Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 20-27)

Chapter 20

Elfangor stops like I used to stop at stop lights (only reason I don't now is because I'm not supposed to drive) and is thrown across the deck. But Arbron doesn't waver as his many Taxxon legs keep him stable.

Arbron manages to shoot all three Bug Fighters down like more experienced Andalites would have trouble doing! Arbron says it's because that's what Taxxons are good at. Only problem I have with this is it seems the number of Bug Fighters chasing them has changed.

Elfangor and Arbron are both able to now really think about what it means that Arbron is a nothlit. When Elfangor turns the ship around and talks about getting Alloran, Loren, and Chapman back, Arbron panics. He brings up the Time Matrix but Elfangor tells him about the heat signature. Arbron doesn't care and attacks Elfangor. Arbron seems to do this in the hope that Elfangor will kill him and end his pain. Elfangor disarms him (literally) instead. I really want to talk about this scene more in depth, but there's no time for that now.

Arbron reveals both he and Alloran had eaten the Taxxon that had fallen. Poor Arborn, he has to be stuck with that hunger forever now.

Elfangor threatens to stun him and Arbron fools the aristh into putting the Dracon beam on full power. Luckily Elfangor doesn't hit Arbron, but ends up sending the ship crashing down. I'm just stuck wondering why Elfangor trusted Arbron. The trick shouldn't have worked because Elfangor knew Arbron wanted death and so whatever Arbron said about the Dracon beam shouldn't have been trusted. Knowing the trick had zero to do with knowing about the technology at hand.

Chapter 21

Elfangor wakes up from the crash and doesn't remember where he is. He remembers events but the thing he remembers best is Arbron tricking Elfangor into killing him.

Elfangor looks for Arbron and explores the wreckage. Some things seem to be off.

Elfangor finds the Time Matrix and is in awe at the sight of it. He remarks that it looks so unremarkable and you couldn't tell how powerful it was by merely looking at it.

Elfangor is still worried about Arbron but looks around the ship some more. He finds a photo album from Earth. He delights in the pictures. He thinks of being on Earth with Loren because his current situation is so horrible. He falls asleep looking a photographs and wakes up when there is daylight.

Elfangor realizes that Taxxons have taken Arbron and thinks it's more likely the Mountain Taxxons (aka the rebel Taxxons) took the nothlit.

Elfangor decides not to go after Arbron because he's probably dead anyways. He decides to go find Alloran. I really am pained now as Elfangor is in so much pain and now he has to go after the one who hates him instead of the one who he feels friendship for.

My fiance, revrezner, really likes Mustangs and now there is one in this book. Was this series predicting not just my fandom life but my real life to? Or is it just a weird coincidence?

Elfangor learning how to drive is amusing. Makes me feel better about my driving abilities and shows that Andalites aren't confused about primitive technology. I remember from the Animorphs tv show, the few episodes that I did watch, an episode where Ax doesn't realize how doors on cars worked. Either Elfangor is smarter than his brother, or the tv show was being disrespectful to the books.


Chapter 22

Elfangor is just reveling in the feeling of driving a convertible (I'm assuming that as Elfangor doesn't know that much about human technology at this point and so can't tell the reader) across the Taxxon home world. He does remark that all isn't right but he's still enjoying. This little bit of happiness pleases me so much.

Elfangor had collected some of the human objects from the Skrit Na ship. He's drinking Dr Pepper and I so wish he was drinking beer. Both are brown liquids. But, then again, this is a kids book.

Elfangor remarks that he is never going to morph into a Taxxon again even if it's a smart option. And who can blame him? He had horrible experiences in the morph and his friend is now a nothlit in that morph.

A hole opens in the ground and Elfangor and the Mustang go down it. Applegate chose to say "slid and rattled and rolled" when she could've used "shook and rattled and rolled".

Turns out Elfangor has fallen into a Taxxon cavern system thing. The mountain is alive and talks through thought-speak. Elfangor remarks that it sounds like a planet talking which makes me wonder how really awesome the Animorphs universe is if planets can speak.

Arbron turns out to be alive!

Arbron also turns out to be serving the Living Hive (aka the mountain creature). He says it's the mother and father of the Taxxons. Elfangor, understandably, thinks Arbron has gone nuts. Arbron replies that the Living Hive saved him and tells Elfangor about the vast tunnel system.

Arbron says that the Living Hive is angry and Elfangor just about shits his britches. Well, that would be true if he wore pants. Arbron reassures him by saying that the Living Hive is angry and mad at the Yeerks and is going to launch an attack. It couldn't do so before now but now it has Arbron. Elfangor asks about that part and Arbron seems sad when he remarks what better option does he have. Arbron has accepted that he is now a Taxxon.

