LONDON, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Penguin Books has announced it is to publish 'I Am Number Four' by Pittacus Lore, the first instalment of The Lorien Legacies, a mind-blowing new thriller series.

I Am Number Four is a tale of John Smith (aka Number Four) as he desperately tries to outrun his past, escape his mortal enemies the Mogadorian, blend into normal student life and above all pray, his newly found powers, legacies from home; Planet Lorien, don't give him away before he can complete his destiny and protect his future.

In an unprecedented move for Penguin, I Am Number Four will be published simultaneously in two editions on 26 August 2010 - one for adults (Michael Joseph) and a second for Young Adult readers (Razorbill). It has already captured the imagination of publishers around the globe and translation rights have been snapped up by over 18 territories worldwide. The film rights for I Am Number Four have been snapped up by Spielberg for DreamWorks and the movie will be hitting screens in early 2011.

"It became clear after only a few chapters that I Am Number Four is far more than an exceptional thriller, it's a book to fall in love with," said Mari Evans, Fiction Publisher for Michael Joseph.

"I Am Number Four has everything you could wish for: a killer hook, fabulous compelling writing, thrills, tension and surprisingly tender moments. It's fantastic entertainment," commented Puffin Fiction Editor, Sarah Hughes.

Film rights have been acquired by Steven Spielberg for Dreamworks and the movie is due to be released in cinemas in early 2011. I Am Number Four the film will be directed by DJ Caruso and produced by Michael Bay, with an all-star cast including Alex Pettyfer and Glee's Dianna Agron.

Visitors to the site will be able to discover their own Lorien Legacy, as well as enjoying extended content such as character profiles, breaking news on I Am Number Four and background information. By taking the Legacy Test users will be able to video themselves in action with their new found power. Supported by social media sharing functions, the video and Legacy Test will be pushed out to Facebook, Twitter and other networks, extending the awareness of the series and the site functionality.

"Number Four is a hero for this generation," Michael Bay.

About Penguin Books

Penguin was established in 1935 and is one of the world's leading consumer publishing businesses.  Penguin publishing comprises the following imprints: Allen Lane, Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Michael Joseph, Penguin, Penguin Classics, Puffin and Viking. Penguin has offices in 15 countries and is part of the international media company Pearson as well as providing an online bookstore.

About Pittacus Lore

Pittacus Lore is a Loric Elder, from the Planet Lorien, which is three hundred million miles away. He is approximately ten thousand years old. He has been to Earth hundreds of times, and he is here now.

Pittacus Lore is available for interview.

SOURCE Penguin Books

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