Woo Skin - Shop now
$2.99 with 70 percent savings
Print List Price: $9.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Terry Birdgenaw
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Antuna's Story (The Antunite Chronicles Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Terry Birdgenaw (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 119 ratings

Imagine yourself sucked through a wormhole.

Could you thrive on a far-off planet?

Antuna understands her multi-insect colony must work together to flourish.
She knows the secret to survival.

But what happens when evil forces corrupt her world?

Antuna and her unlikely bee, spider, and termite pals face struggles between instinct and intelligence, and altruism versus aggression.

Can diversity triumph over discrimination, and inclusiveness trump segregation?

This is an allegory for modern times, where innocents are attacked by those seeking power,
when the joy of friendship is eclipsed by the horrors of war.

Can Antuna save her friends from impending doom?

Find out now!


Antuna's Story is an award-winning young adult book that appeals to all ages. Here are some of the awards it has won:


** Readers' Favorite International Book Awards - Gold Medal: Young Adult Sci-Fi **

** Firebird International Book Awards - First Prize: New Fiction **

** Entrada Incipere Awards - First Prize: Young Adult Science Fiction (clean) **

** The Wishing Shelf Book Awards - Finalist: Young Adult/Teen Fiction **

** Chanticleer International Book Awards - Top YA Fiction Series & Finalist for Best Genre Fiction Series **


Some words reviewers have used to describe Antuna's Story:

absolutely riveting, accessible, action-packed, adventuresome, amazing, amusing, appealing, astounding, balanced, beautiful, blew-me-away, brilliant, brims with wordplay, captivating, charming, clever metaphor, compelling, creative, daring, definite winner, deep introspection, deft, delightful, descriptive, different, elaborate, elegant, eloquent, emotional, enchanting, endearing characters, engaging, engrossing, enjoyable, entertaining, enthralling, enticing, epic, executed flawlessly, expansive, extraordinary, eye-opening, fantastic, fantasy with heart and depth, far-reaching creation, fascinating, fast-paced, fresh, full-immersion, funny, great characters, great read, gripping, groundbreaking, 100% heartfelt, heart-warming, heart-wrenching, highly-imaginative, hilarious, humorous, immersive, impressive, incredible, ingenious, insightful, inspiring, intellectually stimulating, intricate, intriguing, Kafkaish, keeps you on the edge of your seat, literary gem, loved it, magical, magnetizing, masterful, meaningful, mesmerizing, metaphorical, meticulous, mind-bending, must-read, original, outstanding, novel to savor, pensive, perfect pacing, playful, poignant, powerful punch, praise-worthy, profound, proverbial breath of fresh air, punny, quirky, a rare find, reflective, relatable, resonating, richly portrayed, a romp, rich, satirical, satisfying, significant, skillful, sophisticated, a standout, 10-stars, super-entertaining, surprising, suspenseful, terrific, terrifying, thought-provoking, thorough page-turner, thrilling, thumbs-up, timeless tale, to be savored, treasure trove, touching, tugs at your heartstrings, twists and turns, unexpected ending, unique, uplifting, unusual, versatile, very cool, vibrant, vivid, well-crafted, whimsical, wild, wise, witty, wonderful.

And with comments like soon-to-be a bestseller, one-of-a-kind-read, will have you spellbound, and deserves to be on the shelf with Animal Farm, it's a book worth looking into.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Antunite Chronicles
  2. Print length
    190 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 16, 2022
  5. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  6. File size
    3.8 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 3 books in this series.
This option includes 3 books.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  5. Apocalypse Cow!: chef of darkness
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  8. X (Captain Ruik's Adventure)
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  11. Noah's Quest
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  14. In the Fullness of Tion
    Kindle Edition
    $3.75
  16. Kantara: The Traveler
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  22. DAVID GIDEON
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  29. The Thief: Dark Romantic Thriller
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review


"A GOLD BADGE WINNER - SIMPLY OUTSTANDING!

Birdgenaw combines riveting adventure and masterful world-building in his debut, the first book in The Antunite Chronicles.

