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The Illustrated Prophets of the Ghost Ants: Part One, The Roach Boy
Part One, THE ROACH BOY of the acclaimed science-fiction/fantasy novel PROPHETS OF THE GHOST ANTS has been illustrated as a Kindle e-book by the award winning artist MOZCHOPS. Includes a total of sixteen extraordinary color illustrations and a very beautiful map.
To see a sample of more illustrations, please check out our website: http://prophetsoftheghostants.com/
The Story: The setting is Earth of the far-flung future, when all traces of our civilization have long vanished. The catastrophes of distant ages -- natural and man-made -- have passed into legend and mysticism. And yet ... the world is no utopia. Technology is unknown. The animal kingdom as we know it is extinct. Birds, reptiles, mammals -- all lost to endless, unforgiving cycles of planetary death and rebirth.
Humankind has clung stubbornly to existence -- thanks to a perverse turn of Evolution. For as the weary planet became inexorably depleted, our species adapted by growing smaller with every passing eon, until at last we stood in parity with the only other “higher” species to survive -- insects. And just as our current society has domesticated animals to sustain ourselves, the human societies of this future have yoked insects to their service. Food, weapons, clothing, art -- even the most sacred religious beliefs -- are derived from Humankind’s profound intertwining with the once-lowly insect world.
In this savage landscape, men cannot hope to dominate. Ceaselessly and viciously, humans are stalked by Night Wasps, Lair Spiders, and Grass Roaches. And men are still men. Corrupt elites ruthlessly enforce a rigid caste system over a debased and ignorant populace. Duplicitous clergymen and power-mongering Royalty wage pointless wars for their own glory. Fantasies of a better life, a better world, serve only to torment those who dare to dream. One so cursed is a half-breed slave named Anand, a dung-collector of the midden caste who, against all possibility, rises above hopelessness to lead his people against a genocidal army of men who fight atop fearsome, translucent Ghost Ants. And to his horror, Anand finds that this merciless enemy is led by someone from his own family ... a religious zealot bent on the conversion of all non-believers ... or their extermination.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Mind blowingly beautiful illustrations ... I'm fascinated by the world building in Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.
"I had my proverbial socks knocked off … extraordinary scope of imagination … it’s a great novel … a classic … a tour-de-force of the imagination … a perfect example of very skillful storytelling, something the field could use more of. The novel never flags, every word counts … It’s got all the sense of wonder that’s missing in science fiction today. I simply could not put this book down." - Paul Cook, Galaxy’s Edge magazine
"BEST OF 2011. Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them.
To see a sample of more illustrations, please check out our website: http://prophetsoftheghostants.com/
The Story: The setting is Earth of the far-flung future, when all traces of our civilization have long vanished. The catastrophes of distant ages -- natural and man-made -- have passed into legend and mysticism. And yet ... the world is no utopia. Technology is unknown. The animal kingdom as we know it is extinct. Birds, reptiles, mammals -- all lost to endless, unforgiving cycles of planetary death and rebirth.
Humankind has clung stubbornly to existence -- thanks to a perverse turn of Evolution. For as the weary planet became inexorably depleted, our species adapted by growing smaller with every passing eon, until at last we stood in parity with the only other “higher” species to survive -- insects. And just as our current society has domesticated animals to sustain ourselves, the human societies of this future have yoked insects to their service. Food, weapons, clothing, art -- even the most sacred religious beliefs -- are derived from Humankind’s profound intertwining with the once-lowly insect world.
In this savage landscape, men cannot hope to dominate. Ceaselessly and viciously, humans are stalked by Night Wasps, Lair Spiders, and Grass Roaches. And men are still men. Corrupt elites ruthlessly enforce a rigid caste system over a debased and ignorant populace. Duplicitous clergymen and power-mongering Royalty wage pointless wars for their own glory. Fantasies of a better life, a better world, serve only to torment those who dare to dream. One so cursed is a half-breed slave named Anand, a dung-collector of the midden caste who, against all possibility, rises above hopelessness to lead his people against a genocidal army of men who fight atop fearsome, translucent Ghost Ants. And to his horror, Anand finds that this merciless enemy is led by someone from his own family ... a religious zealot bent on the conversion of all non-believers ... or their extermination.
