Alien author warns Earthlings in ‘I Am Number Four’

Pittacus Lore is from the planet Lorien, 300 million miles from Earth. The planet was ruined by an invading force, leaving the entire population dead, except for nine children and their nine guardians who escaped to Earth.

The creatures that destroyed Lorien have followed the Nine to Earth, and it is here that they will have to make their last stand, Pittacus explains. And if they don’t win, Earth will be the next planet to fall. As a warning, Pittacus shares the story of the Lorien survivors in “I Am Number Four.”

The first book in the “Lorien Legacies” features Number Four — meaning the fourth of the nine surviving children. One, Two and Three are dead. Four knows he’s next. He and his guardian, Henri, constantly move to stay ahead of their pursuers. They stop in Paradise, Ohio, and Number Four takes the name John Smith.

Now a teenager, John wants to put down roots. He knows that his powers, called Legacies, should be developing soon and he hopes Henri will allow them to remain in Paradise. John wants to make friends, maybe even date, maybe have a normal life. It seems like John’s wish could come true until it becomes clear his alien pursuers are nearby. He knows Henri will want to leave town, but it could already be too late, and besides, John is tired of running.

“I Am Number Four” makes an interesting addition to the young adult genre. Pittacus, the alien author, shares the story with the people of Earth in the hope that humans can prevent their own demise. Through “I Am Number Four,” Pittacus reveals that aliens always have been among us — and still are.

This immersing tale could make new believers out of some, and will affirm for others what they’ve always suspected: We are not alone.