Androne

Androne, Book 1

By: Dwain Worrell

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Tough but Good. Builds well with unexpected twists

The premise of the book does not seem novel at first, nor does the character-building. But the writing is very smart, and the story (and the main characters) turn out to have complexities that build through the book. I hope there will be a second. Performance is very good as well.

Unexpected Future narrative that builds into a real story.

Not a fan of the narration voice, it didn’t fit the characters very well. Once I got past that the story itself was incredibly interesting and a fun read. I am in got book two.

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!

seriously overwritten

It lacked internal logic, and the 'hero' was unlikeable, self-serving and cowardly for most of the book. I won't get the second in the series.

Nicely written and unique twists and turns.

It does seem at first you have read this story before but then it veers into a completely different direction. A unique mechanized war machine futuristic book. Loved it!

Kept me on edge

Sure a few parts of were cheesy, but the journey was filled with lots of unexpected turns

imaginative and chaotic

a schizophrenic journey through time and confusing reality.. to do the right thing at any time