Read Lorien Legacies Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on June 6, 2026

Note: This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases when you click on the link, but you are not charged extra.

The Lorien Legacies series, penned by Pittacus Lore, stands as a beacon in the realm of young adult science fiction, blending exhilarating action with a deeply rooted mythos. This series has captivated readers for over a decade, fusing elements of alien invasions, coming-of-age stories, and an exploration of what it truly means to fight for survival. At the heart of the series lies a group of young aliens, each imbued with extraordinary powers, struggling to adapt to Earth while battling against an ancient enemy. However, to fully appreciate the complexities of this multi-layered narrative, understanding its structure, reading order, and the unique qualities that make it such a standout is essential. In this exploration, we will dive deep into the Lorien Legacies universe, offering a comprehensive look at its books, the recommended reading order, and why it continues to resonate with readers today.

List Of Lorien Legacies Books In Order

More On Lorien Legacies Books In Chronological Order

1. I Am Number Four (2010)

So this is where it all kicks off! You meet John Smith, a seemingly ordinary teenager, but spoiler alert: he’s actually one of nine alien kids hiding on Earth from a bunch of ruthless extraterrestrial hunters. The story is packed with tension, budding romance, and John slowly discovering his superpowers, which are called Legacies. It’s like a thrilling high school drama meets sci-fi action, and it sets the stage for the epic adventures to come.

2. The Power of Six (2011)

Here’s where things really start to get intense. John isn’t alone anymore-he starts connecting with the other Garde, his alien peers who also survived. We get to see more of their powers, the stakes get higher, and there’s even more running, hiding, and fighting against the Mogadorians, who are basically the ultimate bad guys. Plus, the emotional depth kicks in as friendships and loyalty are tested. You’re definitely on the edge of your seat the whole time.

3. The Rise of Nine (2012)

Now we’re hitting the big league of team-ups! Nine of the Lorien survivors are starting to gather, and it’s like this chaotic but exhilarating family reunion, except with a lot of battles and dramatic reveals. You see each character’s unique Legacies in action, and there’s a ton of strategy, heart, and tension. Honestly, the book really makes you feel the scope of their struggle against the Mogadorians and the urgency of their mission.

4. The Fall of Five (2013)

Okay, this one turns up the intensity to maximum. Number Five finally gets the spotlight, and let’s just say his journey is anything but easy. There’s betrayal, shocking twists, and some really heart-wrenching moments as the group faces some serious losses. It’s a rollercoaster of emotion and action, with the characters maturing and realizing just how heavy the weight of saving Earth actually is. Definitely a page-turner.

5. The Revenge of Seven (2014)

This is basically the book where everyone’s adrenaline is through the roof. Seven, our stealthy and sarcastic Garde, takes the lead in planning some daring moves against the Mogadorians, and the team dynamics are fascinating because tensions and personalities clash. There’s action, humor, heartbreak, and triumph all tangled together. Honestly, if you thought the stakes were high before, this book really proves there’s no turning back.

6. The Fate of Ten (2015)

Now we’re really diving into the darkest and most dangerous territory yet. The Garde are hunted, tested, and pushed to their limits, both physically and emotionally. There’s a lot of plot twists that make you gasp, characters showing incredible courage, and moments that hit you right in the feels. It’s like every plan, every power, and every relationship is on the line, and the tension never lets up.

7. United As One (2016)

And here we are at the epic finale. Everything, I mean everything, comes together in this climactic showdown. The Garde finally confront the Mogadorians in a battle that’s huge in scale and intensity. Emotions run high, alliances are tested, and you’ll find yourself cheering, crying, and holding your breath all at once. It’s a satisfying conclusion that wraps up the story while still giving every character a moment to shine. Total page-turner ending!

Background On Lorien Legacies Books

The Lorien Legacies series introduces readers to the planet Lorien, which was once a thriving, peaceful world, home to a powerful and advanced civilization. The story begins when Lorien is invaded by the Mogadorians, a vicious race determined to conquer the galaxy by annihilating any opposition. In a desperate attempt to save their planet, the Loric people use a special form of magic called ’legacy’ to pass on their powers to children, who are then sent to other planets for safekeeping. Earth is chosen as the refuge for these young survivors, each of whom will inherit a unique set of abilities once they come of age.