Arbron's reasoning for it makes me want to break down in tears. He remarks that since he didn't successfully die he finds that he is glad for life. He remarks that there is always hope. As someone who thinks, sometimes on a daily basis, about killing herself this hits me so hard. Yes, Arbron is going on a suicide mission, but he isn't without hope now and his reason for going isn't to end his own life. Instead, he's doing it for a greater good.

Elfangor doesn't understand about Arbron accepting life as a Taxxon or thinking that Taxxons are good creatures, but he decides to help because they are opposing the Yeerks.


Chapter 23

Again Elfangor is left with only his thoughts (and this time no Loren). Arbron is busy being a general and he has changed emotionally. I believe it's because of his new found outlook on life and finding a worthy cause to fight for.

Arbron tells Elfangor the plan. He reminds Elfangor that getting the Time Matrix to safety is the most important thing. He says that rescuing the humans and finding Alloran is secondary. Elfangor offers to tell Arbron's parents about his fate. But Arbron insists to lie to his parents and say he died in battle. So I guess that Arbron is fine with his situation but it'd be embarrassing to his parents. Or he doesn't want his parents' pity. Arbron ends their talk by saying that the spaceport will be absolute chaos and Elfangor won't be able to tell which Taxxon is on what side. Arbron, therefore, gives Elfangor the okay to kill whichever Taxxons get in his way.

Elfangor blasting down the tunnels in the Mustang feels very different to him than driving the Mustang previously. Before it was fun and now he's more concerned about not hurting himself.

Elfangor arrives on the scene of the spaceport bloodbath by hitting a Taxxon and having it burst open (yes, blood does get on the Andalite). He remarks that he can hardly think with all Hell unleashed in one spot.

Elfangor spots the humans and Arbron. He asks the nothlit which side is which.

Arbron replies, [There's no difference anymore, Elfangor! Don't you see? Blood has been spilled. The hunger...the hunger! Stop me, Elfangor! Stop me!]

After he gives that heartbreaking bit of dialogue, he can't help himself and goes after the two humans.

Elfangor gives this description of it: And with that, Arbron, aristh of the Dome ship StarSword, lost his last shred of control.

Why the hell am I attracted to such heartbreaking series?


Chapter 24

Elfangor goes into panic/savior mode. Before he thought of the bloodbath, but now he's only concerned about Loren's safety. Elfangor is able to stop Arbron by reminding the nothlit that he's an aristh and has a duty.

Some Hork-Bajir Controllers approach Elfangor and Sub-Visser Seven is among them. The sub-visser remarks that he is glad that Elfangor escaped so he could use the Andalite as a host.

Arbron ends up standing beside Elfangor in this hopeless fight.

Elfangor makes a speech that would normally work in fiction, however it doesn't hear. The classic "In real life it doesn't work that way" line. That kind of line is both funny and problematic. Funny in that there's the whole "oh shit, this isn't going the way I planned" element. But it's also problematic as it's a line in a work of fiction.

Sub-Visser Seven sends his Hork-Bajir Controllers after the arisths and humans. Since only two Hork-Bajir Controllers can attack at a time Elfangor thinks he can deal with the situation. However, the fighting quickly escalates.

Suddenly Alloran appears in Hork-Bajir morph and threatens Sub-Visser Seven. Loren rushes over to check on Elfangor's wounds.

Again Alloran makes mention that he was involved in what happened on the Hork-Bajir home world.

Arbron demands to stay on the Taxxon home world and help with the Taxxon rebellion. This part is so heart breaking as Elfangor basically begs the nothlit to come with him. Elfangor didn't begin liking Arbron, but through all the pain and confusion he formed a friendship with the Andalite. Alloran ends the debate by calling Arbron a Warrior. To get Alloran's admiration and approval seems to be a VERY rare thing.


Chapter 25

The Jahar is able to leave the Taxxon home world without problems. Elfangor is relieved when he sees Alloran demorph. Alloran seems arrogant when he comments on the aristh thinking that he had become a nothlit like Arbron.

Chapman is "unusually quiet" but Elfangor doesn't pay attention to this as he hates Chapman and figures the human is just afraid of what will happen to him.

Alloran starts talking how now Elfangor wants orders when he disobeyed flushing the Yeerks into space. Alloran then talks about doing the job and finishing it this time. Elfangor reminds him that the Time Matrix is their first priority. Alloran replies that he's spent all his time on the Taxxon home world watching the ship that held the Yeerks. Alloran turns to Elfangor and the aristh can see that the war-prince is mad. Alloran says the most important thing in war is to destroy the enemy.

Alloran may have gone mad, but the point of war is to win. However, how far you should go to win is a whole 'nother discussion.

Alloran says to throw the Sub-Visser into space. Elfangor makes mention of how it seems Chapman and the Yeerk seem to talk to each other through glances and signals. He then thinks he must be imagining things. The Hork-Bajir that the sub-visser is in seems to relax. That seems to be a huge warning signal to me. Elfangor obeys Alloran's orders but doesn't look as he does the deed. He isn't relieved when the ordeal is over because he knows that they still have to destroy the Yeerk transport ship.

