Search - The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (Daniel X, Bk 1)

I didn't realize this was a children's book when I picked it up! If I was judging it as and adult book I would say it was childish and strangely written, but it was a wonderful book to lend to my 'hates to read' nephew! As a children's book I give it 5 stars.

Try this book if you have a boy, 11-14, who doesn't like to read. It's action packed with short chapters that each end in a cliff-hanger. James Patterson has really worked at writing a story that reading phobic boys may find interesting. As a literature teacher, his plot heavy style with little character development isn't my style - but I appreciate his contribution to helping encourage young boys to read.

For the 2008/2009 school year I had several boys who got into the Maximum Ride series. Now I'll invest in Daniel X for the upcoming year.

Reviewed by Jaglvr for TeensReadToo.com

From the first paragraph of THE DANGEROUS DAYS OF DANIEL X, the reader is intrigued with what is to come. James Patterson, in collaboration with Michael Ledwidge, creates a unique science fiction story that will especially appeal to the younger male population.

Daniel is only three years old when his parents are murdered in the kitchen above him. The murder isn't a typical murder. It's one most of us wouldn't believe. You see, Daniel's parents are murdered by a 6-foot tall praying mantis looking alien, Ergent Seth. Seth has come looking for Daniel's parents because they are Alien Hunters. And they have The List. The List names the most horrific, evil, murderous aliens.

As the story develops, Daniel shares with the reader his thoughts, and, more importantly, his various super abilities. Because, like his parents, Daniel too is an alien. But Daniel is able to blend in with humans. His parents had settled in Kansas, the most unassuming place for them to blend in.

Daniel begins where his parents have left off. Daniel is 15 and has begun to hunt the aliens that are on The List. After a few successes, he decides to take on Ergent Seth. Seth is #6 on the list. Seth is probably more powerful than Daniel, but Daniel has revenge on his side.

Daniel is taken on a wild adventure on his quest to defeat Seth. On his journey, he travels to Alpar Nok, the home planet of people like him, Alien Hunters. The biggest surprise is when he discovers his grandmother is still alive. But Daniel is determined to be victorious over Seth and continues on. Seth warns him it will be a battle to the death for one of them, but Daniel will not give up. The battle that ensues is imaginative, though maybe a bit gross in its description in the final scenes.

With definite appeal to the teen boy audience, girls and adults alike will also enjoy the unique change of pace that James Patterson has taken with THE DANGEROUS DAYS OF DANIEL X. The action moves quickly as Daniel faces his greatest challenge. But of course, as one can expect with James Patterson, a sequel is not far behind: DANIEL X: WATCH THE SKIES in August 2009. And if you can't wait that long, check out the graphic novel: DANIEL X: ALIEN HUNTER.

This is an excellent book. Just one more great James Patterson book.

Did not care for this book at all.

Kids book.