Book Review: The Power of Six

The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies #2)

By: Pittacus Lore

Published By: Harper

Publication Date: August 2011

Page Count: 406

Buy it at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound

Source: Amazon Vine UK

Audience: Young Adult - Science Fiction

This was a really pacy read. It's got all the action elements needed for another hugely entertaining blockbuster movie, but I doubt they will also make this one.

The story continues to follow John (Number Four), Sam, Six and Bernie Kosar (who is the best!). It also introduces a parallel storyline following number Seven, Marina. It is all told from first person perspective, but it doesn't take long to sink into the narrative of each voice. I found the action involving and it didn't hurt that I could picture the characters in my mind more clearly now, since the movie of I Am Number Four came out. 

I gave this four birdies, because as entertained as I was, I felt like there was a lot of running about like headless chickens in this one, in both narratives. It was exciting to read, but there wasn't an overview or much of a plan for a while. I guess that could have been a plot device in itself, but I felt like I needed more of a sense of direction. I also found the references to the character of Pittacus Lore, which is the pen-name of the authors, to be... a little bit much... and those small bits grated on me. 

I enjoyed finding out more about Lorien, and what happened to bring all the numbers and their cepans to Earth, but I was sad that neither John, Six or Seven really had much guidance, so I didn't find out as much as I would have liked about their special training chests. I think the next book will be most illuminating though, given the events at the climax of this one. 

Summary:

I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.

Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

And Number Three in Kenya.

They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. One of six still alive.

And I'm ready to fight.