The series begins with the perspective of Number Four, or John Smith, one of the surviving Loric children. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Mogadorians have followed them to Earth and are hunting them down, one by one. Each of the books chronicles the journey of these young characters as they come into their powers, learn to trust each other, and fight back against their relentless enemies. What makes the Lorien Legacies unique is its deep focus on relationships-especially friendship and trust-along with intense action sequences and a detailed backstory that weaves together both the alien world of Lorien and the familiar world of Earth.

Pittacus Lore, a pseudonym used by James Frey and Jobie Hughes, introduced this series in 2010 with I Am Number Four, which became a sensation both in print and on the big screen. The series has grown to encompass several novels, novellas, and spin-offs, establishing an expansive universe that keeps fans hooked and invested in the characters’ fates.

Reading Order Explained

For newcomers, the Lorien Legacies series may seem daunting due to its length and its mix of main books and supplementary novellas. To fully immerse yourself in the story, it is crucial to read the books in the right order to maximize the experience. There’s a specific sequence that balances the main plot and the enriching side stories.

Here is the chronological reading order for the Lorien Legacies series:

1. I Am Number Four (2010) – The first novel introduces John Smith, who is on the run from the Mogadorians after his home planet, Lorien, was destroyed. He’s number four in a list of children who are being hunted one by one. This book sets the stage for everything that follows.
2. The Power of Six (2011) – The second book focuses on John as he begins to discover more about his powers and his destiny. He encounters more of the Loric children and begins to see a greater picture of their struggle.
3. The Rise of Nine (2012) – As the group of Loric children continues to grow, the story takes a darker turn, with the Mogadorians growing stronger. New characters emerge, and more mysteries about Lorien’s history and the children’s powers are revealed.
4. The Fall of Five (2013) – The stakes continue to rise as the group begins to unite and fight back against the Mogadorians. New revelations about the past, and the legacy of the Loric people, come to light.
5. The Revenge of Seven (2014) – The battle with the Mogadorians intensifies, and the Loric children face immense challenges. With each victory comes new losses, and the series begins to show the toll the war is taking on its heroes.
6. The Fate of Ten (2016) – This book explores further the consequences of the war and the ultimate destiny of the Loric children. The stakes grow ever higher as Earth becomes ground zero for a final showdown.
7. United as One (2017) – The grand finale of the Lorien Legacies series. The Loric children, now united, must face the ultimate battle for Earth’s survival.

While the main series follows this path, there are also several novellas that flesh out side characters and plotlines, providing additional depth to the story. These include:

• The Lost Files (2011-2013) – A collection of short novellas that expand on the backstories of key characters, including Six, Nine, and Seven.
• The Last Days of Lorien (2014) – This novella takes readers to the dying days of the Loric planet, explaining more about the origins of the Loric people and their powers.

What I Like About The Series?

The Lorien Legacies series excels in several areas that make it a standout in the young adult science fiction genre. The world-building is top-notch, providing readers with a rich, immersive experience that brings both Earth and Lorien to life. The balance between action and character development ensures that the stakes feel high and personal, with every battle having emotional weight.

One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its deep exploration of friendship and loyalty. The bonds formed between John and his fellow survivors are central to the narrative. While their powers are extraordinary, it’s their humanity, their flaws, and their unwavering commitment to each other that makes them truly memorable. This focus on relationships adds depth and complexity to a plot that might otherwise feel like a straightforward alien invasion story.

Another highlight of the series is its pacing. Each book builds upon the previous one, raising the stakes without losing sight of the individual characters’ growth. The action scenes are intense, but they are also tempered by quieter moments of reflection and personal discovery, making the characters’ journeys feel genuine and earned.

Finally, there’s the mystery of Lorien itself-the secrets, the legends, and the ancient history that slowly unravels across the series. The deeper you get into the books, the more you realize that nothing is quite as it seems, and every new revelation opens up more questions. This sense of mystery keeps the readers invested and eager to turn the page.

Should You Read Lorien Legacies Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Lorien Legacies books in order is highly recommended. The series’ strength lies in its gradual character development and the overarching plot that grows more complex with each book. If you jump into the middle of the series, you risk missing important character arcs, key events, and critical backstory that makes the entire series so engaging.

The narrative structure is designed to be experienced sequentially. The first book sets up the world and introduces you to the main characters, and as the series progresses, you witness their growth, both in terms of power and personal development. Without this foundation, much of the emotional payoff and the narrative depth would be lost.

Moreover, the side stories, novellas, and spin-offs are meant to complement the main plot, not substitute it. These additional works enrich the lore of the Lorien Legacies world, but they are most effective when read in the context of the central narrative.