The Illusion (Animorphs)

infobox Book |
name = The Illusion
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Tobias morphing into an Andalite
author = K. A. Applegate
illustrator =
cover_artist = David B. Mattingly
country = United States
language = English
series = Animorphs #33
genre = Science fiction novel
publisher = Scholastic
release_date = August 1999
english_release_date =
media_type = Print
pages = 156
isbn =
preceded_by = The Separation
followed_by = The Prophecy

"The Illusion" is the thirty-third book in the "Animorphs" series, written by K.A. Applegate. It is known to have been ghostwritten by Melinda Metz. It is narrated by Tobias.

Plot Summary

The Yeerks have finished their anti-morphing ray and want to test it. Tobias comes up with a plan to trick the Yeerks into thinking that it doesn't work; if they capture him, they will try to use it on his hawk form, but hawk is his true form now. Tobias acquires Ax and then gets captured by the Yeerks. They try to demorph him unsuccessfully since he is already demorphed. He is then tortured by the sadistic Taylor with a machine that controls the parts of the brain that induces pain and pleasure. He almost went insane and nearly died after receiving heightened, alternating doses of painful and pleasant sensations and memories. He sees painful memories of childhood neglect or battle, after seeing pleasant peaceful memories. This process nearly kills him. Here, he experienced an Utzum, later explained by Ax to be a vision Andalites believe happens at the moment of death to comfort those crossing over. Tobias is spoken to by his father Elfangor who shares with him his own memories of hardship, battle, his moments of questioning himself and his own actions. He reminds Tobias that he is part of a great tradition of warriors in order to comfort him before his death. Tobias is rescued by Ax and the other animorphs. In the battle he persuades Rachel not to kill Taylor, so as not to descend to her level. After the battle Tobias continues to question who and what he is. Andalite? Human? Hawk? However he takes comfort in his relationship with Rachel.

Contributions to the Series' Story Arc

*Taylor is introduced.
*Tobias and Rachel share their first kiss.

Morphs

Trivia

*This book marks the first time a non-Andalite has acquired (and morphed) an Andalite.
*The front cover quote is, "Change happens. Whether we like it or not..."