Cuckquean (looked that up just for this review) finds her husband in bed with a girl young enough to be her daughter and kills them both. I didn't reaCuckquean (looked that up just for this review) finds her husband in bed with a girl young enough to be her daughter and kills them both. I didn't really find this gory at all. Honestly, books in the Animorphs series have been gorier than this....more
Dude has a serious issue with the word "vapid". I didn't find the story interesting at all. Two things about this: one, who uses the word "vapid" in cDude has a serious issue with the word "vapid". I didn't find the story interesting at all. Two things about this: one, who uses the word "vapid" in conversation if they aren't seventy-years-old, and two, why'd John flip out so bad when all his neighbor said was "he's nice but dull". Like I said, dude has issues, but that doesn't explain why he did what he did. ...more
A robot with just enough sentience to think begins to question his very existence and purposes. This is a lot more interesting than any other speculatA robot with just enough sentience to think begins to question his very existence and purposes. This is a lot more interesting than any other speculative science fiction book I've ever read, so kudos for that. ...more
This takes place in an apocalyptic (?) world where Earth's temperature has risen to dangerous levels and UV rays are basically kicking people's asses.This takes place in an apocalyptic (?) world where Earth's temperature has risen to dangerous levels and UV rays are basically kicking people's asses. I just don't find stories that show the after affects of disasters very interesting. And the iceberg thing felt useless to me. ...more
Interesting story. A shapeshifter laments on who they really are when they can be anything, at least on the outside. This is something I never see touInteresting story. A shapeshifter laments on who they really are when they can be anything, at least on the outside. This is something I never see touched in full-length novels about people who can change their forms. ...more
Two stars because I'm pretty sure evolution doesn't happen like that. If it was evolution that began producing infertile women, then wouldn't taking fTwo stars because I'm pretty sure evolution doesn't happen like that. If it was evolution that began producing infertile women, then wouldn't taking fertile eggs and sperm fix that problem? Anyways, this was a "bleh" story. ...more
Out of the chunk of short stories I read, this one was by far the best. There's not much exploration of the world or anything, but the story behind thOut of the chunk of short stories I read, this one was by far the best. There's not much exploration of the world or anything, but the story behind the bone was super interesting! I'd love a longer book in this world. ...more
Cute concept but a dull story overall. I would have liked to see what other people's reactions were to Sister Morgan speaking Spanish to random animalCute concept but a dull story overall. I would have liked to see what other people's reactions were to Sister Morgan speaking Spanish to random animals. ...more
The Yeerks are doing weird things in the national forest behind Cassie's farm, and the Animorphs know something is up. The Yeerks are trying to smoke The Yeerks are doing weird things in the national forest behind Cassie's farm, and the Animorphs know something is up. The Yeerks are trying to smoke out what they believe to be Andalite warriors by destroying the forest. It's up the Animorphs to stop them from ripping up the one place Ax, and as far as the Yeerks are concerned, themselves, can live while on Earth.
Plot
The Secret is another character-driven-plot book. Even with the looming threat of the Yeerks trying to gas Ax and Tobias out of the woods, there’s some introspection in there for you. Once again, Cassie is questioning human nature and whether what the Animorphs is doing is morally wrong or right, by the laws of nature. The part with the Yeerks luckily doesn’t fall in the background, but Cassie’s internal struggle is clearly the main plot at work.
Writing
Writing’s good as usual. Cassie is detailed about how morphing makes her think and why. One low point was how, at the end, things were so light-hearted and joking. They’re dealing with a murderous leader of the Yeerks, and they’re joking and pull a prank on him. I realize things don’t always have to be serious, but this part went so against the normal tone of the series that it was a bit jarring.
Characters
Cassie, our animal-lover, is now dealing with acting like an animal with a human mind. She questions whether the ends are justifying the means they go through to get there. Cassie is clearly the only one who’s really looking at the bigger picture of the Yeerks� invasion, and how its impacting all types of life on Earth. She’s been the one character the reader knows a lot about, emotionally, and The Secret takes us further along this road.
The other characters were infuriating in this book, at least how they treated Cassie. Saving the skunk kits was her way of dealing with all the craziness that goes on in their lives, and everybody except perhaps Ax belittled her coping mechanism. Jake especially wasn’t very likeable in this book.
