The Power of Six: Lorien Legacies Series, Book 2 [Versión Kindle]

John Smith (Number Four) narrowly escaped the death in Paradise, Ohio. Now, on the run with Sam and Number Six, the trio must find the rest of the remaining six of nine alien survivors in order to fight the impending invasion. Meanwhile, Number Seven is hiding out in Spain, but the Magadorians are closing in. And her protector seems to have turned her back on their past and purpose.

Picking up right after I am Number Four left off, this sequel revolves mainly around two characters: John Smith again and Marina (Number Seven). John, Sam, and Six become closer as they travel across America, which leads to an obvious and awkward love triangle. We get to learn more about Six and her tortured past. And we're also introduced to the young and sheltered Marina, who has been hiding out all over Europe, but has been living in Spain in an orphanage a bit too long. With her protector in denial, Marina doesn't know who she can trust now. But she knows she has to leave as soon as possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed I am Number Four; and was surprised that this second installment was even more intense and action-packed than the first. Filled with shocking twists and surprises around every corner, the story was riveting. With interesting characters that are easy to care about and a complex and engaging story, this science fiction, action thriller for young adults is pure fun and excitement.

This is a fantastic, action packed, thrilling sequel to I Am Number 4. I really liked the way the story played out and was written. It's a fast paced, engaging read told from two different points of view from John, Number Four and Marina, Number Seven.

John, Six, Sam and John's faithful companion, Bernie Kosar are on the run and continue to find themselves in the middle of trouble, despite their best efforts to stay hidden. I loved their character chemistry together and even found some their lines together humorous. Parelling their story is Number Seven, Marina who's in Spain. I liked getting to see two completely different sides to their stories, which not only allows the reader to get to know the characters more, but it makes the story more believable being set in both the US and Spain.

I absolutely love Number Six. She continues to be my favorite character in the series, but Marina herself proves to be a pretty strong character. Sam is another favorite of mine and he becomes a lot stronger in this sequel. I adore John and his sarcasm. He brings some of the humor to the storyline. The fabulous twist that's thrown into John and Sarah's relationship is one I did not see coming. It's one that had me going "no way". I'm hoping we get to see the reasoning behind this twist in the next book.

Thrown into this exiting storyline is the character's history. I liked being able to understand why they're here. The only thing I had an issue with is the reference to the author's pen name and how it ties back to their history. For some reason it just rubbed me the wrong way that one of their Elders has the same name. Aside from that, I liked how the story played out. There's a lot that happens in The Power of Six. There's a lot of action, betrayal, and new characters that come into play that make this book an extremely engaging, fun read. I highly recommend picking this book up.

The problem with the 'Lorien Legacies' is that Pittacus Lore (or whoever is actually writing the book--I don't care enough to waste the two minutes it would take to look it up) is clearly trying WAY TOO HARD to be the next epic fantasy series. It's so obvious that this series is attempting to rival such series as Harry Potter and the Twilight Saga. The mythology of this series is extensive and detailed, but it just feels cheap and fails to connect it back to reality. Part of the charm of the Harry Potter and Twilight series (both of which I've read) is that the separate fantasy world either exist alongside the human or 'mundane' world (the one in which you and I currently live) or are incorporated into our world as an alternative, coexisting universe. I have a hard time buying into any of this Lorien bull. Sometimes it just seems devoid of any class or romance. Actually, that's exactly the word I'm looking for: Romance. There is nothing that's romantic or enticing about this series. As I read, I find myself thinking, "I'm not intrigued by this mythology and have no desire to live in this world." Of course, this is just the opinion of one person.

I read the first book of this series and was semi-impressed. Obviously my interest was piqued enough to read the second, but if it's weren't for the last 30 (approx.) pages I'd hate myself for wasting the time spent reading it. The first 75% of The Power of Six has ABSOLUTELY NO DIRECTION. John, Six and Sam are just meandering around the west coast in a perpetual state of paranoia. Every time there's imminent danger or an actual attack by Mogs (which in no way shape or form rolls off the tongue smoothly and I find myself sounding stupid even saying it in my head) you know that they'll get out of each sticky situation unscathed and--worse yet--having learned NOTHING from the countless mistakes made. John's character has become increasingly intolerable; I don't care how much he thinks he's in love with Sarah (even though he admits to loving Six too, yet he leaves her high and dry to fight off a small swarm of Mogs on her own), in what universe would it be worth the risk of putting not only yourself in mortal danger, but also your alleged best friend and other love interest. It just makes no sense. Some of the plot devices in this book are so forced and irrational that it becomes entirely too obviously that they're there merely to generate tension and suspense. There's little to nothing authentic about this book.

As I mentioned, the last 30 or so pages of the book redeem it from the rest, but only marginally. The climax unfolds rather smoothly, simultaneously following John and Sam as they infiltrate the Mogs' mountain lair in West Virginia while Six heads to Spain to save Seven (Marina) from her own Mog problems. Just like in the first book, one the action starts, it's non-stop until the end and becomes quite a page turned. Even so, a pretty entertaining ending hardly redeems the book for 150 pages of garbage.

Mr. Pittacus Lore (or whoever you are), I'm unimpressed. If I read your third and final installment (which is unlikely after being so highly disappointed by your pretentious efforts thus far), you had better step up your game. It's no wonder at all why the makers of the I Am Number Four movie seem to have decided not to pursue adapting the remaining books to film.