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Mind blowingly beautiful illustrations ... I'm fascinated by the world building in Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.
"I had my proverbial socks knocked off … extraordinary scope of imagination … it’s a great novel … a classic … a tour-de-force of the imagination … a perfect example of very skillful storytelling, something the field could use more of. The novel never flags, every word counts … It’s got all the sense of wonder that’s missing in science fiction today. I simply could not put this book down." - Paul Cook, Galaxy’s Edge magazine
"BEST OF 2011. Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2014
3 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Clark Thomas Carlton
6 books117 followersClark T. Carlton is an award winning novelist and playwright and has worked as a journalist, screen and television writer, and as a producer of so-called reality television. He was born in the South, grew up in the East, went to school in the North and lives with his family in the West. As a child he spent hours observing ants and their wars and pondered their similarity to human societies.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 30, 2014
It's often said that a story is "larger than life." Here, by shrinking humans down to one ten thousandth of their current size, that statement is literally true.
The world in this book is gigantic, and so are the (insect) monsters that inhabit it, the human empires that attempt to control it, and the mystery. You learn a lot about the hero, Anand's, home colony, and the neighboring colonies, but can't help but wonder what else is out there, especially considering that the "known world" could be a relatively small place to the reader.
From the very beginning, I liked and empathized with Anand, and even though you know from the description that he will rise from the bottom caste of society to heroically lead his people, you can't help but feel for him and root for him every step of the way. He and the other characters are all believable, and I especially enjoyed the political intrigue between the royals.
If you know something about insect biology, you will be rewarded. For example, I liked how the human caste system tied in to the ant caste systems. But it doesn't get in the way of the story. There's just enough detail to create a complete fantasy world, but no more.
There's some violence in the story, but it's necessary, because this is a story about a harsh world.
The illustrations are beautiful with bright, rich colors, but came out a little small on my phone. So if that's important to you, you might want to view on a larger device.
Something else to note, this version is one part of a much longer book, so you are paying for the illustrations. For the full story, you need the non-illustrated paperback, which I plan to get soon!
The world in this book is gigantic, and so are the (insect) monsters that inhabit it, the human empires that attempt to control it, and the mystery. You learn a lot about the hero, Anand's, home colony, and the neighboring colonies, but can't help but wonder what else is out there, especially considering that the "known world" could be a relatively small place to the reader.
From the very beginning, I liked and empathized with Anand, and even though you know from the description that he will rise from the bottom caste of society to heroically lead his people, you can't help but feel for him and root for him every step of the way. He and the other characters are all believable, and I especially enjoyed the political intrigue between the royals.
If you know something about insect biology, you will be rewarded. For example, I liked how the human caste system tied in to the ant caste systems. But it doesn't get in the way of the story. There's just enough detail to create a complete fantasy world, but no more.
There's some violence in the story, but it's necessary, because this is a story about a harsh world.
The illustrations are beautiful with bright, rich colors, but came out a little small on my phone. So if that's important to you, you might want to view on a larger device.
Something else to note, this version is one part of a much longer book, so you are paying for the illustrations. For the full story, you need the non-illustrated paperback, which I plan to get soon!
got-it-unread
December 12, 2014I just bought myself a copy of this, excited to delve into it! The book has so many incredible opportunities for visuals that seeing them brought to life by an artist is going to be fascinating.
I think I'll save it for a rainy day, because I know I'll like it.
..............
Okay, I lied. I couldn't wait. I never reread anything unless it's been fifteen years since I read and loved the original, so I didn't read... I just jumped straight into the pictures! Wow, they are bee-yoo-tiful.
I'd love to see this in print, but really enjoyed looking at the images on Kindle and zooming in on some areas. I didn't catch the illustrators name (at the moment it isn't showing on the book page)... ok, it's uh, Mozchops.
Well, Mozchops of the bizarre name name, I give you props for your illustration skills!
These illustrations and the story go wonderfully together.
I think I'll save it for a rainy day, because I know I'll like it.
..............
Okay, I lied. I couldn't wait. I never reread anything unless it's been fifteen years since I read and loved the original, so I didn't read... I just jumped straight into the pictures! Wow, they are bee-yoo-tiful.
