 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Power of Six: Lorien Legacies, Book 2
- By Pittacus Lore
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Sci-fi teen alien series stays exciting with more battles.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this follow-up to I Am Number Four has a lot more fighting, including two climactic battle scenes with lots of alien deaths and the sad deaths of two characters close to the hero teens. The evil aliens turn to ash when they die but decapitations, incinerations, rapid gunfire, bloody stabbings, and more are all part of the action. While this book shows teens coming together to fight evil, one of the main characters makes some selfish decisions that endanger his friends and allies. Swearing doesn't go beyond a heaping handful of "s" words in sticky situations.
What's the story?
After destroying his high school battling the aliens called Mogadorians, John (aka Number Four, from the planet Lorien) is on the run with his human friend Sam and Six, a fellow Lorien who is both attractive and a fighting machine. Together the fugitives spend half their time on the run and the other half hiding and training for more run-ins with the Mogadorians. Meanwhile, Marina (aka Number Eight) is hiding out in a secluded Spanish convent with her mentor Adelina. Adelina is supposed to be training her to develop her gifts, or legacies, but refuses. Marina discovers her powers to heal and breathe underwater anyway, and just in time as a strange "man" starts stalking her in town. Meanwhile, John and Six discover that Sam's missing father has an important connection with their mission, sending them right back to Sam's town even though they're sure the visit won't go unnoticed by hundreds of ruthless aliens.
Is it any good?
If you take THE POWER OF SIX at face value you'll have lots of fun, that is, when the action gets going. There's a bit more setup than necessary, and who cares about some snippy convent girls and cranky nuns? The action is nonstop toward the end, though, leaving all that in the dust. Readers may -- and should -- get annoyed at John more than once as he ditches his friends who need him so he can do what he wants. Book 1 pegged him as much more loyal.
Aspiring writers may not like that this book doesn't have just one author (Pittacus Lore is an alien) and that this series was meant as bait for Hollywood studios, not as great teen lit. Too bad for them that the adaptation of the first book turned out how it did.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this series is written by a team and not by one person. Could you tell while you were reading? Do you think there's an advantage to working with someone to write or would you rather a work be your own with your name on it?
Families can also talk about John's decisions that endanger his friends. Do you ever get upset with characters you like in books because they do something stupid? Are you happy when they learn their lesson? What if they don't?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Sacreligious
I loved I Am Number Four, but when I started this one, I was kinda offended. One main character always tries to disprove the Bible. I just stopped reading there.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The Power of Six
I love this book!!!! Yes, Marina kinda down talks the bible some.
but really isn't an issue. There is some talk of torture of the Cepan and two of the numbers. One of the Character (A name would reveal to much) gets captured. And there are a few kisses but that it. Over all its a very good book. And one BIG shock!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I LOOOOOOVVED IITT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought this book was great. The character Marina kind of down talks the bible, but not in a atheist kind of way. There is quite a bit of violence and the book doesn't have a lot of mean just answers. It fills in the skeleton of I AM NUMBER FOUR with a lot of meat. I would recommend this book for teens or tweens. This is a great book for those that love to read, but don't read The Power of Six first, start with I Am Number Four.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | superheroes |
| Author: | Pittacus Lore |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | August 23, 2011 |
| Number of pages: | 416 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 17 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
