Courtesy of Teens Read Too
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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.
Reviewed by: Jaglvr
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Absolute Drivel
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Omly took four pages to decide this was definitely too off the wall for me. Probably suited to sci-fi buffs, but for me - a definite no-no !
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A Disappointing New Series from James Patterson
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The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is the first of a new childrens series by James Patterson. Having read - and greatly enjoyed - the Maximum Ride series I had high hopes for his latest book. Sadly it was a disappointment, I can't quite say where it lacked, I guess my problem with the book was that it seemed to have no basis in fact, it was complete fantasy.
Daniel X (X because he has no real surname) is an alien with special powers on earth since his childhood destined to destroy all aliens on earth. Already a slightly odd concept, his parents where killed at the age of 3 by an alien known as the Prayer, his ultimate enemy and then skips to him at 15, carrying a list of all aliens which he intends to pursue and destroy. This first book is mainly focused in his pursuit of "Number 6", Ergent Seth.
Essentially my problem with this was it's just too bizarre, in concepts, in plot. It certainly lacks the down to earth view of the Maximum Ride series and is a great failure to my mind. I shall be awaiting the next in the series, but more out of curiosity than excitement!
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Dissapointment
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I was really anticipated in the release of this book, and I managed to get it really quick, way before a lot of people. However, after I read a few chapters I was dissapointed in what I had read so far.
I have been a devoted James Patterson fan for a very long time and his website mentioned the long anticipated realease of this book, with the trailor of the book being screened on the homepage of the author's website. The trailor had fooled me into thinking this was a book full of action and thriller, however it was nothing but a childrens book with wierd names given to aliens and with a very weak plot.
It may be that if you are a Maximum ride fan, this book might appeal to you, but as mentioned before it certainly shows that James Patterson was debating with himself if the book is aimed at adults or for a younger audience. Hopefully, he will come up with better thrilling plots and stories for any of his future sci-fi books.
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A Bit Disappointed
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I bought this book expecting it to be as page turning as other Patterson books, and I was a bit disappointed, it is worth reading just to see if you are going to like this series, but for me it was a one off, I found Daniel to be lacking in character and the plot lacking in suspense it is of course a book for teenagers so maybe I was expecting too much. I wish the Daniel X series luck, but I will not be buying further books in this series.
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