Alloran is cheerful as he'll finally get to destroy the ship he's watched for the past few days and be able to also get the Time Matrix. Elfangor is too tired to argue after everything that has happened.

Elfangor asks why Chapman agreed to come with them. They get into a short discussion where Chapman tries to defend his actions.

Alloran aims the shredder but orders Elfangor to take the shot as it'll erase the aristh's act of cowardice.


Chapter 26

Elfangor makes his choice and decides not to shoot. Alloran berates the aristh as he believes that war should be won at any costs. And says that Elfangor is one of those people that doesn't mind if immoral things are done in war as long as other people do it. Elfangor brings up the point that the Yeerks are helpless. Alloran counters by saying that the Yeerks are the enemy and that Elfangor is a hypocrite. He goes on to say it was wrong for him to be disgraced and to be sent on missions with arisths.

Alloran continues by saying that it doesn't matter how you kill an enemy and brings up that he had used a quantum virus on the Hork-Bajir home world. A quantum virus is something that breaks down something on a subatomic level and a species affected will be in agony as it slowly dies. This type of virus is highly illegal and the high ups in Andalite hierarchy had denied it. The common Andalite had been told that the Yeerks had lied about the Andalites using a quantum virus. So this is a real big shock to Elfangor to say the least. So we finally find out why Alloran is disgraced!

At this moment Chapman goes to attack Alloran. Now Elfangor can attack Chapman as obviously the human is now controlled by the sub-visser now! But, nope, the aristh knocks the mad war-prince out. Chapman is very happy about this and Elfangor still doesn't get it. What the bloody fuck? Elfangor, honey, I love you but sometimes you are really dense.

Elfangor is shocked about knocking Alloran out and decides to pick up the Time Matrix and then leave the Taxxon home world for good.

Elfangor makes a joke and Loren remarks that's a first for him. He then talks about Arbron. I need to give both of these heroes a hug! Loren asks about him driving a Mustang and Elfangor remarks that it was primitive but fun to drive.

Elfangor goes to get the Time Matrix and while he's getting it he realizes that he's been a dumb ass. He FINALLY realizes how much luck was required for their mission to succeed. And that it was TOO MUCH luck to happen by chance.

Loren had been a controller! I forgot about that particular reveal. Chapman being a controller I had guessed but...maybe I hadn't wanted to imagine her having a Yeerk in her head. But, yeah, she being a controller makes a shit load of sense and it would've been odd if she hadn't been one.

And now Alloran has Sub-Visser Seven controlling him. Shit!


Chapter 27

Was thinking of ending this post on Chapter 26 as I'm staying up later than I should to do this but I just have to read this tonight or I'd die in anticipation...or any period cramps that decide to say hi tonight (and I had some that lasted for five or ten minutes last morning).

Elfangor had to remind himself that Alloran is now really Sub-Visser Seven. The sub-visser reveals that another Yeerk had been in the Hork-Bajir host, he had really been in Chapman all along, and another Yeerk had been in Loren. The sub-visser compliments Elfangor on knocking Alloran out. Elfangor is in utter shock and horror that it was him that allowed the sub-visser to take an Andalite body.

The sub-visser says that it was lucky that the Mountain Taxxons had attacked when they did because the Andalites hadn't been very suspicious. Sub-Visser Seven also remarks that if Elfangor had decided to shoot the transport ship then he and the Yeerk in Loren would have been forced to reveal themselves. The Yeerk remarks that it's one thing to sacrifice one Yeerk life for the mission, but another to risk ten thousand Yeerk lives. So Yeerks do have some form of morality.

Elfangor threatens to kill the sub-visser, but the Yeerk mocks Elfangor's morality. Sub-Visser Seven even brings up the fact that the young Andalite won't kill a helpless foe. Can I just ask why mock this as it's what allowed Sub-Visser Seven's mission to succeed? But, then again, Yeerks hate Andalites beyond reason so that's probably the reason why.

Elfangor doesn't kill the sub-visser but stuns him. He drags Loren's body into the Jahar and reluctantly drags Chapman too. Before he can drag the sub-visser in there are Bug fighters. Elfangor hopes to fool the Yeerks by assuming the fact they can't tell one Andalite from another. He pretends to be Sub-Visser Seven and leaves the sub-visser to die. I am loving seeing Elfangor pretending to be a sub-visser!

While I enjoy this scene I must say that it shows that Elfangor has it in him to be cruel. Maybe not Sub-Visser Seven or Alloran cruel, but cruel nonetheless.

Sub-Visser Seven realizes instantly what Elfangor had done and immediately starts to run away.

Elfangor's bluff lasts long enough for him to escape into Zero-space.
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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents

Pretty Little Liars "The Guilty Girl's Handbook" Review

I review the latest Pretty Little Liars episode!

