cover image The Hive Construct

The Hive Construct

Alexander Maskill. Random/Transworld/Corgi, $14.95 trade paper (368p) ISBN 978-0-552-17038-3

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.)