The Scarab Path by Adrian Tchaikovsky

In a world where different races possess insect-like traits and abilities, the story follows Che, a young woman from the Beetle-kinden, as she embarks on a journey to the ancient city of Khanaphes. Driven by a desire to uncover the secrets of her heritage, she finds herself entangled in a web of political intrigue and ancient magic. As tensions rise between the city's inhabitants and the encroaching Wasp Empire, Che must navigate a landscape of shifting alliances and hidden dangers, discovering unexpected truths about her own identity and the world around her.