Read I Am Number Four Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 26, 2026

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In the world of young adult science fiction, few series have captured the imagination of readers quite like the I Am Number Four books by Pittacus Lore. With its action-packed plot, engaging characters, and unique blend of supernatural powers and human struggles, the series has quickly become a standout in its genre. Initially introduced as a thrilling narrative about alien fugitives on Earth, the I Am Number Four series has expanded into a gripping multi-book saga that dives deep into themes of identity, belonging, survival, and resistance.

This detailed exploration of the I Am Number Four books will provide an overview of the series, a breakdown of its reading order, a closer look at why this series is so captivating, and whether it’s necessary to read the books in order. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a long-time fan, this article will help you navigate the rich and complex world Pittacus Lore has created.

List Of I Am Number Four Books In Order

More On I Am Number Four Books In Chronological Order

1. I Am Number Four (2010)

So, this is where it all begins. Number Four, aka John Smith, is a teenager on the run from deadly aliens known as the Mogadorians. He’s one of nine survivors from a planet called Lorien, and each of them has a special ability. John, however, is trying to live a normal life in a small town, but it’s hard when you’re being hunted down. You get a mix of action, sci-fi intrigue, and the struggle for identity. Definitely a rollercoaster of emotions and a great start to the series!

2. The Power of Six (2011)

Alright, now we’re getting into the meat of it. John and his friend Sam, along with his guardian Henri, are still on the run, but things start to get even more intense. Not only is Number Four still trying to survive, but he learns that there are other surviving Garde members. This is where we meet Number Six-one of the other teens with incredible powers. There’s betrayal, action-packed chases, and an ever-growing mystery about their purpose. This one really cranks up the tension!

3. The Rise of Nine (2012)

Now that John and his friends are together, it’s all about gathering the remaining Garde members. But, spoiler alert-life doesn’t get easier! In this book, we dive into the journey of finding and uniting the rest of the Lorien survivors while avoiding the deadly Mogadorians at every turn. There’s a lot of revelations about the characters’ abilities and the dark history of their planet. It’s a non-stop adventure, and you can really feel the stakes rising.

4. The Fall of Five (2013)

The stakes? They just keep getting higher, my friend. In this fourth installment, our group of heroes faces the consequences of their choices. Not only are they fighting for survival, but they’ve now got to protect Earth from an impending invasion. This book focuses heavily on the bond between the characters as they deal with trust issues, betrayals, and the constant fear that the Mogadorians are closing in. It’s a huge turning point in the series where everything starts to feel like it’s building toward something massive.

5. The Revenge of Seven (2014)

Oh, this one’s a doozy. The action picks up immediately, and you’ll find yourself racing through the pages. With a title like ’The Revenge of Seven,’ you know it’s gonna get messy. The group is in a tough spot and struggling to hold it all together. But just when you think things might calm down, unexpected alliances are made, and betrayals hit hard. It’s a powerful chapter in the series where loyalty is tested, and the fate of Earth seems more uncertain than ever. The Mogadorians are more dangerous than ever, and the Garde has to push through even when everything seems to be falling apart.

6. The Fate of Ten (2016)

I don’t want to spoil too much, but here’s the deal: The Garde members are starting to realize that their powers alone might not be enough to stop the Mogadorian forces. This book delves into the dynamics between the survivors, revealing new truths and challenging everything they thought they knew about their mission. As the title suggests, there’s a lot at stake, and decisions made in this book have huge consequences. The suspense is off the charts in this one, and I bet you won’t be able to put it down once you start!

7. United as One (2017)

We’re finally here-the last book in the saga. Everything comes to a head in ’United as One,’ and let me tell you, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Garde are fully united now, and they have one goal: to defeat the Mogadorians once and for all. There’s a lot of action, some heart-stopping moments, and a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the series. It’s emotional, it’s intense, and it’ll have you on the edge of your seat. If you’ve stuck with the series, this is the explosive finale that ties up all the loose ends and answers all your burning questions.

Background On I Am Number Four Books

The I Am Number Four series, also known as the Lorien Legacies, is a young adult science fiction saga co-written by James Frey and Jobie Hughes under the pen name Pittacus Lore. The series began in 2010 with the release of I Am Number Four, which immediately captured the attention of readers with its high stakes, exciting premise, and memorable characters.