When a sudden apocalyptic event transports Antuna, a tiny ant, and a few other species of insects to a far-off planet, survival becomes a priority. There is only one way that the survivors can stay alive: Make a team and work together to find food and shelter. In the face of distrust for other species, it's up to Antuna to bring everyone together and begin the work. Birdgenaw crafts an elaborate apocalyptic tale from a deceptively simple plot. Antuna is a spirited, intelligent, and driven ant whose passion for hard work and helping others makes her a worthy protagonist. Supporting characters are fascinating—beautifully drawn and compelling as they endure loss and pain, hard work and success, bravery and triumph, and terror. Their hard-won victory towards the middle is clearly only a brief respite before they must unite against their formidable enemies.

The pacing is measured, the storyline intriguing, and the desolate Poo-ponic provides the perfect backdrop for an apocalyptic setting. This charming, engrossing tale set in a vividly realized apocalyptic world is a thorough page-turner and will appeal to fans of finely constructed SF stories." - BookView Review
--------------

"ENGROSSING AND ADDICTIVE . . . Unquestionably solid.

Well-crafted prose, deft characterization, and a precise eye for details mark Birdgenaw's debut installment in The Antunite Chronicles series.

A wormhole appears out of nowhere in Earth's atmosphere, transporting several Earth insects to an alien planet, Poo-ponic. Little Antuna, a young ant, finds herself at the brink of death but is saved by a tiny spider Spifry. But that's just the beginning of the problem for Antuna as well as others: Poo-ponic is barren, and it seems nothing grows on it. The insects must unite and come out with a solution if they want to stay alive. Antuna, with her resilience and plucky determination makes for a compelling protagonist. The secondary cast engage readers' sympathies as they struggle with their fears, self-doubts, insecurities, grief, complex motivations, and conflicting agendas. The characters' interpersonal dynamic is rooted in reality, and layer upon layer is added to the story with a deft examination of discrimination, gender roles, solidarity, and colonization.

Beautifully written and meticulously detailed, this thoroughly engrossing SF tale combines insect encyclopedia with unity, resistance, resilience, love, trust, and adventure. A definite winner." - The Prairies Book Review
-----------------------

"WONDERFUL AND ENGAGING!

Birdgenaw's anthropomorphic story is rife with adult and child themes alike, delicately presented.

Antuna's Story tells the tale of a group of prehistoric insects that get inexplicably transported through a violent portal into a habitable world billions of "light-hexs" away from Earth. There, they are confused, and quickly try to organize themselves to maximize survival. Thankfully, many of these insects work together despite being of different types (ants, termites, spiders), but as time goes on and their colonies begin to get more established, friction begins to arise as those in power try to create insular groups within this new world, sparking conflict.

Birdgenaw has done a fantastic job of juxtaposing an intricate, well-written novella about some serious subjects, such as prejudice and idealism, against fun and lighthearted dialogues between equally lovable characters. As one reads it, littered among big words are very silly, childlike ones, such as the names of many of the characters, and even the new planet itself, coined 'Poo-ponic'. This serves to keep it light, and given some of the dark undertones to the story, it is a welcomed reprieve.

Written in a classic manner, with descriptions and world-building just intricate enough to magnetize the reader, but not so much that the story gets lost in between, Antuna's Story is both entertaining and emotional." Editors Weekly Book Review
------------------

"A GREAT READ! Fresh and interesting, a 5-Star Seal Winner.

Antuna's Story: The Antunite Chronicles Book One is a sci-fi novel by Terry Birdgenaw. Set millions of years ago, when dinosaurs walked the Earth and giant sea creatures swam the oceans' depths this story is about the displacement of a few animals to a distant planet and their new life there. But this isn't about the largest or strongest from the animal kingdom trying to survive on a foreign planet; the animals that were teleported are primarily from the insect kingdom. Antuna, an ant, makes new friends moments after the teleportation incident. The unlikely pairing of a spider, termite, ant, and more proves that all manner of insects and arachnids can co-exist on their strange planet. Tensions between groups of the tight-knit community begin to rise, however, as old grudges and instincts resurface. The line between friend and foe blurs and those at the top of the food chain are in for a rude awakening as some species are evolving at alarming rates in both intelligence and cunning. This is Antuna's story, a tale of how these different species came together to build a civilization and how they tore it down.

