Release Date: August 23rd 2011
Publisher: Penguin Australia / Harper Collins US
Add it: Goodreads
We are the last defence. I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened to John Smith. 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.
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 ready 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 might 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. And I'm ready to fight.
The Power of Six picks up right where it left off in I Am Number Four. John, Sam and Six are on the run from the law, doing what they can to best evade both aliens and authorities. We're also treated with an entirely new character's story, which is a fantastic addition. Right from the get go, you're pulled into the whirlwind of action, a thrill-ride that refuses to cease until the very last page. You're hanging on every word, wondering how these characters are going to make it out alive, because sure, they've all got these awesome abilities, but they find themselves in such impossible situations that you're really not sure if they'll all survive. And some of them don't.
The Power of Six introduces narration of a new character - Marina. Number Seven. Marina is living in Spain with her Cepan, Adelina. They used to share a close relationship. But during their time on Earth, Adelina has become distant and less focused on the mission of training Marina and keeping her safe. Rather than stay on the move to remain undetected from the Mogadorians, they've been living at a convent in Spain for the past eleven years. Marina hasn't given up though. She may not be receiving any answers or guidance from Adelina, but she is constantly searching the internet for any signs of the other nine Garde and she is almost certain she's find one in America - John Smith. She's desperate to learn more about him, to maybe even find him. I really grew connected with Marina in particular, her journey was just as engrossing as John's and I loved all the people she met along the way.
John left Sarah behind in Paradise and while her absence has weighed heavy on his heart, the long days spent on the run with only Sam and Six has sparked new and unexpected feelings within John. No, no, not with Sam! Six, of course. There is definitely an attraction between those two, which I found myself enjoying much more than worrying about Sarah. Maybe because Six is just way more badass than she is. But Sam is also carrying a torch for Six and it's not entirely clear for awhile where her own feelings lay, but it definitely adds a little tension to the situation. Most of the tension though, comes from the fast moving, edge-of-your-seat plot that never allows you the opportunity to sit idle. It constantly keeps you on your toes, the moment you sit down to relax - BAM. Something flies around the corner and you're reading faster and faster to see how - IF - they'll escape.
Not only are they on the run for the Mogadorians, but Sam and John's faces are on every television screen and newspaper within the country, with a high price for capture on both their heads. They're wanted terrorists which doubles the danger, increases the stakes and forces the trio to be on even higher alert than before. Because while they may evade capture by one, they have another enemy waiting right around the corner
More of the Nine are introduced, bringing with them new alliances and pretty awesome powers. The story moves along swiftly and there's never a dull moment. You're constantly in the centre of a raging storm, danger and uncertainty abound. Betrayals from the most unlikely, shocks and unexpected terrors lurk in every shadow. The Power of Six is a thrilling sequel that manages to far outstrip it's predecessor. The only problem now is waiting for that eagerly anticipated third installment!
5/5 Golden Apples