In Daniel X, the aliens look human.

The earth's most deadly alien criminal comes looking for a list. It's not just any list, but one that shows the most dangerous alien criminals and Daniel's parents have it. In the process, they are killed over this list and Daniel escapes, but barely. Daniel is also an alien with special powers.

Years later, Daniel acquires this list of criminals. He's able to create his imaginary friends and together they go after these aliens.

Both my kids loved the book and gave it a 5/5 rating.

Over the past few years, James Patterson has done yeoman's work on a number of fronts to encourage young adults to read, namely with his Maximum Ride novels. He and co-author Michael Ledwidge have just published a new series, one that will appeal to fans of science fiction and that has just enough action --- and charm --- to appeal to teens and those who still wish they were. The lead-off book is THE DANGEROUS DAYS OF DANIEL X, and it's a good one.

It kicks off, appropriately enough, with Daniel X's backstory, or at least some of it. Daniel is a 15-year-old alien from outer space whose purpose-driven life is dedicated to eradicating monstrous beings from other planets, called Hunters, who see Earth as a candy dish ripe for the plucking. Daniel's parents were murdered, apparently by The Prayer, first among equals of a group of alien outlaws whose goal is to eliminate all life on earth.

Comic book fans of all ages are familiar with the themes of parental loss --- Superman, Batman and Spiderman are but three fiction icons who lost one or both parents to evil --- and science-fiction aficionados will recall the good-and-bad-alien-in-our-midst themes from any number of sources ("Will the Real Martian Please Stand Up?" from the original "Twilight Zone" series comes most immediately to mind). Before their apparent demise, Daniel's parents left their son a list of the aliens he needs to eliminate if he and his adopted planet are to be safe. And how is he supposed to do this? Daniel has powers, chief among them is the ability to manipulate molecules. There is some sort of vague limitation to it, however, and Daniel himself is still testing that out, so it is interesting to see what will work, how and against whom.

In this inaugural volume, Daniel is both the pursued and pursuer of an alien baddie named Ergent Seth, who is Number Six on The List. Daniel moves from Portland, Oregon, to Glendale, California, where he enrolls in high school, acquires a girlfriend who gives new meaning to the term "girl trouble" and makes an involuntary interstellar trip across space where the biggest surprise of all awaits him, even as he moves toward an ultimate confrontation with Ergent Seth and takes another step toward his destiny.

This sounds like a lot --- and it is --- but Patterson and Ledwidge grab onto the reader's attention and don't let go for a second, propelling one along at Warp Factor Six. Much of the book is graphically violent, but no more so than what you'd find in your average video game, and Daniel gives fair warning at the beginning that things will get a bit rough before the ride is over. And as a bonus, THE DANGEROUS DAYS OF DANIEL X features three chapters from the next installment in the series. All that, and the authors even include a plug for THE ILIAD by Homer, arguably the first military thriller. Does it get any better than that? We'll have to wait to find out.

--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

Although the Patterson books have been steadily going downhill ever since he decided to take on co-writers, I am always hopeful the next one will at least be an easy, swift read. But this one??? It is by far the most collosally stupid story ever written. And I love science fiction. I can't believe his publisher allowed this embarrassing thing out of the office. I guess they just figured there would be a certain amount of revenue simply because of his name. But there is no way this would have flown if submitted by anyone else. Makes one think Mr P was smoking something funny to even come up with such a bizarre idea for a story.

What a disappointment. This is a dreadful story. Surprised Patterson associates his name with this junk.

Star Trek notwithstanding, when you get taken to another planet and they all write and speak English without the benefit of any translation device or other plot device, I don't think much of the writer or their opinion of their readers.

This book seems to be written for 8 year olds by a 12 year old.
I swear Patterson probably wrote this in one sitting. Zero creativity at all.
It's just a knock off of other stories already out there, but in particular Men in Black. I mean take a look at the book cover. A pretty similar resemblance to Heroes don't you think?
Good news is you can finish this thing in 1 or 2 sittings. If Patterson thinks he is creating the next "Harry Potter" his bank account and his publisher are going to be seriously disappointed.

I found Daniel to me an exciting and page turning book. Very enjoyable and well worth it.

After completing the current books in Patterson's Maximum Ride series, I was told that I should read the latest "teen" novel by James Patterson (and Michael Ledwidge), The Dangerous Days of Daniel X. Like Maximum Ride, Daniel X will be a series of at least three books. But Patterson and Ledwidge will have to release the next two without me.