I'd love to see this in print, but really enjoyed looking at the images on Kindle and zooming in on some areas. I didn't catch the illustrators name (at the moment it isn't showing on the book page)... ok, it's uh, Mozchops.
Well, Mozchops of the bizarre name name, I give you props for your illustration skills!
These illustrations and the story go wonderfully together.
November 15, 2014
"I had my proverbial socks knocked off … extraordinary scope of imagination … it’s a great novel, a classic … a tour-de-force of the imagination … a perfect example of very skillful storytelling, something the field could use more of. The novel never flags, every word counts. It’s got all the sense of wonder that’s missing in science fiction today. I simply could not put this book down." - Paul Cook, Galaxy’s Edge Magazine
"BEST OF 2011. Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews.
"I'm fascinated by the world building of Clark T. Carlton's Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.com
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them." Aaron Pound, Dreaming of Other Worlds
"Readers who dare enter the realm of Prophets of the Ghost Ants should be prepared to be carried off, as if by a giant swarm of locusts, to a world of epic fantasy that rivals Lord of the Rings and is on par with the likes of Dune or Watership Down ... You’ll be wishing for the quick release of a second book in what promises to be a trilogy." - Ken Korczak, Best eBook Reviews
"BEST OF 2011. Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews.
"I'm fascinated by the world building of Clark T. Carlton's Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.com
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them." Aaron Pound, Dreaming of Other Worlds
"Readers who dare enter the realm of Prophets of the Ghost Ants should be prepared to be carried off, as if by a giant swarm of locusts, to a world of epic fantasy that rivals Lord of the Rings and is on par with the likes of Dune or Watership Down ... You’ll be wishing for the quick release of a second book in what promises to be a trilogy." - Ken Korczak, Best eBook Reviews
May 7, 2015
I bought this book as I was intrigued by the word 'fully illustrated in the title and wanted to see how that worked. I was not disappointed.
Earth was destroyed and only the insects, and humans the size of insects remain. Clark Thomas Carlton creates a most impressive alternative future where to survive the human race has evolved to be smaller than ants. In fact they live amongst the insects.
With impressive knowledge and insights into the world of insects, Carlton creates a world where you dowse yourself in scent so the guards do not kill you, the lower casts spend their time collecting dung, which the upper class lounge around of silken cushions being fed nectar and honey. We follow the story of one low born boy a half-breed slave named Anand, a dung-collector of the midden caste and his ambition to escape his lot and join the higher orders.
I liked this book. I thought the premise was totally unique, and the illustrations superb. Recommended.
With its mind-blowing imaginative world view, and breath taking adventure this is definitely a must read.
Earth was destroyed and only the insects, and humans the size of insects remain. Clark Thomas Carlton creates a most impressive alternative future where to survive the human race has evolved to be smaller than ants. In fact they live amongst the insects.
With impressive knowledge and insights into the world of insects, Carlton creates a world where you dowse yourself in scent so the guards do not kill you, the lower casts spend their time collecting dung, which the upper class lounge around of silken cushions being fed nectar and honey. We follow the story of one low born boy a half-breed slave named Anand, a dung-collector of the midden caste and his ambition to escape his lot and join the higher orders.
I liked this book. I thought the premise was totally unique, and the illustrations superb. Recommended.
With its mind-blowing imaginative world view, and breath taking adventure this is definitely a must read.
December 22, 2014
It is my absolute pleasure to announce the release of The Illustrated Prophets of the Ghost Ants, Part One - The Roach Boy. The book for Kindle features sixteen digital color paintings and a map by the award winning artist Mozchops whose work joins him to the ranks of Gustav Dore, Maxfield Parrish and James Gurney. I hope you enjoy these extraordinary illustrations as much as I do.
