Amaterasu Reads: Review: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

Forget what you've seen, forget what you've read about I Am Number Four.

Because if you think the first book is awesome, then the sequel, The Power of Six, will blow your mind.

Title: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
Pages: 352 (my copy has 380 pages)
Release Date: August 23rd 2011
Published by: Penguin Australia
Source: Publisher (Thanks Tina!)
Buy: Penguin AU | Book Depository

Summary (from Goodreads):

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.

See I've heard a lot of things about I am Number Four, and at first I wasn't sure if I should give the series a chance. I picked up a copy of the book and watched the movie, just to see if it will pique my interest enough to try reading the sequel. And despite all the mixed reviews and mixed receptions, I plunged into The Power of Six head on. And it's probably one of the best book decisions I've made this year.

The Power of Six is told through the alternating points of view of John (Number Four) and Marina (Number Seven). The sequel picks up where I am Number Four left off. John, Sam and Number Six are on the run, and not only are The Mogadorians after them, the whole country is. John is now a suspected terrorist with a reward for his capture, while on the other side of the world Seven wants to come out, fight and fulfill the destiny that brought all Nine of them to this planet, and she couldn't very well do that if she's trapped in a convent, with her Cepan losing faith and sight of their mission each day that goes by.

Marina's POV is a fantastic addition to the story. Now readers aren't just pre-occupied with Four's story, but also Marina's as she tries to grab hold of her life halted by trying to stay hidden. Now she wants to fight and use her Legacies to save her home planet, Lorien and Earth. Marina's story is what makes this book so attractive. Her journey on Earth is an integral part of the story as it gives us a background of her life as Number Seven. One of the saddest part in this book, though, is how everyone seems to be getting so familiar with loss. Of Cepans, of people they love. Tragedy. Even Marina wasn't spared the heartache of losing the people that she loves.

One by one, John and Marina gets reunited with other members of the Nine, and along the way they grow stronger, but not without suffering any more losses or betrayals. Readers will also learn a lot more about Six's life on Earth and slowly but surely the mysteries surrounding all Nine of them are unraveling. You think there's only Four, Six and Seven in this sequel? You think there's only Nine? Think again. More characters emerge and alliances are formed, and secrets are revealed.

The countless action scenes that seems never ending are so addictive. Danger seems to be their constant companion. Every turn of the page something always happens and not one of the characters can catch a break. I love how John and Sam seem to forge their friendship even stronger, even with the doubts creeping in between them with the unexpected complication of love. I was blind sided by that twist in the story, but I have to say that my heart went out to Six and if I loved Sarah in the first book, all of that went to Six in this sequel. She is my favorite character! She's brilliant and powerful and just when you think she's indestructible with all of her incredible powers, there were moments, especially on her flashbacks, that will remind you that she's also just a girl, alone in a strange planet, just trying to find her own kind and fight for her home.

The Power of Six makes me want to be there along with Four, Six, Sam, Seven and all the other characters, wanting to have some taste of the action and the adrenaline rush that comes along with it, even the danger and the scary moments.

The stakes are higher, the danger seem insurmountable and the Nine's survival is on the line, and they will fight back. Readers will find themselves cheering with every fight the Nine win against the Mogadorians, will be frustrated by how complicated the love story suddenly is, will feel their heart break with each loss, and most of all, will feel the jaw dropping, pulse racing wonder that is The Power of Six. There is never a dull moment in this book! Waiting for the third book will be a such a torture.

To say that reading this took my breath away is an understatement. It was fantastic! If you want a thrilling, suspense filled, edge of your seat reading experience, grab a copy of this book NOW!

Content (plot, story flow, character):
SWOON WORTHY!