Hellstrom's Hive

By: Frank Herbert

Narrated by: Scott Brick

America is a police state, and it is about to be threatened by the most hellish enemy in the world: insects.

When the Agency discovered that Dr. Hellstrom's Project 40 was a cover for a secret laboratory, a special team of agents was immediately dispatched to discover its true purpose and its weaknesses - it could not be allowed to continue. What they discovered was a nightmare more horrific and hideous than even their paranoid government minds could devise.

First published in Galaxy magazine in 1973 as "Project 40", Frank Herbert's vivid imagination and brilliant view of nature and ecology have never been more evident than in this classic of science fiction.

©1973 Herbert Properties LLC (P)2008 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A speculative intellect with few rivals in modern SF." ( The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction)
"Brick never ceases to up the ante and terrify his audience." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great story, lame ending

Like other Herbert books I was a bit confused for the first hour or so. I rated this book a five because toward the last few hours of the book I found myself looking for times to listen more of the story beyond my normal work commute listen. Overall an excellent story with great imagination. The book seems to just stop with about as loose ended ending as one could come up with. Herbert was either looking to write another book or was rushed to publish the book. I really wish it would have ended differently.

Intentional divergent human evolution

Frank Herbert’s Hellstrom’s Hive is a sci-fi tale concerning a reclusive group of humans focused on a long-term plan to evolve themselves into a more insect-like species. Hellstrom is the leader of this group that uses the cover of producing insect documentaries. The government has also evolved into a more police state type organization and has uncovered some intel suggesting that Hellstrom is up to something. Several undercover agents have gone missing, but there is much uncertainty as to the intentions of Hellstrom. At the same time, Hellstrom has enlisted some senior level government officials to run interference for him.

Herbert incorporates several insect qualities into the Hellstrom group. Their utilization against the government agents proves an effective offense and defense. At the same time, Hellstrom has trouble controlling his vast numbers of minions. In line with the times (early 70’s), the government is concerned with the development of a superweapon and never seems to comprehend the real threat.

The narration is exceptional with excellent character distinction. Pacing is smooth.

An Old Friend

I first read Helstrom's Hive in college in the early 70s. I re-read it a number of times over the years until I lost track of my copy. I was delighted to find it in the new audio releases.

Herbert tells a fascininating and provocative story about governemnt out of control in conflict with a new societal order. Throughout the fast paced story you are constantly pulled from one end of the story spectrum to the other, not sure who you want to prevail. Both groups are admirable and repellant. Beyond that are the disturbing implications for humanity if Helstrom's society could actually work.

I was a little worried that almost 40 years would make the story jarringly out of date, but I found that it still works well. Just as I re-read the original over the years, I expect to listen to this audio file again and again.

Riveting

Great story. I got it free from Audible, and it’s worth the time for a listen.

Good, not Great.

It’s a good story. There are better dystopian stories out there. I’m not disappointed, but it’s not 1984 either.