What a read. At first glance, I thought this would be a mildly entertaining book as it's about insects and I believed that having bugs as the characters would lose its uniqueness and get boring. I was wrong as the characters were written, dare I say, better than characters of the human variety. There's just much more at stake for them and Terry Birdgenaw demonstrated that in their development and his writing. The character Spifry may have proven himself to be trustworthy, but other characters still have their innate fear of the arachnid despite their newfound friendship. The plot also cleverly weaves in the typical behavior of these insects and that made the whole book more immersive and grounded for me. The pacing was just right and I loved how their civilization steadily grew as I read, as opposed to major changes between chapters. The steady pacing really drove home the impact of the book's final acts.

Overall, a great read. It's fresh and interesting. I wholeheartedly recommend Antuna's Story: The Antunite Chronicles Book One to fans of the sci-fi genre." -- Reviewed by Nicholus Schroeder for Readers' Favorite.

From the Author

An interview of the author with BookView Review see:
bookviewreview.com/2022/05/26/bookview-interview-with-author-terry-birdgenaw/

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B1KWFF24
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cyborg Insect Books (May 16, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 190 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1778151604
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 119 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Terry Birdgenaw

Terry Birdgenaw

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

The author, Terry Birdgenaw, is a Metis of Oji-Cree, English, Scottish, Dutch and French-Canadian heritage, whose mother’s first cousin is a long-time lead elder of the Metis Nation of Canada. However, Terry would argue that by moving away from the Oji-Cree territory a few generations ago, his family became assimilated by European Canadian culture. Yet, Terry has long been fascinated by the story of his ancestor, Mistigoose, the indigenous Canadian woman who was the first to welcome a European into his mother’s family line.

Mistigoose was both a tragic figure and an inspiration for this series. Her tragedy was that she drowned herself while distraught over the loss of her first son William, whom her British husband Robert had taken permanently to England. Against her will, the author’s fifth great-grandfather wanted to ensure their son would be eligible to receive a handsome inheritance promised to his heir. Ironically, as British law prohibited Metis from owning property, William never received his rightful inheritance, so his translocation and mother’s death were both in vain.

The translation of Mistigoose, an Oji-Cree word, inspired parts of the story told in The Antunite Chronicles. In English, Mistigoose means little branch or twig. The title character of Antuna’s Story, whose own mother drowned, used a twig in a selfless effort to save her newfound friend Dinomite. The resolution of the second book in the series, The Rise and Fall of Antocracy, also depended on the insectoids’ realization that they needed tiny insects to break down little branches to generate the new soil required to rehabilitate their spent lands.

Visit Terry at:

TerryBirdgenaw.WordPress.com

https://twitter.com/TerryBirdgenaw

https://www.instagram.com/authorterrybirdgenaw/

https://www.facebook.com/TerryBirdgenawWriter

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
119 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a captivating thought-provoking sci-fi adventure with imaginative world-building and a unique premise. The writing style is minimalistic and easy to read, while the character development is excellent. Moreover, customers appreciate the book's deeper messages about cooperation and humanity, with one review noting how it seamlessly blends entertainment with deeper themes. Additionally, the book is suitable for young readers, making it a parent-child read-along.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

28 customers mention "Storytelling style"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling style of the book, describing it as a captivating and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure that is relatable.

"...It would also work with the parent reading the entire story – I suggest including parents because most of the puns and jokes will go over a child’s..." Read more

"Antuna's Story is a captivating and imaginative journey that combines science fiction, survival, and social commentary in a brilliantly crafted tale...." Read more

"...The poetic preludes before each chapter (shoutout to “Antspeare”) were a quirky touch I didn’t know I needed—they added a Shakespearean flair to the..." Read more

"...The story opens with insight into their community, their challenges and successes, along with how they navigate interactions with differing species..." Read more

21 customers mention "Enjoyment"21 positive0 negative

Customers find the book captivating and super entertaining, with one customer noting how it seamlessly blends entertainment with deeper themes, while another appreciates it as a refreshing detour from typical spaceship battles.

"...It deserves a spot on the shelf with Animal Farm. It’s sweeter. It’s simpler...." Read more

"Antuna's Story is a captivating and imaginative journey that combines science fiction, survival, and social commentary in a brilliantly crafted tale...." Read more

"...Turns out, this was a refreshing detour from my usual spaceship battles, blending strategy, heart, and a surprisingly deep bug society...." Read more

"...of these insect beings, the story is filled with humor, heart, and a surprising depth of philosophical exploration...." Read more

20 customers mention "Message"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's messages, with reviews highlighting its thought-provoking content, philosophical depth, and exploration of social dynamics, while one customer notes how it serves as a clever metaphor for the human situation.

