John, Sam, and Six are on the run. The FBI are on their tails, and they have some serious explaining to do. They’re being labelled terrorists, enemies. But the FBI is the least of their problems. The trio are being chased across America by the Mogadorians who are intent on destroying them and their legacy. Their only option now is to find the other remaining Garde- Number Five, Seven, Eight, and Nine- and hope to survive. That’s what it’s all about: surviving.

Although I felt that I Am Number Four was a mediocre read, I was looking forward to Power of Six– primarily because John (still hate the name), Sam, and Six have been taken out of the domestic environment. This was the primary offender in making I Am Number Four rather cliché and cheesy. I was hoping for some toned down romance now that Sarah and John were separated, a little more drama, and a conclusion that isn’t an effort to read.

Power of Six ticks all those boxes. The author duo (comprised of James Frey and Jobie Hughes writing as “Pittacus Lore”) have upped their game. The action sequences are actually well written and it’s no longer an uphill battle to decipher the frankly epic climaxes.

Power of Six introduces us to a new narrative by Number Seven, Marina. She’s an 18 year old member of the Garde in Spain. Though it is sometimes confusing as to who is currently narrating the novel (though after a paragraph or so this becomes quite evident), Marina’s narrative is a benefit to the novel. Her story is a good one, and I enjoyed her part of Power of Six as much as I did John’s, which is unusual- I often prefer the original account. As good as it is to see another character narrate the story, “Pittacus Lore” still struggles to convey the emotions of the characters, and this can lead them to being rather flat and uninspiring. Again Marina triumphs, being a far more interesting to read about than John, though this is mainly due to her story and far less to do with her character.

The over-the-top romance of I Am Number Four is largely dropped in Power of Six, instead replaced with a love square, the conclusion of which is slightly odd. I’m glad that the authors have toned down the romantic side- the seemingly perfect passion between John and Sarah was one of the weaker points of I Am Number Four, but then to replace it with something that is just as cheesy was a mistake. Thankfully, the love square is only a very small part of the story.

Power of Six is a huge improvement upon I Am Number Four, amping up the action as well as introducing us to several new, more intriguing characters. I’m glad to see that the 6-book series will be more than just the Garde trying to group together; already several of them are united. If you can look past the odd possible plot-hole and one sided characters, then Power of Six will offer all the action and excitement you will need. I was entertained by Power of Six, and if you were a fan of the first book, then I’m sure you will be too.