Things I Liked
While I don’t like seeing children suffer, I like how Applegate isn’t making the characters, especially Cassie, shrug off the stress their going through. They’re literally child soldiers, and there are plenty of books that pretend or mishandle something like that.
Things I Didn't Like
I didn’t like how humorous the end of the book became. I laughed when Visser Three got skunked, but that’s because I’m not fighting against him. Every time Visser Three is in a scene, there’s constant talk about how evil he is. And then, in The Secret they’re basically laughing at him to his face. Yes, it was hilarious, but that should have been saved until the very end only.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of an Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
I have a feeling Cassie’s books are going to be more introspective than the others. I don’t dislike this, I can say. We’ve been reading all about the surface emotions of the Animorphs, but never deeper down. Cassie’s books give us this glimpse.
The Alien is character driven, more so than plot. Ax must learn to trust his friend, and the only family he has on Earth, and question the beliefsPlot
The Alien is character driven, more so than plot. Ax must learn to trust his friend, and the only family he has on Earth, and question the beliefs he’s always had. This is one of those “I have a secret but I’m bound by oath to never reveal it, even at the risk of our friendship and your lives� things. Normally, I hate that because why don’t the characters just say they’re bound by oath not to tell them. Ax does eventually tell the Animorphs this, but not without some damage to their relationship. The Alien offers insight into the Andalites that you didn’t know you were missing until now.
Writing
Ax’s writing style is what you’d expect an alien who learned English to write like. Very little contractions or slang, stiff sounding descriptions, and an outsider’s view of how humans operate. Ax sounds like Jake, but with less human emotions. It’s well done but there isn’t too much to give away how alien Ax actually is to Earth.
Characters
If you didn’t read The Andalite’s Gift then this is your first experience with Ax’s POV. In The Alien, we learn a lot about who Ax actually is and why he does the things he does. He’s a young Andalite who feels overshadowed by his amazing brother and torn between two worlds; his home world and his new home that he’s been welcomed into with open arms. There’s a lot of Ax development in this, and we also see how his relationships with the other Animorphs actually are.
Things I Liked
I’m happy to finally have an entire book in Ax’s POV. He’s more complicated of a character than I could have hoped. He’s caught in between two different worlds on his own and soon realizes that he can’t function that way. I was frustrated at times with Ax, but that’s how I was supposed to feel about him, even while somewhat pitying him.
Things I Didn't Like
I don’t like “I can’t tell you why I can’t tell you my secrets� plots. They tend to be frustrating, and The Alien’s was, to a point. While I still don’t see any reason why Ax couldn’t have told them he’s bound by the oath of his people, this plot wasn’t handled as bad as other books handle it.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of an Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
The Alien was very enjoyable, despite having a plot that I’ve never cared for. We were given a brief look into Ax’s character in The Andalite’s Gift, but it pales in comparison to this book. It may feel jarring to have a new narrator added to the series, but I think his story fit in rather well.
The Animorphs were eagerly looking towards a small break in saving the world. A day or two to act like regular humans. But being saviors of the Earth The Animorphs were eagerly looking towards a small break in saving the world. A day or two to act like regular humans. But being saviors of the Earth doesn't allow for vacations days. Now the Animorphs or being hunted by some strange creature and Rachel's missing.
Plot
Something’s after the Animorphs, something potentially more dangerous than the Yeerks on their own, and with Rachel missing, dangers lie ahead.
The plot of The Andalite’s Gift was interesting, to say the least. For the reader, I think it’s a view into what happens when the Animorphs try to be normal. Even when they’re attempting to do normal, human things, the gift from the Andalite’s have a habit of biting them in the rear. This isn’t a book in the primary Animorphs series, but it’s part of the overall series, and set between books seven and eight.
Writing
I liked how all of the different narration styles were brought together for one book. This allowed the reader to more easily compare the different styles. Unfortunately, together the voices aren’t as unique as I bet Applegate was going for. Only the strongest voices stand out (strongest being ever sarcastic Marco and headstrong, battle ready Rachel). There are more subtle differences between the others, but I’m sure Applegate was attempting a stronger effect. I will say that all of the battles were written wonderfully. I was never abruptly pulled from the middle of action by a comment or some irrelevant dialogue.