"...It reads something like a children’s book, but it too, has warnings to impart. Teachers – both official, and not – take a look." Read more

"...a captivating and imaginative journey that combines science fiction, survival, and social commentary in a brilliantly crafted tale...." Read more

"...challenges and successes, along with how they navigate interactions with differing species of insects. Antuna’s Story gave me this new perspective...." Read more

"...meaningful messages about resilience, cooperation, and the dangers of ignorance, while adults can appreciate the satirical lens on societal issues...." Read more

19 customers mention "Creativity"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's creativity, praising its imaginative world-building and unique premise, with one customer noting how it cleverly weaves lighthearted moments with serious themes.

"...This is a very charming notion – and I have to say, that when the author gets this right – it’s funny, and when the author gets this wrong -- it’s..." Read more

"Antuna's Story is a captivating and imaginative journey that combines science fiction, survival, and social commentary in a brilliantly crafted tale...." Read more

"...The world-building here is wildly creative...." Read more

"...It is a smart, clever novel told with innovative narratives including a mock podcast interview occurring in a future time and place...." Read more

13 customers mention "Writing style"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it easy to read with minimal frills, and one customer notes its flawless editing.

"...The characters are sweet, and presented simply: insects with thoughts and emotions, caught in a challenging situation...." Read more

"...Author Terry Birdgenaw writes with sheer beauty — poetic phrases that will make you reevaluate how you see ants and even roaches, or in the future..." Read more

"...ant's trusting kindness, and most characters quipping in small, rhyming aphorisms; in its themes tackled, this is an anti-war book clamoring for..." Read more

"...Once you start, you'd want to finish. The literature is easy to read and understand. Reading on a tab, I appreciate a well formatted book!..." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the outstanding historian and humanologist Narrant.

"...The writing is clear and to the point. The characters are sweet, and presented simply: insects with thoughts and emotions, caught in a challenging..." Read more

"...The character development is excellent, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish...." Read more

"...The story has just the right balance of action, character growth, and deeper themes like loyalty, identity, and the battle between good and evil...." Read more

"...Antuna is an endearing protagonist, even if she's a bit of an Antsy-Sue...." Read more

8 customers mention "Cooperation"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's message about cooperation, with one customer highlighting how teamwork and innovation help new settlers thrive.

"...Cooperation and innovation help the new settlers thrive, and parents and children would delight in reading these scenes to each other as well...." Read more

"...What makes Antuna's Story truly special is its deeper message about cooperation, diversity, and the strength that comes from unity...." Read more

"...It’s got strategy, alien ecosystems, and enough six-legged intrigue to make you forget it’s not about humans...." Read more

"...It is a smart, clever novel told with innovative narratives including a mock podcast interview occurring in a future time and place...." Read more

8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for young adult readers, with one customer noting it's a parent-child read-along, while another describes it as a thought-provoking coming-of-age tale.

"...it seems like a perfect thing to say that this book is ideal for a parent / child read-a-long – where the parent reads some and the child reads some...." Read more

"...While the book is suitable for young adults, it is also a rewarding read for adults who appreciate thought-provoking fiction...." Read more

"...I can see how this would be a cautionary tale and a lesson in compassion for younger readers but would advise parents or guardians to read the book..." Read more

"...by the dinosaur-killer meteor; in its writing style, this is a children's book, with simplistic dialog, conflicts (sometimes) resolved through the..." Read more

