The Dangerous Days of Daniel X
by James Patterson
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Book Reviews of The Dangerous Days of Daniel X
Book Review: Strange and Delightful
Summary: 4 Stars
Daniel X is just your average fifteen year old, but only if your average fifteen year old is a bona fide Alien Hunter. When Daniel was three his parents were killed by The Prayer, a ruthless praying mantis-like creature from another world. Since then Daniel has made it his life's mission to hunt down The Prayer and all the other evil aliens that are determined to destroy Earth. Armed with nothing more than his unique powers, three not so imaginary friends, and his charming wit, Daniel sets off on whirlwind journey to kick some major alien butt.
James Patterson has most recently left his mark on the young adult market with his smash hit Maximum Ride series. This time around he shifts gears and brings us a strange and delightful science fiction tale that is loads of fun for all ages. Daniel X is a memorable and endearing character that is constantly full of surprises. Patterson and Ledwidge have collaborated to give us not only a fantastic new character, but also a fantastic story that is impossible to put down.
After sloshing my way through Patterson's mediocre Sail, I was beginning to wonder if he had indeed lost his edge. Daniel X is a refreshing reminder that Patterson still has what it takes to craft page turning fiction. After this engaging new offering fans both young and old will be begging for more Daniel X.
Book Review: So So
Summary: 3 Stars
I wrote a fantasy story that everyone kept saying should be young adult. A friend of mine gave me this to read so I could see what young adult is all about. Unlike the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew, which are great examples, this one was so far from the style and tone of my book, that I can't even compare them. If this is a good example of contemporary young adult, my fantasy doesn't even come close.
The story is about a boy with special powers, that fights monsters on present day earth. A fine concept, but I didn't like the first person point of view, and to tell the truth, not a hell of a lot happens. I'd be surprised if this book pushes 40,000 words, if that. The one think I like about it is the short chapters, so I was able to read it during commercials. Some of those chapters seemed like little more than a single paragraph, which is carrying things a bit too far. Then again, for those with a super short attention span, this may be just the thing.
I can't really say too much about the story as there isn't much there. Expanded, I don't think I'd be interested either. Maybe it's just me.
If very adolescent young adult is your thing, this might be for you. As for me, I'll pass on the series.
Book Review: DERIVATIVE DAYS OF DANIEL X
Summary: 1 Stars
This is an ok little book that should hook young readers. On the back cover there is an attempt to attract older readers (it reads something to the effect of "whether your are 9 or 90...") The problem is that if you are over 12, you will likely feel like this is a rough draft inspired by Harry Potter and Men in Black (without the quality of either.) The story is short enough that there is not one but TWO potential follow-up stories at the end of the book. This is clearly set up as a cash-making series, and DEFINIETLY falls short. Not much happens with Daniel in this 1st episode of his Men In Black life. The book may be potentially good for young readers as a gateway to the idea of reading. If you are a teen or older SKIP IT.
For the grown up crowd Patterson is the master of the summer read. He is the Michael Bay of books. If you are in a slump and having a hard time reading, pick up Along Came a Spider and start off the Alex Cross series. Then switch on over to reading real books. This is NOT to discriminate or even critique the low quality of a Patterson book. This guy KNOWS how to spin a story. There is a place for his books - absolutely. They are like popcorn movies, that's all.
Book Review: I'M A 45-YEAR OLD GUY AND I JUST LOVED THE BOOK!
Summary: 5 Stars
My very first young adult book reading experience and it was great! I purchased this book simply because of two things: it's another joint venture of JP and ML, and second, the production descriptions on the back cover: In the spirit of the most enduring hit movies and books...this story (is) for readers from ten to a hundred and ten.
I like reading popcorn fictions and DDODX is simply my kinda book. Fast pace, cinematic and a character you root for. While I read the book, I saw it in my mind the whole time a Disney.Pixar animation blockbuster.
Daniel is such a lonely character that you can't help but liking him: an orphan/alien whose parents get whacked by bad aliens, he has no friends but conjuring up a bunch with his will power, so he can talk to or joke with when feeling lonely. The dinner scene in one chapter with his imaginary parents gathering around the table nearly brought tears to my eyes.
I never imagined a young adult book would have such a great impact on me, and one thing I'm gonna do next: outline the first draft of my own SF/YA novel.
Write on, JC and ML!
Book Review: This is a children's book, people!
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm astounded reading these reviews. Hellooooo, people, wake up and read the cover. You don't just buy a book b/c it says James Patterson and expect it to be the same as every other JP book.
. In an interview in people magazine JP noted that his own young son doesn't like to read, so he set out to write some fiction for kids/teens. These are NOT adult books, and I can't believe any semi-intelligent person would think that they were. My own 12 year old loves both series, but even he felt Daniel X was a little bit young for him, but he loves the humor.
I don't think it is fair to give it a poor review when YOU don't understand the genre or target audience! Silly.
As a childrens' book (age 9-13) it is right on target, creepy, but not TOO scary. Perfect for boys who are reluctant readers.
I think it is admirable that a great, prolific author such as James Patterson would turn his talents towards making children want to read.
Don't listen to the reviewers who were confused. This is a great pre-teen book, which is exactly who it was intended for.