Good evening readers, writers and educators! Today's entry is a review of an action-packed book that I've recently finished entitled "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge. Patterson has already established himself as the author of adult fiction and in recent years he has devoted his writing towards the young adult (YA) market. His Maximum Ride series was a popular bestseller. In"The Dangerous Days...." Patterson once again demonstrates his ability to capture younger readers and hold them for an incredible journey.
If "The Dangerous Days of Daniel X" were a movie, I'd give it 4 stars. If it were a television show, I'd definitely place it in the category of "must-see tv". That's my assessment of this adrenaline-filled tome that reads like a fast-paced show or movie. The chapters are short and every sentence is filled with movement. I couldn't put the book down! And when I did put it down, I couldn't stay away from it for long - I had to read it.
"The Dangerous Days..." introduces us to Daniel, a 15-year old boy who has the power to create. Daniel's parents were brutally murdered when he was 3 and with the help of the List, Daniel has been searching for the killer ever since. Daniel has been systematically crossing off alien vermin from the List who populate Earth and commit fiendish crimes. Daniel is making great progress until he clashes with an alien who becomes Daniel's greatest challenge to date. The battle takes us from Earth to Daniel's homeworld with many twists and turns along the way.
Daniel X is a character that immediately endears himself to the reader. He is smart, funny and despite his extraordinary gifts - the typical teen. Throughout the story, there are many moments of hilarity mixed with scary moments. For example, Daniel has ticks doing backfips, fights off overagressive cats and has a heartwarming reunion with some elephants. Daniel X is the new Hary Potter. I would definitely recommend this story as a must-read for students (ages 10 - 16). Patterson's gal is to get more boys reading. I think he's definitely going to make that hapen. I can't wait to read the next story. Stay tuned!
Visit www,jamespatterson.com to review the author's work. Also, go to www.daniel-x.com for more info on the book and a video clip of the Daniel X in action.
Wikipedia Entry:
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Dangerous Days of Daniel X | |
 | |
| Author | James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Little, Brown |
| Publication date | July 21, 2008 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 224 pp (first edition, hardback) |
The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is a novel by the bestselling author, James Patterson and co-author Michael Ledwidge. From its plot outline, it appears to be Patterson's first science fiction novel. It released on July 21, 2008.
[edit] Premise
Daniel X works alone. Having watched from the shadows as the brutal murder of his own parents unfolded before him, he has been forced to make his own way in a dark and unforgiving world with a heavy task handed to him. Daniel's parents were alien hunters, working his way through a fearsome 'wanted' list of aliens intent on seeking control and wreaking devastationwith his four best friends who he has"created with his mind and powers. But as he planned his next target, his own time was running out. Following his parents' sudden deaths, Daniel faced an uncertain future: he knew little about his family nor where he came from but a few things were clear, he had inherited the list from his parents and a unique ability to create anything that he needs including some very devoted friends to help him along the way. His life has become dedicated to the mission. Every day has been transformed into a terrifying hunt, watching each step he takes for danger awaits around every corner and lurks within the shadows. His ultimate aim is to exact revenge against number 1 on his list: his parents' murderer. But first he must target the others: each more sinister and gruesome than the last.
[edit] Release details
- 2008, USA, Little,Brown ISBN 0-316-00292-5, 21 July 2008, Hardback
- 2008, Australia, Random House Australia ISBN 9780385613774, 01 July 2008 Trade Paperback
Soon enough he finds himself battling the most dangerous foe so far, Ergent Seth, a horse-headed villain who will stop at nothing to recolonize planet Earth. When all hopes seem to be lost, he meets a new girl at school, Phoebe Cook, who becomes a very close friend and his only human friend. But soon he will realize Phoebe isn't as she seems, she has a terrifyingly dark secret, and this very secret might put an end to Daniel's life.
Additional websites:
http://www.hachettebookgroupusa.com/books_9781600242007.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/excerpts/2008-05-14-The-Dangerous-Days-of-Daniel-X_N.htm
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