Thursday, April 21, 2011

Review of I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Title:  I Am Number Four
Author:  Pittacus Lore
Published by:  HarperCollins
Pages:  440
Source:  Brought
Rating:  3.5/5 stars

From GoodreadsIn 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. 

As a disclaimer I wanted to let everyone know that when this book first came out I really had no interest in reading it.  Then the movie came out and it looked really good and I know that if I see the movie first I won't want to read the book.  So I went out and bought the book so I could read it before seeing the movie. 

I have read a couple of sci-fiction books and have enjoyed them more than I thought I would...this novel included.  I've always had this image of green, creepy, creatures as alians, but not anymore.

This story pulled me in from page one.  I'm not really sure what it was about the book that hooked me, but I definitely wanted to know more.  The Lorian Legacies were compelling and mysterious.  You get suck right in and devoured the pages as though they were chocolate.  I was confused at times, but I enjoyed the way the author gave us small pieces of information over the entire novel instead of overwhelming us.

My major issue with this novel is that I don't really feel as if I connected with anyone in the story.  They all felt a bit distant and not welcoming.  I wish that I could have really connected with them, because I think this would have been a very powerful story then.

The story that the author created was amazing.  It was so detailed and complex but at the same time completely believable.  I could picture these multiples universes and the war that broke out between them.  I felt as if I was in a fantasy movie the entire time.  I'm sure this is going to make a great movie and I can't wait to see it. 

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great review! I have seen the movie trailers and also agree that the movie is one I want to see. Recently, I saw the book for sale and have been considering reading it prior to the movie as well. I just read Water for Elephants because I know my wife will insist on seeing it - and now I want to see it too!

    I also have been confronting the issue of creating characters that people can connect with, so I will be watching that as I read the book to try and learn what brought out that feeling of disconnect for you.

    This seems like it would have been a fun story to write - the idea is amazing!

    I am a new follower of your blog. Please take a look at mine and follow as well if it is of interest to you.

    -TS
    http://tommysean.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Too bad that you couldn't connect with any of the characters. I really hate when that happens. But I'm glad to hear that the story is great. I cannot wait to read the book for myself. Like you I want to read the book first, before I watch the movie. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My hubby is reading this at the moment and he is enjoying it. However, I am not certain that it is something for me, maybe some day I will get round to reading!

    Jules

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am the same way... I have to read the book before I see the movie. Everyone tells me I'm setting myself up for disappointment by doing this, but that's just the way I am. :)

    I loved this book too. I was hooked from the first page. I can see what you mean about not connecting with the characters though. :)

    Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I want to read this book and see the movie. Thanks for the nice review.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Good review! I haven't read the book yet but I saw the movie and liked it a lot :)

    ReplyDelete

I love love love hearing your wonderful thoughts! Thanks for stopping by and happy reading.