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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I had already read the graphic novel version of this book, but once again, I enjoyed the original more. The story is more suspenseful and immersive in the mind's eye, and because Rachel's perspective is essential to the events of the story, I enjoyed access to more of her thoughts.
This installment requires significant suspension of disbelief for two reasons. Firstly, even though the characters process and cope with the final twist from the first book, they don't face any of the inevitable consequences that would happen in real life. It's possible that some of this occurs in the next book, and maybe I forgot some kind of plan from the first book about how to handle this, but it's weird that it isn't addressed here.
Secondly, it is difficult to believe that the characters could survive all of their impulsive, dangerous actions. It's part of Rachel's character that she tends to rush into things without thinking them through, and the story engages with this in interesting ways, but it's hard to believe that they could keep coming out on top.
Nonetheless, I am rating this book four stars because of its deep emotional poignancy. I found the emotional elements of the graphic novel unforgettable, and they are just as meaningful here. I relate to Rachel's seething anger at injustice, and the book honors a father's love for his daughter in an incredibly unexpected, moving way. The emotional elements make this much more than pulp fiction, and I'm very interested in continuing with the series.
This installment requires significant suspension of disbelief for two reasons. Firstly, even though the characters process and cope with the final twist from the first book, they don't face any of the inevitable consequences that would happen in real life.
Spoiler
Even though Tobias doesn't have parents and gets shuttled between different relatives, people would still notice his disappearance after he permanently becomes a hawk. There should be missing child posters around town, and the other Animorphs would be questioned by the police about their missing friend.Secondly, it is difficult to believe that the characters could survive all of their impulsive, dangerous actions. It's part of Rachel's character that she tends to rush into things without thinking them through, and the story engages with this in interesting ways, but it's hard to believe that they could keep coming out on top.
Nonetheless, I am rating this book four stars because of its deep emotional poignancy. I found the emotional elements of the graphic novel unforgettable, and they are just as meaningful here. I relate to Rachel's seething anger at injustice, and the book honors a father's love for his daughter in an incredibly unexpected, moving way. The emotional elements make this much more than pulp fiction, and I'm very interested in continuing with the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is the 2nd book in the series. It does a great job of expanding on the teens understanding of their new abilities and the narration by Rachel gives a welcome different perspective.
That being said, I have some problems with this one, starting with the concept ofmorphing outfits. It makes no sense, and the argument that this is a book meant for kids does nothing to change that. It is clearly a sloppy throwaway device the adults in charge threw into the story to make it clear that teens could never possibly be nude near each other. Oh no kids, don't worry. Nudity isn't real. Bodies are shameful You'll never have to change your clothes in gym class. I feel like if a kid is mature enough to read about war, harassment, and death, this shouldn't be a problem either.
Also,Cassie is somehow 80 pounds? In one of the early chapters, it clearly states that she is fully morphed back into her human form, except that she still has her bird wings and that she could not fly like this because her body is 80 pounds. According to average growth patterns published by the CDC and the Cincinnati Children's hospital, this would only be normal if she was the shortest and skinniest possible for her age group, which is very unlikely. What is she 8 years old? This is a teen girl who is active and healthy. Any young girl reading this is going to question if this is normal, and media that perpetuates weird characterizations like this only steers girls toward disorders.
And finally...
Marco is the most ignorant boy on the planet when it comes to girls. In one chapter, he calls ugly girls skanks. In another, he berates Rachel, calling her dumb for using her morph to protect herself from getting kidnapped and raped. Rachel is left feeling guilty and ashamed. Keep in mind, they are teenagers who have been traumatized repeatedly over the previous week so this is yet another thing Rachel has to process.
I have always loved the series, even as a kid, but this one was never my favorite.
That being said, I have some problems with this one, starting with the concept of
Also,
And finally...
Marco is the most ignorant boy on the planet when it comes to girls.
I have always loved the series, even as a kid, but this one was never my favorite.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment
dark
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:
Yes
GOOD LORD THAT WAS SO EXCITING AND INTENSE. My heart is pounding.
adventurous
dark
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
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
While I vividly remember the original covers of the Animorphs books, I never read them as a child, so I'm coming to this series for the first time as an adult, with no nostalgic attachment, just curiosity. My local library didn't have the first book (The Invasion) in its catalog, but the first third of this book contains so much exposition of what I assume happened in that book I didn't feel behind at all. I did find the exposition bogged down the plot significantly and the story doesn't get going until maybe the last third of the book. My favorite parts of the book were the established morphing guidelines and overall world-building, which K.A. Applegate does well. The characters felt a bit flat to me, though I'm sure they develop over the course of the series.
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes