Review Detail

Reader reviewed by darklightkid

Ten years ago, nine children from the far-off planet Lorien and their guardians, or Cepans, escaped their homeworld and came to Earth after the marauding Mogadorians devastated Lorien. All nine of the kids are Garde - they will develop a series of supernatural powers known as Legacies, which will help them in their fight against the Mogadorians. A special Loric charm was placed on these kids as a safeguard, making it so they can only be killed in the order of their numbering, as they are known as Number One, Number Two, etc.

Today, Number Four, a 15-year-old boy, lives in fear knowing that Number Three has just been found and killed, meaning he is next. Together with his Cepan, known as Henri, Four travels to rural Paradise, Ohio, and takes on a new name - John Smith. He befriends Sam Goode, an alien-loving geek who subscribes to way too many tabloid-fueled conspiracy theories. He makes an enemy of football jock Mark James. He develops an embarrassingly huge crush on Sarah Hart, ex-cheerleader and daughter of his and Henri's realtor. And, as if trying to be a normal teenager weren't bad enough, he has to deal with his developing Legacies - Lumen (light and flame in his hands, and fire resistance), and telekinesis, and the ability to talk to animals.

And then of course, the Mogadorians show up, and Four has to enlist the help of Henri, Sarah, Sam, and even Mark, plus Number Six (who is blessed with the rare Legacy of invisibility) to take on the alien menace.

Up until now, James Patterson's Maximum Ride series was my all time favorite. But Pittacus Lore's novel, which is solidly action packed and unfailingly entertaining, has now soared to the top of my list. I look forward to August, and the release of the sequel, The Power of Six, which according to a sneak peek included with the movie tie-in edition of this novel, will focus on Number Seven who is hiding in a Spanish convent.

Enjoy.