Androne

Androne, Book 1

By: Dwain Worrell

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

Humanity’s new war is an enigma, with an enemy threat beyond all imagination, in this near-future novel of mind-blowing adventure where the fate of the world rests in the choices of one ordinary soldier.

In one terrifying event called the Ninety-Nine, all major military installations on earth were eviscerated. But by whom? Foreign powers, AIs, ETs? Every conceivable adversary was ruled out. Reeling from massive casualties and amid hundreds of conspiracy theories, humanity creates Andrones: bipedal android drones piloted remotely by soldiers who will never again need to be on the field of battle. Newly minted Androne pilot Sergeant Paxton Arés has now been deployed into a fight against an enemy no one understands or has ever seen.

Passing mostly uneventful days patrolling an unidentified desert, Paxton spends time communicating with his pregnant girlfriend back home and reflecting on his impending fatherhood. But as he is drawn deeper into military camaraderie and begins quickly rising up the ranks on the strength of his father’s military legacy, Paxton starts to question the swirling rumors about the nature of the conflict. What he’s encountered in the shifting dunes—something inexplicable, indomitable—fills him with the fear that whatever is out there is destined to win.

Whether it’s curiosity, ambition, or a newfound paternal instinct, Paxton has a driving need to understand the dangerous truths of this strange, invisible war. And the choices he must make have the power to change everything.

©2023 Dwain Worrell (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Gary Tiedemann's long experience comes through with unique voices and cadences for each character. Jarhead meets All You Need Is Kill in a refreshing look at near-future warfare. A superb recommendation for military sci-fi fans.”—Library Journal (starred review)

“Taut intrigue reels readers into a thrilling yet thoughtful narrative about the futility of war and the cost of doing the right thing, and a clever, quantum twist will please sci-fi fans. Worrell should make a splash with this.”—Publishers Weekly

“Dwain Worrell's Androne straps you into the cockpit at page one and doesn't let go; it's a truly cinematic, character-centered Moebius strip of war, loyalty, and love, with action so good you might forget how to breathe.”—Karen Osborne, author of Architects of Memory

Better than expected

This was my first listen for both the author and the narrator. Being an Amazon prime first read I wasn't expecting much, but it was a surprisingly good performance and story.

I didn't like the protagonist that much till at least 3/4 of the way through, but he had some growing to do. In the end I enjoyed his arc, the twists in the plot, and the blatant opening for a sequel.

Too timey wimey

Too complex of a story. Got lost in the details. Good narration and has potential

Lots of F-bombs in dialog

Lots of f-bombs in dialog so if this bothers you then you are forewarned. While the story is a unique idea and the performance and writing are fine and well executed, I found the story telling to be a bit too juvenile —excessive use of f-bombs indicative— and not very interesting. While the reader had a nice voice, it was too youthful sounding and made me think this was a YA novel —it sounded like a teenager of about 18. And if Im not mistaken, he is supposed to be older in the story. Repeated references to “killing his mother at his birth” were rather hyperbolic and i suppose meant to show the lead character’s wounds/hardship. Overall rather boring with some interesting sections. Not my cup of tea.

Delivers a Compelling Post-Apocalyptic Adventure!

"Androne" mixes post-apocalyptic drama with military sci-fi in a way that's genuinely engaging. It starts off slow, especially with the main character, but give it time, and you'll find yourself getting well immersed and rooting for him. The ending packs a punch and leaves you wanting more, especially if you're a fan of that intense, 'Edge of Tomorrow' vibe. Can't wait to read the next installment. Hoping there'll be a movie adaptation too.

Enjoyable and Engaging

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Narrator did a fantastic job as well. Can't wait to see what the future has in store for us!