Book Review: “I Am Number Four”

Reviewed by Joseph Matherne

Joseph Matherne

“I Am Number Four,“ written by Pittacus Lore, is a thrilling novel that is set around the world.

This novel tells the story of a boy with strange powers but who is hunted before his powers can awaken.

In the novel, John Smith is gifted with amazing powers, and since he is the last of his kind, he must do whatever it takes to survive. Armies are in search of Smith because they previously captured the first three of his kind, and every time one of them dies, a scar is left as a memory of who is left.

John is left with two scars, but late one afternoon a burning sensation arises, revealing the death of the third. Now John knows he is next and as armies march toward him he must prove the impossible by escaping the fates of the ones who want him dead.

Will he escape? Will he Die?

I chose “I Am Number Four” because I liked the idea of an action/adventure novel, and Pittacus Lore is an author I have never experienced before.

I enjoyed her writing due to the intense imagery and intricate story line.

Since it is a fantasy story, nonfiction lovers might not enjoy this book much. However, it is worth the time to read and discover Number Four.

 

Joseph Matherne is a graduating senior in the academically gifted program at Hahnville High. Matherne enjoys basketball, soccer, video games, dancing and singing. He will attend Southeastern University in the fall.

 

Editor’s note: Book reviews are published weekly during the summer in agreement with Hahnville High School gifted English teacher Deborah Unger in conjunction with the Brown Foundation Service Learning Program.