Characters
The Andalite’s Gift allows us a brief glimpse into the characters when they are not at their peak. Rachel loses her memory and isn’t as ready for action, Cassie feels like a coward, and Ax feels like he isn’t honoring his brother and people. It was a ride to be able to see how some of them dealt with these situations in which they weren’t being all they could be.
Things I Liked
I liked the action the most. These children are so clever, and fight to well, and the battles are written wonderfully to boot! Any book in this series where a fight happens will probably be highly regarded by me. And this is the first fight they’ve won, so yay!
Things I Didn't Like
A larger chunk of the book than I would have liked was recaps. Each character, in their own chapter, did it. Usually I’m spared this because the primary series has one narrator per book, but this time I got recaps from all six characters in one book.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of an Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
The Andalite’s Gift was a mix of two things I enjoy thus far in this series; the battles and the characterization. The greater number of recaps in the beginning made the book slow going at first, which is why I had to bump my rating down a star. It’s one of the things I’ve consistently disliked. Besides that, I really liked the book. ...more
Moments from death at the underground Yeerk pool, time freezes around the Animorphs and they meet a creature called the Ellimist who has the power to Moments from death at the underground Yeerk pool, time freezes around the Animorphs and they meet a creature called the Ellimist who has the power to transport them to another planet and away from the surely doomed Earth. The Animorphs and Ax must decide whether to stay on a planet destined to fall to the Yeerks, or abandon their people for the safety of another world.
Plot
In The Stranger Rachel and the Animorphs must decide whether to let the Earth fall to it’s inevitable doom, or abandon it with the help of an all-powerful being.
There’s something interesting about this book that I can’t quite put my finger on. As the Animorphs make another attempt to fight the Yeerks, and discover another entrance to the Yeerk pool, a god-like entity offers them the choice of leaving their doomed planet. Plot advancements do happen, but The Stranger is more character driven. The Animorphs fully come face to face with how futile their mission seems. They’ve had close calls before, but this time their actual situation of being five children up against an entire alien invasion looks them right in the eyes. This has been a much-needed book so far in the series.
Writing
Rachel’s descriptions were less emotional, but there was still a lot of emotional introspection that I expected from her book. Jake straight says how he feels, same with Cassie, Marco jokes about his feelings, and Tobias talks about his but quickly focuses on other things. Rachel is the only one thus far who we are given a real emotional look at.
And something I couldn’t appreciate until after reading a book that did this terribly was how the action was handled. When big action scenes were happening in The Stranger, talking didn’t really happen. Dialogue in the middle of a fight breaks up the tension and ruins the flow of things. I enjoy action scenes because dialogue doesn’t interrupt it.
Characters
That “Amazon warrior� that the other characters were talking about Rachel being? It really shows in this book. I now see Rachel is one of those people who just needed that little push to unleash their full warrior spirit. But as strong willed as she is, the realistically cracks under pressure when things get to be too much.
Things I Liked
Rachel figuring out what the Ellimist was trying to show them was easily the best part of the book for me. I was so excited when she started to piece things together, especially because I had no idea what the Ellimist was trying to show them. Rachel’s inner warrior really came out in this book and I loved every minute of it!
Things I Didn't Like
I didn’t really like how the Ellimist came out of nowhere. I know there’s a book in the Animorphs world called The Ellimist Chronicles, so the Ellimist probably isn’t something that’s come out of nowhere, but it feels like it to me. If we hear anything else about the Ellimist before The Ellimist Chronicles (which is book 53.5 out of 54 books) I’ll be surprised.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of an Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
My five stars were wells deserved. Rachel absolutely shined and The Stranger did her the justice we hadn’t seen before. I hadn’t felt feelings one way or another about Rachel’s character, but now I can’t wait to get to her next book!
During a mission to hinder the Yeerks' plan, something goes awry that puts the Animorphs in jeopardy: a Yeerk gains control of Jake. Now they must figDuring a mission to hinder the Yeerks' plan, something goes awry that puts the Animorphs in jeopardy: a Yeerk gains control of Jake. Now they must fight the Yeerk that controls their friend and leader.
Plot
After discovering the Yeerks� newest plot to gain power on Earth, the Animorphs rush in to stop them, but this time with some complications.
I really liked The Capture, if my five-star rating was any indication, and it was for the plot. Specifically, the section where Jake has the Yeerk in his head. Not only was it fun to be able to really see how a human-Controller feels, but it was also intriguing to see how the Animorphs would deal with one of their own being controlled. And the way it was handled was just beautiful. Now the Animorphs, and the reader, have more insight into these parasites. Not only that, but also there’s also a greater understanding of how big a threat they really are.
Writing
Before, I thought Jake was just a bit boring of a narrator, but know I see that this isn’t the case. His serious personality is integrated into the writing. The writing seemed serious and dull because Jake is serious. The recap descriptions are still going on, despite this being Jake’s second POV book, and I just have to ask “why?�. Who’s going to pick up this series smack dab in the middle, or forget what was going on? The books aren’t that long.
Characters
After reading through the other POV’s from the other Animorphs, this time around it’s easier to see how much of a serious person Jake is. The first book didn’t feel like it because there was nothing to compare his narration to, and with these constant remarks of Jake being serious, you don’t truly understand until you’re back in his POV. I thought this was very well done. It’s like a confirmation that “yes, this character is serious, and not just dull�.
I’m curious to see where the books will take Ax’s character. We’re still getting use to him, and as the Animorphs spend the majority of their time in human society, we don’t see as much about him except on missions. I’ve got an idea of where they’re going to take his character, but I like him just a bit more now.
Things I Liked
I loved that Jake was captured by a Yeerk so early in the series. When dealing with some type of body snatcher, either the character is taken over in the very, very beginning, or closer to the end. This way, we could see how Jake’s feelings on the Yeerks changed. Also, I’m happy Jake didn’t just mentally defeat the Yeerk, especially since they’ve said time and time again that it’s never been done. A lot of body posession stories, be it from brainwashing or another being controlling the host, they’ve always broken out because of love or mental strenght, or something similar. This adds more reason for the Animorphs to fight as well. Jake knows they really have to fight now because the human hosts can’t fight for themselves.
Things I Didn't Like
I don’t like how there are all these recaps, but that’s extremely minor, as it all fills up around one page only. Can’t say I have any complaints about this book.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of and an Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
I loved The Capture! There’s something about the culmination of the plot advancing, the Animorphs actually winning a battle, them outsmarting their enemy instead of using brawn, and some perspective from a human-Controller that made this a great book for me. Finger’s crossed that this hype train keeps on chugging!
Marco just wants to chill and not be involved with all of this alien stuff, even including being able to turn into a powerful gorilla. But when Ax askMarco just wants to chill and not be involved with all of this alien stuff, even including being able to turn into a powerful gorilla. But when Ax asks for the Animorphs to help him get back home, which involves stealing a Yeerk ship, Marco may be in for his last Animorph mission, exactly as he wanted.
Plot
“Let’s find a way to steal an alien ship and get our new, weird friend back home!� is what happens in The Predator (though I don’t know why the title is called this). Ax thinks he can find a way to get a Yeerk Bug ship and get home, and the first half of the book is about this. The second half is about when, naturally, everything falls apart.
The Predator is another book where the plot is starting to move forward more. Things are finally happening! There’s even enough going on for a ~plot twist~! Since these books are so short I can’t really get into the plot without giving things away, but I will say that I didn’t care for the first part. It was supposed to be more humorous, but once things took a turn for the serious, it got better.
Writing
Marco’s the protagonist and his narration has, thus far, stood out the most. Marco is more sarcastic and humorous than the other’s and the writing shows this. Marco’s voice could be easily heard from the first two pages of the book. Maybe this is from Applegate getting better, but I hope this continues.
Characters
It’s finally time for Marco’s POV, and thus we come full circle for our original Animorphs narration. Right of the bat, his book starts out full of his personality. He’s just as sarcastic and joke-y as he is in the other books� dialogue, and I’ve feel like I’ve come to know his character as much as in Cassie’s book. Marco is the type of person to mask his negative emotions with jokes and sarcasm. This makes for a funny book, naturally. But when it’s time to get serious, boy does he get serious. There’s so much development for Marco’s character in The Predator that he may have become my favorite character now!
