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)

Why did I wait this long...

Would you consider the audio edition of Daemon to be better than the print version?

Didnt read the print version, don't have the time. But audiobooks are perfect for me.

What does Jeff Gurner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He is OK with the different accents, but did a great job none the less

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Didn't laugh or cry, but enjoyed it tremendously

Any additional comments?

I loved the complexity of the story. Heard about it on Leo Laportes This Week in Tech and Macbreak Weekly. I am glad I bought it!

Crichton like techothriller - excellent narration

Would you consider the audio edition of Daemon to be better than the print version?

This is a well written and engaging thriller a level above Crichton in plot finesse and technical sophistication. The fact that it was published in 2009 makes it downright prescient.

What other book might you compare Daemon to and why?

This is only my second review. Now that I know that positive reviewers are asked about similar books, I am going to read other positive reviews to see what other books might be similar.

What does Jeff Gurner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A great sense of the rhythm and pace of the story and of the character's speech.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not, one, no.

Any additional comments?

The is a roller coaster of a plot with well developed characters and cool technology details.

Fun and then engaging

While the narrator's style took me a little while to get used to, once I did I was absorbed. I though this story is innovative, engaging, and a lot of fun.

A great surprise!

This was one of those "I'll give it a try" purchases I made when I wanted a change from my favorite authors. I was hooked from the start. It's well written, a gripping story, fabulously narrated.

I've immediately bought the sequel and another book by the same author and can't wait to listen to them.

And in case you're wondering, you don't have to be a tekky to understand this story...

love this story

loved this story. it draws you in and it is just so believable. can't wait to start the next book

What a twist!

I am a woman who absolutely adored this book. It was not at all what I thought it would be. I picked it because it had some settings in Houston and it was about computers- both of which I love. And then I got sucked into the good writing, the good storytelling, the good narrator and it turned out to be addicting. What a good book and what a good idea for the storyline.!!

Absolutely blown away by this narrator.

Picked this on a lark - not my typical genre. I'll be following the series.

One of the best audio books, ever!

This book is FANTASTIC. I am inventing longer routes to/from work just so I can listen longer. Plus it is the best produced audio book I have ever listened to.

One of the best techno-thrillers ever written

What did you love best about Daemon ?

Well-paced, Good, timely development of each character, and good character interaction.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Daemon ?

The surprise raid by the Govt on the tech billionaires mansion… And all of the horrific surprises therein.

Which scene was your favorite?

The rave night club.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Left in awe Throughout the book.

Any additional comments?

Just give a listen… You'll know what I mean.

Daniel is a genius, prophet and harbinger with fun

Where does Daemon rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This work easily ranks in my contemporary top 10, probably in my top 5.

What other book might you compare Daemon to and why?

There really isn't another "book" to compare this too, its that unique, and entertaining.

What aspect of Jeff Gurner’s performance would you have changed?

Not a thing. Jeff is one of the best audio performers out there.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were a number of times I laughed, cringed, and thought how scary the future could be if we as a people don't start opening our eyes.

Any additional comments?

Daniel Suarez in one of our generations great writers. He takes on current and future issues that most people don't even realize exist. He has easily become one of the Top 5 Authors for Richard.