Daniel X is a fifteen year old orphan with some supernatural powers. These powers; shape shifting, telekinesis, and the ability to create animate objects out of nothing, are needed as he is an Alien Hunter on Planet Earth. For eons, Earth has been inhabited by aliens, and a good portion of them are evil. Daniel, orphaned when his parents were killed by an alien called The Prayer, uses a "hit list" (called The List) left to him by his parents, to track down and kill the bad aliens. Naturally, as such lists are numbered, the closer you get to #1, the aliens get more difficult to dispatch.Skipping ahead on The List, Daniel determines he is ready for #6. But that particular alien is well aware of his approach and his weaknesses. And he is waiting for Daniel.

I realize that this book is targeted to the 7-17 reader, but I had a very difficult time relating to or caring about Daniel. I think that it was mostly due to knowing that somewhere along the line, Patterson will get heavy-handed on some ecological topic. While that did not appear in this novel, you know that it is coming. He is addressing global warming in Maximum Ride, and I *think* that they will be addressing global population in this series, based on some throw away comments late in this book (they did address child labor in this novel). But my other issues with this book are probably very silly; where does Daniel get the money to live and eat? Why isn't he taking some time to improve his powers with the lower numbered aliens, while moving up The List? A weapon that kills his parents seems to only give him a "flesh wound" *? For the most part, I think that this book may hold the interest of most 7-17 year olds. But it certainly holds no interest to me

* - my thow away "Monty Python" reference :-)

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but James Patterson was one of the writers, so I had to read it! Here is a good synopsis about the book on the inside cover:

"Daniel's secret abilities --- like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to re-create himself in any shape he choses -- have helped him survive. But Daniel doesn't have a normal life. He is the protector of Earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond anyone's imagining."

David has "the list" of the worst aliens, which includes the assassins that killed his parents. As a young kid, he doesn't understand his abilities, but as he gets older he realizes the importance of his skills and how important he is to keeping Earth safe. He believes he is alone in his battle, but finds out that you can go home and find yourself again.

My first thoughts about this book was that this was another 'kill the alien" book, but it's much more than that. The alien hunter part of the story is only a small part of the book. We see a boy grow and learn about himself and what part in the world he is meant to be a part of. The history of his family and where they came from (another planet) is a moving part of the book that facinated me. The speech of Spock and Kirk from Star Trek comes to mind when reading this book for me: "The needs of the many - outweigh the needs of the few or the one!"

I would recommend reading this book and the sequel that will be coming out soon! Patterson has been careful of the language and content of the book to allow anyone from 10 to 100 to read the book!

Entertainment for all ages, which is how this book was advertised, does not mean boring. The Harry Potter books are a good example of a storyline that all ages may enjoy.

In the first few pages, I thought this might be similar to the Odd Thomas books by Dean Koontz, but this was not to be the case. With chapters being 1.5 to 4 pages long and larger than typical print size, I am glad I didn't pay $20 for this.

If I did not have children, I would not have known the TV episodes of Ben 10 (cartoon)existed. This book provides the same materials and suitable for children only. Adults stay away. However the secret is told on how to beat all the villians.

Let me start out by saying that I have very low standards when it comes to liking books. I can read almost anything and enjoy it. But not this book.
The dangerous Days of Daniel X was like a really bad fan fiction. It was beyond unbelievable, and it felt like James Patterson was just making the story up as he went along. With all the plot holes in this story it felt like I was trying to read swiss cheese. It was all I could do to finish reading it.

To say that I do not recommend this book is an understatement.

I used to enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts. I used to enjoy James Patterson. For similar reasons, I forswore them both some time ago.

Patterson produces novels at nearly the same rate Krispy Kreme produces donuts and like the donuts, there's almost no nutritional value. Over time, I forget how vacuous they are and think, "Why did I give these things up, they LOOK good". The next day however, suffering from aesthetic remorse, I renew my vow of abstinence.

"The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" is an example of how dependent Patterson has become on the contributions of "co-writers" (I suspect these "co-writers" are the ACTUAL creators while Mr. Patterson does little more than attach his name to the franchise.) The content of "Daniel" is strikingly similar to Dean Koontz's "Odd Thomas" series (without Mr K's panache) and the film, "Men in Black". Characters are one-dimensional and derivative. The device that Daniel's family and friends are "mentally generated," reads like bad Heinlein ... in the 60's. While acceptable in the 60's, in 2008, not so much.

Finally, there are those two "previews" of future "Daniel" stories in the back. These pages are nothing but a gimmick that fills space between book covers, helping with the appearance there's something there. Unfortunately, there's no "there" there. Like the morning after that Krispy Kreme binge, I wish I'd spent my time doing something else.

Maybe Krispy Kremes and Mr. Patterson just used to be better?

This was a very fast read, but it was way out there and very strange. Those who enjoy science fiction might enjoy this.

Didn't really kow what to expect. More for teenagers and pre-teens than adults, but i enjoyed it anyway!

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X was a quick romp of playful imagination. I always enjoy following Patterson's creative mind. I got his Maximum Ride series for my grandson - but was soon hooked on the outcome of his very colorful and endearing characters. Daniel X leads you into the same pattern - you learn quickly to care about the main character. To hang spell bound on his Destiny and to enjoy following him on the twists and turns of the Journey that leads him there. I look forward to the next book in the series. The audio book gives you such a great preview of it.

My 11 year old son couldn't put the book down and read without being told to do so! He rated it a 4 1/2 star book, but we couldn't do that with the stars. He told me to tell other kids that this book is "really weird in a good way". He also stated he was interested in getting the next book in this series.

I found the short, choppy chapters distracting and unpleasant. However, I assume that this book was really written for a younger audience.

I highly recommend this book. I finished it in 2 days and there wasn't a moment that I wanted to stop reading it. I could tell Patterson had fun with this title and I am looking forward to more in this series.

Daniel X was a totally different book from James Patterson's normal books, but still the high quality that I have come to expect from him. He is by far one of the best writers we have had in a very long time. Read this book, you will be hooked from page 1!

Unless you are 10 years old, I wouldn't waste my money on this book. It is definitely a book for a young reader who doesn't require an in-depth plot to keep up his/her interest. Definitely a disappointment for those who are Patterson fans.

THIS BOOK WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED OF JAMES PATTERSON. I AM A FAN OF JAMES PATTERSON'S WORK. IT WAS OK, BUT IF I HAD KNOWN WHAT THE CONTENT WAS I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT IT.

I was very disppointed in Patterson's new series for Young Adults. The kids at our library liked the Maximum Ride series for the first couple of books, so I was waiting for Daniel X's series. The teens at our library read a much better caliber of writing than this book. There were very interesting story lines in the book, just no development. Perhaps a few less books by the author, and more effort put into the books he writes, would be wise.

James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge's THE DANGEROUS DAYS OF DANIEL X receives a fine narration by NBC actor Milo Ventimiglia as it tells of a man born with the power to create - a secret which has helped him survive yet is proving his greatest challenge. Add a dilemma which makes his power key to mankind's survival and you have a gripping thriller which springs to life in audio.

This book's targeted age group is clearly mis-assigned. When I first read this book I was disappointed...I wanted something along the same lines as "Maximum Ride". My problem was that I was looking for reading materials for 14-15 year old students. All those nasty little things that the other reviewers are saying, I felt. BUT...

As someone who used to teach elementary, please let me recommend "Daniel X" to you if you have one of those high-level reading students/children who read above level but have a hard time finding appropriate books. Really, this book should have been targeted for 10-12 year-old kids.

I just gave this to my fifth grade daughter. She absolutely loves it! She loves the fact that Daniel can do about anything and thinks it is wonderful that he can conjure up what ever he wants to see. She finds the book exciting and really appreciates the short chapters.

Give this book to your reluctant readers. I think they'll love it.

This book is sophomoric, trite, poorly written, and boring. Older elementary readers might enjoy it.

Reviewed by Narayan Radhakrishnan for RebeccasReads (8/08)


Superman, Batman, Spiderman, He-man... enough; I am through with these super men. After all, they are mere mortals... with some extraordinary powers. James Patterson, the prolific author...rather institution, has now, with "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" started a new series. It is his own version of a super hero, and unlike our umpteen supermen, Daniel has a few extra powers up his sleeve, the most important being the power to create. So is Daniel the Almighty in a new avatar? Is he God himself? You have to read the book to find it out.

