I Am Number Four

by:  Pittacus Lore
published by:  HarperCollins

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.


The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I finally read this book!  When I was reading this book I was having some Superman flashbacks.  Wasn't that the basic premise of Superman?  His planet was destroyed so he was sent to Earth to live as a human? 

I really did enjoy the book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.  The characters were interesting and surprising in ways you don't often see in YA books which was quite refreshing.  I was particularly pleased with the dynamic of Sam and Emily.  Emily was a very minor character, but still it was still a happy occurance.  Mike was a surprise too.  I was happy with him in the end too. 

The reason why they were numbered was pretty interesting and it added a little extra tension to the story.  The addition of the conspiracy theory rags was pretty cool.  If you've ever seen the movie Conspiracy Theory you know what I'm talking about.  I wonder if those things actually exist...

I'm curious to see how all of the elements of the book will translate into the movie.  I think it's probably well cast, looks like it so far anyway.  Will I rush out to see it in the theater?  Probably not, but I'll definitely get it from Netflix.