I stumbled across “The Empire of the Ants” as an audiobook on YouTube and was immediately intrigued. Having previously read and thoroughly enjoyed “The Time Machine”, “The War of the Worlds”, and “The Island of Dr. Moreau”, I had high expectations. H.G. Wells has proven himself to be a master of blending science fiction with philosophical depth and social commentary, so I assumed this short story would be another gem. Unfortunately, it wasn’t.

„This is a science fiction short story that explores the idea of an insect civilization, with ants evolving into a powerful and organized empire. The story follows a man who embarks on a journey to a remote area where he encounters these highly intelligent and aggressive ants, who have built a vast and complex society. As he observes their actions, the man realizes the ants’ growing dominance and the potential threat they pose to humans. The story delves into themes of nature’s hidden power, the limits of human dominance, and the possibility of other species surpassing humans in intelligence and organization. Through this tale, Wells raises questions about humanity’s place in the natural world.“

Blurb

The premise itself is undeniably fascinating: a species of highly intelligent ants begins to pose a serious threat to humanity, and a small group of people becomes entangled in this unsettling discovery. It’s the kind of eerie, high-concept idea that Wells excels at. But while the concept had so much potential, the execution left me cold.

The writing style is very matter-of-fact, more like a journalist’s field report than a story passed down or lived through. Instead of drawing me into the world, the narrative kept me at arm’s length. The story is delivered in a detached, clinical tone that lacks emotional depth or narrative drive. There’s little in the way of plot development, character arcs, or even suspense. Much of what happens is summarized rather than shown, and I never felt like I was truly “there” with the characters.

In fact, I never really connected with any of the characters at all. They felt more like observers than participants, and I found it hard to care about their fates. The story hints at big themes — evolution, human arrogance, the fragility of civilization — but these ideas are never fully explored, at least not in a way that resonated with me.

Instead of building tension or immersing the reader in a vivid world, the story becomes repetitive and vague. There’s more going on in the abstract idea of the story than on the page itself. And while I appreciate a cerebral or understated approach, here it just felt unfinished or undercooked.

Still, I can’t deny the originality of the central idea. There’s something chilling and memorable about the thought of a non-human intelligence rising up in the far corners of the world, unnoticed by most. That idea alone earns it some credit.

In the end, I would rate this story 3 stars, but only just. It’s worth reading for Wells completists or for those interested in early science fiction, but I wouldn’t recommend it as a starting point for his work.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️