Another Great Review! (From The Bookshelf Sophisticate)

ARC Tour & Review: I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1) by Pittacus Lore

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.

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 4 shamrocks!!!

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