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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
As an Animorphs advocate, it is tempting to give each of these books 5 stars and use this review space to rave endlessly about why these books are special and worthy of everyone’s time (and worthy--say it with me--of a gritty animated adaptation).
But since I have read these books more times than I can remember, and since I write these reviews largely for myself, I'm going to simply be reflecting on how I felt about this book, this time. In case future me wants to know.
I think I'm happiest in the Animorphs universe during the 'status quo' years--after basic worldbuilding has been established, but before things get super dark. I just love a good-old-fashioned Animorphs adventure.
This book is still firmly "pre" status quo, and while it lays a lot of important groundwork, it's just not a favorite of mine, perhaps because of how early it is. We're still missing one of our main characters, after all, and these kids still don't know what the heck they are doing (it's adorable tho). Mostly, I think this book drags because the plot is really, really basic. The mission is them going to the same house 3 times. It just feels kind of... lackluster.
However, as the first Rachel POV, this book is extremely successful. Marco is my favorite character, but Rachel and Jake probably have my two favorite character arcs over the course of the series. Rachel's journey is only just beginning but we can already see so much that is going to matter. Rachel is loyal to her friends. She is a little reckless, a lot brave. She cares about people, and she sees people who other people don't see.
Highlights: Visser Three loving cats, the first bug morph, the "andalite bandits," introducing voluntary controllers, establishing the concept of host rebellion.
But since I have read these books more times than I can remember, and since I write these reviews largely for myself, I'm going to simply be reflecting on how I felt about this book, this time. In case future me wants to know.
I think I'm happiest in the Animorphs universe during the 'status quo' years--after basic worldbuilding has been established, but before things get super dark. I just love a good-old-fashioned Animorphs adventure.
This book is still firmly "pre" status quo, and while it lays a lot of important groundwork, it's just not a favorite of mine, perhaps because of how early it is. We're still missing one of our main characters, after all, and these kids still don't know what the heck they are doing (it's adorable tho). Mostly, I think this book drags because the plot is really, really basic. The mission is them going to the same house 3 times. It just feels kind of... lackluster.
However, as the first Rachel POV, this book is extremely successful. Marco is my favorite character, but Rachel and Jake probably have my two favorite character arcs over the course of the series. Rachel's journey is only just beginning but we can already see so much that is going to matter. Rachel is loyal to her friends. She is a little reckless, a lot brave. She cares about people, and she sees people who other people don't see.
Highlights: Visser Three loving cats, the first bug morph, the "andalite bandits," introducing voluntary controllers, establishing the concept of host rebellion.
It's amazing how invested I already am in these books. They're action-packed, full of heart, well-written and surprisingly gory. Already the trauma is setting in, different for each of our characters, like Rachel having screaming nightmares. They feel and behave like kids, even when facing such dire circumstances. God, I wish I had read this as a kid.
On to the next one!
On to the next one!
This series continues to be absolutely wild, but this definitely seems to be one of the more tame ones from what I've heard. Not a lot really happens other than character development, and it seems pretty tame compared to the rest. Not bad, but not exciting either.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was honestly depressing. These kids out here mourning war casualties. And then the big emotions of fear while animorphing. Jeez, I just keep thinking about how these are 13 year olds and its kind of heart breaking.
The dialogue between the character was great. Love Rachael's character here.
The dialogue between the character was great. Love Rachael's character here.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
fast-paced
I'm so glad this book shifted point of views. I hope the series continues to do so. I probably would have quit the series if it was just Jake, but I see a lot of potential with the different view points.
I don't know if it's because of the different view point or just that it's a second book, but it's definitely better than the first. As...elementary as the plot can be, there was something that surprised me here.
However, as much as I enjoyed the book, there's still one issue I have with it: Vesser Three. This may be one of the most generic villains ever. Everything is a cliche and an annoying one at that. There's no depth or subtlety or anything intriguing about him. Maybe if one of the books is from his point of view and the alien whose body he took over, that may be interesting. Then again, he'd probably say stuff like, "This is my body now!" and "You can't defeat me!"
Although the 3rd book seems to be the most interesting one yet. I need to take a little Animorph break.
I don't know if it's because of the different view point or just that it's a second book, but it's definitely better than the first. As...elementary as the plot can be, there was something that surprised me here.
However, as much as I enjoyed the book, there's still one issue I have with it: Vesser Three. This may be one of the most generic villains ever. Everything is a cliche and an annoying one at that. There's no depth or subtlety or anything intriguing about him. Maybe if one of the books is from his point of view and the alien whose body he took over, that may be interesting. Then again, he'd probably say stuff like, "This is my body now!" and "You can't defeat me!"
Although the 3rd book seems to be the most interesting one yet. I need to take a little Animorph break.
adventurous
fast-paced