I Am Number Four

My 11-year-old and I like to listen to books during the commute. We've LOVED the Bartimaeus series, Leviathan and Behemoth, and countless others--and so wanted to like this book...but the hero was so irritating, stupid and never learned--that character transformation that happens in all great stories just didn't. At every turn, our hero could make the right call, reach above himself, pay attention at the very least! But he didn't, choosing to go into a ridiculous moony thing over his girlfriend. He did redeem himself at some point in the final battle scene but my son didn't even feel like finishing it--after putting up with the inanity for many hours. I really wanted to like this book, and was willing to put up with a poor narrator--what other said about his female voices was right on--but add ANY other voice than the 2 main characters--all done with a very heavy hand. He just basically made the other characters sound like they were mentally deficient. Or had a bad cold. All the time.
Yes, true love blah blah blah, but done so poorly. Teenage angst--but in comic-book style. Mostly the disappointment was the main character who just could never get over himself---and himself sure wasn't very compelling. I'd skip it. Get the new Bartimaeous "Ring of Soloman" instead, or the first 2 books in the Leviathan series--both terrific listens.

I felt like I was taking a chance when I downloaded this one. Now that I finished it in record time ( because I could not put it down ) I am sad it is finished. I read somewhere that this is a TEENS story wrapped around SI-FY. Okay that is true but to miss this one is to really miss something. I am 59 and simply glad I took a chance. I hope there are a bunch more of them coming out as a series.

I bought the book and then downloaded the audio book-everyone raved about it and I must say the reader/narrator was just awful. He ruined the book, making it sound mundane! I nearly did not finish listening to the book. His reading style was not impressive, I was rather underwhelmed; as many of you know the reader either MAKE or BREAK a story well...he broke it into a million pieces. I barely got through it!

I found myself moaning as the main character would describe the world around him. Perhaps I am simply a little too old for this book, but it seemed that everything was very literal, black and white and that every experience was either the end of the world or the most amazing joyous experience ever. Kind of like listening to a teen, I suppose.
Still, I was interested and will likely try the second book when it arrives.

Story:
Honestly, I think this book deserves a three star, but I'm giving it a four because the second book is really good, and you do need to start with this one. My main problem with this is that there is a really sappy cliche romance going on throughout most of this book that just makes me gag, but there are a couple of great battle scenes.
Blood and Gore:
The aliens in this book turn to dust once they are dead so there isn't really any blood, PG.
Swearing:
The main character and his father swear a couple times a chapter, but no f-words.
Sex:
None.
Overall:
Just keep with this book, and book 2 is definitely a five star book. Really enjoyed it. Recommended for 12 and up.

The book, itself, is actually pretty good. A good start to a movie franchise (if they don't screw it up). But... There were way too many times where I got the feeling that the editor inserted words just to make the descriptions longer, and I found myself saying "get on with it." That alone, isn't the only reason for the "four" stars though. Neither is the title. *grin*

The reason I wrote this review is the narration. The narration is 85% good, 15% horrible. Over-acted. Or to use the words of the narrator - "Performed." Not read. Not narrated in such a way that the characters, voices and inflections seem plausible. But HORRIBLY overdone in a few cases. Don't skip it because of this, but you will immediately know what I'm talking about when you hear these specific characters.

I really enjoyed this book! Saw the movie preview and thought it looked interesting. So I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did, it was great! I loved the narrator! I love when they have the talent to pull off different voices for characters. I drive a lot and zone out if the story gets slow. I stayed into this book driving from 7.5 hours from Memphis to East TN. Loved it!

Story:
Honestly, I think this book deserves a three star, but I'm giving it a four because the second book is really good, and you do need to start with this one. My main problem with this is that there is a really sappy cliche romance going on throughout most of this book that just makes me gag, but there are a couple of great battle scenes.
Blood and Gore:
The aliens in this book turn to dust once they are dead so there isn't really any blood, PG.
Swearing:
The main character and his father swear a couple times a chapter, but no f-words.
Sex:
None.
Overall:
Just keep with this book, and book 2 is definitely a five star book. Really enjoyed it. Recommended for 12 and up.

For those like me who love a good realistic fantasy - one that you could close your eyes and think- yea, I can see it- this one is great! There is not swearing and sex filling the pages like some authors try, and he does not degrade your IQ by using slang every time someone talks. The plot is good, and it leaves you wanting more in the end! Can't wait for the next book! :) (Great book if you like Hunger games)

It's hard to imagine that a book entitled "I am Number Four" could be any good but let me tell you it is amazing! And is worth your money/credits and time. Telling the story of 9 teens forced from there planet in deep outer space by a race of cruel aliens looking for another planet to support their technology. Knowing that this race will soon go to earth (the place that is unknowingly the residents to the 9 humanoid teens) a spell was placed on them that made it so that they could only be killed of in order. The beginning of the book starts with "John" (one of many false names) who has just found out that number 3 has been killed and with him being number 4 he WILL be next.
This book is chalk full of humor and action packed scenes and in my book goes down as one of the best crafted alien novels. Believe me this isn't an alien book you are used to. This one leaves you on the side of our friend John and his species that has all but been dystroyed. You would be silly to pass this book by! Especially since soon the theatres will be showing a cinimatic (sp?) version of this movie, and from the trailers, it looks like this story will be quite a popular one.