The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

So this morning (ok, afternoon) when I was out running, I started thinking about why I run. I don’t run for fitness purposes, for tighter abs, or a higher butt. I hate exercising. It totally sucks, and anyone who says otherwise is either lying or just crazy. I literally have to force myself to do it every single time.  

That being said, The Rise of Nine totally makes me what to kick some ass. Like Number Six–she’s so hardcore. I love her and have a girl crush on her. I admire strong female characters instead of simpering princesses, and that’s exactly what she is.

I don’t run because I like it, I run because if evil Mogadorians are actually invading our planet and prepping for total destruction… I want to be ready. Reading about how Numbers Four through Ten are developing their Legacies, kicking some ass, and running for their lives makes me want to do the same thing.

All I need now are some super powers.

In the third installment of the Lorien Legacies series, Lore flips back and forth between points of view just like in the other novels. Don’t let the title fool you, it isn’t all about Nine (no matter what he thinks).

This time the Loric teenagers are seeking Number Eight in India and make the startling discovery that the US government has paired up with the Mogadorians and together they are hoping to annihilate the teenage aliens. *sigh* Leave it to our government to pick the wrong side, right?

I loved this book, just as I have loved the other two. Lore uses the same page-turning cliff-hangers to keep a reader involved and excited. I am Number Four and The Power of Six were both definitely more gripping, but you can tell that The Rise of Nine is being used to set up the next (and probably last) book in the series. I liked meeting new Numbers and seeing how that–although the kids were chosen to be Lorien’s last hope–they each have totally different personalities. They all bring something different to the table. Mwah.

Read it, my fellow teenage aliens. And while you do, I’ll be out running… 😉

5 Chimeric Beagles of 5

I am Number Four: The Lost Files by Pittacus Lore

I am a huge fan of the I am Number Four Lorien Legacy series and am excitedly awaiting the third installment The Rise of Nine–due out August 21, 2012. So of course, I need something to tide me over in the mean time.

Both of the Lorien Legacy “Lost Files” for Number Six and Nine are only available in ebook format–at a hefty $3.99 each, I might add. (Typically “short stories” are anywhere from $00.99-$2.00 in my experience). But, what the heck, I love this series, so I have to know more about it.

I am Number Four: The Lost Files-Six’s Legacy is not worth the money, frankly. I have already read The Power of Six, so I’ve already learned Six’s tragic back-story about her Cêpan’s death and her lengthy imprisonment by the Mogadorians. When her invisibility Legacy developed, she made a cunning escape. *yawn* Old news. The ebook does contain a two-chapter sneak peek of TPOS, but as the book has been out for over half a year, it’s pretty pointless. Save your money for Nine’s Legacy.

I am Number Four: The Lost Files-Nine’s Legacyis the one worth reading. Nine is a new Garde introduced briefly towards the end of TPOS, whom we knew nothing about. I liked reading his story because not only was it much longer and more well-developed, itdemonstrated the extreme differences in the Cêpan/Garde relationships. It seems as though each Cêpan had a different method for keeping their “young ward” safe, whether that be a nomadic lifestyle or “hiding in plain sight.” It also caught us up to speed on Nine’s perspective right where the second book left off.

Bottom line, skip Six (you’ll already know plenty about her) and definitely read Nine.

 Toodles.

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

In Pittacus Lore’s edge-of-your-seat sequel The Power of Six. We once again meet up with “John Smith” aka Number Four, Sam Goode, and Number Six. They’re still on the run from the evil Mogodorians who are seeking to kill John next–numerically– since One through Three are dead. His death would mean they were one step closer to killing Number Nine, and thus achieving galactic domination. This book flips between two perspectives, and many new characters are introduced, namely Number Seven.

In The Power of Six, we meet “Marina” aka Number Seven. She lives in a convent/orphanage in Spain with her Cepan, Adelina. Her days are spent developing her Legacies in secracy  waiting until she is old enough to forge out on her own and find the other members of the Garde.

Meanwhile, John is involved in a much more dire struggle. Not only is his number up with the “Mogs,” but he is also on the FBI’s most wanted list for terrorism. Humans and aliens alike fervently hunt him. Only thoughts of his desceased Cepan, Henri and his girlfriend Sarah keep him going strong. But is Sarah everything that she seems to be?

I have nothing but good things to say about this sequel, in fact, I’d even venture that it’s much better than I am Number Four. Far more suspense, and way more action-packed; I couldn’t put it down. I liked the triad of interactions between Four, Six, and Sam and the new (romantic?) developments between the comrades. I also really liked the introduction of Marina, which gave a breather from all the frenetic energy of John’s story (and a good peek into some other awesome Legacies.)

One of the most interesting aspects of the book in my opinion, was the stark difference between Henri and Adelina. How Henri was an intellectual and always on the move with John to keep him safe– yet Adelina stopped believing in the Loric quest to save their race and rather than protecting Marina, turned her face towards God instead. I could really feel Marina’s frustration in wanting to start her real life, and her anger towards her Cepan for refusing to help her develop her Legacies– telling her that Lorien was nothing more than a fairy tale.

Many new things are learned about Lorien, and that also adds to this book’s appeal. We also (finally!) get to see what’s instead John’s Inheritance chest.Without giving too much away, I will say— The Power of Six certainly held power over me…

5 of 5 stars