Insects, Wormholes, and Wisdom—A Sci-Fi Gem!
5 out of 5 stars
Insects, Wormholes, and Wisdom—A Sci-Fi Gem!
The wildly imaginative Antuna's Story, in which the smallest creatures confront big ideas, takes you into an alien world inhabited by insects transported through a mysterious wormhole onto an alien planet - a premise that captivates from the start. Leave your disbelief at the door. Birdgenaw masterfully anthropomorphizes these insects, blending humor, heart, and satire as they navigate conflicts that mirror human society. The insect society tackles division, power struggles, and the nature of freedom, which offer poignant parallels to human social dynamics. Birdgenaw’s descriptive prowess brought each insect character to life with philosophy, and pop culture references. He cleverly weaves lighthearted moments with serious themes, balancing humor and introspection to create a compelling narrative. The inventive podcast element providing insights into the insect colony was very cool. Full marks for originality, emotion, action, and moral undertones. Young readers will discover meaningful messages about resilience, cooperation, and the dangers of ignorance, while adults can appreciate the satirical lens on societal issues. This unique and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure deserves a solid five-star rating for its creativity, depth, and emotional resonance.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Rik Ty
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching Aid or Parent-Child Read-Along…On The Perils Of War-Mongering
    Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Yes, sorry, but there are spoilers here.

    No doubt, this is an unusual book, so this might be an unusual review. In the book, we are being told the story by the descendants of insects that were pulled to another planet through a wormhole (during the cretaceous period). The descendants inform us that they have studied humans totally, and that they have filled the story they are about to tell us with word play and puns and pop culture references that we are sure to love. This is a very charming notion – and I have to say, that when the author gets this right – it’s funny, and when the author gets this wrong -- it’s still funny (an insect being wrong about a joke you will love is still funny).

    It's going to be hard to truly discuss this book without using spoilers and It will be hard to recommend it without discussing it.

    However, it is very easy to say that this book is 100% heartfelt. The writing is clear and to the point. The characters are sweet, and presented simply: insects with thoughts and emotions, caught in a challenging situation.

    Most children go through a time when they are fascinated by insects: fireflies glowing on summer evenings, ladybugs coming to pay a passing visit, even people who don’t like bugs, like these occurrences, and most kids are interested in more than this. So, at first, it seems like a perfect thing to say that this book is ideal for a parent / child read-a-long – where the parent reads some and the child reads some. It would also work with the parent reading the entire story – I suggest including parents because most of the puns and jokes will go over a child’s head without explanation, and also because most of the scientific terms and ideas related to insect life included in the book, are mentioned in passing, and could be missed if they aren’t discussed – not all, but definitely some (it seems, early in the book, that knowledge about insects is the point of the story (it’s not)).

    In the very beginning of the book, a small patch of woodland eco-system gets pulled from Earth to another world. The other world accepts the small eco-system with no problem, but the transplanted insects have to adjust quickly. In these early days, a group of young insects (2 bees, an ant, a termite, and a spider) become unlikely friends. Parents and children will delight in these scenes (worms, flies, beetles and roaches have also made the trip). Cooperation and innovation help the new settlers thrive, and parents and children would delight in reading these scenes to each other as well.

    But here is where the parent/child read-a-long idea reaches a cut off point. And I am sorry to say, this counts as a spoiler, so if you don’t want to know more, please stop reading.

    Old squabbles between the species re-assert themselves. Perhaps I don’t need to go into more detail except to say that parents and children who read this book together will wind up talking about propaganda, war mongering, deceit, betrayal, racism (species vs species), chauvinism, brain-washing, self-delusion, defeat, martyrdom, and senseless, untimely death. So, I think the pool of parent/child readers actually shrinks quite a bit here. It may not disappear entirely, but if the idea intrigues you, please know going in that this will be a sad book to read with your kids.

    So, what readers does that leave?

    Students? Absolutely. High School, College, Junior High School, and maybe even Elementary School students will find plenty to discuss in this gentle book. It deserves a spot on the shelf with Animal Farm. It’s sweeter. It’s simpler. It reads something like a children’s book, but it too, has warnings to impart.

    Teachers – both official, and not – take a look.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Reviewer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Antuna's Story is a captivating
    Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Antuna's Story is a captivating and imaginative journey that combines science fiction, survival, and social commentary in a brilliantly crafted tale. Terry Birdgenaw creates a fascinating world where Antuna, a young ant, and her insect companions—a bee, spider, and termite—are transported through a wormhole to the alien planet Poo-ponic during the Cretaceous period. Faced with the daunting challenge of survival on an unfamiliar and dangerous world, Antuna and her companions must put aside their natural instincts and interspecies differences to work together.