Inbetween: The Darkening 9

Killing used to make me feel unclean. I thought the act of taking a life was something only a god should do. The fact that it made me feel so powerful sickened me because I used to think killing shouldn't make someone feel good. But now I knew better.

I watched as Hannibal made dinner. It wasn't a normal dinner, though, it was a celebration. I had killed Beverly and, in doing so, had begun a new part of my life. My life would now become richer as I had broken out of my cage.

Though this dinner was a special one, I couldn't help but cringe at the thought of what I would be eating. What was even more surprising was the fact that Abigail didn't have any problems with eating it.

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" I asked Hannibal.

"You're still having doubts?" He replied without a hint of annoyance in his voice. I had learned, shortly after I had killed Beverly, about how he mostly stuck to killing the rude. So I knew that all the moments I had been rude he had restrained himself because he loved me. And I also knew that he was restraining himself right now.

"I don't mind killing, but eating a person just seems wrong to me."

"If Beverly was not worthy to keep her own life, why should she get any say as to how her body is used now?"

I thought about Hannibal's words. He didn't kill without reason and hated killing to keep himself safe. I now understood killing was not always wrong and you shouldn't feel bad because you took a life. I had been naive to fear killing before.

But it being okay to eat another human being and becoming a cannibal? That was too much for me to understand. Was it because I was weak or that I was right?

"Beverly didn't deserve her life and I took it." I replied, trying to form my thoughts into words. "Her threat is gone and eating her would be going a step further than we need to go. Eating her won't stop a threat that has already been stopped."

"While eating won't give you the same sense of release, Will, it does have another use that killing doesn't."

I looked at him and asked. "What is that?"

Hannibal found a point where he could pause in his art. He met my gaze and I knew that I had failed him in my lack of understanding. But as he wasn't making any indication he was going to kill me, I realized that he was willing to take the time to help me understand.

"Killing gives you a sense of release that you can't get anywhere else." Hannibal explained. "But eating another human makes you realize that people are just animals. They can be as easily manipulated as a pig. Being a cannibal gives you strength."

"Is there another reason?"

Hannibal paused as if lost in a memory. I realized that he wasn't as strong as I thought. While he could stand up against things others would crumble from, he was still human. He still felt. For some reason that both humanized him and made me afraid.

I was about to ask him what the memory was when he came back to reality and returned to cooking. Thinking that the conversation had come to an end, I started to walk out of the kitchen. Abigail must be getting lonely sitting all alone at the table.

"The other reason is that we're making sure the meat isn't wasted." Hannibal said and so I took up my former position in the kitchen. "Beverly's body would just be hidden in the ground and the only use it would have had would be to be found by the police or FBI."

"Which wouldn't be good." I replied. "But you don't cook every piece of a human's body."

"Every person has certain parts that are actually good to cook. Though the cheek is the exception as every one's cheeks make a good meal." Hannibal said. "So to eat an entire human body would also be wasteful as you would be making time for parts that are better left uneaten."

"So we're eating Beverly just to have a meal?"

"We're eating her as to not waste her most precious parts."

As the smell of Beverly's flesh drifted into my nose I started to get hungry but tried to push the feeling away. Hannibal was trying to make me eat another human and, at the same time, make me think that it was a good idea. Not just a good idea but a noble one. He was beginning to look like a monster.

But then I started really looking at my own thought process. Why was it disgusting to me? If someone killed a deer it wouldn't be wrong. If someone killed a deer it was to provide food and hunting it was a reward in itself. So why would eating a human be all that bad?

I had hunted Beverly and the hunt had been its own reward. Eating her, like one would eat a deer, would just be a celebration of the hunt. Hannibal was right, she hadn't deserved her life so why should I empathize with her now?

When Hannibal finished making the meal I helped bring out the food to the table. We brushed lightly against each other at one point before sitting down. Hannibal, Abigail, and myself were happy as we ate together.

I took my first bite of Beverly and smiled as the taste and smell combined itself into one exotic feeling. Hannibal looked me in the eyes and we both smiled. I had pleased him by being a good student. After I ate the meat of Beverly Katz, there'd be a different kind from the man I loved.
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Previous (and Current) Inbetween: The Darkening Chapters

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Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 13-19)

Chapter 13

Elfangor talks about morphing training. How every Andalite is first given the djabala to turn into and, if the Andalite passes that test, then a kafit (a type of bird). Elfangor says that he had fun morphing into a kafit but how horrible morphing into a Taxxon is going to be. This reminds me of when one of the Animorphs (probably Marco) comments on the fact that they used to morph pleasant creatures.

Elfangor decides to morph into a Taxxon because he wants to show Alloran that he's a "good soldier" and that he's brave. Again with the pride. He could've said that he was morphing because the mission required it, but instead he said it was to please Alloran. I don't remember Elfangor being this prideful, or maybe it just means more to me now.

And the first morphing sequence of the book!

Elfangor comments on the loss of his vision and this surprises me. I thought that he would spend more time talking about how he doesn't have a tail-blade anymore, as an Andalite's tail-blade is his/her life. But the talk about sight is more important, story wise, as it allows an easy transition to comment on the Taxxon's compound eyes.

Holy fucking shit! Elfangor is commenting about Taxxon hunger and it's creepy. Creeps me out badly as an adult. Yeah, kids, read this and sleep well!

(got picture from HERE)

The only reason Elfangor doesn't attack Alloran and Arbron is because the Taxxon instincts know that they are more likely to win the fight. Whenever you morph into something, the creature's instincts can be overpowering. This is the reason why the Animorphs decided on the fact that they always had to test out a morph before a battle. Because if the morph was like a Taxxon, whose instincts are overpowering, they had to learn how to control it.

Elfangor warns Alloran and Arbron to be VERY careful when they morph.

[What, are you afraid I'm gonna morph and try to eat you?] Arbron asks jokingly.

[Yes, Arbron. I am afraid.] Elfangor replies because he knows that the reason he was able to control himself won't work when Arbron morphs.


Chapter 14

Taxxon hunger is really the defining characteristic of the species. So it makes sense that Elfangor begins the chapter by commenting on it. Adding that it never goes away.

It's terrifying that Elfangor doesn't know if he could've resisted eating Loren if she was there. The Elfangor x Loren feels are overpowering in that one sentence!

Elfangor comments on the fact that if they escape in the Yeerk ship that Alloran will order the Yeerks to be slaughtered. As the Yeerks can't immediately gets hosts, they'll have to wait a day, this is a real possibility. I like that this issue of morality is being dealt with. Honestly, I agree with Alloran here but I like seeing the hero choosing the moral choice while knowing its faults.

Well, they can spot the Skrit Na ship easily enough. Now if getting to it is just as simple.

And Alloran reminds Arbron and Elfangor what they are supposed to be. Cannibalistic Space Worms!

I guess "tall trees" is a form of measurement. I can't tell measurements when you say something like "ten feet". But "tall trees" is just lazy.

Ah...so the Gedds was the first race enslaved by the Yeerks. They're humanoid but are always hunched over so that there's always a limb to help them walk. Humans are still the only species to walk on two legs.

Elfangor is not liking the scenery at all. He comments on the fact that the average Andalite is being lied to about how well the war is going. He's used to being told that the Andalites are winning hands down when that is not the case.

And, oh God, I thought that since I was older this scene would be less terrifying. It isn't. Basically a Taxxon falls off of a train and Elfangor runs to eat it. After eating some of it, the Andalite backs away and is frightened of what he just did. Yeah, nightmare fuel.

A Hork-Bajir Controller (Yeerk's title is Sub-Visser Seven) notices Elfangor and says that he's interested in any Taxxon that will not eat fresh meat.


Chapter 15

Elfangor comments that Andalite Morphing technology (he uses the term "Morphing power") is wonderful and allows Andalites to be the "greatest spies in the galaxy". However, if you stay in a morph for over two hours you become stuck in the morph (aka become a nothlit like Tobias). This is what worries Elfangor as the sub-visser takes him on the mag-lev train car.

A sub-visser is a high rank in the Yeerk Empire. At the top is the Council of Thirteen (one member of the Council is emperor but it's never revealed in the Animorphs series who it is, yeah I looked), then the Vissers, and finally the sub-vissers. The lower number of the rank (aka two is lower than three), the higher the position is.

The sub-visser seems to realize that Elfangor is an Andalite in morph. The Andalite aristh decides to speak in gibberish to fool the Yeerk. What is interesting here is that the translator can detect what language another is speaking. That is highly useful. But the translator is able to work even in morph, so where is it located? And how does it work?

The sub-visser asks for Elfangor to speak in Galard (the language that's basically like common in Star Wars) and the Andalite doesn't as he fears a trap.

The Yeerk also brings up that there's a rebel force of Taxxons (called Mountain Taxxons). Elfangor files this info under 'news my superiors need to hear ASAP'.

Elfangor hopes that Alloran and Arbron will complete the mission as he doesn't think he'll be able to.

Sub-Visser Seven says that any rebel Taxxon is fed to loyal Taxxons. He says "idiotic regulations" but it's clear that he's trying to prod Elfangor into telling him the truth. The sub-visser gives Elfangor the choice of a painless death if he confesses to being an Andalite. The young Andalite mourns over the fact that all his dreams of becoming a great warrior had just been dashed. I admit I like seeing this happen as his pride has been thoroughly dashed by reality in this scene.

Sub-Visser Seven says that Elfangor doesn't have to die if the Andalite will become his host. I'm getting the feeling I've just been introduced to Visser Three.

Sub-Visser Seven comments on the fact that no Andalite has been taken alive because they commit suicide via tail-blade. Those Andalites are bad ass! It's one thing to fight in a battle and another thing to decide your cause is more important than your life.

