HELLSTROM'S HIVE

A popular type of science fiction story involves the revelation that there are those among us who are not OF us. In Herbert's novel, Hellstrom is a complex society based on the social organization of insects whose members live for hundreds of years as they go about their nefarious business. Scott Brick creates an atmosphere of tension as inquiry into Hellstrom's activities leads to high places but few answers. His projection of both calm and anxiety on the other creates undercurrents throughout the story. His characterizations accentuate the ordinary in the inhabitants of the hive and a hint of the creepy in the governmental officials. Just what agency do they work for anyway? J.E.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]