In a desolate desert landscape, a young beetle named Dworn awakens from a dreamless sleep, preparing for a significant journey to reunite with his horde after completing his wanderyear. As he navigates the moonlit terrain in his armored machine, he faces the challenges of foraging for fuel and avoiding dangers, including predatory machines. Dworn's instincts lead him to follow the trail of a caterpillar, hoping to find supplies. However, he encounters a rival machine, leading to a tense confrontation that tests his skills as a warrior. After successfully refueling, Dworn races toward the Barrier, the traditional endpoint of the beetle migration. However, upon arrival, he discovers a scene of devastation: his fellow beetles have been attacked, and among the wreckage, he finds the emblem of his father, Yold, the chief of the horde. This revelation ignites a fierce desire for revenge against the unknown enemy responsible for the slaughter. As Dworn seeks to understand the nature of the attackers, he witnesses the arrival of scavenger machines and a new breed of flying machines, which he learns are called drones. These drones, remnants of an ancient evil, threaten all life, and Dworn realizes that he must act to protect his people. He encounters a spider machine and its operator, Qanya, who becomes an unexpected ally. Together, they navigate the dangers of the desert and the hive of the drones, ultimately joining forces with other machine races to mount a counterattack. The alliance of various machine species culminates in a fierce battle against the drones, where Dworn's leadership and bravery shine. As the conflict unfolds, the machines work together to thwart the drones' plans, culminating in the destruction of the hive and the prevention of a new swarm. In the aftermath, Dworn and Qanya confront their feelings for one another, challenging the traditional enmities between their races. Ultimately, the story explores themes of identity, unity, and the struggle against a common enemy, as Dworn learns to embrace his role as a leader and a warrior, while also navigating the complexities of love and loyalty in a world fraught with danger. The narrative concludes with a sense of hope for the future, as the surviving machines forge new alliances and confront the challenges that lie ahead.
By Robert Abernathy · First published 2021 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure