Book Review: The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

James Patterson, bestselling author of Maximum Ride and The Alex Cross series, is back with a book geared for the young adult market. Written together with Michael Ledwidge (also co-authored Step on a Crack with Patterson), Dangerous Days is a cross between comic book hero tale and sci-fi.

Written for readers from "ten to a hundred and ten," Patterson has been careful to keep this book acceptably clean and family-friendly.

The story begins with Daniel learning to use his secret abilities, It seems he is (as were his parents before him) able to create. He can shift atoms to do as he pleases - with a few limitations, of course.

Like most super-heroes, Daniel is on a mission. He's in search of his parent's killer, whom he must find within the ranks of the aliens all around us on the planet. He has 'The List' to aid him in his quest and to guide him in fulfilling his parent's mission as well.

When Daniel befriends a new girl at school (after shifting atoms to create parents and dodge a truancy officer) he thinks things might be looking up. His first - and only - human friend gives him hope. But what he doesn't know about his new friend may be the end of him.

I really enjoyed this book. It's fun, easy to read and would be perfect for a day at the beach or, if you're landlocked like me, a day at the park. Patterson and Ledwidge keep the story light and its fast-paced style will make it a hit with young and old alike.

It's definitely different from other books of Patterson's that I've read, but I think I actually enjoyed it more. I appreciate books like this - quite clean and unique.

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for jill-hart

Article Author: Jill Hart

Jill Hart is an avid reader and reviewer. In addition to Blogcritics, her reviews can be found on RadiantLit, The Suspense Zone and Trashionista.com. Her newest addition is a blog on PreciousMoms.com entitled Radiant Readers. …

Visit Jill Hart's author pageJill Hart's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • No image found
  • No image found
  • No image found

Article comments

  • 1 - IndigoInsane

    Jan 20, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    I honestly found this book incredibly disturbing. NONE of Daniel's incredibly horrible traits are recognized leading me to believe that his tendency to mind control innocent people and cruelty along with other morally questionable acts weren't written intentionally to be creepy. Also, whenever Daniel makes any sort of comment about a woman or girl he sounds disturbing, very similar to an old man at the beach eyeing teenage girls. The worst issue is how everyone worships Daniel no matter what, he has absolutely no flaws and everyone falls over themselves to praise him creating an unbearable and boring character that can't hold up a plot.

  • 2 - ISSSIE

    Mar 24, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    THIS BOOK IS REALLY INTERESTING AND I'LL RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO TEENAGERS WHOSE OVER 13!

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.