Daemon

By: Daniel Suarez

Narrated by: Jeff Gurner

Length: 15 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Daniel Suarez's New York Times best-selling debut high-tech thriller is “so frightening even the government has taken note” (Entertainment Weekly).

Daemons: computer programs that silently run in the background, waiting for a specific event or time to execute. They power almost every service. They make our networked world possible. But they also make it vulnerable....

When the obituary of legendary computer game architect Matthew Sobol appears online, a previously dormant daemon activates, initiating a chain of events that begins to unravel our interconnected world. This daemon reads news headlines, recruits human followers, and orders assassinations. With Sobol’s secrets buried with him, and as new layers of his daemon are unleashed, it’s up to Detective Peter Sebeck to stop a self-replicating virtual killer before it achieves its ultimate purpose - one that goes far beyond anything Sebeck could have imagined....

©2009 Daniel Suarez (P)2009 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A riveting debut.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“This thrill-a-nanosecond novel is certainly faithful to the techno-traditions of Michael Crichton and should delight not only readers of the 'science gone awry' genre, but general adventure readers as well.” (Booklist)

“Suarez's not-just-for-gamers debut is a stunner.” (Kirkus Reviews)

It Had Me From The Start...

...but lost me at the end. That is the only reason I am giving this book a 4 instead of a 5. The book was fantastic, and I couldn't wait to get in my car and listen to more. But...the book just ended - boom -l ike that! Once I got over the shock, it seemed obvious that a sequel must be planned, but I didn't know that at the time (now I do), and I was a bit put off by how it ended. I mean, most books that have sequels at least wrap up a little bit at the end. But noooo, not this one! However, that is my only complaint about the book. I would recommed it to anyone. It is kind of scary when you think that this story is something that could possibly be pulled off in real life.

About the computer and gaming termionolgy in the book - I have a computer background, but no gaming background, and I think that even if you have neither you can still follow along. So, don't be put off by the technology jargon in particular. You can get through it - and it is well worth it! Now I can't wait for the sequel! Daniel - bring it on!!!

Fascinating, entertaining - Highly recommended

I remember thinking that Orwell's '1984' was a fascinating story but so far-fetched as to make me smile. These days, we don't smile anymore as video feeds everywhere capture public and private life. Reading Daemon (and subsequently Freedom TM) makes me more acutely aware of data-base technology's rapid encroachment upon the concept of the private citizen. Knowledge is power, and those who best manipulate it come out on top. While this has always been true, today it has never been easier. Daemon pulls together what some fear is the natural progression of data base technology in a was that is both frightening and powerful. We can only hope that these ideas remain far-fetched.

Daemon is a commentary on power - social, political, and economic - and the use and abuse thereof. You do not have to be a 'techie' to enjoy it. The topic is highly relevant and the narration is excellent. This is sci-fi at its best.

*A few will complain that some of the murders and sex-related scenes are harsh. People, life is often harsh. And humans can be cruel. Nothing new in that. Any who understand this will not take offense. It is, after all, just a book.

Terrific stuff!

Wow, there's no middle ground in the reviews for this one, so put me with the pros. A genuinely computer-literate thriller with the tiniest wedge of politics - like the onion in an ice-cold Gibson. I assume this is a first novel, because I enjoyed it so much that I immediately looked for additional work from Suarez and couldn't find any. Get on it Daniel, I want more!

Techno-thriller extraordinaire!

I haven't even finished listening to the entire story and I'm motivated to share my enthusiasm for this book. The themes of technology, murder mystery and super-geek world domination is very entertaining. I am looking forward to finishing it and re-listening several more times.

Good Book. No Ending

I just realized I only write reviews when I hate the books. I will throw in a few for books that I didn't hate.

I would have loved this book if it had actually ended. Good plot, narration, and pacing. However, it is set up for a minimum of two books and maybe more. This first section stops VERY abruptly with almost no conclusions as to what is going to happen with anything. I know others have written that there is a conclusion, but I certainly didn't hear one. I stopped at a bookstore and read the last several pages in print and didn't see one. Maybe you can listen and hear the non-existant ending. Or, you can just wait until the next book in the series comes out and buy them both at the same time. One very long read is better than one half of a good read.

Great Futurist

This was a great read and technically satisfying to and IT professional. It really gave me some insight as to how this could happen if it could happen. My disbelief was totally suspended.

Spellbinding!

Anyone wondering what our socially-connected world in the 21st Century actually portends for the future of the Human Race needs to listen to "Daemon". Suarez' hypothesis about how the widespread dissemination of data in our world today might provide both a threat and a promise to human freedom going forward sparkles with energy and originality. Not to be missed!

Excellent book, can't wait for the sequel

I loved the story and the unpredictable turns. As an avid Audible customer for over 5 years, I really enjoy books that are as unique as this one. The different character voices from the narrator were great and added to the story.

As a wireless network engineer, I thought it was both authentic and a great fictional story. The wireless cracking tools are not only real but abundant. This story should serve as a wake up call to everyone as well as a good read.

I'm not sure why some reviewers thought the ending was bad since it obviously was leading the reader to the sequel "Freedom." Unfortunately, the sequel is not scheduled to be released until 2010

An amazing, adult cautionary tale

Daemon is an amazing book. Daniel Suarez certainly knows his tech. There were many times in the course of reading the book where my mind was blown by what I was reading. Amazing. The integration of the real world and the 'internet' is creative and not all that far fetched. The power wielded by the Daemon and how impassively it uses that power is fascinating.

This book does contain graphic language and depictions of violence. I would not recommend this for people under the age of 18 or for those with sensitive constitutions. If you are easily offended, you may want to avoid Daemon. While the book may be rough in places, I think the way characters speak is authentic. Some of the detail in the violence is gratuitous.

If you like techno-thrillers or are into tech and gaming, Daemon is a must-read. I cannot wait to start the sequel.

Great Listen

If you could sum up Daemon in three words, what would they be?

Technology run amuck

What did you like best about this story?

I like how the plot ran, with characters making decisions for them that were difficult. And what technology could soon do and what some could do with it.

What about Jeff Gurner’s performance did you like?

Making characters distinct

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

When computers think for us.