    What makes Antuna's Story truly special is its deeper message about cooperation, diversity, and the strength that comes from unity. Birdgenaw skillfully uses the dynamics between the insects to reflect real-world challenges, making the story both meaningful and engaging. The character development is excellent, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish. The vivid descriptions of the alien world make it easy to immerse yourself in the story. This book is a perfect blend of adventure and thought-provoking themes. Highly recommended for fans of science fiction and allegorical storytelling!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Drew Harrison
    4.0 out of 5 stars Easy reading, if a bit unconventional
    Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Overall, I found this book to be a very fast read. It's short, to-the-point, and written with minimal frills; you're likely to finish it in a good hexour or two.

    Antuna's Story is one that straddles a few identities.
    In its frame narrative, this is a scifi-adjacent story about insects banished to an alien world by a fluctuation in spacetime caused by the dinosaur-killer meteor; in its writing style, this is a children's book, with simplistic dialog, conflicts (sometimes) resolved through the power of one ant's trusting kindness, and most characters quipping in small, rhyming aphorisms; in its themes tackled, this is an anti-war book clamoring for tolerance and love between groups, but also one that is not afraid to depict some brutality and violence.

    All of those things are great individually. That being said, some of those separate natures above seem to clash with each other. The writing oscillates between the presentation of a children's book in some places and then complex/dark in others--there are brutal scenes of bug violence and death, but then the planet is referred to irreverently as "Poo-ponic" and a character quips something silly. There's some amount of tone whiplash with the pivots--even after finishing it, I still don't quite know who this novel's intended audience is. I think it's a best fit for readers ~12-14, but there's plenty in here that readers that young might find opaque or distressing.

    The plot is largely episodic and almost presented in a way that feels like a series of small parables. There are a few larger threads running behind the narrative, but many of the chapters felt self-contained in their arcs and subject matter (which always makes a story easy to pick up and put down). Developments are fast, but this book is very much "tell, don't show"--for readers who want to be immersed in a storyline, they may find this novel's distant recounting of events dry. It gives the story the feeling of being a recitation of history (which, by its frame narrative, it largely is). Large, story-changing developments happen over the course of a single paragraph as the story's narrator tells you about the way everything suddenly changed. The novel thus evolves very quickly over its page count, but in a way that can almost feel rushed. I wonder if taking this novel as a skeleton and expanding it to an epic many times larger might've made for a more compelling story.

    Those formal contradictions notwithstanding, there's still some good honeydew here stashed in the nest: fun worldbuilding details like the base-six time system and the insects' scent-based emotion tags give the prose a unique, pheromonal flavor. Antuna is an endearing protagonist, even if she's a bit of an Antsy-Sue. The ending acts of the plot are stirring, and the moral lessons behind the book are of course very important ones. I've never really read a book quite like this one.

    I try to always rate books on the sole criterion of how well they succeed in being what they're trying to be. My biggest point of friction with Antuna's Story is thus its own mixed messaging in stylings and audience. Kids might well be distressed by the back half, while adults might be bored with the overly-kiddy front half. It's a recounting of events, but we as the audience don't really get to experience those events--sort of like the difference between watching a movie and having your friend summarize what happened in that movie. I'd give it a 3.5-star rating overall, and I'd still recommend it to kids in the 12-14 reading bracket who are intrigued by the idea of a parable of war told through bugs
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Lemon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Adventure
    Reviewed in Canada on May 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "Antuna's Story" by Terry Birdgenaw is a captivating and thought-provoking sci-fi adventure that will leave you spellbound. The unique premise of insects being transported to an alien planet through a wormhole is expertly woven into a story that's both humorous and profound. The characters are lovable and relatable, with authentic relationships that will tug at your heartstrings.

    The book's exploration of complex themes such as cooperation, diversity, and the dangers of propaganda and war is timely and impactful. The author's ability to balance lighthearted moments with deeper, more serious themes is impressive, making the story feel both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

    While the pacing can be inconsistent at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or overly long, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a unique blend of science fiction and fantasy elements that will appeal to fans of both genres.

