(Young Adult)
There are some books that are meant to be savored. There are some whose characters begin to feel like your friends. There are some that keep you awake at night in terror and some whose themes stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. This does not fall into any of the above categories. I Am Number Four is a book to zip through, it’s one to enjoy but not to think too hard about. It won’t stand up to being analyzed, so if you can’t just relax and enjoy the ride, don’t bother picking it up.
Four is one of nine Lorien children who escaped with their guardians when their planet was taken over by the Mogadorians. Now on Earth ten years later, Four has taken the name John Smith and is hiding in small-town Ohio with his guardian, Henri. All he wants is to settle in one place, make friends, be a normal teenager, but it’s impossible. The Mogadorians are hunting him and his hands are starting to glow.
I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed this one and really it’s no wonder.
Plenty of action √
A romance subplot √
Compelling characters √
Superpowers √
Suspense √
What’s not to like? It’s not terribly original, but it’s fast-paced and kept me reading. As a matter of fact I started it Tuesday morning and had it finished before dinner that same day, unusual for me. It’s not a deep, thought-provoking book, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s like a Reese’s cup, not what i would usually choose, not good for me, but delicious.
I have to admit that one scene near the end had me in tears, much to my chagrin. I was bawling, thinking why am crying over this, but I’m a bit of a softy.
Will I go see the movie? Probably not, but I’ll definitely read the next in the series.
Lorien Legacies #1
448 pages
First published 2010
4½ out of 5 stars
Purchase at Amazon or an Indie bookstore.
I purchased my ebook and the above is my honest opinion.
I love a fast, fun read like that from time to time.
I enjoy a fast read as well. I like the Reeces comparison 🙂
I want to read it, but since Frey screwed the author over so…
Yeah, on the other hand he did sign the terrible contract of his own free will. Wasn’t it his responsibility to understand it?
I agree with you completely – a fun read but don’t try and think too much about it!
Sometimes I like fun, fast books I don’t have to think about too much. I am currently coming to the end of a book that has me re-reading passages because I want to make sure I understood everything. I am enjoying it but it is long and not meant to be read fast.
I think we agree on this one. I won’t see the movie but I was entertained enough to read the next book, if I don’t have to pay too much for it.
This was the first book thrust into my hands (and it was thrust) last year at BEA. I had never heard of it and actually forgot about it until I seen it was going to be a movie… I still have not read it but looking at your review… perhaps I should get with it 🙂
Glad you enjoyed this one! I think I’m going to give it a shot too.