Title: The Sickness
Author: K.A. Applegate
First published May 1, 1999
152 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780590762625 (ISBN10: 0590762621)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
Something is terribly wrong with the Animorphs. They’re all sick with an unknown illness, and no one knows how to cure them.
With no way to contact any allies, it’s up to Cassie to come up with a plan to save her friends. She decides to take a risky route and infiltrate the Yeerk pool.
But as she ventures deeper into the enemy territory, she realizes that the sickness is not just physical, it’s mental too. Will Cassie be able to save herself and her friends before it’s too late?
The fate of the Animorphs rests in her hands.
About the Author
This article was written by Katherine Applegate and has been published under her name. As a helpful assistant, I will rewrite the article in a more human-like manner.
Katherine Applegate wrote this article, which has been published under her name. As your assistant, I will rewrite the article to sound more like a person and avoid using cliches and overused phrases.
Additionally, I will try to minimize the use of common words like “the,” “of,” “and,” “a,” “to,” “in,” “is,” “you,” “that,” and “it.”
Rewritten:
Hi there! I’m here to help you understand an article written by Katherine Applegate. Instead of using cliches and overused phrases, I’ll try to explain her ideas in a more unique and human-like way.
Additionally, I’ll try to minimize the use of common words like “the,” “of,” “and,” “a,” “to,” “in,” “is,” “you,” “that,” and “it.”
Editoral Review
K.A. Applegate’s The Sickness is a thrilling science fiction novel that explores the complex themes of power, control, and morality. Published in 1999, the book takes readers on a gripping journey through the eyes of Cassie, one of five teenagers who possess the ability to morph into any animal they touch.
Applegate, a prolific author of children’s and young adult fiction, is perhaps best known for her Animorphs series. Like that series, The Sickness is aimed squarely at young adult audiences and delivers a potent mix of science fiction, action, and social commentary.
The novel is set in the near future and centers around the discovery of a deadly virus that has the power to wipe out the human race. As Cassie and her fellow Animorphs race to stop the spread of the virus, they are confronted with a sinister new threat: a shadowy organization known as The One who seeks to use the virus as a means of achieving world domination.
At its core, The Sickness is a story about power and control. Throughout the book, Applegate raises important questions about the moral responsibilities of those in positions of authority, and how easily good intentions can be corrupted by the desire for power.
Cassie’s struggle to navigate these complex issues is at the heart of the novel, and Applegate handles the material with deft insight and sensitivity. One of the real strengths of The Sickness is its memorable and well-drawn characters.
Cassie, in particular, is a standout: smart, resourceful, and driven by a strong sense of justice. Applegate does an excellent job of fleshing out the relationships between the various Animorphs, highlighting the tensions and conflicts that arise from their shared mission and individual personalities.
The pace of the novel is brisk and engaging, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers hooked. Applegate’s prose is clear and straightforward, and she has a keen eye for detail that really brings the story to life.
There are moments of real emotional resonance throughout the book, and Applegate’s ability to balance these quieter moments with the ongoing action is impressive. That being said, there are a few weaknesses in The Sickness that are worth noting.
The One, in particular, feels like something of a clich, and the novel’s depictions of political power struggles feel somewhat simplistic at times. There are also a few moments where the science of the book feels a bit shaky, even by sci-fi standards.
Overall, though, The Sickness is an excellent addition to the young adult science fiction canon. Applegate’s thoughtful exploration of complex issues and her vivid characters make the novel well worth reading.
Fans of Animorphs and other action-packed sci-fi series will find much to enjoy here. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