    Overall, "Antuna's Story" is a standout in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and thought-provoking read. With its unique premise, lovable characters, and timely themes, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.
    Report
  • Kushbu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exhilarating journey through a fantastical world. 
    Reviewed in India on November 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    "Antuna's Story" takes readers on an exhilarating journey through a fantastical world filled with action, adventure, humor, and a touch of science. Terry Birdgenaw weaves a captivating tale that introduces us to the vibrant and imaginative realm of the Antunite Chronicles.
    Report
  • Andrea Spinosa
    4.0 out of 5 stars Chronicles of insects in another world
    Reviewed in Italy on May 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    “Antuna’s story” was really interesting. The special element is that the story is complemented by additional elements like fictional podcast transcripts and appendices. It was a really nice touch. I was particularly impressed by the fictional podcast.

    "Antuna's story" takes readers on a captivating adventure through the lens of Earth's insects, transported to an alien world. Yes, spoilers lie ahead, but trust me, the journey is worth it.

    At its heart, this book is a delightful blend of whimsy and wisdom. Imagine being regaled with tales by descendants of insects, now inhabitants of another planet, transported through a cretaceous wormhole. Their narrative brims with wordplay, pop culture references, and puns, often inducing chuckles even when the mark is missed. Yet, beneath the humor lies a poignant exploration of themes like acceptance, diversity, and the complexities of societal struggles.

    While some may yearn for deeper character exploration, particularly regarding motivations, it's a minor gripe in the grand scheme of this odyssey. As the first installment in what promises to be a thought-provoking series, "Antuna's story" sets the stage for deeper introspection into insect society and the universal truths it mirrors.

    This book totally deserves 4 full stars.
    Report
  • Gee Ando
    5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating read
    Reviewed in Australia on December 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Antuna's Story by Terry Birdgenaw is a cleverly written young adult fantasy novel which also touches on heavier themes. The reader is introduced to an ant named, Antuna, an ant who is located in an area of prehistoric Earth. Antuna find herself being sucked through a wormhole only to find herself on a different planet when she comes out at the other side. Antuna makes some new chums which consist of a bee, spider and a termite. Together they work towards having a space where all can co exist, but this is not without it's challenges. There are various insect populations with different wants and needs and this causes conflict.

    This is not usually the type of story I would read, however I found myself becoming lost in the pages and enjoyed the author's colourful imagination coupled with the educational aspect of the plot. The author clearly has a great deal of expertise around the insect world and how it relates to the ecosystem.

    The narrative also has themes of exploring and navigating relationships and thus there are subtle morals to the story that younger readers would enjoy and hopefully absorb as life lessons. overall a fascinating read.
    Report
  • CJ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beguiling insectisms
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I read "Antuna's Story" by Terry Birdgenaw in my garden on what is probably the first good weekend of the British year. And just like the story, there were insects buzzing about, doing their thing. This is a joyous narrative, set in a world where insects evolve and establish their society.

    Birdgenaw paints an incredible world created by catastrophe in the last centuries of the dinosaurs' reign. This truly terrifying event rips a fragment of Earth through a wormhole to a distant planet, which over time becomes a safe haven for a variety of insect whose very existence echo the plight of humanity. Here we have a society where different species co-exist (something akin to ‘Planet of the Apes’) and establish a complex society.

    ‘Antuna’s story’ follows a group of young insects (a pair of bees, an ant, a termite and a spider) who have become firm friends. Yet despite their awareness of humanity and all that besets us, they struggle to leave their inter-species squabbles behind.

    Birdgenaw allows his insects to evolve, to become more intelligent and capable, and at the same time mirrors our own evolution. He touches on propaganda and war, deceit and chauvinism, brainwashing and self-delusion, and many other themes not normally presented to the YA reader.

    This is essentially an allegory; a complex book for such a young audience, but Birdgenaw executes it flawlessly. His super-evolved, intelligent insects ultimately develop the tools of war—and conflict is inevitable. But there is also hope, friendship and loyalty despite everything that happens.

    At the heart of the series is the character Antuna, who understands the critical importance of cooperation within her multi-insect colony. As her world becomes threatened by corruption and malevolent influences, Antuna and her unexpected companions confront the struggle between instinct and intelligence, as well as the battle between altruism and aggression.

    Birdgenaw demonstrated his astonishing control of the universe he has built, littered with science, humour, beguiling insectisms in a rich, carefully built world. This enables him to hold a mirror up to our society, and maybe each reader will come out the richer for it. Bravo.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report