I finally got around to reading I am Number Four last week thanks to a few days of being sick.
I am Number Four
by Pittacus Lore
Release Date: August 1, 2010
Pages: 448
Other Information: First Book in Lorien Legacies Series. The next book, The Power of Six to be released in Spring 2011. I Am Number Four has also been adapted into a movie, which will release next year.
Summary: In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.
The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.
I had very high hopes for this book, so I wouldn't have been surprised if it was a major let down. Usually when books have a lot of hype around them, they end up falling flat. Not so with I am Number Four.
The main character, John (AKA Number 4), is written well. I felt a little sad for him during the book. Being a teenager is tough enough, but he's constantly moving and he knows he's different from everyone. This all makes it very hard to fit in.
The story moved along at a pretty good pace. At 400+ pages, I thought it might have been long winded, but every piece of the story was relevant to conclusion. There was one surprise element that I sort of saw coming from about mid-way through the book, but overall I still liked how it all fit together and made sense at the end.
The only thing I was dissapointed with was the way the subplot with Sarah and Mark James was handled. I won't say what happens because I don't want to spoil the book. It was a good scene that served as a way to demonstrate some of John's paranormal abilities, but I don't think the whole thing would have wrapped up so neatly in real life. But then again, this book isn't contemporary fiction, so I guess I can let it go.
Overall, this was a good book and I will definitely pick up the sequel when it comes out next year.
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I'm glad you liked it! I've heard such amazing things that I was concerned it would be a letdown, too, but now I definitely have to read it. And I can't wait for the movie :)
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