The Sacrifice (Animorphs)

infobox Book |
name = The Sacrifice
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Ax morphs into a raccoon
author = K. A. Applegate
illustrator = David B. Mattingly
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series = Animorphs #52
genre = Science fiction novel
publisher = Scholastic
release_date = 2001
english_release_date =
media_type = Print (Paperback)
pages = 151 pp
isbn =
preceded_by =
followed_by = The Answer

"The Sacrifice", published in 2001, is the fifty-second book in the Animorphs series, written by K.A. Applegate. It is known to have been ghostwritten by Kimberly Morris. It is narrated by Ax.

Plot summary

After Rachel, Ax and James take a reconnaissance flight, they note that there is abundant activity; the Yeerks seem to be driving people into the subways. After a swift but brutal investigation, they relay their report to the others: the subway tunnels have been rerouted to the Yeerk Pool to provide mass infestation. The group immediately rally and develop a plan, but it is to be a risky one, in which the Yeerk pool is to be destroyed for good. Ax, however, is torn. Cassie reveals that it was she who allowed the blue box to be taken, and Ax now nurses a hatred born of betrayal for her. He communicates with the Andalite High Command in secret, who inform him not to destroy the Yeerk Pool, as they wish the bulk of the Yeerk Empire to land on Earth, so the Andalites can then 'quarantine' the planet. But Ax eventually disobeys them, allowing the Animorph plan to go ahead. Using the free Hork-Bajir, their parents and the auxiliary Animorphs in this one-shot-only plan, the group stages an elaborate offensive, during which Ax realises he does not truly hate Cassie. Without revealing his communication with the Andalite High Command, Ax, with Cassie and Marco in tow, takes a train loaded with several high-powered explosives into the pool itself. Visser One attempts to halt the plan, but only too late. With only a few minutes to spare, the trio warn everyone, friend and foe, of the impending danger, and a mad rush for the exit ensues, as the Yeerk Pool explodes.

Contributions to the Series' Story Arc

*The Yeerks begin a full-spread invasion of Earth.
*The Yeerk pool is destroyed.

New Morphs

*Ax - raccoon