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| The Dangerous Days of Daniel X | 
 enlarge | Author: James Patterson
Creator: Michael Ledwidge
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Category: Book
List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $4.85
You Save: $15.14 (76%)
New (85) Used (63) Collectible (3) from $3.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  67 reviews
Sales Rank: 1492
Media: Hardcover
Edition: 1
Reading Level: Young Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 272
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8
Dimensions (in): 7.7 x 5.1 x 1.6
ISBN: 0316002925
EAN: 9780316002929
ASIN: 0316002925
Publication Date: July 21, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: BRAND NEW - - EXCEPTIONAL VALUE - EXCELLENT BUY!
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Product Description
The greatest superpower of all isn't to be part spider, part man, or to cast magic spells--the greatest power is the power to create. Daniel X has that power. Daniel's secret abilities -- like being able to manipulate objects and animals with his mind or to recreate himself in any shape he chooses -- have helped him survive. But Daniel doesn't have a normal life. He is the protector of the earth, the Alien Hunter, with a mission beyond what anyone's imagining. From the day that his parents were brutally murdered before of his very eyes, Daniel has used his unique gifts to hunt down their assassin. Finally, with the help of The List, bequeathed to him in his parents' dying breath, he is closing in on the killer. Now, on his own, he vows to take on his father's mission--and to take vengeance in the process.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 62 more reviews...
 Strange and Delightful July 21, 2008
22 out of 26 found this review helpful
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.
 DERIVATIVE DAYS OF DANIEL X July 29, 2008
16 out of 19 found this review helpful
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.
 Only borrow it July 23, 2008
15 out of 17 found this review helpful
it's a pretty weak premise overall; daniel x is a 15 year old boy who seeks revenge for his parents. at first, you think it's interesting because the antagonist is this creature that looks like a 6 foot praying mantis, named the "prayer". but then, it gets worse. daniel's powers don't make complete sense and they have some pretty inconsistent limitations. his ability is to create. often times, he "creates" his long dead parents who comfort him, talk to him, give him advice and it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. A lot of times, daniel creates friends and he even can recreate himself. if you think my description is vague, try reading the book. it's a pretty vague power overall.
there are many pop culture references, a lot of juvenile jokes, and a whole lot of strange interactions between teenagers. the book really is childlike and i wouldn't consider buying it; just read it at a bookstore or something. patterson's books are usually pretty quick reads and this one is no different.
i think patterson really underestimates young readers at with this story. overall, i'd say the book is geared towards 9-12 year olds, except patterson himself probably thinks it's genius and believes anyone of any age can read it. I'd say no. Once you read it, you realize that the book is really for younger readers and tries a little too hard to make it "kid friendly". don't think it's a "Dark" book or something. i had a decent amount of fun reading it, but i wasn't really impressed.
Disappointed July 23, 2008
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
This book is not for adults. Sorry, but it just isn't. The dialogue is very childish, as is the plot resolution. Also, the plot is extremely predictable and the author seems to just simply make up unnecessary things about his world at particular convenience points. The only reason this is getting a 2 star is because the premise is promising, the book was just very poorly written.
 I'M A 45-YEAR OLD GUY AND I JUST LOVED THE BOOK! July 23, 2008
6 out of 9 found this review helpful
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!
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