Hellstrom's Hive

Starred review from June 30, 2008
A classic of modern science fiction, Herbert's tale of insects threatening to destroy the Orwellian state that was once America is a vivid and imaginative tale sure to please longtime fans and newcomers alike. Scott Brick's reading is straightforward, but bears a weighty tone that helps to create a stern, almost sedated atmosphere. Once the insects invade, however, Brick never ceases to up the ante and terrify his audience. The characters are rich and wonderfully realized; Dr. Hellstrom himself is exceptionally interpreted. Although written in 1973, Herbert's chilling tale still holds firm and Brick is aware of this. While overacting would have been easy and possibly even acceptable, Brick's understated reading makes this a fantastic experience. A Tor paperback.

April 1, 2007
Herbert offers up a futuristic look at America as a police state in which Dr. Hellstrom has secretly created a human hive beneath North America. He's breeding a colony of humans who live in an insect society where individual will is suppressed and all work for the good of the collective. The novel won the 1978 Prix Apollo award.

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