Fall of Five #4 by Pittacus Lore

Genre: Aliens, Superhuman Powers

Hardcover: 355 Pages

Published: August 27, 2013

Series: Lorien Legacies

            1. I Am Number Four

            2. The Power of Six

            3. The Rise of Nine

            4. The Fall of Five

            5. The Revenge of Seven

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians?

John Smith—Number Four—thought that things would change once the Garde found each other. They would stop running. They would fight the Mogadorians. And they would win.

But he was wrong. After facing off with the Mogadorian ruler and almost being annihilated, the Garde know they are drastically unprepared and hopelessly outgunned. Now they’re hiding out in Nine’s Chicago penthouse, trying to figure out their next move.

The six of them are powerful, but they’re not strong enough yet to take on an entire army—even with the return of an old ally. To defeat their enemy, the Garde must master their Legacies and learn to work together as a team. More importantly, they’ll have to discover the truth about the Elders and their plan for the Loric survivors.

And when the Garde receive a sign from Number Five—a crop circle in the shape of a Loric symbol—they know they are so close to being reunited. But could it be a trap? Time is running out, and the only thing they know for certain is that they have to get to Five before it’s too late.

The Garde may have lost battles, but they will not lose this war.

Lorien will rise again.

My Review:

1. An okay ending to a some what boring book.

2. Four is still an awesome character!!

3. Sarah: UGH! STILL HATE HER! Don't really know why!?

4. Five: I hate him. I was suspicious of him from the start and he turned out to be EVIL!

5. Six: you bad-ass chick! I love her attitude and style. I hope her and Sam get together.

6. Sam/father: reunited and it feels so good! They are so cute together.

7. Seven: Still think Marina's annoying, BUT she may be growing a little on me.

8. Eight: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Why you die!?

9. Nine: I love you! And I wish you were real! sigh.

10. Ten/Ella: Hmmm..... No words for her yet.

            Overall, an interesting book. Not as good as the first one, but it still had it's moments. So all the grade members have gathered at Nine's place in Chicago where they are trying to train and prepare to fight Setkarus Ra. While training, each member has gone through their chests to see what they have and what they can use. All of them have different things in their chests and it's hard for them to figure out what each object does. As they are laying low and monitoring the computers for any Loric activity, they come across symbols drawn in fields. The symbols belong to a grade member (number five) and the gang sets out to find him/her. 

Rise of Nine #3 by Pittacus Lore

Genre: Superhuman Powers/ Aliens

Hardcover: 360 Pages

Published: August 21, 2012

Series: Lorien Legacies

            1. I Am Number Four

            2. The Power of Six

            3. The Rise of Nine

            4. The Fall of Five

            5. The Revenge of Seven

Rating:★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Pittacus Lore’s The Rise of Nine, third in the New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four series, the stakes are higher than ever as John, Six, and Seven try desperately to find the rest of the Garde before it’s too late.

The Mogadorians who destroyed the planet Lorien continue to hunt down the Garde, the small group of Loric survivors who have taken refuge on Earth. The Garde must come together. They are Lorien and Earth’s only hope.

During the dangerous mission at the Mogadorian base in West Virginia, John found and rescued Nine. But even with their combined powers, special abilities known as Legacies, the pair barely escaped with their lives—and they lost Sam in the process.

In order to save our world and their own, John and Nine must join forces with Six and Seven who have been battling the Mogadorians in Spain, and who are now trying to locate Number Eight in India.

Power in numbers will save us all.

My Review:

1. I want four to ditch Sarah (she's an annoyingly stupid brat!) and go with Six. Or not go with any girl, he doesn't really need the drama right now.

2. I want Sam to be safe. He is such a cute and funny character.

3. I kind of hate Seven and think she should just stop talking. Her character just annoys me.

4. I hope Sam's father is alright and hope they find him.

5. Mostly, I WANT MORE OF NINE!!!!!!!!

 So far, I am very pleased with this series. This book is told from three point of views, Four, Six, and Seven. It was interesting to be inside the head of three characters and get to see everything from different views. After the fight between Four and the Mogs, Four has finally gotten a chance to recover from his injuries with the help of Nine. They're in hiding, laying low and trying to figure out what the rest of their items are in their chests.

            Meanwhile, Six and Seven are with Ten and Clayton traveling to India to try and find another Lorien member; Eight. However, it is difficult to find him since he is well guarded by the police of Indian, who think Eight is one of their gods. He is hiding in the mountains and the only way to him is through a well guarded fort of officers. We also get to hear about the arrival of the Mogs Leader who is scary and dangerous. Overall, a good third book. However, the plot really didn't go anywhere. 

