The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by: James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Published by: Little, Brown and Company (July release)

Reviewed by Alex McGilvery

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X is a readable young adult novel. The protagonist is a teen-aged alien hunter. He has the power to create with his mind and to change his own shape. Daniel’s parents were murdered when he was three and he inherited The List. The List has all the alien criminals who live on Earth and threaten the human race.

The opening of the book is a bit slow as Daniel sets the scene for us and hints at previous adventures. The story takes off when he decides to go after Number Six, an alien named Ergent Seth. The problem is that Daniel may have bitten off more than he can handle. This alien is a nasty and powerful opponent. Daniel is attacked by cats, and his house is turned into a graveyard. What is worse is that he is now going to high school.

The authors have created a wise-cracking young hero with Daniel X. They make him powerful enough to be cocky, but also give him a vulnerability that means taking on the bad guys from The List is no walk in the park. The villain of this book is well constructed and makes a good foil for the young alien hunter.

This is the first of a series, and I am sure that as the series develops, the pace and interest of the hunt will be maintained. I am looking forward to reading the next installment.

Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended for Young Adult readers who like fantasy.

Author’s Web site: http://www.JamesPatterson.com