I am Number Four

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is the first in the Lorien Legacies series, and it also marks the first fiction series James Frey has written under the collective pseudonym Pittacus Lore. Frey previously wrote several books, including his memoir A Million Little Pieces, originally presented as a memoir of his experiences during his treatment for alcohol and drug addiction at a rehabilitation center in Minnesota. The first book follows the story of John Smith, also known as Four. “Four” comes from the planet Lorien, which was taken over by a vicious race of aliens, called the Mogadorians. Nine children, members of the Garde, a race of supernaturally gifted Loriens, escaped to Earth. The nine were given a charm of protection and a number. The Mogadorians that hunt them can only kill them in numerical order. As each Lorien child is murdered, those that remain receive a scar around their ankle so they know how many are left. Each child arrives to earth with an adult mentor from the Garde to guide them, and to help them develop their legacies.

The story introduces Four and his Garde, Henri. During their time on earth, they’ve stayed in 22 different towns, under various identities. Running is crucial to Four’s survival. The Mogadorians followed the 9 children to earth, and they hunt them relentlessly. However, before the children left to escape for earth, they were given a charm of protection and a number, forcing the Mogadorians to hunt them down in numerical order. Three of the children have died, and Four has no protection if he is caught. After barely escaping discovery by the Mogadorians, Four and Henri drive to a small town in the middle of nowhere; Paradise, Ohio. In Paradise, Four takes on the name “John Smith”, and enrolls in the local high school. There, he meets a girl named Sarah, whom he falls in love with, and Sam, a misfit boy who claims his dad has been kidnapped by aliens. Four’s legacies start to develop, and he trains with Henri to become stronger so he can fight the Mogadorians. Henri’s fear of being discovered by the Mogadorian’s and his care for Four pushes them to be constantly on the run, but this is countered by Four’s love for Sarah, which eventually helps convince Henri to stay longer than he is usually comfortable with. The conflict with Four and Henri is huge; Henri wants to keep Four safe, and Four wants to be with Sarah. Four’s desires put both of them in danger.

I would NOT recommend this book to others. It didn’t strike me as a very moving piece of literature; nor original. I am Number Four uses the old “aliens that look like humans” cliche, “hero falls in love with beautiful girl instantly” cliche, and the “rebellious teenager” cliche to the point where I almost didn’t want to read the book anymore. Dull, predictable, with nearly emotionless characters, I am Number Four was a complete waste of my time.

Book Review by Amy I.