The second book in the Lorien Legacies series, The Power of Six, is a step in the right direction for the series. This step is away from the eponymous character of the first book (I Am Number Four), who is angsty, lovestruck and irritating. Instead we are introduced to several new characters including Marina, or Number 7, and the plot expands and evolves.

4 is still a major part of the story, with about half of the book seen from his view point, but it was a refreshing and welcome change to have the rest of the book set on the other side of the world with 7, a much more agreeable character.

7 has been living in a remote monastery in the Spanish mountains, and this change of scenery from small town America – the setting for almost every YA novel this side of Twilight – is a relief. Her life is far from perfect, with no friends her own age and her mentor having turned away from their destiny and instead focussing on religion, insisting that Lorien and their legacy is just a fairy tale. Marina is a great character, with enough depth and personality to carry the story forward. It was somewhat of a disappointment whenever the plot flicked back to America and number 4.

Thankfully there was a positive side to the other storyline. 4's companions – his best friend Sam and the deadly number 6 who was introduced at the end of the first book – were likeable and interesting enough to keep the book very readable, even when our male protagonist was being a whiny little girl pining over his “one true love”. Did I mention that I hated every single mention of his romantic life? I did. Every time he mentioned his beloved Sarah I found myself getting annoyed, and it was often. How exactly can you claim to be madly and devotedly in love with someone when you start pining over the next  girl that you see in a swimming costume? I realise he is only 16, but get your hormones together and stop moaning. Rant over.

4's half of the story saw most of the action throughout the book, with FBI raids and pitched battles with the evil Mogadorians, so there was plenty of excitement and fighting to support the book, whilst  Marina's side of the story was much slower paced. This worked well as a format, switching between the two every few dozen pages. Towards the tail end of the book the action goes into overload on both sides of the Atlantic, with a couple of interesting twists and revelations that effectively draw you in, and I really do find myself wanting to know more about the Lorien people, and the secret war they find themselves part of.

A good read that will be gobbled up by teens around the world. The Lorien Legacies is looking to be an enjoyable and intriguing series that is easy to read, but hardly a classic.

Recommended.

Order your copy of The Power of Six from Amazon UK