hyperdontiia 's review for:

The Pretender by K.A. Applegate

4.0

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Though a real come-down from the last few books, this is a very serviceable Tobias book. His interactions with Rachel in this one are some of the best (although I love how every other Rachel or Tobias book has to end with them saying the most melodramatic shit in existence, codependency goals), the actual plot is engaging, and Tobias is apparently a really solid actor. It's amazing that they get out of this one without compromising their covers, but it's believably amazing. And it casually drops a huge spoiler which gives Tobias, you know, another backstory. The man is like a little biscuit, just made of layers. I also liked that this book takes a moment for the Hork-Bajir to emphasize that they are fighting essentially a different front from the Animorphs, which the Animorphs are often unfriendly and unhelpful about. It's a blind spot that I feel the books do a lot with, and I appreciate it, because yeah, their prospects after the war in a realistic scenario... not necessarily ideal. The uneasy alliance makes sense to me.

Four stars for bird blowing out birthday cake with his wings. Also for Tobias, who would never use his powers for evil, very seriously telling Rachel he does not peep on people with bird vision. Thanks dude.