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)

Possibly The Best Techno-thriller Ever

No that title isn't an exaggeration. If you're content in knowing the information provided in the title and would like to skip the praise I'm about to bestow and just buy the book.

So, another book about computers taking over the world. Ho hum, blah blah, yes? Actually no. While I was reading Daemon the thought that this could really happen kept going through my head. Without giving away some of the plot points, I'll just say this. Read some of the recent news about the Storm botnet. Think about peoples addictions to WoW. Then read the book. Then think about those subjects again.

A few words to the techies: SQL injection attack, botnet, and rootkit. All those words/phrases can be found in this book. No no, my friends, this is not the book equivalent of Hackers (you know where code magically floats across the screen and other cheap tricks), this is a book written by a systems consultant (read: normally the guy that gets called in with the regular schmoes can't figure things out) for Fortune 100 companies. To use a common cliche, he "gets it." Actually he gets it, gets into its inner workings, and turns it inside out. Vague, I know, but I'm trying very hard not to spoil the fun of this book.

There is no reason for you not to read Daemon, no matter your level of technical understanding. Everyone from the CEO who has only the vaguest understanding of his IT infrastructure to the mail room guy who goes home to play WoW for 8 hours to the advertising exec who only knows how to check his email. Check it out from the library, buy it online, or borrow it, just find a way to read it. Read some sample chapters of Daemon if you need more convincing.

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!!!

Weird long slog that leads nowhere

This is a story that seemingly has no point and little plot. It ends abruptly and bizarrely. None of the characters are distinctive. I couldn't understand why it was written, or why it was published. Not much plot, not much character development and not much point.

So COOL!!!!

This is one of the coolest books I have listened in a long time. I am seriously a fan now of Daniel Suarez. The entire time I was listening to this book I was utterly gripped. The most interesting thing about this book is how realistic it appears and how current the title is. For anyone who is a techy and worse for anyone who is into MMORPG's this is downright a fascinating listen. There are a number of twists and turns in this book that makes you thoroughly enjoy the entire title.

Jeff Gurner does justice to this title and there is nothing I can fault about his narration at all. It was dynamic, impressive, smartly done and with the different array of characters was just plain a treat.

You will enjoy this book immensely, seamless writing, interesting concept, great twists, relevant and with superb narration.... LOVED IT!

Reservations Be Damned

Reservations be dammed! That's right, I almost didn't read it.

Ever wonder what’s going to become of those "@$(^$#%" kids in your basements playing video games? Well, Suarez has found a place for them and he makes it count. No same old plot line here, you know, the good, the bad and the ugly? Just when your standard character is lined up to save the day—pow! Right in the kisser. You’re hanging a U-turn. What the hell was that? And trust me, you want to know where this one is going. And it won't be where you thought. Just when you think Suarez has stretched technology to the limit, and even a bit beyond, you find out there is more out there and it’s being done. Who knew?
You take your not so typical megalomaniac (Mathew Sobol), throw in the fact that he’s dead, add a pinch of global data mining, GPS guidance systems, computer-generated and programmed manufacturing machines, international banking, global economics, CIA, FBI, name the agency it's in there. Then peel and dice a willing and ready disenfranchised subculture. Simmer slowly with inherent, but predictable corporate greed base. You get the idea, or you will. Sobols plan seems to have predicted the most basic human behavior and uses it to stay one step ahead. Have you ever had the urge to hit the gas when the patrol car’s lights come on behind you, all the while knowing you’ll never outrun his radio? Try outrunning a powerful computer or thousands and you’ll get somewhat of an idea of what all those institutions are up against.
You don’t do Tech? Well me either, that’s why I almost skipped this one. Suarez delivers a plot, plausible characters, and writing that brings a flavor to tech we can actually digest and dare I say, appreciate. There’s no small thinking here; Suarez’s writing is engaging and his ideas are current and provoking. There was a good chance that this book was going to get the five stars out of me but…………………………..

The book just ended, kind of like this review. Grrrrrhhhhh!

He got me. Damn, I want that second book.

