I am going on memory here, not having access to the books.
But this was definitely one of my most memorable Ax narrations. It is here, really, that the character's 'voice/tone' is set for me. Ax comes across as a sort of Spock from Startrek or something. His diary entries were a cool addition to the book. I did wish he had taken it up on his other narrations. It is very interesting to be put in the perspective of an outsider describing what he/she sees. He points out simple things that we all take for granted like standing on two legs and sitting down and liking computers over books and all. His comparisons were entertaining.
The rituals of the Andalite culture and their traditions of honor and such were good insight keys to set the Andalites as a genuine and idealistic society. The aliens indeed came off as decent natured, to me. I thought it was appropriate how we got a highlight on the Andalites before any of the other species. Like, I think I would have felt differently if say I learnt about the Yeerks' reproduction way or their hierarchy and stuff first.
I was touched by the revelation of Seerow's Kindness. I see in Ax the latest in a generation of a race that is too full of pride to forgive even themselves. And my hatred towards the Yeerks was also fed, really. I pictured the Yeerk-infested-Gedds rebelling in that station quite vividly, to this day (also helped by War Prince Alloran's very own description in the Hork-Bajir-Chronicles).
I believe the Animorphs get a better understanding of this interstellar war they have embarked on. But at this point, there is still very little they know about their 'awaiting heroes to the rescue'. One could say Ax's P.O.V., though genuine and honest, was biased at this stage.
The most powerful moment in this book, for me, however, was the confrontation with The Abomination at the end. It's quite touching how, even in managing to create a circumstance in which he could avenge his older brother and defeating a most powerful foe, Aximili could not bring himself to plainly kill the free-controller.
And of course the enigmatic words that Alloran let slip to Ax <...they are in the Homeworld...> or something like that... I always wanted to see some repercussion of what this would bring. But it seemingly became a K.A.S.U. Sort of a behind the scene material for a plot of The Decision, I think, but nothing more.
Now, on the topic of 'Yeerk love', it felt somewhat forced in my opinion. I don't know if it was because of my distaste for the Yeerks here or because of me finding the whole 'love is universal' thing a bit cheesy. But the love concept in the Yeerks' setup just felt somewhat too pushed at being blatantly humanized.
And yet, I got seriously convinced, by reading the Chronicles of Visser One later on, that the Yeerks are, indeed, capable of the sentiment of love. And, to me, THE WHOLE 'Secret/Silent Invasion' tactic thing was devised by Visser One through this concept.
Shades of gray, my friends. Shades of gray.
