I Am Number Four - This year's series for young readers

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore:  How about another exciting science fiction thriller series where all of your main characters have supper powers, and must overcome tremendous odds in order to stay alive, save the planet against some of the most ruthless beasts imaginable, and salvage relationships with potential allies and each other?  That sounds like a lot, but it is not unlike some of the most popular young adult series' on the shelves today.  Hunger Games by Susanne Collins, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Maximum Ride by James Patterson, and Dust Lands by Moira Young all share similarities in plot details. Earth may be in a post apocalyptic condition, environmentally or socially destroyed, with rogue governments seeking to rule or destroy it, but these teen characters are given the gifts needed to overcome all evil, and perhaps promise a future of peace and tranquility.

What makes these books so appealing?  Pitticus Lore has tapped into the momentum of young readers' growing desired for adventure and thrills, where characters of seemingly unlikely skills and traits overcome amazing odds while building relationships.  In this series John Smith is number four out of nine Lorien aliens charged with learning their legacies, and returning to to Lorien to save their planet from the destruction of the evil Mogadorians.  Now that the curse protecting them is broken, and Setrakus Ra, the Modgadorian leader, has killed the first three Garde, the remaining Garde must find each other and bring down Setrakus Ra.  The setting for their battle is now the planet Earth. The population of earth may contain some interesting allies in the battle for galactic peace, but it also contains surprising unlikely enemies where the reader may expect it least.

I enjoyed this series as much as the ones mentioned above and in my previous blogs.  The books all hook the reader in with quick action and new discoveries, often giving clues that can build anticipation for the next dramatic adventure. The introduction of new characters, and their personal story, certainly keeps the plot fresh in each book as the heroes slowly make their way to an inevitable epic battle with Setrakus Ra.  I was frustrated at the end of book four, the anticipated climatic epic battle still hadn't happened.  For me, four books in series is reaching my max.  I have so many other books to read.  I can only take so much science fiction drama.  I need to keep my genres fresh.

If an action packed series is what you are looking for; the kind of book you can't put down, then the I am Number Four series is a good one for you.  There are so many complimenting books that also go with the series. The other books try to explain the origin of each character and also give Lorien history.  Pitticus Lor is certainly marketing a product that will keep his fans reading and maybe viewing for a long time.

Watch to movie trailer to book one, I am Number Four: