Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23224 in Books
• Published on: 2008-07-21
• Released on: 2008-07-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Patterson jumps on the superheroes bandwagon with contributor Ledwidge and delivers the adventures of Daniel X, a superpowered alien whose mission is to defend Earth from more malignant, threatening aliens. In his first adventure, listeners hear the typical origin story (parents killed by the most vile alien on Earth), his early adventures (growing up on his own with amazing powers) and his first real step into manhood (facing off against another alien). The story throws in a few interesting twists, but isn't particularly dynamic as superhero narratives go. The production is sparsely sprinkled with sound effects, which work quite well and add to the story, but there is a lack of consistency to their execution. However, Milo Ventimiglia makes it worth the listen. His timing and inflection match perfectly with Daniel, the first-person protagonist. He sounds youthful enough to be believable as Daniel and easily transitions to other character voices within the story. A Little, Brown hardcover. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal
Grade 5 Up—This splashy, somewhat nonsensical graphic novel is sure to find an audience despite its flaws. Daniel X is an orphan, his parents murdered by an evil alien. But Daniel, like his father before him, is also an alien, and not a regular one at that—he's a superhuman hunter of evil aliens. With a wealth of fantastical abilities and a list of baddies to catch (including his parents' killer), the teen is on a quest to rid the Earth of unwanted visitors. Along the way he meets Kildare, another alien and the son of one of the evildoers on the list, and the two team up to take down Kildare's gangster-alien father. The book is filled with clichés and ridiculous plot twists, and kids unable to suspend their disbelief will find the book lacking. However, the action-packed story line, kinetic computer-generated art, and Patterson's name are sure to attract readers.—Douglas P. Davey, Halton Hills Public Library, Ontario, Canada
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Patterson has combined breakneck pacing and dark tones for years now, elements that happen to be the lifeblood of graphic novels. Alien Hunter follows an orphaned alien boy who has inherited his father’s legacy as a hunter of evil aliens on the planet Earth. An alien himself, tough-talking and self-assured Daniel has superior speed and strength, and he can give form to things and people just by thinking about them, including imaginary friends and long-lost family members. It’s a lonely existence, but when Daniel comes up against Number 7, a most unusual criminal mastermind, the young hunter finds that the villain’s own son may prove to be more than just a tool to use against his enemy. The flexible figures and exaggerated expressions that feature in Lyngeled and Girin’s artwork help mitigate the dark tone of the story. Casting off any pretense at realism and moving at a furious speed (the second half is one huge extended fight sequence), Patterson and Gout deliver an action-packed, sci-fi thrill ride perfectly suited to a young male readership. Grades 5-8. --Jesse Karp

Customer Reviews

Strange and Delightful
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.

Only borrow it
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.

DERIVATIVE DAYS OF DANIEL X
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.