Book Review: I Am Number Four

I Am Number Four, by “Pittacus Lore”

Fifteen-year-old John Smith is in hiding for his life, never staying in one place for more than a few months. He is one of nine children who left their war-torn planet Lorien, along with their guardians, until the children develop their powers. Their powers (or Legacies) are the only thing that can help them stop the evil Mogadarians who have come to Earth to kill off the survivors one by one.

John is a teen alien that goes through everything normal teenagers go through: being bullied, falling in love, having a hard time dealing with authority figures. But John also has to deal with the fact that he has growing super powers, and that a race of aliens want to kill him. John has the weight of the world on his shoulders, knowing that if the Mogadarians defeat them, that all of Earth will be next.

Though the premise sounds a bit like the former television show Roswell, that’s where the similarities end. This new series will appeal to a slightly younger audience. Though, I was disappointed in some of the strong language. The characters are well-developed, with great interactions. And though there is the overlying feel of suspense and danger always lurking, the mood is surprisingly light-hearted and fun until the final climactic battle. Science fiction fans of all ages will enjoy this fantastic, series debut. With a movie adaptation in production, I really hope this series takes off.