At the heart of the series is the story of John Smith, an alien from the planet Lorien, who is one of the last surviving members of his race. Lorien was destroyed by a brutal alien species known as the Mogadorians, who are now hunting down the few remaining Lorien children scattered across Earth. Each of these children is assigned a number, and John is Number Four. As the Mogadorians close in on him, John must use his emerging powers, known as Legacies, to survive and protect those he loves. Alongside his allies, including his mentor Henri and his friend Sam, John battles not only the external threat of the Mogadorians but also the internal conflict of growing into his true self.

The series quickly gained popularity, leading to a total of seven novels, several novellas, and a film adaptation. Each book in the series delves deeper into John’s journey, as well as the stories of other survivors, the complexities of their alien powers, and their ongoing struggle for survival in a hostile world.

Reading Order Explained

While the I Am Number Four series can be read as a standalone collection, there is a chronological order to the events and a recommended reading order to maximize the overall experience. The series is made up of main novels, which follow the core storyline of John and the Lorien children, as well as several novellas that provide background information and additional perspective on key characters and events.

Main Books

1. I Am Number Four (2010)

   • The story begins with John Smith, an alien fugitive on Earth. He is on the run from the Mogadorians, who are hunting him down as part of their genocidal mission to eliminate the last of the Lorien survivors.

2. The Power of Six (2011)

   • After the events of I Am Number Four, John continues his journey, discovering more about his powers and seeking other survivors. He encounters Number Six, a fierce and capable fighter, and together they aim to fight back against the Mogadorians.

3. The Rise of Nine (2012)

   • As John’s group of allies grows, they come to realize the extent of the Mogadorians’ plans. More Lorien children with their unique Legacies are introduced, and they work together to fight a common enemy.

4. The Fall of Five (2013)

   • The stakes are raised as the characters confront personal dilemmas and larger battles. The true scope of the Mogadorian invasion comes into focus, and the team faces new challenges.

5. The Revenge of Seven (2014)

   • With the conflict intensifying, the characters must make difficult decisions, and alliances are tested. John’s journey becomes one of both external and internal struggle.

6. The Fate of Ten (2016)

   • The penultimate novel in the series sees the rise of the ultimate battle between the Lorien survivors and the Mogadorians, with John and his allies facing their greatest challenges yet.

7. United as One (2016)

   • The final book in the series wraps up the story arc, bringing resolution to John’s journey and the fate of the remaining survivors. It’s an explosive conclusion to a long-fought war for survival.

Novellas (Optional Reading)

These novellas provide a deeper look into the lives of other characters, as well as additional background on key moments in the series. Some of the notable novellas include:

• The Lost Files: The Legacies (2011)
• The Lost Files: The Guard (2011)
• The Lost Files: Hidden Enemy (2012)

Though the novellas are not necessary to understand the main storyline, they enrich the narrative and give fans a fuller picture of the world Pittacus Lore has crafted.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the standout elements of the I Am Number Four series is the emotional depth that it explores. John, as a character, isn’t just fighting against alien enemies; he’s wrestling with his identity, his purpose, and the impact of losing everything he once knew. The series explores themes of loyalty, friendship, love, and sacrifice, which resonate with readers of all ages.

The books also excel in their world-building. The idea of alien survivors hiding in plain sight on Earth is both thrilling and relatable. As John and his friends try to navigate life while simultaneously being hunted, there’s a constant sense of tension that keeps readers hooked. The Legacies, or powers that each Lorien child develops, are creative and diverse, adding an element of unpredictability to the series. The characters’ powers often symbolize personal growth and inner strength, making their struggles not only external but internal as well.

Another aspect that stands out is the pacing. Each book is filled with suspense, action, and cliffhangers that compel readers to keep turning the pages. The constant tension between safety and danger, along with the stakes being raised in each successive novel, ensures that the story never loses momentum.

Finally, the complex relationships between characters add another layer of depth. The friendships, rivalries, and romantic interests all feel real and contribute to the emotional weight of the narrative. Whether it’s the bond between John and his mentor Henri or his growing connection with Number Six, these relationships are as integral to the series as the battles with the Mogadorians.

Should You Read I Am Number Four Books In Order?

Absolutely. The I Am Number Four series has a strong overarching narrative that builds upon events from previous books. While each novel can technically be enjoyed individually, reading them in order allows you to experience the story’s growth and evolution in the way the authors intended. The character development, especially for John and his allies, is gradual, and understanding the full scope of their journeys requires reading the books in sequence.

Additionally, several major plot points and twists are better appreciated when you follow the story from the beginning. Some novellas fill in gaps in the narrative, but they are supplementary. The main books offer the crucial story beats that form the foundation of the series, making the chronological order important for the best reading experience.