The world is a complicated and messy place. I would say that no one really knows what they are doing, which is kind of a good thing because it let’s us know that we’re not alone. But what if you were chosen to decide the fate of the world?

That’s what Henry Denton is faced with. For years he’s been abducted by aliens, a fact that leads him to become an outcast at school. The only way he has been able to get through it is with the help of his boyfriend. But when his boyfriend dies by suicide, he leaves Henry to deal with not only the torment, but the grief, all alone. One night when he is abducted, he learns that the world is going to end in 144 days and all he has to do to save it is push a red button. At first the choice seems easy: Why should he save the world after it’s been so cruel to him? But as the days pass by, Henry realizes the choice is not as cut and dry as he first believes.

We Are the Ants is a beautifully written young adult novel highlighting the struggles that come with being a teenager. The only thing I wish this book had was a more concrete ending. Not that the book was ruined without one. I loved reading about Henry as he worked to come to terms with who he is to the world and how everyone plays a part in the grand scheme of things. The connections the characters had with each other were genuine and lovely, but painful at the same time. There were times where I just wanted to grab Henry and hold on to him and never let him go. But there were also times where I wanted to slap some sense into him. To make him see just how important he is. So, even though the book did not have a concrete ending, it was still a beautiful and emotional read, leaving me wanting more from Shaun David Hutchinson.