The Hidden

Fun story of the Animporphs.This was a Cassie perspective story. I tend to like those more then the others. When it’s Cassie’s view, you are forced to look at a lot more then the basic story, you get human nature, right and wrong, and what it means to just exist.There were some plot holes. Erik the Chee suddenly finds out that the Helmacron device that tracks morphing energy has been rebuilt by the Yeerk and very quickly is put into use to tracks the Animorphs. All of that is a big plot hole, it all occurred as if in a vacuum before this, only being looked at now because it’s imminent.Ignoring the plot holes and plot devices that are a bit simplistic in moving the story forward, it is still a fun read. The animal of choice for this book is the African Cape Buffalo. It was utilized quite well for the story. It showcased Cassie’s huge empathy towards animals, when she knew she had to allow the Buffalo to die, yet still couldn’t. I think I would have liked it better if they could have found a way for the Buffalo to live. Understandably that really wouldn’t have been feasible, as they bring up since any Yeerk who took it host would have the visual memories of what it saw. Thus, including Cassie and the team morphing, outing their biggest secret.When the story moved to the beach and ocean I had hoped they would have found a way for the Buffalo to acquire another creature and been allowed to survive in this new body after the two hour limit. My personal hope was for a whale, and with it having its new telepathic ability and the majesty of many whale species. It could have been a start of a whole new whale community for the future, and possible communication with the world.It was an entirely unrealistic concept hoping for this ending, but it didn’t mean it wouldn’t have been interesting. At least for the story the Buffalo was killed quickly and hopefully didn’t suffer. It was interesting with Cassie’s response to the ant morphing. The reason why it was panicked was very well thought out and explained. That it did not tap into the humanity of its new body, as the Buffalo was trying to do, was an interesting counterpoint.Hopefully the Animorphs finally realized that the cube was on, so the next fly, roach, or water beetle that touches it doesn’t suddenly become morphing capable.In the future, having the Helmacrons return could always be humorous. As Yeerks can’t overtake a Helmacron and make a controller, it seems quite unlikely that the Yeerks would be able to reverse engineer the tech with it being so small. The plot of the Yeerks utilizing this stolen tech would be best left as a one-off story line.Though not a lot progressed as far as the war against the Yeerks, it was still a good battle in the war. There were missed a few jokes regarding having to see Chapman au natural, as clothes are not morphable. Marco could have quickly had quite a few for this instance. But as this is a juvenile story, it’s understandable this was overlooked.