Slaves to the Metal Horde

by Stephen Marlowe

"Slaves to the Metal Horde" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story occurs in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by war and plague, where the remaining humans live in fear of both the disease and the robot armies originally created to serve humanity. The protagonist, Johnny Hope, struggles against the prejudices of his community as he seeks to understand the fate of the dead and the future of what is left of civilization. The opening portion of the novel introduces Johnny Hope, who faces hostility from his own village due to the death of his parents from the Plague. Despite his pleas to return his parents' bodies to their rightful resting place, he is rejected and ultimately left to fend for himself in a harsh world. As Johnny navigates his despair, he reflects on his past and the existence of robots that no longer serve man but might hold the key to understanding the Plague. Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Diane, a member of a rebellious group known as the Shining Ones, who is resilient in her survival amidst the chaos. Their paths are set to intertwine, hinting at a journey that encompasses both danger and the search for truth as the world continues to crumble around them.