The Ants of Fire

By: Jack Borden
Publisher: Creekland Press
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
ISBN: 978-1959823056
Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki
Review Date: October 24, 2024

Young readers will dote on Jack Borden's latest volume, The Ants of Fire, leaving an enduring impact on them long after reading.

The Ants of Fire is a timely and thoughtful tour de force that follows Avelyn and Killian Lorcan, two tixies, a rare race of tiny beings thought by some to be deformed bees, who lived in the forest along with other wood animals. The last few days had been eventful for them after saving their father, a skilled blacksmith, from an ancient three-eyed monster bird. They had later traversed the forest alone, almost dying in the hands of one of their own and a cruel snake. Now, with evil never truly absent and danger lurking everywhere, the two brave tixies were filled with a mix of anxiety and excitement at what the future held for them and their friends.

Fate throws their lives and those of their parents into turmoil and great danger again when an old enemy, presumed dead, resurfaces, this time with an army of fire-breathing marauding black ants. An onslaught ensues as the destructive ants engage in a wicked attack, endangering the homes and lives of all the animals living in the forest habitat. They are faced with the choice of forgetting their feuds and unifying in the face of a common enemy or dying in extinction. Little Avelyn and Killian, along with their family's lives, are thrown into more chaos when their home is destroyed in the mayhem, which leaves them wondering whether they will survive and live to see another day.

A worthy page-turner, The Ants of Fire is not to be missed. Remarkable anthropomorphism and rich world-building are Borden's major strengths, the result being a psychologically appealing narrative that even an attention-wandering child will find hard to put down. The characters are multi-faceted, some bound to be familiar, like Croaky, the frog, and Frederico, the woodpecker. Others are filled with an air of mysticism, forcing the book's target audience to step out of their primary world and into a world of their imagination. Together, these well-hewn characters offer children a safe space to delve into complex and universal themes comfortably.

The author pulls off the neat hat trick of passing an imminently powerful message that ultimately, good overcomes evil. Further, it encourages cooperation, valor, resilience, and even showing uncommon neighborliness towards others. A powerful educational tool, this rich work is filled with stunning illustrations and fitting dialogue that enhance the reading experience. It will enthrall children and adults alike, and is a great addition to its series, one that mirrors society both in its flaws and virtues.

Quill says: The Ants of Fire by Jack Borden is a compelling tale that will shape the landscape of children's literature, thanks to its astute storytelling and graceful prose.

For more information on The Ants of Fire, please visit the author's website at: www.jack-borden.com

Author Interview