I Am Number Four {ARC review} * * * 1/2

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Aug 3, 2010

- sci-fi, YA -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Book It Forward ARC Tours

Book Order

All I know about this is that I Am Number Four is the first in a six book series.

Links

Fan Site : www.iamnumberfourfans.com

Amazon : (pre-order) hardcover / eBook

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List

This book in 6 words:

action-packed sci-fi will leave you guessing

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

I first came across I Am Number Four in one of Bloody Bookaholic’s “Books to Come” posts. I thought it sounded unique and interesting and so when I got a chance to review an early copy of the book, I took it. I am definitely glad I read it. In a haze of paranormal romance, this sci-fi was a much needed break. I had almost forgotten how much I love science fiction! I still think it’s odd that the book was “written” by an elder of the alien species (although I think some have figured out who they think Pittacus Lore really is) and that it is being made in to a movie before the book is released. Overall, it was a fairly quick read with action, mystery, and a touch of romance. I’ll be picking up the rest of the series.

Brief Summary

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 our 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.

- via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

I thought the plot was highly entertaining. We are introduced to a new species (two actually) and learn that some of them are hiding among us. Number Four is a 15-year-old just coming into his powers and constantly on the run. I very much enjoyed learning along with him as he sees what really happened on his home planet and what he must to do save his race. This of course is peppered with teen angst in the form of first love, jock bullies, and a parent deciding what’s best for you.

I thought the pacing was pretty well-done. There were a few parts that dragged a tad and the end was FULL of action. I think this will be well-suited for a movie and I’m looking forward to seeing how they pull it off. The writing style had you on the edge of your seat the whole time.

Characters

We see the story through the eyes of John (aka Number Four). While he isn’t quite your typical teen boy, but he’s not so different from what you’ll find in your local high school. While he does have the burden of protecting his entire species, he’s enjoying his first girlfriend and learning to stick up for himself for the first time. At first I was going to say that he didn’t have a huge personality, but the more I think about the more we do know about him. He is very caring and is quick to stick up for his friends. He loves his “father” deeply and respects him. I don’t think he had the time or privilege to have the same interests as normal teens.

I really liked Sam. NASA shirt wearing nerdiness and all. And I was glad that Sarah wasn’t just a “pretty girl”, she was an animal lover, photographer, and someone who didn’t just sit by and let people get picked on.

Recommendations

I think that this would be a good read for those who like older YA (don’t mind some fighting). It would probably be best suited for those who like sci-fi, fantasy, or paranormal.