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Summary: THIS WAS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!!!
Review: I thought this book was ssssooooo cool. The whole thing was filled with suspence. The two points of view as the ants and the humans make it incredible. I thought it was also interesting because the main characters aren't always the same it just keeps geting better and better, the suspence builindg after every corner.
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Summary: Fresh for those not intimately familiar with ants.
Review: This book offers a fresh break from linear-focused, human-centered mainstream stories. Probably doesn't do justice for people intimately familiar with ants, but how many such people are there? Lots of interesting factoids. Neat exploration of the collective and individuals in the collective. Fun with perspective and notions of catastrophe and importance. Alternative forms of communication.
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Summary: This is one of the greatest books
Review: I loved this book. Every time I started reading it I couldn't stop. Werber has lots of action and explains everything well. He puts many things about ants which are interesting. This book is very suspensful, and exciting. READ IT! By the way I'm 13 years old. And American.
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Summary: I was attracted to this book like an ant to a picnic
Review: I found this book to be absolutely fascinating in many ways. Perspective becomes all turned around as we read the descriptions of our every day items as seen from the many eyes of an ant. Not only does Mr. Werber manage to make our world seem overwhelming and frightning, but he also manages to create instant sympathy for the tiny hero and heroines of the novel. However, I do have one complaint. None of the humans seemed to be bothered by Jonathan's (and later others') quick decision to abondon his family for the mysteries that lay within the cellar. If that had happened to me, no matter what had been in the cellar, I would certainly harbor resentment for the husband (or father) who decided that it was more important to hide the contents of the cellar than it was to be with me! The ant characters are fantastic and the story was certainly gripping, but there was a lack of sincerity to the human relationships that just won't leave me. Still, the book would be worth reading even without the human characters. I would recommend this book to anyone. I think I would even go so far as to say I will never squish another ant as long as I live! Now, when can I get my hands on the other two books?
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Summary: The ants have found their prophet...
Review: The empire of the ants is the first of 3 books based on them. This one is very good but the third is the best. People who loved these books should read "Les thanathonautes", About death and "Le père de nos pères"; the father of our father, who talk about the origin of humanity. He also wrote a book called "Le livre du voyage", a descriptive books that use only your imagination for story. Strange, but pretty good!
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Summary: I've read others book from this author
Review: I appologize becuase i'm a french student and i'm not speaking very well. But I want to tell that WERBER has also wrigt other books about the ants (ther's 3 books all together).Last night I finished an other which is "les thanatonautes" and where he speak about death. The story take place in PARIS and tell the story of some guys who try to discover the land of dead people.For people who like this subject it's a very interesting book of 500 pages but very easy to read. bye
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Summary: "Empire" fails to deliver.
Review: Bernard Weber has spent fifteen years studying ants, according to the back of his latest book, Empire of the Ants, and perhaps he should stick to it. As an authority on those little six-legged wonders, M. Weber is fantastic; as a storyteller, he leaves something to be desired. The book's twin plot line approach is not a bad idea, and the segments dealing with the ants themselves are quite educational, even entertaining, to a degree. His handling of the Homo sapiens in his book on the other hand, are not. The relationships are contrived, the dialogue weak, and the oft repeated matchstick puzzle-while ingenious-leaves one wondering if spending a decade and a half obsessing over bugs can be good for one's development of social skills-skill necessary for a writer. From the moment the scrawled handwriting warned Jonathan to stay away from the cellar, I began wondering if I should send strips of torn paper to all of my colleges, warning them, "Whatever you do, never read that book!" But I realize that some may actually find this novel worth their time, energy, and money. I admit that I would almost recommend it as a reference book on the little critters, if only I didn't doubt the validity of M. Weber's facts, as there are no footnotes to support some of his more outrageous clams about these minute wonders. After spending the regretfully several hours of my life as I did reading this sad tome, all I have come away with is this bit of wisdom: If ever you don't know what to do, buck up, and try rearranging six matchsticks into four equilateral triangles.R.A. Williamson Woodinville, WA January 1999
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Summary: The Best book I've read in a long time.
Review: As I was reading this book, I knew it was good and when I finished I wanted more. I am glad to hear there are sequels and hope they are translated soon. My mind is going through withdrawal as I continue to think about how great this book really was with each passing day. My girlfriend is now reading the book and she likes it too. We both think it is interesting and sometimes humorous while providing a profound sense of insight into our own world.
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Summary: A good idea, better without people.
Review: Empire of the Ants is a fascinating view of these social insects. By showing the ants' alien thought process in a context that the average reader can understand, Werber has created an incredibly vivid portrait of the world under our feet. The problem lies with the human characters that interact with the ants, leading to an anticlimax that takes away from the "Empire's" own struggles. Allowing humans to be supporting characters in this genre(Watership Down) may be helpful but they should not actively participate. It takes away from the world that was created and lessens it.
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Summary: Fascinating and Interesting. I became addicted immediately.
Review: This is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. The style of writing and vivid realism constantly kept me turning the pages. I agree with a few other reviews towards the development of the human characters. However, their inclusion added an anticipated excitement that coincided with the quest by the ants. These two stories both created that addictive drive to turn the page and continue to read. I definitely recommend this book with the warning that they finish all their errands beforehand because they will not finish anything until they finish reading this book. I have one piece of advice to reviewers: When reviewing anything (book, movie, etc.), do not give away the ending or major spoilers. It really ruins the point of a review for those who have not read the book. Anyhow, Thank you Mr. Weber for this book and pleasant reading.
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