When the Yeerk is done explaining, Elfangor feels revulsion and tells the Yeerk to remember his name. Also stating that he'll never be taken alive. Yep, it's safe to say we've met Visser Three.


Chapter 16

Elfangor is falling and is demorphing as he wants to die an Andalite and not a "disgusting, cannibalistic worm". He doesn't demorph before he hits the ground and Taxxons start eating him. How could I forget how really disturbing these books were?

Luckily Elfangor's tail-blade forms in time to save him out from being eaten alive. Elfangor manages to injure some Taxxons and so the other Taxxons figure the Andalite is worth too much risk to eat. The Yeerks fire at him and he hides in the crowd of Taxxons.

I guess the Hork-Bajir Controllers aren't translated all in English to show that they're speaking a combination of languages?

Elfangor decides to morph into a kafit so he can escape. It's brought up that once you acquire a morph it's yours forever. He's so scared he couldn't tell if he had morphed which is really REALLY weird. Of course he has morphed and he flies away.

Elfangor sees that the Jahar has been captured. All I can think is: GODDAMMIT, CHAPMAN, WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO THIS TIME?

It was Chapman's fault, goddammit! He has Loren tied up and is offering to trade humanity for I don't want to know. Power? Whatever the bloody fuck he thinks he can get? Arg!


Chapter 17

So Andalites have more than one heart? Looking on Seerowpedia it turns out they have three hearts.

The beginning of this chapter is mostly recap as, at this point in the book, it has come to Part 2. If you're wondering, there is more of Elfangor talking about his bromance with the Jahar.

Elfangor worries about Arbron (his "fellow aristh") and Alloran. He talks about how Alloran should be dealing with his situation as the war-prince has experience.

Elfangor then accepts the fact that the fate of his entire race rests on him (remember, the Time Matrix can make it so the Yeerks can stop the Andalite race from existing). It's adorable that he has to remind himself that rescuing Loren can't be his first priority now.

However, Elfangor does tell her not to talk about the Time Matrix and promises to save her. Though he knows that she has no reason to believe him.

Doesn't Elfangor think of the possibility of a Yeerk being put into Chapman and so the Time Matrix will be revealed?

Elfangor demorphs in sewage but doesn't mind since he's back in his own body. However, that happiness is short lived as he has to resume his Taxxon morph. Arbron comes while Elfangor is mid-morph and Elfangor is relieved just to see another Andalite. Elfangor notices Arbron acting oddly but just writes it off.


Chapter 18

Elfangor's basic plan amounts to him and Arbron just strolling into the Skrit Na ship and flying away. Again Elfangor's pride is mentioned as he talks about appearing like a fighter pilot. Not to belittle a characteristic of our lead, but I could invent a drinking game about this book and Elfangor's pride would be part of it.

Again the Taxxon hunger is mentioned. It is still creepy as ever. And this is a book for children!

There is a suspicious Gedd Controller. Elfangor attempts to speak Galard with his Taxxon tongue but the Gedd Controller asks for him to use a pad attached to his wrist (it's a translator). Arbron, being the technical genius of the two, uses it.

Oh, god, Elfangor said [So far so good] which I remember being the phrase in the Animorphs series that indicated shit was about to go down.

Elfangor demorphs as quickly as he can. It is after he demorphs that Arbron reveals he is a nothlit and not able to morph out of being a Taxxon. I knew this was coming but it still hurts like I'm reading it for the first time.

[I really wish I could, Elfangor.] Arbron says and my heart breaks again!

Chapter 19

Elfangor knows that there is no time to talk about Arbron being a nothlit, but he allows himself to feel horror at the knowledge. The reason that the Taxxon morph was painted as being so horrible now reveals itself. It's so that the reader feels utter horror, disgust, and despair at what has happened to Arbron.

Elfangor remarks that the Skrit Na ship is moving too slow. Arbron suggests using the Time Matrix, but the prideful Andalite remarks that they don't know how the weapon works. If it takes too long to start working then they'll be dead. Elfangor also remarks about how their superiors will react to them using the Time Matrix and Arbron laughs at that. Then Arbron realizes Elfangor is talking about the "mythical" Ellimists. Elfangor points out if the Time Matrix is real why not the Ellimists.

I loved the Ellimists when the species was first introduced but I wasn't happy what they turned into (basically one character, but that's a rant for another day).

A Bug Fighter is coming after our two Andalite cadets! Elfangor is shaken but decides to try to outrace the Bug Fighter and its buddy in the atmosphere. Arbron replies with the obligatory WTF.

Elfangor dives down and the two are both scared and excited. Elfangor basically commenting that the experience is amazing.

As the chase continues Arbron holds back a piece of information concerning the ship saying, [...you don't even want to know.]