- Clark Thomas Carlton
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Mind blowingly beautiful illustrations ... I'm fascinated by the world building of Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.com
"I had my proverbial socks knocked off … extraordinary scope of imagination … it’s a great novel, a classic … a tour-de-force of the imagination … a perfect example of very skillful storytelling, something the field could use more of. The novel never flags, every word counts. It’s got all the sense of wonder that’s missing in science fiction today. I simply could not put this book down." - Paul Cook, Galaxy’s Edge
"Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews. BEST OF 2011
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them." - Aaron Pound, Dreaming of Other Worlds
"Readers who dare enter the realm of Prophets of the Ghost Ants should be prepared to be carried off, as if by a giant swarm of locusts, to a world of epic fantasy that rivals Lord of the Rings and is on par with the likes of Dune or Watership Down ... You’ll be wishing for the quick release of a second book in what promises to be a trilogy." - Ken Korczak, Best eBook Reviews
- Clark Thomas Carlton
EDITORIAL REVIEWS
"Mind blowingly beautiful illustrations ... I'm fascinated by the world building of Prophets of the Ghost Ants." - Annalee Newitz, i09.com
"I had my proverbial socks knocked off … extraordinary scope of imagination … it’s a great novel, a classic … a tour-de-force of the imagination … a perfect example of very skillful storytelling, something the field could use more of. The novel never flags, every word counts. It’s got all the sense of wonder that’s missing in science fiction today. I simply could not put this book down." - Paul Cook, Galaxy’s Edge
"Innovative ... intensely memorable ... drama and intelligence ... fascinating ... a gripping read." - Perry Crowe, Kirkus Reviews. BEST OF 2011
"An engaging piece of fiction built upon an imaginative idea. Even though everything takes place on a very small scale, the scope of the conflict remains epic and the nature of the conflict remains quintessentially human. The book has so much packed into it - from an exploration of class divisions, to the religious hypocrisy of the ruling and priestly classes, to the causes of religiously driven wars, to a coming-of-age story for Anand - that any reader will almost certainly find multiple levels of material in it to interest them." - Aaron Pound, Dreaming of Other Worlds
"Readers who dare enter the realm of Prophets of the Ghost Ants should be prepared to be carried off, as if by a giant swarm of locusts, to a world of epic fantasy that rivals Lord of the Rings and is on par with the likes of Dune or Watership Down ... You’ll be wishing for the quick release of a second book in what promises to be a trilogy." - Ken Korczak, Best eBook Reviews
December 25, 2015
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me to read it!
I thought perhaps this would be over my head, but I found it to be a complex, interesting, different world while being very readable. (I like a bit of mind-bending sci-fi now and again, don't get me wrong.)
This is a world where human beings have evolved to be incredibly tiny, and live in harmony with certain bug species. The human society is a brutal as you might imagine, being so closely aligned with the animal kingdom. It's delightfully gross, too; since they have to live alongside bugs they use them for food, grooming, riding, use their parts for tools, and so on.
The story eventually splits and takes place in three fronts. There are a lot of social issues that compel the characters. Some are outcasts and some are royalty that have to strike out on their own.
I began this book without really knowing what it was and left disappointed that it was so short. I ended up really enjoying it! At around 111 pages (erm, e-pages, since I read a digital edition), I felt that perhaps the publisher could have waited a bit longer and just re-published the entire book with illustrations.
The illustrations are very well-done and interesting, however. They go right along with the various events and moods of the book. I'll probably end up purchasing the illustration-less version just to find out what happens next!
I thought perhaps this would be over my head, but I found it to be a complex, interesting, different world while being very readable. (I like a bit of mind-bending sci-fi now and again, don't get me wrong.)
This is a world where human beings have evolved to be incredibly tiny, and live in harmony with certain bug species. The human society is a brutal as you might imagine, being so closely aligned with the animal kingdom. It's delightfully gross, too; since they have to live alongside bugs they use them for food, grooming, riding, use their parts for tools, and so on.
The story eventually splits and takes place in three fronts. There are a lot of social issues that compel the characters. Some are outcasts and some are royalty that have to strike out on their own.
I began this book without really knowing what it was and left disappointed that it was so short. I ended up really enjoying it! At around 111 pages (erm, e-pages, since I read a digital edition), I felt that perhaps the publisher could have waited a bit longer and just re-published the entire book with illustrations.
The illustrations are very well-done and interesting, however. They go right along with the various events and moods of the book. I'll probably end up purchasing the illustration-less version just to find out what happens next!
March 22, 2015
Imaginative, action packed, and intriguing. Characterization was impressive, as was descriptions of the environment and event; key ingredients for a story of this nature. I just visited Miniature World in Victory BC, Canada and loved it. Reading this story was right up my alley! Can't wait for part II!
September 5, 2015
Not my cup of tea.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews