“John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving, those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can’t run for ever. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about – and who care about him. Never in John’s short life has there been space for friendship, or even love. But it’s just a matter of time before John’s secret is revealed. He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next…”
What is the book about?
John Smith is not a normal teenager. All his life he has moved from small town to small town, changing his name and his identity to hide who he really is. He never settles down and never puts down roots. If he ever stops moving around, if he doesn’t keep to himself, if he shows too much of what he really is, those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can’t run forever, and at some point there will be no escape. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to settle down properly, to try and fit in. And for the first time ever he makes some real friends. There had never been room for friendship or love in John’s short life, but now he has found people he cares about – and who care about him. But there was a reason for all the running, all the moving. In order to stay in Paradise, John ignores the small mistakes he makes and it is just a matter of time before his secret is revealed and everything goes downhill. He was once one of nine. The first three are dead. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next…
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
I first heard about the series from a friend who said that she really enjoyed reading. As I never ignore recommendations from her I decided to purchase the series and as soon as they arrived I was intrigued. I am Number Four is not very well known but with those who have read it, there have been little negative comments and almost everyone has loved it. The book at first started with information on John’s previous lives with different names and identities explaining how the first three died and how John came to be next in line for death. I really like learning new things and getting answers to question so it was really nice to get them from the very beginning. I also loved how it was concise and very quick and simple to explain so the real story started almost immediately. From the very start I was already absorbed into the book and every single word just made me drift further into John’s world. I loved the book even from the start page and could wait to reach the end.
Who was your favourite character and why?
I think that, although the main character is usually my favourite character as the book is from their perspective; my favourite character was probably Henri – John’s Keeper (guardian). Although John was a likable character, I think that Henri was much better because of how he dedicated his life for John. Henri was a Cêpan whose soul purpose is to train and help a member of the Garde (the Loric with Legacies, e.g. John) and in order to do so he had to put his life on the line. I thought that this was very brave and showed how selfless Henri was as he valued John’s life more than his own and always cared for him no matter what. Another reason why I liked Henri was because of how inspirational he was. The part where I really began to see all the good in Henri was when he made a short speech to John about hope. He said that “there is always hope” and “it is the last thing to go”. I really liked it because it showed how hopeful Henri was and how he would persevere and never give up. He said that “when you have lost hope, you have lost everything” which really shows that he is an inspirational character that always tried to do what is right no matter what. He never gave up and persevered even when he thought that all was over he never stopped fighting.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
My favourite part was when all the action really began. It was really interesting and thrilling to read about the Mogadorians and see how they fought and what they were like. I liked when they were discovered because it meant that the fight began and the more intriguing part of the book started. I also liked it because a mysterious guest arrived which I was very curious about. I really liked meeting this person and understanding what it meant and that the real war was finally starting and they were ready to retaliate and fight back. I also liked this part because I got to see John in action using his Legacies in a real fight and he discovered another power during the battle. This section of the book was full of suspense, John and the others lost hope and believed that it was the end at one point, but despite that they carried on fighting and didn’t give up. Although the very end of the book was also interesting, all the suffering and pain during that small part of the book was enough to make me no longer enjoy it as much so my favourite part doesn’t extend until the cliff-hanger finish. However the whole book was amazing and I really enjoyed reading it.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, I am Number Four was an incredible book and I absolutely loved it. This book series isn’t that well known and many people have no clue that it even exists. I am really glad that I found out about it because the first book has exceeded my expectations. From the very beginning I was already a part of John’s world. One of the reasons why I really enjoyed the book was when I was transported to Lorien. I loved seeing what it was like before all the destruction, death and suffering the Mogadorians caused and thought it was absolutely beautiful. Another thing that I loved about the book was all the questions that I was curious to answer. I love finding answers to things when I am reading books and although I am Number Four didn’t really answer that many of them, I can’t wait to read the next book, The Power of Six, and find out more. One other reason why I really enjoyed reading the book was because I got to discover more about the Garde and the Cêpan and understand why the 9 children were chosen to come to Earth in the first place. I am really intrigued to meet the other numbers and see what they are like. I am Number Four was a completely outstanding book and I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series!
Would you recommend this book?
This is a book that I absolutely loved and would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrilling science fiction novels. I think that it is most suitable for readers over 13 however I think that anyone who reads it will enjoy it.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
A mesmerising book that will transport you to another magical version of our world.
Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego
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