A Bug Fighter explodes but Arbron tells Elfangor he can't pull the same move off in time (the Bug Fighter couldn't handle the atmosphere). The nothlit offers to shoot the remaining two Bug Fighters but Elfangor questions if he can with Taxxon abilities. Arbron is, of course, insulted and insists he can. Elfangor wants to leave the decision making to the captain, but the captain is him. He decides to let Arbron make the shot.
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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents

Fifty Shades Darker (E.L. James)

Title: Fifty Shades Darker

Series: Fifty Shades Trilogy

Author: E.L. James

Released: 2012

Rating: 1.5/5

Basic Plot: Ana learns more about Christian Grey and their love deepens.
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The Abuse
My hate for this book doesn't come from me being a prude and only doing the missionary position in bed. Instead, my hate for this book comes from the fact that it shows an abusive relationship as the ideal relationship. Christian Grey is controlling of Ana to the point that he buys the company she works for. While he is able to tell Ana to put his past relationships to the back of her mind, lord help the man who even glances at her. Other people have pointed out the fact that he is taking away her connection to people piece by piece. Those more familiar with abusive relationships will be able to point a lot of things out. I don't think any reader, even the younger ones, will get fooled. The fact is that the less mature you are, and the less experience you have with the real world, the easier the mindset that 'being in a relationship with someone like Christian is okay' is to get into. That is what scares me about books like these getting published.


The Sex Is Meh
If you are thinking of checking out this book because the sex scenes are awesome, don't bother. Even though Ana and Christian have sex like rabid rabbits, it's not really as extreme as people talking about it say it is. The sex scene in the elevator at a restaurant is really the only one I was interested in (and that due to the fact that having sex in public is interesting to me). There are maybe two other scenes, at most, that would be worth talking about.

There Is No Real Conflict
Yes, things happen in this book. However, nothing really horrible lasts for long. If there is some conflict being hinted at, it's resolved quickly. The biggest betrayer of conflict comes near the end of the book when Kate finds out about the contract that Christian wanted Ana to sign in the first book (Fifty Shades of Grey).  Don't get your hopes up about it progressing logically or even lasting more than a few pages. This is what happens with any real conflict in the book. By the end of the book I knew that any conflict would be quickly resolved, but I wanted Kate to react to the news better. Well...better meaning she'd react to it worse but it'd be better because there'd be conflict.

Final Thoughts
I am glad to have finished this book. Though I know that one day I'll get to reading the final book in this trilogy. On my twitter I was tweeting last night about some of the comments I saw about this book. One of them said that since Fifty Shades Darker (as well as Fifty Shades of Grey and Freed) were originally fanfiction that of course it was going to suck. As a writer and reader of fanfiction I can promise you that there is some good stuff out there and that Fifty Shades is just one of the worst pieces of fanfiction out there. If you are one of my less mature (maturity and age being different) readers and are thinking of checking this book out: just remember that if you ever find yourself in a relationship with someone like Christian Grey you should get out!

GetGlue Stickers (7/30/2013)

I go over the latest stickers I've gotten from GetGlue!

Animorphs Re-Read: The Andalite Chronicles (Chapters 8-12)

Chapter 8

I like how Z-Space travel (imagine hyperspace from the Star Wars series) works. In that there is a reason why you can't always use it. So that's why Elfangor and company aren't using it in the start of the chapter.

Arbron's character is being expanded. He can take things seriously and that surprises Elfangor. Of course Elfangor realizes that he is biased because Arbron never was serious around HIM. Arbron is 'unraveling a mystery' and won't tell the egotistical Andalite aristh about it.

Elfangor is bored since Arbron is researching, Alloran is brooding, Chapman is brooding, and so the only one he's really talking to is Loren. He remarks that sitting looks very odd. So Andalites don't sit?

Loren and Elfangor talk about Earth and the talk quickly turns to Loren's mother. Then talk turns to war. It is saddening to see Alloran just starting to pay attention to Loren because of how she said her father couldn't cope with life after fighting a war. From this action it is safe to assume that Alloran can only really connect to fellow veterans since only they can understand his pain. The war-prince connects to Loren and even goes so far as to defend her from Chapman.

I like how Loren singles out Elfangor as a memory she's worried about losing.

Loren asks why Andalites don't have mouths and Chapman tells her that her question is stupid (fucking asshole) and tries to bribe Elfangor with money from Earth. When Elfangor laughs at Chapman's offer the asshole then tries to offer the aristh with power. Elfangor replies he's an Andalite and his species isn't bent on ruling others like the Yeerks are.

Before Chapman can embarrass himself anymore, Arbron calls Elfangor over. The suspense is killing me as neither character will say what the images means. No, they have to call Alloran over as the suspense is about to kill me. And whatever this master weapon is it was hidden in Egypt under a Pyramid. I'm guessing it's the Time Matrix.

IT IS THE TIME MATRIX!

So the Skrit Na picked up the Time Matrix or the humans first?

