Return to Zero (Lorien Legacies: Reborn #3), Pittacus Lore, Penguin Random House, ISBN: 9780718188818
THE third and final book in the Lorien Legacies Reborn series, Return to Zero, was slightly underwhelming. After the non-stop action and enormous world-build set up in the original Lorien Legacies, this series was somewhat of a non-starter.
The first two books were good but the authors seemed to be fumbling, and not sure of where to take this sequel series. Return to Zero brought it to its conclusion so suddenly and unexpectedly it gave me whiplash. That being said, bringing John, Ella and Marina back was a great move. Familiar favourites reminded me why I loved the Lorien Legacies so much to begin with.
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Return to Zero begins with the human garde divided, for both political and personal reasons. Earth’s leaders are still unwilling to accept their powers, and are insisting on inhibitors that will dampen their abilities. Understandable, but stupid. It would make them easier to control, but unable to fight for Earth in the event of another Mogadorian invasion.
After the battle in Switzerland, tensions come to a head and half the garde return to the academy with Nine, while the rest flee to join forces with their former foes. As if staging a rebellion isn’t enough, a new threat emerges. I won’t spoil it, but suffice it to say that even the legendary John Smith has finally met his match.
In theory, this is the final book, but with so many character arcs left unresolved, I hold out hope that this is not the end. Despite my disappointment in this sequel trilogy, I still remain a fan of this world.
If you enjoyed X-Men, or The 5th Wave, I would absolutely recommend you dive into the original seven-book series. This sequel trilogy is more an optional extra for die-hard fans.
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