Reviews

For a young adult book, this instalment was a phenomenal exploration of war and morality. I really wasn't sure about the story until part of the way through, and I found I lose interest when the books focus too heavily on specific alien species. However, from about Chapter 14 onwards, I was hooked. For me, this is the book where Jake really comes into his own as a leader. He's got to make some big decisions and assert authority. Chapter 14 is excellent at explaining what it feels like to be a pawn in war when the big players are making the decisions and keeping secrets: 'I felt like an ant wandering around a chessboard, trying to figure out the rules when all I could see was colossal figures moving around me in explicable patterns'. There's also some really interesting points to ponder for young readers: "Just because a person or whatever is intelligent, that doesn't mean they can't be brutal and rotten and evil. I mean, there must have been some smart Nazis and some smart slave owners." The Howlers turn out to be fascinating villains, much more complex than first presented, and I applaud K.A. Applegate for this. You can tell this is one of the few books from #25 onwards that wasn't ghost written as it feels more emotional and so important to character development.

**UPCOMING SPOILERS**

***

One of the other highlights was that Jake and Cassie finally kiss! And it isn't just a shy peck on the cheek. It's a running-into-each-others-arms smack on the lips. I didn't see it coming amidst the conflict and loved it (it was well overdue). Whilst a bit cheesy, I also enjoyed the fact that it was essentially 'love' that saved the Animorphs crew from the Howlers and their Crayak overlords. It reminded me of Harry Potter, in that sense.

Small note: I should warn modern readers that the book does employ some words that are not politically correct, namely 'loony bin' and 'nutcase' and other derogatory words that refer to insanity/madness. This is a recurring theme in some of the books. I don't think it would have been a big deal at the time and would have been an accepted way that kids talked. I know that K.A Applegate is a progressive person and so whilst some people may dislike words such as this, I feel we have to view them in the context of their time (much as we should do with the TV show, 'Friends' which was miles worse in other ways).

brunettejnas's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

The one where the gang goes to Legoland and defeats the howlers.
Zany and exciting in the best way with some interesting ethics.

deviki's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Books I've read and provided detailed reviews over the years but all data is lost after accidental deletion and GD refuse to restore it back.

Adding books back to my library for my own reference and tracking purposes

the1germ's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Marco jealously demanding a kiss from Jake too after he finally kisses Cassie >>>>>>

eash1920's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This was a weird one. Jake and Co are caught between the Eye of Sauron and the Dungeon Master from the DnD cartoon, and transported to a world full of dumb aliens. Marco has some excellent one liners.

agentbird's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

More...