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.

All and all this is a great easy read for any age. It is definitely perfect for the younger crowd but I found it very enjoyable. This is not a normal JP novel but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Light hearted and a lot of fun. If you approach this as a fun afternoon read and don't expect it to change you life, it's worth your time and the 12 bucks!

All and all this is a great easy read for any age. It is definitely perfect for the younger crowd but I found it very enjoyable. This is not a normal JP novel but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Light hearted and a lot of fun. If you approach this as a fun afternoon read and don't expect it to change you life, it's worth your time and the 12 bucks!

I should start off this review with a couple of notes.

First, I'm not familiar with James Patterson's past works, though I have probably seen movies inspired by his books. So unlike many of the prior reviews I've seen, I didn't bring any expectations based on past experience into the reading of this book. Also worth noting is that I am a kid at heart, although I tend to read (and write) darker, more adult-oriented fair more often than not. But when this book came to my attention the day of its release, I felt strongly compelled to read it, and so I downloaded it to my Kindle and began reading it soon after. And yes, I am happy I did.

Daniel X is the story of a 15-year-old boy who is an alien hunter, the orphan of parents who themselves were alien hunters, but who were murdered when he was three by the number one target on the List of aliens, who goes by the name "The Prayer." While Daniel's ultimate goal is to find The Prayer and make him pay for murdering his family, in this book Daniel is searching out alien number 6, a particularly nasty child stealing, drug dealing, bad movie producing being named Ergent Seth. Daniel, who has the power to literally create out of thin air and frequently conjures up his dead family or his quartet of teenage friends, usually for either emotional support of for help in a tight spot, goes after Seth, the most powerful foe he's yet to face. At first Daniel seems to have everything under control, but as the best laid plans are wont to do, things quickly go awry, and the hunter suddenly becomes the prey.

"The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" is a fun and quick read, and the writing is clearly targeted for the young adult market, and I'd say even younger. Although 15 years old, Daniel often sounds and thinks more like an 8-year-old, so the book is a pretty safe read for most ages. In some ways it may even appeal to the younger kids more, given that today's young adult books usually cover more mature subjects and the issues of love and angst that are part of today's teen life. And therein lies both the strength and the weakness, such as it is, of this book. When reading the book, I can't help but feel that the book is almost too simplistic, that it was like a white wall scrubbed so hard to make it squeaky clean that the paint came a hair's breadth away from being peeled right off. While I personally enjoyed the book, which reminded me of some of my favorite childhood books like "The Forgotten Door" by Alexander Key and "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel" by Robert A. Heinlein, books that each beautifully capture the sense of childhood wonder that I remember so fondly, I just didn't buy that this teenage boy, who's presumably been on his own since the age of three and therefore grew up really fast, remains as sweet and innocent as Opie Taylor and Richie Cunningham with wings and a halo thrown in for good measure. Patterson may have been better served to make Daniel younger, perhaps ten or so, just to more convincingly fit into the childlike mentality which he's bestowed upon this boy. While I think the book should be judged on its own merits, and not compared to past works by Mr. Patterson, I can see why the book is disappointing to some. It has neither the maturity nor the complexity of the king of Y/A fiction, Harry Potter, and yet it seems to aim for an audience more mature than the writing itself speaks to.

Having said all of that, I enjoyed the book, and will probably read the sequels that are previewed at the end of the book. It'll be interesting to see where Mr. Patterson takes this series, because it has the potential of getting better with subsequent books, if the author decides to age Daniel so that he better fits into a teenager's shoes. If you have young kids, or prefer to read clean, wholesome kid fiction, this is the book for you. If you are looking for more, then I'm afraid you may find this book a let down.

Let's hope that like a fine wine, Daniel X gets better with age.

- Gregory Bernard Banks, author, reader, reviewer

My son, 12, and I both read the book. We both enjoy James Patterson. I enjoyed this book knowing that it was geared for youth and not adults. If you are expecting one of Patterson's more adult books, then you might be disappointed. My son recommended the four stars. He liked the characters and story line. He likes the science fiction aspects of the book, too. If your youth liked the Maximum Ride series, they will like this book.

this was not a horrible book but could have been better. it felt like it was missing some details and then too much in some other areas. i was suprised when i found out it will continue into other books...and a little disappointed. it's not going to be like stephen king's series the green mile... i couldnt wait for a new book to come out . i just hope this series isnt like the first book and i definitely hope it does not recap everything about the character. i would recommend it if you like quick reads and pretty cool images.

My 14 and 12 year old stepsons read this book and really loved it! The oldest one states that it makes him want to be a better person and not give up under bad situations. The younger one of course, loved the special powers Daniel X has. I like the books he writes for kids a lot; it's like he understands their short attention spans and desire for action and adventure.

With Patterson having books in all the other markets, adult thrillers, adult romance, adult sci-fi, young adult (maximum ride series) and children's picture book (although he failed terribly here with Santa Kid) it was inevitable he would try his hand at the pre teen junior fiction market. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is first in a planned series (the second book of which will be a comic book) and although it may be enjoyed by a few little kids who are into aliens, if they are at the reading level to read a book this long (still short by adult novel standards) they are probably going to reading stuff from the young adult section anyway so won't pick up this book.

Good junior fiction can be enjoyed by older kids and adult readers as well, I work in a library and a lot of people who borrow Junior paperbacks aren't kids. They're just people after a quick simpler less getting into emotional type read, that most junior fiction is. I found this book an effort to push through, it just isn't a book that gives anything to older readers. So those adults looking for an enjoyable junior fiction read between adult fiction novels won't find a satisfying read here.

This really is a junior fiction book that will appeal to a very small percentage of children who are not past the Saturday morning cartoon level of entertainment. Like any Patterson you're going to be check it out anyway no matter what the reviews are saying but I encourage you to get it from your library first before forking over hard earned money for it.

The basic plot is a three year old boy witnesses his parents being killed by a giant praying mantis as he transforms and hides from the mantis by becoming a tick. Daniel is no ordinary boy, his parents were alien hunters and Daniel is determined to follow in their footsteps. Daniel has weird powers that allow him to invent friends, bring back his parents and other things many a child probably wishes for. This story is a narration of his adventures as he battles with aliens on earth working his way up to the confrontation with his parents' killer.

Daniel X is not just any teenager. Not only is her super strong and super fast, but he also has a unique ability to rearrange molecules at will. This power allows him to shape shift, create new objects, living or inanimate, or manipulate objects into any shape or form. Since the day Daniel's parents were murdered by an alien called The Prayer, Daniel has had to live on his own while carrying out his parents' mission - to protect Earch by eradicating the Most Wanted Aliens on The List. Because Daniel is an Alien Hunter.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, like several other Patterson novels, is mostly plot and little character. The excitement of the story comes from the danger and trials Daniel experiences while hunting, fighting, or trying to escape aliens. However, when it comes to Daniel's character, something is left to be desired. Sometimes Daniel seems to lack emotions; also adding romance to Daniel's life was a failure. I found it ironic that Daniel was supposed to be this incredibly smart teen, but he was tricked so easily. Though Daniel's character was very disappointing, I have to admit that the plot was creative. I haven't read many novels about fighting aliens, so that made the story interesting.

If you want to read a thrilling, fast-paced, and suspenseful novel, then you should check out The Dangerous Days of Daniel X. However, if you are looking for something with a little more depth, then I suggest you don't pick this book up.

i wont lie i am a fan of james patterson, so it was no surprise that when i saw this book at the bookstore i immediately picked it up.
the book was great, daniel is a fun character and easy to relate to wetehr ur a guy or girl.
keep in mind that i have never read books about aliens. so this is a step up for me.
i cant wait for the rest of the adventures but i hope they dont all comeout in hardcover, its hard to carry a hardcover book versus a paperback ol.

Reviewed by Wendy Cleveland for Reader Views (6/08)

"The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" revolves around teenager Daniel, who, at the age of three, loses his parents to aliens. Come to find out, he is a descendent of the Alien Hunters from the planet Alpar Nok -- Daniel, son of Graff, son of Terfdron. Before his parents die, they tell him that he must find "The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma," which is Earth. He finds the list and the number one alien is called "The Prayer," who is the one who killed his family. Come to find out, Daniel is also a shape shifter who can turn into anything he wants including ticks and elephants. He also has the ability to make things from his memory appear like his parents when the cops came to his house wondering why he wasn't in school.

Throughout the novel, Daniel is trying to live a normal life while trying to kill off all of the aliens on this list. One of the most dangerous aliens was number six, Ergent Seth, who is known for kidnapping children to sell to other aliens for use as slaves. Little does Daniel know, but Ergent Seth is a hard alien to catch. When he finally confronts Daniel, things don't go as planned. Daniel ends up captured and loses some of his powers. Instead of killing Daniel, Ergent Seth, brings him back to the planet Alpar Nok which is completely destroyed. Daniel hopes to escape and try to find his parent's family leading to devastating circumstances. This book is the first in more to come in the series of Daniel X.

I found myself saying "Huh" a lot during my reading of "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X." It is definitely not your typical James Patterson novel probably because he now resorts to using co-authors which is a shame. I found this read more for a younger audience with references to SpongeBob, Transformers, and "elevator thingy." With the whole shape shifter, alien hunter theme, it reminded me of the Cartoon Network series "Ben Ten" which my eight-year-old son watches. I would definitely recommend this book to those under the age of 16, but it is not for us older folks.

I am beyond disappointed in this book. When are we going to see books worthy of James Patterson's name? This book is so high schoolish. It attracts the younger readers, I am sure.

I am signing off on James Patterson. I know I can find a writer to satisfy my tastes. I was a die hard fan, but not so much after this string of bad books. Disappointing, to say the least. I'll move on, you should too.

when i see the name james patterson i assume it s agood book i will be more careful in the futur hh