We see a lot more of Ax now. He’s your typical alien that’s fascinated by human things that aliens don’t have, such as food and drinks (which the mouthless Andalite’s obviously don’t have). In some ways, perhaps he is more of a child than our young Animorphs, and he can be a bit more childish at times. He isn’t going anywhere for the time being, so I’d like to see how he, as an Andalite, differs from our human characters.
Things I Liked
I liked how clear Marco’s narration style was. His personality was wonderfully woven through The Predator. Marco’s voice is the clearest out of all the other books, with Cassie coming in close second, I feel. Books with multiple narrators tend to have them sounding the same, but that’s not the case here.
Things I Didn't Like
The plot twist, and thus the motivation to have Marco stay on board with the Animorphs was a bit too planned for my tastes. Obviously, it was planned but you can tell this part of the story was planned for Marco’s book at this exact time when he was ready to quit the Animorphs for real this time, without many hints about it. It was very sudden, like Marco’s father getting over his two-year depression all of sudden. Stuff like that doesn’t really happen all at once, and if it does it can leave a reader feeling a bit cheated.
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of and Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white. Marco’s mother has been confirmed as the Latina one, and is father is white, making Marco technically half-white.
Overall
That plot twist is what boosted this up to four stars for me. I’d had an inkling, and I’m usually great at guessing what the twist will be in a book, but this one threw me for a spin. I like Marco’s narration and I’m glad the plot’s moving forward. I’ve got a bad feeling that the next couple of books will get stagnant, but we’ll see.
A voice calls to Cassie and Tobias from the ocean. They believe it may be an Andalite, especially after a piece of an Andalite ship washes up on shoreA voice calls to Cassie and Tobias from the ocean. They believe it may be an Andalite, especially after a piece of an Andalite ship washes up on shore. But the Yeerks also think there's an Andalite in the ocean, and the Animorphs must race against them to see who gets there first.
Plot
Tobias and Cassie are getting strange dreams from something in the ocean calling for help. They believe it to be an Andalite, so The Message is about them finding out how to get to the middle of the ocean and rescue whoever’s sending out distress signals.
This the first book since The Invasion where the plot has moved forward in any way. In the other books, stuff does happen, but realistically you can skip them and not miss much of what has gone on for the Animorphs. What I have to say about this is “about time�. Yes, big series and short books means that things won’t be action packed each time, but every other book being more action-y seems better to me.
Writing
Cassie’s the main protagonist now, and she does differ from the others. Cassie is more about her feelings than the others, and internally gives her thoughts and reactions to things that have already happened. At this point the writing styles of the different characters are starting to morph (haha) together more, but I think it’s not all that difficult to tell them all apart.
Characters
Cassie’s POV is finally here! I liked her. Before she was merely this voice of peaceful reason with regards to in-group fighting and an animal lover. But now we see she’s this character that is more speculative than the rest and worries more but tries not to let it show. I would have liked to hear more of how she felt about morphing into intelligent animals, but maybe that will come later.
We are introduced to a new character, Ax, but I’ll save what I think of him for the next book.
Things I Liked
I liked how the characters (or at least Cassie) are starting to question the nature of their morphing. They acquire DNA from animals, beat down their instincts, and take over the bodies. Different, but similar to what the Yeerks do. There is conflict about this, even if it’s just a little bit.
Things I Didn't Like
Still not a fan of the Animorphs never questioning things about their morphing abilities. Ax, the new character, morphs into a combination of Cassie, Marco, Jake, and Rachel. I’d asked if they could morph into humans the first minute they had their powers. And Ax mixed their DNA together to morph, but nobody wondered if they could do this too. Like taking a hawk morph and giving it the eyes of an owl and there we go, a hawk that can hunt at night!
Diversity
Two girls: one white and one black; and three boys: one white, one Latino, and one technically white but now a red-tailed hawk. And now, there’s the added bonus of and Andalite who’s human form is non-white as well. With six characters, that brings means half of the cast is non-white.
Overall
Being black myself, I couldn’t wait to get to Cassie’s first book. I’m glad this is a book where the plot started moving forward. There’s only so many times you can read the same book where nothing really goes on. New themes and concepts are introduced, and while I can’t say that I’m as intrigued as I was after reading The Invasion, I am curious to see what other themes will be explored in the future.
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