TL;DR
A teenage alien hiding on Earth must embrace his destiny to battle a malevolent alien race while navigating friendships and love in rural Ohio.
What is I Am Number Four about
I Am Number Four is the first book in the Lorien Legacies series by Pittacus Lore. The novel follows John Smith, a teenage alien from the planet Lorien, who has been hiding on Earth from an evil alien race known as the Mogadorians. As he comes of age, he begins to develop his powers, known as Legacies, which he must master to fight the Mogadorians and reunite with the other surviving members of his race. Set against the backdrop of a rural Ohio town, John faces not only the threat of his alien pursuers but also the challenges of teenage life, including friendships and a budding romance, making this a compelling mix of science fiction and coming-of-age story.
I Am Number Four 5 Key Takeaways
Earthbound Hiding
John Smith, an alien from the planet Lorien, is hiding on Earth with his guardian Henri to escape the Mogadorians, who seek to eliminate him and the other members of his race.
Developing Powers
As John turns fifteen, he begins to develop special powers known as Legacies, essential for his survival and the fight against the Mogadorians.
New Friendships
In rural Ohio, John forms friendships with his classmates Sam and Sarah, which complicates his mission and makes his existence more precarious.
Battle with Mogadorians
John and his friends face off against the Mogadorians in a climactic battle at their school, leading to heavy casualties, including the death of Henri.
On the Run
After the battle, John, Number Six, and Sam leave Ohio to evade capture, vowing to continue their fight against the Mogadorians and promising to return for Sarah.
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I Am Number Four Best Reviews
- Entertainment Weekly: 'A breathless page-turning read with a strong central character and a mix of high school drama and epic alien battles.'
- Publishers Weekly: 'Lore weaves a gripping tale of a heroic alien teenager struggling to fit in while saving the world in the process.'
Top I Am Number Four Quotes
- “When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.”
- “We may be the last ones on this planet, but we're still Loric. We are still united as one.”
Who should read I Am Number Four?
Fans of young adult science fiction and action-adventure novels will find 'I Am Number Four' highly engaging. The book is suitable for readers aged 11 and up, particularly those interested in stories of alien races, battles, and coming-of-age challenges.
I Am Number Four FAQs
How many books are in the I Am Number Four series?
The series consists of seven books: 'I Am Number Four', 'The Power of Six', 'The Rise of Nine', 'The Fall of Five', 'The Revenge of Seven', 'The Fate of Ten', and 'United as One', along with a spin-off series called Generation One.
Is I Am Number Four book appropriate?
The book is suitable for readers aged 11 and up, though it contains some mature themes and language. It is advisable for parents to be aware of these elements when considering it for younger readers.
What happens in the I Am Number Four books?
John Smith, along with his guardian Henri and friends, battles the evil Mogadorians in a fight for survival. After a climactic battle, they go on the run to evade their pursuers, promising to return for loved ones left behind.