I Am Number Four
- First published 2009
- 465 pages
- English
Nine of them came to Earth. They look like us, they walk among us, but they are not us. They are the last survivors of a distant planet, hiding from a merciless enemy that destroyed their home. A charm protects them, allowing them to be hunted only in order, and the first three are now dead. John Smith, living as an anonymous teenager in a small Ohio town, is Number Four. He knows that his turn is next. He has spent his life moving from town to town, a perpetual stranger, changing his identity to stay one step ahead of his hunters.
For the first time, in Paradise, Ohio, John finds something worth staying for: a new friend, a first love, a chance at a normal life. But as he feels the pull of a life he can never have, his alien powers, his Legacies, are beginning to awaken. With the enemy closing in, John must master his new abilities and confront the truth of his identity. He is faced with a choice: run again to save himself or stand and fight for the people and the planet he has come to call home. This is a story of survival, the burden of a secret identity, and the discovery that the only thing more dangerous than the enemy hunting you is having something to lose.
For the first time, in Paradise, Ohio, John finds something worth staying for: a new friend, a first love, a chance at a normal life. But as he feels the pull of a life he can never have, his alien powers, his Legacies, are beginning to awaken. With the enemy closing in, John must master his new abilities and confront the truth of his identity. He is faced with a choice: run again to save himself or stand and fight for the people and the planet he has come to call home. This is a story of survival, the burden of a secret identity, and the discovery that the only thing more dangerous than the enemy hunting you is having something to lose.
What readers say
3.93
355K ratings across the web 7 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book's concept and imaginative premise were frequently praised by readers who enjoyed it, with many finding the world-building around alien abilities and their origins to be captivating. Reviewers often highlighted the fast-paced and action-packed nature of the story, especially towards the climax, which kept them engaged and eager to continue reading. Specific characters like Sam and Number Six were often singled out for their appeal, and some found the relationship between the main character and his guardian to be a strong point. Despite its flaws, many found the book to be an entertaining and easy read, with some appreciating its twists and turns.
Conversely, a significant portion of reviews criticized the book's writing style, describing it as amateurish, clunky, dull, or overly simplistic, with issues like awkward sentence structure and excessive exposition. The characters were frequently labeled as bland, two-dimensional, or stereotypical, with the main protagonist often seen as making questionable decisions. The romantic storyline was a common point of contention, often called "insta-love," mushy, or lacking genuine chemistry. Many reviewers found the plot to be predictable, unoriginal, and riddled with clichés, feeling it merely rehashed familiar tropes. Concerns were also raised about the story's internal logic and scientific inaccuracies, as well as inconsistencies in the action sequences.
Overall, opinions on the book are sharply divided, but many suggest it functions best as a light, action-oriented read for a specific audience. It is often compared to other popular young adult franchises and is frequently recommended for readers who prioritize fast-paced plot and action over intricate character development, originality, or sophisticated prose. The book may particularly appeal to reluctant readers or those looking for an accessible introduction to the science fiction genre, with several reviewers noting that the movie adaptation was, in their opinion, superior to the book.
Conversely, a significant portion of reviews criticized the book's writing style, describing it as amateurish, clunky, dull, or overly simplistic, with issues like awkward sentence structure and excessive exposition. The characters were frequently labeled as bland, two-dimensional, or stereotypical, with the main protagonist often seen as making questionable decisions. The romantic storyline was a common point of contention, often called "insta-love," mushy, or lacking genuine chemistry. Many reviewers found the plot to be predictable, unoriginal, and riddled with clichés, feeling it merely rehashed familiar tropes. Concerns were also raised about the story's internal logic and scientific inaccuracies, as well as inconsistencies in the action sequences.
Overall, opinions on the book are sharply divided, but many suggest it functions best as a light, action-oriented read for a specific audience. It is often compared to other popular young adult franchises and is frequently recommended for readers who prioritize fast-paced plot and action over intricate character development, originality, or sophisticated prose. The book may particularly appeal to reluctant readers or those looking for an accessible introduction to the science fiction genre, with several reviewers noting that the movie adaptation was, in their opinion, superior to the book.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Details & editions
- This edition
- Harper Collins, 2011
- ISBN
- 9780062105554
- Language
- English
Original edition I Am Number Four Originally published in 2009 · English · Marco Book Company