Anyway, without being a spoilsport let me say a few words about the book. As already said, this is the first of a planned series. The novel starts with the murder of the parents and sister of little Daniel by an alien called `The Prayer.' From then onwards Daniel's mission was one single thing...to wipe out aliens from the face of this earth. And the target in this first outing is Alien No.6, otherwise known as Ergent Seth. With powers almost equivalent to that of Daniel, Daniel can only overpower him by exploiting Seth's one and only weakness. The catch lies in the fact that Seth should not realize that he is being exploited. How Daniel does the same, through a fine game of cross, double-cross, triple cross and quadruple cross, forms the plot of the novel.

I enjoyed the novel, especially giving a new heroic image to the Saviour (whether Daniel truly is the Saviour is for you to find out). One thing's sure, James Patterson, the institution of an author has carved another neat success with this latest offering. I for one am looking forward to the next books in the series. The teaser chapters of the two next books in the series given in this book have sure intrigued me. Wonder whether Hollywood is taking note of this novel.

I enjoyed Patterson books way back, but everything lately is just plain drivel. And the 1 or 2 page "chapter" thing got old years ago. The premise of this book sounded like it might be interesting, so I tried it.

The book said it was for folks "from 8 to 80". *I* thought they meant AGES 8 to 80 but after reading the book I realize they meant IQ POINTS!

Seriously, this thing is a little kids book and not fit for any kid pretty much old enough to read it for themselves. There has to be a lot better material to read to your kids or for them to read for themselves than this.

For adults, don't even bother opening the book as it is pure Patterson junk in the worst way.

DANIEL X - I only got through the first chapter. I am a big Patterson fan, but this one was beyond me. Just too weird. I did not care for it at all. Not even 1 star.

This is a little out of my reading for pleasure. Patterson needs
to stay with what he knows best and that is Drama and Suspense stories.

I love James Patterson. I loved his Maximum Ride books, even though they were aimed at the teen age market. Daniel X I didn't love so much. It read more like a comic book. I'm sure my grandsons will like it, but I won't buy future books in this series.

I totally enjoyed reading all about Daniel X and his battle with the aliens. I especially liked when he was able to turn himself into a "tick" and get away from The Prayer!

From the outset this book screamed "I want to be the first in a series of books like Harry Potter!" Actually, I wasn't quite sure if what I was reading was meant to be taken literally or figuratively, while at the same time wondering if this was a children's book or adult fair. Fair enough that most books have a surface story co-existent with sub text but the problem was that I could never fully comprehend which was supposed to be which. SPOILERS AHEAD -- In the end all I really took away was that this book was an allegory for the strength and truth of the republican party. The evil Californian film producer is finally ripped apart by the mighty elephant. Allegiances aside, cramming any sort of propaganda like that down my throat will just create vomit and bile.

I am an adult, I didn't realize when I bought this book that it was geared to a younger audience. Before I read it I found out that it was meant for ages 10-110, I figured that it would not be good, but having said that I really enjoyed it. I found it quite entertaining and his descriptions of things make you cringe. There is also no cursing in this book. All in all I thought it was a good book, especially if you like alien type stories, and suggested that my husband read it.

So, this book didn't captivate me from the start. Ultimately all of the failings I see with this book can be taken as failings of the main character and narrator. He tells us how shocking or exciting things are when they aren't that exciting, and he tries to sell us on his friends and family as being really good at things, when ultimately they are imaginary, brought to life by Daniel's powers.

However, if these failings are Daniel's, it's never addressed directly in this book, and my hope that these things would be addressed was what kept me reading.

I can not recommend this book. It is decent but not great (but not horrible either), and doesn't function as a particularly great scifi or superhero book.

This one just was too far out for me to appreciate. I'll read the reviews, which would have been helpful next time!

I think this book was not a disappointment at all,
this book is for teens and I think it's great for that type of readers.

I have trouble quitting a book I have started. This is unfortunate with this book. There is no logic to it. Some suggest it is pre-teen oriented but I am not sure they will buy it.

I generally enjoy Patterson's books. Well, once he started the nursery rhyme stuff; his earlier books are awful! The biggest characteristic this book shares with others is the 3 page chapters so a chapter is actually 2 pages and the book seems 1/3 larger than it is.

I kept hoping that this one would come together. But I do not believe it did.

His series Maximum Ride is miles beyond this. And, of course, his mysteries are great. But I'd recommend skipping this one entirely. Also any sequels.