Power of Six #2 by Pittacus Lore

Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

Genre: Aliens

Hardcover: 405 Pages

Published: August 23, 2011

Series: Lorien Legacies

            1. I Am Number Four

            2. The Power of Six

            3. The Rise of Nine

            4. The Fall of Five

            5. The Revenge of Seven

Rating:★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

My Review:

Goshh!!! This book has been a thrilling roller coaster ride! I cannot express the excitement and thrill I was experiencing while reading this book! It was just action packed with lots of drama!! The characters are very well written, the writing style was simple, yet intriguing, and the plot keept you on the edge of your seat. There wasn't one moment where I could say the characters were safe and that I could let my guard down for a minute because you just didn't know when they would be caught!

            The Power of Six, takes you on a wild hunt where you know you can't trust anyone. Your friends can turn into enemies in one second and the next, your enemies are helping you out. This book kicks off after the disastrous events that took place in book one. Sam, Six, and Four are not only on the run from Mogs, but the FBI as well. After what happened at Paradise, Ohio, this loyal trio use their time on the road to try and uncover the many secrets that are hidden in the chest. They try to figure out their roles in this war, who to trust, and where to find the other remaining grade members.

            This book also introduces Number Seven and her point of view from chapter to chapter. We meet Marina who lives with her Cepan Adeline at a Nunnery where she has decided not to teach Marina about her heritage and how to fight. However, Marina is a stubborn girl who manages to find out about her legacies and tries to locate her inheritance (chest). This unfolds a series of events that get Sam, Four, Six and Marina to come face to face and join forces.

            Overall, just an amazing book! I loved this series so much and the fact that there is a movie about this is even better! Of course the movie wasn't as detailed as the first book, but it was still amazing to see this series become live! Can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!!

Origin by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 364 Pages

Published: August 27, 2013

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything. 

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? 

And will they even be together?

My Review:

So a lot has happened since the previous book.

            1. Opal ended with a jaw dropping cliffhanger.

            2. I was just speechless...I can't even...ahlksjflkfjg!

            3. Lets try to write a somewhat coherent review...shall we!

           

            Origin immediately picks up where Opal left off. Katy has been captured after their failed attempt at infiltrating Daedalus. She has been placed in a locked room with cameras  that monitor her 24/7. Even in captivity, with no obvious way to escape, Katy is resilient and determined to fight her way out. Her strength and her attitude of not giving up makes her very admirable in my eyes. Though her efforts have failed so far and have caused her more trouble than success, she isn't giving up.

            After spending a few days locked up, she is moved to a secluded warehouse in Roswell off the map. There, she is put through numerous tests, experiments, and conditions to determine whether her mutation was successful. She finds out Roswell is a secret government facility where scientists are trying to manufacture a drug called LH-11 to cure diseases. Basically, Daedalus wants to know if Katy is unstable and try to manipulation the same genetic change in their mutant experiments.      

            Katy is put through horrendous and unbelievable situations. She has no choice, but to follow their orders or they will hurt her mother and friends. Katy is sick to her stomach and doesn't want to do anything they tell her to do. I really admired her courage and determination for her family and friends. When we first met her she was a strong and determined girl. However, now she is a fighter and survivor. Even with everything Katy is going through, she still worries about her book blog. I found that to be so cute!

            While Katy is going through this, Daemon is going crazy out of him mind thinking of a plan to save her. He will do anything for her, even if it means coming into Daedalus and turning himself in. I found his character change to be very refreshing. Yes, he is still his cocky self, but he has matured so much. I think I like this Daemon better than the one we first met.

            Overall, this book is the most action filled. There were fights, arguments, drama, and terrible things that happened, but everyone seemed to pull through. Friendships were tested, humanity was on the line, lives were risked and lost, but most of all love for family and friends topped everything. I loved how everyone was willing to do whatever necessary for their family and friends. I related to this the most because I would do anything for my family and friends. Just an awesome book! I can't wait to read Opposition which comes out sometime this year!!!

Opal #3 by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 382 Pages

Published: December 11, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

My Review:

            This lady (Armentrout) keeps on delivering fantastic books one right after the other. I don't know how this woman does it, but she does it well. I am a HUGGEEE fan of Armentrout. From her first book in the Covenant Series, to Obsidian, I can't help but squeal with delight every time I read her books. She has a way of capturing the most minute details and presenting them in a well written manner. So far I have loved ALL of her books and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!   

