The Hive Construct

by Alexander Maskill

Overview

Situated deep in the Sahara Desert, New Cairo is a city built on technology – from the huge, life-giving solar panels that keep it functioning in a radically changed, resource-scarce world to the artificial implants that have become the answer to all and any of mankind's medical problems.

But it is also a divided city, dominated by a handful of omnipotent corporate dynasties.

And when a devastating new computer virus begins to spread through the poorest districts, shutting down the life-giving implants that enable so many to survive, the city begins to slide into the anarchy of violent class struggle.

Hiding amidst the chaos is Zala Ulora. A gifted hacker and fugitive from justice, she believes she might be able to earn her life back by tracing the virus to its source and destroying it before it destroys the city. Or before the city destroys itself . . .

With its vivid characters, bold ideas and explosive action, The Hive is science fiction at its most exciting, inventive and accessible.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781448171019
Publisher:	Transworld Publishers Limited
Publication date:	09/25/2014
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	352
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Alex Maskill was born in Watford, and grew up both there and in Eastbourne, East Sussex. He's has just completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Leicester and now has a degree in Politics. He hopes to follow this with an MSc in Computer Science.
The Hive Construct is his first novel and won the 2013 Terry Pratchett Prize.

Editorial Reviews

"Here's a talented young writer who not only knows how to tell an exciting story, but a richly rewarding story full of ideas."  —Sir Terry Pratchett

"Ratchets up the tension in fine fashion . . . a genuinely promising debut."  —SFX magazine

EBOOK COMMENTARY

11/09/2015
In this tense futuristic adventure, a genius hacker once framed for murders returns home in order to battle a computer virus and clear her name. The Soucouyant virus shuts down its victims’ bio-augmentation implants, often killing or crippling them. Zala Ulora believes that if she can help stop the virus, she’ll redeem herself and be able to return to her old life in New Cairo, a high-tech city in the Sahara Desert. However, in tracking the virus to its source, she uncovers a deadly secret linked to the city’s most powerful corporation. Her goals bring her into contact with a terrorist organization that has resorted to increasingly drastic actions in an effort to loosen the economic and social strangleholds of New Cairo’s corporations and government. As New Cairo erupts into open rebellion, with fighting in the streets, Zala struggles to stay alive and true to her principles. Debut author Maskill populates the gripping story with a diverse cast and sets it in a richly realized yet claustrophobic world. Unfortunately, some of the nuances are lost in the midst of the chaos and confusion. Multiple perspectives and interwoven narratives provide an epic air. This feels very much like the sequel to an as-yet unwritten adventure, but still packs a punch all on its own. (Jan.)

Publishers Weekly

"Here's a talented young writer who not only knows how to tell an exciting story, but a richly rewarding story full of ideas."  —Sir Terry Pratchett


"Ratchets up the tension in fine fashion . . . a genuinely promising debut."  —SFX magazine


"Maskill delivers an action-packed story with fast-paced urban battle scenes." —Booklist 1/1/2016

From the Publisher