There were nine. Three are dead. I Am Number Four. Nine teenagers and their guardians are hiding on Earth... protected by a charm that means they can only be killed in numeric order, three are already dead. John Smith is Number Four. And his mortal enemies, the Mogadorian, are hunting him down.
The only way to keep off radar is to keep moving, never staying in one place for long. Finally in the firing line, all he can do is adopt the guise of a student and pray his unusual gifts—his legacies home; Planet Lorien—stay hidden long enough for him to settle into this new community.
But others seem to sense his otherness and when small-town life sucks him into its intrigues, it’s only a matter of time before his true nature is revealed. And that means there’s no space for love, friendship or a future if it means protecting not only himself, but the other five...
I've heard people say that a great writer will make his/her readers feel something when reading their work; be it love or hate for the story itself, the characters as people, etc...if it wasn't great work those strong emotions wouldn't come out. After reading I Am Number Four, I can only say that Pittacus Lore is a great writer. I experienced all sorts of emotions and feelings while reading this book and I must say that after finishing it I wanted to have a nice little chat with Lore. After everything I was put through, the ending! Oh my gosh, I'm not going to give anything away, but Lore....you're killing me with that kind of ending.
I've always loved the paranormal/fantasy genres but never really got into science fiction of any kind, what can I say...aliens never really appealed to me. X-Files wasn't my thing, Sigourney Weaver was great in Aliens but I don't have it on my shelf and let's face it, normally aliens are not dream worthy or likely to make you go weak in the knees after you get a look at them, unless it's from fear. But that was all before I read I Am Number Four. Wow, did I do a 360 and change my mind quickly. John Smith (a.k.a. Number Four) is an alien and all around wonderful and unique character created by Lore. He's been running his entire life just trying to stay alive and ahead of the creatures out to kill him. With only his guardian Henri as his constant companion, life has been lonely for John. Never staying in one place long enough to make friends, he's never really been able to get close to anyone, at least not until Henri and John move to a small town in Ohio. In Ohio a lot changes, John is able to make friends and of course a few enemies (always happens to the new kid in school), information is unfolded and discoveries are made that begin to help John understand more of what his life is really all about.
Lore unfolded this story piece by calculated piece and he hit the nail on the proverbial head each and every time. I don't want to infringe on that but I intend to read more of the Lorien Legacy series in the future and more of Lore's work in general. With amazing writing that brought tears to my eyes (thanks a lot Lore!) and laughter as well, Lore will have you wanting to read more, more, more. He's already got me on his science fiction band wagon and I'm sure when you read this one, you'll be his next victim....readers don't stand a chance!
I gave I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) 4 shamrocks!!!
