Hive Review—A Heartfelt, High-Stakes Time Travel Thriller That Redefines Sci-Fi

Hive is the exhilarating first book in D.L. Orton’s new Madders of Time series, and it wastes no time diving into high-stakes dystopian sci-fi. Set in a world on the brink of total collapse, Orton delivers a deeply human story packed with time travel, moral quandaries, government conspiracies, and the emotional weight of trying to undo the inevitable.

At a Glance

The Setup: A World on the Edge

The novel opens with Diego and Isa—seemingly the last two people alive in Eden-17, a glass-domed refuge where the wealthy once took shelter as the Earth succumbed to ruin. But now, even the dome is dying. With Isa’s health rapidly declining and their AI companion Madders growing desperate, they hatch a last-ditch plan: send Diego back in time to try and change everything.

Diego, haunted by loss and the certainty of failure, initially refuses. But love has a way of changing minds—and saving worlds. His decision to step back into the past sets off a gripping story full of heart-pounding action, tender character moments, and razor-sharp philosophical questions.

The Mission: Rewrite the Future

At its core, Hive follows older Diego on an impossible mission: undo humanity’s self-destruction and ensure his children’s survival. The stakes are monumental, but Orton never loses sight of the emotional toll this kind of burden takes. What does it mean to keep trying after you've already failed? How much of the past can you touch before you destroy your future?

These aren’t just sci-fi hypotheticals; they’re deeply personal questions that shape Diego’s journey. Along the way, you meet a colorful supporting cast who adds humor and humanity to the narrative. Matthew Hudson and Sam, in particular, provide levity through their banter and bring a sense of grounded charm to the otherwise high-concept story.

Science Meets Soul

Though Hive is packed with scientific jargon (black holes, wormholes, alternate timelines, AI) it’s quite accessible. Orton’s writing walks a fine line between technical and digestible, ensuring that even readers without a science background can follow the logic without getting lost. The science enhances the tension rather than overwhelms the narrative.

But what truly makes this story resonate is the emotional core. This isn’t just about saving the Earth—it’s about love, loss, legacy, and the desperation to protect the people who matter most. The emotional beats are every bit as strong as the futuristic elements, and it’s that balance that makes Hive stand out.

What to Expect:

🌀 Time travel

🧬 Government secrets & black ops

🌌 Black holes, wormholes, & alternate timelines

💔 High emotional stakes

🧠 Philosophical depth

📚 Fast-paced storytelling with rich world-building

💬 Witty banter and strong character dynamics

Final Thoughts

Hive is a smart, thrilling, and emotionally layered start to what promises to be a standout sci-fi series. D.L. Orton has crafted a story that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally gripping. Whether you come for the time travel, the existential dilemmas, or the found-family moments, this book will pull you in from page one and won’t let go. If I have to complain about something, it would be the curse words. But that's a me thing.

Fans of fast-paced, heartwarming dystopian fiction with a dash of humor and science will love Hive. And with a few lingering questions left tantalizingly unanswered, you’ll be eagerly awaiting book two the moment you finish.