LEO WAS RIGHT

I heard about this book from Leo LaPorte on his podcasts. It seemed interesting so I gave it a go. Damn good book, Leo was right! Even though this book is supposed to be fiction, it seems like it could happen in today's highly computerized world. I 'read' the book over two days while driving cross country. I was so impressed with it I am downloading the sequel, Freedom (TM). Leo, are you listening? This is written in the style of Dan Brown on a good day. Totally riveting.

Really Fast Paced Sci Fi!

This is a sci-fi thriller that had me guessing while on the edge of my seat. It started off realistic enough, but quickly morphed into the sci-fi thriller it is. I was expecting a thriller realistically pushing the edge of technology somewhat like Crichton's Disclosure did in 1994, but Suarez goes way beyond realism in Daemon. Nevertheless, the storyline is entirely unique for this reader

The plot seems to be the end of the world as we know it, but clever enough to wonder if there is something more we do not understand.

The narration is excellent.

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.

Tough to find something good to say about this one

What would have made Daemon better?

A good editor. Far less exposition and geek speak. The book falls into the usual trap that all those other "in the tradition of 'famous author'", in thinking that the liberal insertion of whatever jargon and technical detail into a thin plot makes for a thrilling inside novel. I'm an insider and I found it tedious. To outsiders it must be clutter that is both excruciatingly boring and utterly unhelpful in moving the story along.The plot in the last third of the book simply became absurd, rendering the government investigative team as utter morons, and the resolution completely predictable.Thats perhaps the biggest criticism of the book. There are no surprises, Mr. Suarez telegraphs every plot advancement and resolution; except when it simply jars into a new, different thread.Performance wise, I felt like I was listening to a never ending Michael Bay movie trailer. Note to Mr. Gurner. Subtly and an even measured cadence makes for an enjoyably listen.

Has Daemon turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, huge fan of Stephenson, this is a pale pale imitation

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The idea at the core of the book has potential, although in reality its just another variant of the Skynet plot. I'm not sure it could ever be made workable though

Good thriller but...

Any additional comments?

A genius software developer’s death triggers a computer virus that threatens to take control of the world. It’s pretty much non-stop action. The cutting-edge technical stuff kept it interesting, plus there are the seeds of some interesting ideas. I've started the sequel, “Freedom TM.” On the downside, the characters are never developed enough to care about anyone; it fails Question 2 in the Bechdel test (there’s never a conversation between two women) and there's a gang rape scene where the woman is made to seem like she wants it (it's not sympathetic to the rapists, it's more part of the action, but it's questionable).

No

There's no doubt a decent book in here, but this wasn't it. Veered into ridiculous territory too often and many, even key, events didn't make a lot of sense. The characters were almost uniformly shallow, while some of the dialogue would have been cut from a B movie. It did rattle along at a decent pace, though, and there are a few interesting tech ideas.
Overall: poor, and I find the glowing praise in some of the other reviews hard to believe.

Simply Brilliant

Another outstanding book from Daniel Suarez. Beautifully presented by Jeff Gurner.
Read this book, you too will be stunned by the man's imagination, vision and word weaving.

Brilliant tech fuelled adventure

This story was spot in for me. The tech and basis for it all made sense. This was added to by an adventurous string of storylines. The presentation and narration added to excitement of the story too.

the best audiobook ever

Daniel Suarez is a genius.
Narration makes this audiobook better than a movie!
the story is excellent and it's perfectly told

Brilliant book...let down a bit by uneven narration

Really enjoyed the story. Moves at a 100 miles an hour. Sadly, some of the narration is not that great. Iffy accents etc. If you can overcome that, then this is a tremendous listen. Looking forward to the sequel.

An amazing story

Fascinating story and told very well and I look forward to reading more from this author

Very good A.I. Scifi

Daemon fullfilled my expectations. It really pulls the listner into the story. Great one. This was my second book from D Suarez

fantastic

I loved every minute of this ! at some points it was a little difficult to follow because it kept jumping story but everyone needs to listen to this !

Slow burner, but did eventually get really cooking

it took a fair bit of resilience to keep going initially. but a few parts warmed up, then it cooled again, then warmed up... then cooled and it was like that for much of the journey until about ⅔ of the way through when it really heated up and cooked on gas till the end.

really good

good story that just gets better and better. a great new idea and interesting characters