The Threat: Duel Antar Animorphs

The sense of young heroes taking on enormous challenges was really compelling. I'm curious whether this concept came from current events or a childhood wish for heroism.

The story had such an exciting start and finish, but I felt the middle was a bit slower. Was that intentional to develop characters or build suspense?

The aliens felt both threatening and a little silly at times, which made me wonder if the tone was carefully balanced or evolved during writing.