This is an unusual, extremely clever and well-researched piece. Paull's bees are not humanoid, bee-inspired creatures: they're actual bees. (Although they do talk, as well as communicating through dance and pheromones.) Bee society, however, is portrayed as a sinister, cult-like place. Flora 717 is born into a low caste, expected to spend her whole life in silence, cleaning the hive for her sisters, but her determination and talent see her destined to play a larger role. There's a lot of fascinating detail, and the bee's eye view of the world is a revelation, but I'll confess I found it slow going in places.