with his technology. There is something in this sci-fi novel for everyone, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The couple at the center of the plot finds themselves in dire circumstances, trapped in an biosphere-like structure with a snappy AI companion that is part HAL, part Hitchhiker's Marvin, only in much better moods. There are cameo references to that and other seminal sci-fi works to further delight readers. I won't tell you how it ends, but the couple's journey through multiple universes and space time is interesting, and delightful Highly recommended.

Hive by D.L. Orton is an engaging and thought-provoking dystopian tale that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story combines a unique premise with intriguing worldbuilding, creating a setting that feels both eerie and believable.

The protagonist's journey is compelling, and I enjoyed watching them navigate the challenges of their environment while wrestling with questions about morality, survival, and the consequences of human choices. The emotional stakes are high, and the writing does a great job of drawing you into the character's struggles and triumphs.

The pacing is well-handled for the most part, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the story moving. That said, there were a few moments where I felt the narrative could have delved deeper into certain aspects of the world or character backstories to add even more depth.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to make the reader reflect on the parallels between its fictional dystopia and real-world issues, making it a story that lingers in your mind long after you finish.

Overall, Hive is a gripping and imaginative read that will appeal to fans of dystopian fiction and speculative stories.

I love this book! I am glad to hear it is going to be followed up with a series. I really love a good multiverse story and this one was great, I recommend it!!! I am excited for the rest of the books to come out!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!