Huh. All I knew of these books were their creepy covers, but someone highly recommended them so I decided to give them a spin. They were all checked out from the library, which I thought was kind of weird. So I started with book 2, and... I was pleasantly surprised. It's a pretty good, solid, grade school/middle school chapter book. (And it does that thing I love in kids books, where it catches you up on everything you missed, so I don't feel too bad about missing book 1) Some of the characters (okay, Marco) are a little annoying, in that 90s, TMNT Raphael way, where their sarcasm is supposed to pass for humor; but it was still a cute little read. Might continue the series, because it was a quick read, too.
adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Second verse, same as the first.

Kids acquire new animal DNA, use to fight the brain slugs. POV in this second book was a different one than in the first, which threw me off for a time. Also, this book had a teenage drama subplot, which didn't work for me, but still it was mostly enjoyable.

And I should note that the POV of a kid in an animal's body is really well done! The way their thoughts and instincts change is quite enjoyable to read.

On to the third book!

Jumping to the perspective of Rachel, we start to get a deeper look at the relationships destroyed by the loved ones of those enslaved by the Yeerks.

We also get a fresh new narration style that prioritizes empathy above battle or strategy. Although at times she feels like a disconnected caricature of what a girl is, Rachel is a refreshing change from Jake and regularly messes up in a way that was very interesting to see.

We also see a new level of paranoia from the group as we understand the constant threat this group is under. I’m very much looking forward to carrying on with the series

CW: war, slavery, sexual harassment, misogyny, blood, violence, parental abandonment

I really enjoyed revisiting this book. This was the first Animorphs book I ever read as a kid, and despite having last read it probably around 20 years ago (just saying that makes me feel so old!) I actually still distinctly remembered a few of the scenes, so clearly it left an impression. I'm only giving it four stars rather than five because there was something that happened in the climax that felt a little convenient.
SpoilerI didn't think Jake could morph to human and then to a tiger without being noticed, and they actually saw Rachel morphed partway to human, so I found it hard to believe that they got through this entire climax without giving away the fact that they were humans and not Andalites.

This book started out pretty slow. Since they are all such short books, and the first one was action packed from page 1, that's what I expected out of this one.
After getting into the action part, I really did enjoy this one. Some of my favorite parts were the descriptions of Rachel after she morphs. The first morph she does is a shrew, and KA completely captures the fear of everything bigger than it, the hunger it constantly feels, the smell of food overwhelming all other senses. The second morph Rachel does is a cat, and the description of her being a cat is so different. Only caring about things that move, having arrogance and confidence, and how they can jump so high.
The first 2 books have not a big timeline of plot, they have kind of focused on one thing in a short amount of time. I don't mind this at all, it definitely has the one book equals one tv episode feel and I wish they had continued on with the tv series years ago.
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Rachel is still such a badass. Her and Cassie are awesome and this book was just as much fun as the first one!
dark hopeful tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes

This one stretched things a little. I liked it, but the chase scene wasn't as believable as I would have liked.