| Lexile 680 |
James Patterson begins this science fiction novel with a normal scene. A 4-year old boy playing with Play-Dough, his mom calling him for dinner. Of course, no science fiction novel stays normal for long. Daniel's parents were shortly after killed by a large human-sized praying mantis, who goes by the name The Prayer. Daniel is also not a normal 4 year-old boy, unless you call a boy capable of turning himself into a tick normal. He escapes the same fate his parents suffered. Now, it is his mission to complete his parents work- hunting aliens on Earth. Daniel is very lonely moving from place to place killing disgusting aliens and dodging cops and truancy officers. When he goes after #6 on his list he has met his match-really more than he can handle. In Daniel's darkest days, he finds truth about who he is and friends that can help him in get through his dangerous days.
I loved the how quick paced this book is. Science Fiction is not my favorite of genres, but I found Daniel's character very compelling. I wanted to root for him, care for him, befriend him. The short chapters send you through the plot's twists and turns at a fever pitch. James Patterson is the master of suspense and urgency, this book lives up to that reputation.