            The first two books in this series introduced the characters, setting, and the plot very nicely. The flow was smooth and the characterization felt realistic. We got to know the characters on a personal level, what they were thinking and how they reacted in situations. We also got more of a background on the Arum and the story behind Daemon and his family. Opal, goes further into the mystery behind Daemon, his kind, what the secret government (Daedalus) wants with hybrids, and why are they after Katy and Daemon. Katy and Daemon are finally together...but life isn't done throwing curve balls at them just yet. A close friend of Katy's has died, Blake has returned seeking forgiveness and retribution for his actions, they find out more about a new gemstone and it's powers, and Daemon's twin brother and his girlfriend might still be alive! So a lot has happened since the last two books.

            Katy has become stronger, more mature, and is able to kick-ass. Her and Dee's relationship has also gotten stronger as well as the relationship with Daemon. Speaking of Daemon...he is still his cocky self. Sure he has shown his sweeter/kind side, but he has also become a little possessive and over protective. I understand that he doesn't want Katy to get hurt, but she can handle herself. He doesn't always have to worry about her, but he does anyways.  

      Overall, just an awesome book! There wasn't any action until the climax, but I'm not complaining. I was totally fine with the cute Daemon and Katy scenes in the beginning of the book. If you haven't read any JLA books then you are crazy! Just drop everything and read them all now!

Onyx #2 by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 366 Pages

Published: august 14, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

  

My Review:

I thought Obsidian was amazing, but after reading Onyx I have changed my mind. Onyx is pure perfection! I loved this roller coaster ride and I didn't want to get off it!

            After being almost killed by a truck, then being saved by her annoying neighbor, and finding out that he is in fact an alien who just marked her up like a Vegas strip club can take a huge toll on a person. It isn't easy being glued to an egotistical cocky ding dong like Daemon. He made a huge mistake in saving Katy and marking her up, but if he hadn't, then she would have died. Daemon couldn't let that happen and now he has to live with the consequences of his actions.  Now Daemon and Katy must stay attached at the hip until the alien mojo wears off. If they can't be civilized and learn to get along the Arum will come after them and kill them all.

            To make matters worse, the Department of Defense is snooping around, and if they find out that Katy and Daemon are linked...then she's a goner. Not to mention this alien mojo did something to Katy. She's starting to show alien powers, which is extremely rare in humans who have been saved by aliens because it means Daemon and Katy are permanently linked. They can read each others thoughts, feelings, presences, and worries.      

            In this gripping sequel, we see that Katy's character has grown stronger. She is ready to take risks, own up to her mistakes, and make her own decisions, even if it means ignoring the cocky aliens warnings. Daemon and Katy are just the cutest couple. They constantly fight, argue, insult, and hate each other. But at the end of the day they seem to figure everything out and just be comfortable with each other. In Obsidian, we saw Daemon's rude and cocky attitude. However, in Onyx, we get to see his sweet and caring side, which I tend to like so much better than his arrogant one. He promises Katy that his attraction towards her isn't just because of the link, but in fact it is because he truly cares for her. Daemon then goes on to prove to her that he likes her regardless of the link. I found this to be so cute! He was willing to prove his love to her, which just shows he really does have a sweet layer under all that tude! 

Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 335 Pages

Published: May 8, 2012

Series: Lux

            1. Obsidian

            2. Onyx

            3. Opal

            4. Origin

            5. Opposition

Rating:★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something... unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is.

My Review:

Before Reading:

            My initial thought when picking this book up was, ''huh this seems interesting...'' The summary and the cover drew me in and when I read the first few chapters I knew I was hooked. I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't get over the fact that it was amazing. Armentrout created a unique alien world that captured my attention. By the end of the book I was suffering from crazy fan-girl syndrome, jumping up and down while squealing, and wishing I had a smoking hot sexy alien that got on my nerves living next door to me!

After Reading:

            Oh. My. Daemon! This smoking hot alien had me fanning myself with his remarkably good looks and witty charm. I was melting into a puddle of goo by a fictional character. Huh... can't say that has ever happened before, but I'm not complaining. Daemon is infuriating, annoying, arrogant, cocky, and smoking hot. His interactions with Katy were downright hilarious and I couldn't help but conjure a goofy grin on my face.

            Katy and her mother have just moved next door to Dee and Daemon. On her first day at her new home Katy decides to go over to her neighbors house to introduce herself. But introducing herself turns into a witty quarrel with the hot alien guy next door. Daemon is egotistical and knows how to push Katy's buttons. Instead of being a good neighbor, Daemon and Katy get into a mini fight. She is furious with this idiotic hot neighbor who was just being a dickhead. All Katy wanted to do was introduce herself and get directions, but Daemon had other plans. Soon Katy realizes she will be attending school with him, his twin sister and a few of their cousins. Katy has no idea what is in store for her, but all she knows is that it will be interesting.