Now the mission has changed to getting the Time Matrix first since that is the higher priority.


Chapter 9

So now Elfangor and company is going to the Taxxon home world! And, of course, it's going to be full of butterflies and ponies!

The general consensus among the three Andalites is that the Skrit Na don't know what they have since they are going to the Taxxon home world and not to the Yeerk home world.

Chapman interrupts the discussion and demands to be noticed. He criticizes the Andalites because they are just dragging him and Loren across the galaxy. Elfangor reminds the asshole human that there is an emergency in progress.

So Loren didn't guess that there is danger involved in her trip now? Or is it her only trying to be kind to Elfangor (aka asking Chapman's question in a more polite manner)?

Alloran allows the humans to know what is actually going on and it appears that Loren is more naive than Chapman. This can be assumed when Chapman knows how a time machine can be used as a weapon while Loren doesn't.

Chapman pushes Alloran's big button and says that maybe the Yeerks are the better ones because 'they sound like winners'. This causes Alloran to bring up what he got disgraced for: something involving the Hork-Bajir home world.

Alloran says that they are now on battle alert and the two arisths appear nervous at the thought of an actual mission. This is caused by them having to morph into Taxxons (whenever you morph into something you get a bunch of whatever's instincts).

Elfangor remarks that his daydreams of being a warrior always went well but the reality wasn't like he expected. I feel like this is the same theme that happens with the Animorphs (although they weren't warned before they became warriors).


Chapter 10

So the first part of the plan is to capture a Yeerk ship and get morphs from that ship. Luckily there is a ship that's just arriving.

I am happy to see Elfangor abandoning his pride when he puts the mission first. He abandons his pride by telling Alloran that Arbron is the better shot. Elfangor, instead, pilots the Jahar and remarks that boarding the Yeerk ship will be different than the Skrit Na. He appears more afraid of the Yeerk ship because he doesn't know what will be waiting for them.

In his panic, Elfangor tries to recall everything Sofor had taught him.

The description of a Taxxon just makes me think of 'killer space worm'.

Elfangor's first real fight! It has been revealed that Taxxons will eat any fresh meat. This includes eating their own kind. So cannibalism was in my first fandom and now I'm a fan of Hannibal.

Arbron thinks there has been victory but Elfangor and Alloran have guessed that there is even bigger trouble coming.

Arbron makes a joke before he and Elfangor fight Hork-Bajir.

A lot of mention has been paid to saying how Elfangor doesn't think when he uses his tail blade, but now it's being mentioned like this is the first time it has happened?

Whatever is different has Elfangor going into super tail blade mode. Arbron is just shocked and Alloran seems to have respect for him. Elfangor is freaked out and finds comfort in Loren (no, they don't have sex).


Chapter 11

Elfangor becomes ashamed quickly. He feels he is not acting in the right manner. Pride?

Elfangor doesn't react kindly to Loren asking if he's okay. It's a rude action but his pride has been hurt badly (running into someone's arms after his first battle).  Loren is shown to be kind as after Elfangor says he doesn't need help she goes to help Arbron who had been injured in the fight.

Alloran gives Elfangor and Arbron orders but neither moves. Alloran is at first annoyed, then he realizes that this has been their first battle. He is harsh, but he is caring when he can relate to others. This is one of those instances as he tells them they did a good job but they still have work to do.

Loren first has Elfangor promise that she and Chapman will be taken back to Earth. She then warns the aristh that Chapman is trouble.

Loren says, "Chapman doesn't trust you."

And Elfangor replies sassily with, [I got that impression,]

It's almost like Alloran is telling Elfangor to get away from his girlfriend and focus on the mission. Love it!

Aw! Elfangor is worrying for Loren's safety!

I like how Elfangor defends Loren from Arbron's little rant.

Arbron compliments Elfangor's fighting skills. Elfangor is torn as he doesn't like to remember killing but his pride loves being complimented for his actions.


Chapter 12

Elfangor, Arbron, and Alloran have every one locked up. Alloran tells the Taxxons to not eat each other, but they don't listen. The war-prince then says the Yeerks have left them as they're acting like Taxxons in their natural state. Elfangor wonders where the Yeerks went but his question goes unanswered.

I like how the Yeerks are revealed. It is very well done. Alloran states that the Yeerks are being transported to the Taxxon home world so they can get hosts.

Alloran and Elfangor have a debate whether or not to kill the Yeerks. Elfangor argues that it's murder because the Yeerks are helpless. Alloran argues that the point of war is to kill. Arbron stops the argument, at least for now, by saying it wouldn't be a wise move to make at this time.

I like the line "I had made an enemy of Prince Alloran." as it is sort of foreshadowing later events.

Before Elfangor acquires his Taxxon morph Alloran jokes that doing so will breach Elfangor's 'high moral code'.

And the chapter ends with Elfangor starting to morph.
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Animorphs Re-Read Table of Contents