Hey, now that you guys mentioned it, it does seem like this would have been an ideal plot to insert Arbron in. It would have certainly given the story more substance, giving Abron more of a presence in the series and made his participation feel less rushed, indeed. Though I was pleasantly surprised with the way KA inserted him in the end, I don't see why she couldn't have done his first Earth appearance here.
As it is, this story was otherwise average to me. I kinda knew Taylor would be back since the way things finished off last. Kinda lame how Tobias fell in the clutches of his torturer again.
1) Do you think it was a good move to have a "Taylor returns" book? Do you think the issue was handled well? Do you think Tobias' mental state of being post-torture is realistic?
The summary kinda gave what could have been a perfectly shocking surprise away (Tobias being facing his torturer once more), but I think
A BAD move would have been to have the Taylor-Controller come back AFTER the story in this book.
I remember the narration being a bit lame. That scene in the vet clinic with the Controllers and the Anis trying to get to Tobias was a bit confusing, if I remember correctly.
3) This is the second time we have experienced someone morphing Taxxon, the first time being in The Andalite Chronicles. What do you think about the portrayal of the morph in general?
I thought it was a decent insight on the species. The compound eyes, I always imagined their vision somewhat different in their bodies. And them biting through cement?!?!?! Whoa!
The new thing for me was the whole 'visual direction' guimmick that Ax showed Tobias once he did the morph. I wasn't fully sold on the idea, and had to see it as a plot device to make the story work. But it may explay how a Yeerk is able to perform those tasks without constantly having to feed.
4) Kind of piggy-backing on the previous question, I have always wondered about the level of sentience with Taxxons? Are they truly sentient beings, or is such a status impossible given their ravenous hunger?
Nice questions.
To me, sentience is being self-aware beyond its biological instincts. A Taxxon is fully aware of what it's doing during its ravaging feast. And, as Arbron, proves later on, they are aware of what the Yeerks do to them and, once they see another way, they are willing to seize the chance for a change.
5) When Cassie pleads with Jake not to go through with trying to blow up the Yeerk Pool, she makes the argument that Tom might be in the pool, to which he responds that it was a necessary loss. Do you think he really meant that? If he's willing to sacrifice Tom, what does that say about his continued motivations in this war?
2) It is exceedingly rare that an Animorph sits out a mission, but this is one case where Cassie draws the line. What do you think about her decision? Logical or necessary plot point? In character? Out of character? Discuss.
The Cassie sub-plot was a bit of a surprise. Think this was the only mission she sat out, really.
I think at this stage, Jake would have meant that. It would have been impossible for the character not to have seen such a scenario coming, give what he's been through. Cassie was trying to delay the inevitable, what they had never until now thought of discussing in the open before, but knew they would eventually have to do: To blow up the enemy base.
I think both characters acted accordingly. Cassie saving the day was kinda a surprise to me. I don't know why people got so annoyed at that one. It was good, people!!!
6) Anything else?
Nah. Just the next book is kinda one of the weakest reads.
Post Merged: March 02, 2010, 10:17:59 PM
Can anyone refresh me on the scene where either Ax or Tobias in Taxxon morph chew through concrete...?
The more I think about it now, the more I think this idea, the more it seems messed up. Can a living organism really digest innorganics such as concrete?!
