A review by ihateprozac
The Visitor by K.A. Applegate

4.0

In this book, the kids acquire some more animal DNA and decide to use Melissa Chapman as a means to get to her Controller dad. In the body of Melissa's cat Fluffer, Rachel learns that Melissa is depressed and neglected after having her parents' taken over by the Yeerks. Chapman meets regularly in with Visser in his basement via hologram, and we learn that Chapman and his wife had volunteered as hosts so long as Melissa was spared.

We see the Chapmans briefly fighting against their Yeerk parasites when Melissa is threatened. Visser Three suspects that Fluffer is an Andalite, and orders Chapman to bring Rachel in Fluffer-cat form to the construction site. Fortunately the other Animorphs intervene and save Rachel from being killed, destroying Visser Three's ship in the process! We also learn that Visser has acquired the DNA of another monstrous alien species that he uses to forcibly suck dissident Yeerks out of their hosts' heads.

I said I wouldn't be reviewing these books - but good lord, I feel for Melissa. I envision her as a younger version of Melissa Glasser from the Secret Circle TV show, who seems equally depressed and neglected at times. I'm intrigued by the Chapmans' tenacity in fighting the Yeerks, and I hope we see someone able to take back control later in the series!