            Fitting into a new school is hard enough, but when Daemon saves Katy from a oncoming car, he freezes time. Literally, he froze time to save her ass. In a few minutes she finds out that he's an alien, a galaxy of enemies are after their powers, and Daemon has just lit her up like a Vegas strip club. Now Katy has to stick to Daemons side until she stops looking like a bright beacon for alien enemies to come after them. But how can she do that when Daemon is good at getting on her nerves, pushing her buttons, and challenging herself control in not smacking him.

            Obsidian was definitely a fun and entertaining read. I enjoyed everything about this book and I fell in love with the characters. I can't stress how good this book is, so if you don't believe me then I suggest you go read it for yourself!

Hover #2 by Melissa West

Genre: Aliens

Paperback: 352 Pages

Published: August 13, 2013

Series: The Taking

            1. Gravity

            2. Hover

            3. Collide TBA

Rating: ★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

On Earth, seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander was taught to never peek, but if she hopes to survive life on her new planet, Loge, her eyes must never shut. Because Zeus will do anything to save the Ancients from their dying planet, and he has a plan. 

Thousands of humans crossed over to Loge after a poisonous neurotoxin released into Earth's atmosphere, nearly killing them. They sought refuge in hopes of finding a new life, but what they became were slaves, built to wage war against their home planet. That is, unless Ari and Jackson can stop them. But on Loge, nothing is as it seems...and no one can be trusted.

My Review:

            Usually the sequel to an amazing book is, well, equally amazing. But with Hover, I didn't feel the 'oh my god I love this book' spark that I did with Gravity. Sure it was action packed, it had great character building, but at times it just got boring. I felt like I was dragging myself through this trying to get to the good parts.

            Ari has been taken from Earth and is now on an entire new planet with the Ancients and Jackson. But nothing is ever as it seems. There are too many secrets surrounding Jackson and Ari which seem to cause a riff in their relationship. They push and pull for the first half of the book not being able to agree on any plan to take down Zeus. Zeus has dangerous plans of his own, which make it difficult for Ari to kill him. Since he has guards at his heels around the clock. Not being able to kill Zeus and having issues trusting Jackson, Ari is extremely confused and angry. Plus her parents back on Earth are hiding more secrets from Ari and refusing to tell her anything. But one thing is for sure, Ari needs to figure out who to trust and what to do to save the remains of two planets. Because if she doesn't all hell with break lose and Ari will be the center of it all.

            Overall, a very good series. The first book was brilliant and the second could have used more "oomph". I fell in love with the characters of Jackson and Ari. They make a cute couple besides the whole Alien thing. Jackson is very strong, brave, loving, patient and stubborn in his ways. Ari is equally stubborn but with leader qualities. Though I didn't like this book as much as I thought I would, I still can't wait to read what happens in Collide. Hopefully, there is a lot more action and romance.   

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Genre: Superhuman Powers/Aliens

Hardcover: 440 Pages

Published: August 3, 2010

Series: Lorein Legacies

         1. I am Number Four

         2. The Power of Six

         3. The Rise of Nine

         4. The Fall of Five

         5. The Revenge of Seven TBA

Rating: ★★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now. The Nine had to separate and go into hiding.

The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

My Review:

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! SUCH A GOOD BOOK! I honestly loved it despite seeing so many negative reviews. Umm hello this book is great! If this book wasn't good then it would never have been turned into a movie! Duh!

 

        Anyways, the plot was very interesting. There are nine aliens with legacies or powers that have been shipped to earth because their planet is in utter chaos. Each teenager has a guardian who will teach them how to control their powers and ultimately defect the Mongaorian Race. But they caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. Now Number Four must try to stay alive and train to fight. John Smith is number four and he must find the rest of the surviving members of his grade. But his Guardian is killed and now John is alone and trying to survive. But as the Mongaorians catch up with Number Four and try to kill him, a surprise visit from one of the remaining teenagers comes to his rescue. Now John and this Number Six fight for their lives to find the rest of their team to train and survive. Along the way they must depend on humans to help them even though there might be a chance that the humans are reconciling with the enemy.

            This book kept me on edge the entire time. There was never a dull moment. I kept getting hit with plot twists right and left which made this book a fun read. If you like aliens with superhuman powers then you will definitely love this book. And as I mentioned earlier there is a movie based off of this book. But I gotta say it was pretty good with the character descriptions and the creation of the Mongaorians was creepy as hell, but very realistic! 

Here's Some Interesting News: Check out the trailer for this movie!