World of the Drone

A science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows the protagonist, Dworn, a member of a technologically advanced beetle-like race, as he embarks on a tumultuous journey during a critical transformation from youth to adulthood. Amidst a backdrop of mechanical beings and a harsh desert landscape, Dworn's quest for survival seeks to uncover the fate of his people after they encounter a deadly force, the Drones, threatening their very existence. At the start of the narrative, Dworn is introduced as he wakes from a deep slumber within his armored machine, preparing for a vital replenishment of resources to continue his journey toward a reunion with his beetle horde. As he maneuvers through the treacherous terrain, he quickly encounters peril, including a skirmish with another machine species, the caterpillars, which leads to a thrilling escape. However, upon arriving at their rendezvous point, he is met with devastation—the remains of fellow beetles burned and destroyed amidst the chaos of a sudden attack. The opening sets up a rich and dramatic world filled with unique mechanics and the urgency of Dworn's vengeful mission to confront the forces behind this destruction, punctuated by his personal struggles and the unforeseen alliance he forms with a spider-machine named Qanya.