I Am Number Four
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you. But we are not you. We can do things you dream of doing. We have powers you dream of having. We are stronger and faster than anything you have ever seen. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books-but we are real.
Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending out lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing.
But they know.
They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. They killed them all. I am Number Four. I am next.
Talk about creativity! Lore’s idea is unique and stands out from the teenage love/angst stories of today. I really enjoyed I Am Number Four, but I would probably only recommend it to certain people. I’m not sure hard core sci-fi readers would find this book enjoyable. But, I think fans of young adult sci-fi stories would really like it.
A fifteen year old named John (or at least, that’s his name for now) has just moved to the lazy and small town of Paradise, Ohio. He and his “father,” Henri, have been on the move, changing names and locations ever since their planet Lorian was destroyed by a destructive alien race. The Mogadorians, who have sent their own planet to the chopper, destroyed Lorian and are looking to annihilate any survivors.
Along with John and Henri, eight other Lorien children escaped to earth. Once they have mastered their legacies-special powers given to certain Lorics – all nine children are to find each other, and band together against the Mogadorians who have followed them to planet earth. As a result of this inconvenience, the children are constantly on the move, hiding in the shadows.
However, fighting against them may prove to be a bigger challenge now that three of the nine children are already dead. John must quickly master his legacies since he is next on the hit list. But when trouble strikes, John refuses to leave. He is tired of running, and hates the thought of leaving the love of his life, Sarah, behind. Is John prepared for what’s coming his way? Or more importantly, is he enough?
Even though this story is very creative, that’s not to say it doesn’t have its faults. The first chapter is lacking in the editing department. The sentences are short and the overall flow just feels choppy. At first, I thought my knowledge of the editing language was lacking. But after the fifteenth sentence with only five words I was like, “Okay, I’m not the one failing here.” I guess the first ten pages just felt awkward, and it was hard for me to really get into it. The writing smooths out however and it becomes a much softer ride.
The story leaves you constantly worrying for John and Henri’s safety, and the last fifty pages or so are a roller coaster ride of insaneness. I actually read those last fifty pages on a plane, and I don’t think the other passengers enjoyed my squeals of fear and excitement. And to all you romance novelists out there; this book does have a love story, stay chill. What I like about the love interest is it’s not that awkward angsty love we see in some other books. Cough, Twilight, cough. Huh? Who said that?
I Am Number Four is an entertaining and fun read. Start out with a young adult fiction book, add in a heavy dose of adventure, and a sprinkle of sci-fi awesomeness and you’ve got yourself a delicious read. If you’re into all that, then you just might find yourself with a new book on your bookshelf. I’m looking forward to reading the second book already out, The Power of Six. I’ll be buying it as soon as I can trick my parents into giving me twenty bucks.
Guest Review by Kristin.
About Guest Reviewer, Kristin