Review: Ants Waking

Ants Waking by R.J. Huneke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ANTS WAKING by R.J. Huneke is a unique, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ dark fantasy tale of identity, loss and discovery. The Massachusetts setting may be familiar to many but Huneke has imbued it with an almost Victorian feel. I think Dickens would have felt right at home walking these streets along with Erica, the main character, as they seek to undo the mistake that caused the death of their best friend before midnight while fighting the Dark and a vengeful god.

While it features a trans character It is not, to my mind, a "trans" story. Rather it is the story of anyone who's had to find their identity, deal with not being accepted for who they are, wrestle with their past, overcome both internal and external obstacles, and find the strength to move forward.

Erica is fascinating - a protagonist with challenges and a surprising strength of character. Someone who is able to do what's needed while recognizing and owning the cost.

The story presents an interesting mythology in the appearance of Lobodomar Devorador, recounted against the backdrop of a city unknowingly falling to the coming of the Dark, with seemingly few beings aware of and able to defend against it. I hope that there will be more stories set in this world and that we learn more about the evil of the old gods that Erica battles.

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Thanks to author R.J. Huneke for providing me with an ARC of ANTS WAKING to review.


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