Since I have been re-reading the series (now upto 13), I may aswell give my reviews of these books.
Questions
1. Any thoughts to share on the major characters, Animorphs and aliens, as they appeared in this book? Does anyone stand out as a good development into or contrast from how they appear in later books?
Due to the huge amount of information and the number of events within the book, there was obviously little space to really get indepth into the characters. However, there is just enough development that we already know what kind of characters they represent. Further character development would have to wait for later books.
As mentioned plenty of times, things start off rather cliched and black-and-white. The good guy alien is brutally murdered by the evil alien, and little back story is given to either side. Visse Three comes across as a sort of James Bond villain. He is totally 100% evil here, complete with evil laughs. The Hork-Bajir and Taxxons are only really physically described, and Elfangor provided only the briefest bit of info for both. The Taxxons never really developed to more than "big disgusting canniballistic worms throughout the series. Elfangor's insistance of pity for the Hork-Bajir is pretty much disregarded by the Animorphs until later on in the series, and until then, they are just seen as deadly shock troops.
Tom is shown as a typical big brother, at least in Jake's head, and his portrayal as a controller is developed quite well, and gives a good idea of how controllers act.
2. In general, what do you think of the premise of the series: Kids fighting body stealing aliens by turning into animals? If you weren't already a fan do you think you'd be drawn to a story set on this notion? How do you explain the books to those who haven't read them?
Nowadays, I wouldn't give it a read, based on the premise. The again, even when I read the series for the first time, I was not the premise but the book covers that started me reading!
To explain to other people, all I have to say is that it is a lot more complex and thought-provoking than one might think. They are well-written and had a great influence on my life. The premise seems a little silly when put so simply, but it is pulled off beautifully.
3. What do you think of Jake's reaction to the mere suggestion that his brother is a controller, in addition to the fact? Is it important that Jake has a personal investment in the fight from book 1?
The Animorphs need a reason to take up such a big burden, and the loss of a family member to the Yeerks provides a realistic reason for them to fight.
Jake's reaction is probably what you would expect, but from now on, Jake takes bad news much more calmly, and I think starting a fight was a little out of character.
4. What are your thoughts on Tobias being trapped as a hawk? Do you think it was intentional, a horrible accident, or a convenient mistake?
I don't think we'll ever really know what was going on in Tobias' head. His approach to the idea of war with the Yeerks seemed enthusiastic, definitely moreso than any of the other characters at this point, so deliberately trapping himself in a morph and basically removing himself from the fight seems strange.
Of all the characters, he got the most development, I believe.
5. Each of the Animorphs assumes a certain role in the group, and Jake is clearly defined as the leader. What do you think of Jake as a leader in this book? Has he done anything in this book that merits or tests this position for him in your mind?
The appointment of Jake as a leader comes from out of nowhere, and is explained because "he just is". He does little to merit it at this point, and this remains until later in the series. I think giving him a leader position is something that should have been earned later on. Saying that, as the series progresses, it becomes obvious that he was the right choice - Rachel is far too gung ho and often seems to abuse the morphing power, Cassie struggles with important decisions, Marco initially doesn't even want to fight, and Tobias is stuck as a hawk, and seems rather unstable.
6. Piggybacking on the last two questions: what do you think of the decision of storming the enemy stronghold armed with a few combat morphs, a horse and a bird? Particularly, is it acceptable to let Tobias be "happy with just [his] hawk morph" by either him or Jake?
The Animorphs, at this stage, had no idea what they were getting themselves into, and only when they entered the Yeerk pool did it start to dawn on them. They weren't prepared, and the mission was a failure. Understandably, the following missions were a lot smaller in scale, and it would be a while before they took on the Yeerk pool again.
Again, with Tobias, they were naive and didn't realise how unprepared they were. This mission was just a huge learning curve.
7. In this book Jake acquires and uses his signature Siberian Tiger. What do you think of the portrayal of this animal in this book and throughout the series? Do you think Applegate's descriptions of its abilities and attitudes were accurate or does she exaggerate? What do you envision the experience of being a tiger to be like?
As we know, Applegate was never a Tiger. Then again, neither have any of us (I hope). She could only make educated guesses as to the "feel" of any particular species, but I feel that she did a good job.
8. Would you have done it? When you were thirteen, or even now, would you agree to get involved in a war, to be carried on in secret against impossible odds with the fate of the world in sway, to possess the powers of anything you touch, at the urging of a dying alien. Would you personally have been willing to become an Animorph?
I would feel like it was my duty! I wouldn't like it, but when my species needs me, etc...
9. Have you recently read the original, the reprint, or did you do this from memory?
I read the original from an e-book over a week ago.
10. Anything else?
Overall, the book is an adequate scene-setter. It gives enough information to keep readers interested, but at this stage there isn't enough space to flesh everything out. This book is a skeleton, basically. Some things take a few more books to develop, and some aren't addressed until much later on, when the series blurs the lines between black and white.