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A review by katiehicks
The Departure by K.A. Applegate
4.0
4.5 stars
I really liked that this book tackles the potential consequences of young people experiencing violence. I would have to read more books in the series to be sure this wasn't a one-off, but I feel like it was so important that Cassie really FELT the fact that she was fighting in a war and killing living things. Her fellow animporphs had effectively rationalized the killing, either by dehumanizing the enemy or accepting that it was a "necessary evil" but for Cassie, this was not enough.
I loved the ANGER that some of the others felt and the BETRAYAL they sensed, because after all, if Cassie is right that means they are murders and would have to re-think their entire worldview. I love that they think she's a cowardbut she proves them wrong by doing the bravest thing any of them have done- sacrificing everything for the smallest chance at peace. I love that in a series about aliens and shape-shifting teenagers, moral complications and the possibility that your enemies are not completely evil are not only being discussed, they are the entire conflict of one of the books.
This book is deceptively deep and complex, and is very sophisticated and important for young readers. I only wish it were longer, but of course, this book is just one of a very long series and its length makes it easily digestible.
I really liked that this book tackles the potential consequences of young people experiencing violence. I would have to read more books in the series to be sure this wasn't a one-off, but I feel like it was so important that Cassie really FELT the fact that she was fighting in a war and killing living things. Her fellow animporphs had effectively rationalized the killing, either by dehumanizing the enemy or accepting that it was a "necessary evil" but for Cassie, this was not enough.
I loved the ANGER that some of the others felt and the BETRAYAL they sensed, because after all, if Cassie is right that means they are murders and would have to re-think their entire worldview. I love that they think she's a coward
This book is deceptively deep and complex, and is very sophisticated and important for young readers. I only wish it were longer, but of course, this book is just one of a very long series and its length makes it easily digestible.