| When the Andalites, a group of intelligent aliens, land on Dak-Hamee's home world, Dak is overjoyed. As the mutant "seer" of the Hork Bajir, Dak was born with genius-level intelligence -- a gift that makes him an outsider among his dimwitted race but allows him to develop a friendship with Aldrea, a young female Andalite. Through Aldrea, Dak learns the beauty of Andalite science and culture. All seems perfect -- until Dak discovers that Yeerks, evil, mind-controlling alien parasites, have invaded his planet with the intention of using the Hork Bajir as foot soldiers to enslave the universe. When the Yeerks kill Aldrea's family, a grief-striken Aldrea trains Dak in the ways of war, making Dak wonder if the Andalites are as benevolent as he thought and whether he has the fortitude to lead his people into battle. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story Coming of age Yes Youngster becomes - great warrior If an invasion, from Earth/human POV: - subtle invasion (mind control, lookalikes) War or Invasion Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14) Descript. of chases or violence - 30 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - a teen If magical mental powers: - super strength - is very quick Really unusual traits? Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - long-lived adults Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - mind reading - mind control - super strength How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters Setting Terrain A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - inhabited by friendly aliens - unfriendly aliens - neutral aliens - primitive aliens - very controlled society Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - very explicit references to deaths and torture scientific jargon? (SF only) - a moderate amount of scientific explanation How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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