Summary

The novel's narrator, Rachel, lives in an unnamed post-apocalyptic city that is menaced by a large predatory flying bear named Mord. Mord was created by a sinister organization called “the Company” whose headquarters still occupy the city (4). While scavenging for food or other useful items, Rachel comes across a strange object or life form clinging to Mord's fur. It is a dark purple, vase-like creature that smells like the sea. She names the creature Borne.

Rachel brings Borne home to Wick, the friend and lover with whom she lives in a place called the Balcony Cliffs. Wick used to work for the Company, he now manufactures beetles that are capable of altering a person's memory. Wick has a professional rival called “the Magician” (9). He and...