It's difficult for me to believe that one sentence in this book was written by James Patterson. I read the entire book hoping that it would get better, but it just didn't. It was one big disappointment.

I always look forward to new releases from James Patterson. This book was a great deviation from Patterson's usual genre. If you're looking forward to Patterson's usual characters like Alex Cross and Lindsay Boxer, you will not find it in Daniel X. While I admire Mr. Patterson's work in the thriller genre, I really don't think that science fiction is his forte.

I have no idea what compelled James Patterson to put his name on this with Michael Ledwidge, whoever he is, but there was barely a plotline, horrible writing, and generated less than no interest for me. Definitely skip this book.

Can you believe that this is written by the same man who came up with Maximum Ride? That was the first James Patterson book I read, and every successive novel has been progressively more shoddy. The dialog in this book takes the cake. It Feels like I'm trying to read a poorly written fan-fic based on a B-movie. Avoid, unless you want a laugh (in the "so bad, it's good" sense.)

I am a huge James Patterson fan and cannot believe he wrote this book. It is so unlike his writings and is a complicated, uninteresting story of aliens. I have not read very much of the book and will never finish it. It is more sci-fi without a story. Very disappointing and a waste of money.

I'm not a fan of Sci-Fi, but I became one after reading this book. James Patterson has never disapointed me.

I have read just about James Patterson's books and didn't expect what I would find when I read the first few pages of this book. I taught 9 and 10 year-olds for many years and at first thought I had a book they would enjoy, but now I am not sure they would like it. This book reads like an elementary students attempt to write a story for class.

#1 I did not read this
#2 I will not read this
#3 A Heroes Knock-Off Cover - Gimme a Break

I got here via Reading about Kindle. And seeing the cover.
And reading the slighty lengthier reviewer there.

Heroes.

Heroes.

Why bother.

I am a big fan of James Patterson. I have really enjoyed most of the Alex Cross series. I once asked a co-worker if Alex Cross was accurately protrayed as an African-American. Her reply was yes. She said if you were not aware ahead of time you would think James Patterson was African-American. I also have enjoyed all the "Murder Club" series. Once again, if you were not aware ahead of time you would think this series of books had been written by a woman. I picked up Daniel-X as a book on tape. It was so bad I didn't even finish the first CD. I am really disappointed in the book and will think twice before reading another James Patterson book.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X follows fifteen-year-old Daniel in his quest to fight aliens, who seem to have a habit of putting the world in danger. When we first meet him at the age of three, he is a highly intelligent child, far more intellectually advanced than others of his age. This intellect allows Daniel to understand things that other people of his age are simply not able to comprehend. Perhaps more importantly, he is able to morph into anything he wants to become, either animate or inanimate. At this young age, Daniel witnesses his parents' horrific death at the hands of a monstrous alien. Following his parents' death, Daniel makes it his life's goal to hunt down The Prayer, the alien who murdered his parents. The story picks up twelve years later with Daniel now a bonafide alien hunter, searching out not just The Prayer, but all aliens intent on destroying the Earth.

This book will have the reader constantly turning the page. Continuous action and adventure makes this an incredibly entertaining story. Although Daniel is only a fifteen-year-old boy, his advanced intelligence casts him as an adult. While this story's premise could have created an unlikely scenario, the way the author portrays the characters, and their life-like feelings and attitudes, make this book an easy to follow and very entertaining science fiction book. Quill says: This book is wonderful for any sci-fi loving person.

Quill says: This book is wonderful for any sci-fi loving person.

I am a true James Patterson fan. Usually I can't wait until my quiet time to sit and read.....but not this time! I found Daniel X extremely disappointing for it being a James Patterson novel. It is silly and does not hold your interest. I couldn't wait to finish it! I was tempted several times to close it and read something else, but I kept hoping it would get better.
Sorry J.P.......This one gets 1 star.

I have been a great James Patterson fan especially of the Alex Cross series and love books that have a supernatural theme. Thus, I was totally dismayed when I purchased this book thinking it was for adults when actually it reads like it was written by an elementary child and is geared towards someone in grade school (except for the gruesome violence). This book is being marketed for an adult audience when it should be labeled ages 10-13. DON'T waste your money unless you want an unbelievable, mindless story. VERY disappointing. Patterson, get back to what you do best.