"And if the Yeerks had any sense of humor at all they wouldn't be the scourge they are," the Ellimist added. <- What's this supposed to mean?
I took it to mean that the Ellimist thinks laughter=kindness. Clearly not big on gallows humor, or irony.
The rules of engagement prevent the Howlers from killing Iskoort. Why not acquire Iskoort and try to blend in?
That'd be fine for spying, but unless they get some weapons, no Iskoort is gonna kill a howler. And I can't help but think if they did figure out it was a morph, that rule won't apply
Question: How does Jake know that Tobias is Elfangor's son in this book?
Everything you said is right, and this on of those things never mentioned in series. But then, I don't see the revelation of that fact by Tobias to the others as a big deal: not a lot more than wows and oh's you can put in there.
1. It's always something in my mind to see the bad guy not cutting loose. I'm sure he tweaks the rules, same as the Ellimist, but that he does contain himself so well, it makes me doubt his evil, yet respect him all the more. I'll all for subjugating all life, but why he wants to weed it down to one race seems odd: more species more ways to be served right? I find him a little faulty with the Animorphs, he only ever speaks directly to Rachel again, doesn't seem to do much. But then, the Ellimist pretty much falls off at this point too in terms of the present conflict on Earth. Big galaxy.
2. I think everyone put too much stock in the Iskoort Yeerk thing, seeing how the story ends. I picture in 300 years most Yeerks will have integrated with other species without Iskoort help. As a species they were highly annoying, just shy of likable.
3. Now these were impressive. Are you sadistic if you don't know you're causing pain? Physically capable, but the sound thing was interesting, wonder how a species of deaf creatures would respond. Everytime I read this, it reminds me of human biases, dolphins play, sharks kill, cats hunt, robins eat. I figure most animals take some thrill in the process of getting food, but being indifferent to the foods perceptions, you can't call it cruel. So should it be with the Howlers, but of course, if they're after you, or things you know, or think, feel it's suddenly evil. Idk, unfair obviously, but that's just life. Isn't it?
4. Moral hang-ups and control issues. I see no reason for Ellimist or Crayak to take it away, less it got wiped with all the real Howlers
5. Very useful. Not like they couldn't have brought him along on some other mission, but glad to see him have a serious part. I find Erek the character much more interesting than the Chee in general, so yeah, good to see more of him. I am surprised he said nothing about the Howlers true minds. I figure he of all things would sympathize with only doing what you're designed to do. Plus he's fairly straightforward as androids go.
6. Aww, luw. This was the only real romantic moment in my mind for the whole series. Slightly sappy, but nothing fatal. I feel I should have more to say on the matter, but I don't. Love ruining the Howlers still makes me laugh, slightly pathetic though, you should be able to overcome that.
7. The reason I really like this book is it sets up the Animorphs as galactic, maybe universal heroes: more than just Earth and the present. It's a very much larger-than-life type of moment. And Jake is doing a bang up job. I still believe he gets off a lot on luck a good many times. But lots of people can't keep a head under pressure, and he's doing well. I say very coldly that he needs to handle the potential prospects of others dying better, but in all it's good. I do know, in his place my insides would be riddled with ulcers. I need to be able to get a way from the stress every few weeks. He never does, so well done Jake.
8. Nope. This is dumb. Agreeing to fight the Yeerks is dumb, but there's very little to gain by not. Agreeing to risk that and everything else to help a far off world against an ancient evil that wants you dead? No. Really, the only thing that would tempt me to go is the Yeerk-Iskoort relation, which is why I think the Ellimist should have told them at the start what they were fighting for. But again, that's just me.