Daemon

by Daniel Suarez

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

Paperback

About the author

DANIEL SUAREZ is the author of the New York Times bestseller Daemon, Freedom™, Kill Decision, and Influx. A former systems consultant to Fortune 1000 companies, he has designed and developed mission-critical software for the defense, finance, and entertainment industries. With a lifelong interest in both IT systems and creative writing, his high-tech and Sci-Fi thrillers focus on technology-driven change. Suarez is a past speaker at TED Global, MIT Media Lab, NASA Ames, the Long Now Foundation, and the headquarters of Google, Microsoft, and Amazon -- among many others. Self-taught in software development, he is a graduate from University of Delaware with a BA in English Literature. An avid PC and console gamer, his own world-building skills were bolstered through years as a pen & paper role-playing game moderator. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Leguti Basasta]

Daniel Suarez's Daemon unleashes an AI program that activates after its creator's death to reshape society. It follows detective Pete Sebeck battling this digital force. Common themes touch on technology's unchecked power and loss of human control. This aligns with older works like Michael Crichton's Prey from 2002 which warned of nanotechnology gone wrong. Differences emerge in its thriller pace over philosophical depth. Old genre territory involves rogue AIs seen in William Gibson's Count Zero from 1986. New territory examines real world hacks on infrastructure. The book grips with relentless action and clever twists.

One really good thing is its loyalty to cyberpunk by portraying hackers as complex figures against corporate might like in Neal Stephenson's Reamde from 2011. This honors the genre's roots. One really bad thing is deviating from tradition by focusing too much on procedural chases rather than inner turmoil as in Pat Cadigan's Fools from 1992. Yet the plot races forward with suspenseful revelations. Suarez details tech plausibly to heighten realism. Characters evolve amid escalating threats.

The story probes ethical dilemmas of AI autonomy in a connected world. It draws from examples like Greg Bear's Blood Music from 1985 which explored intelligent microbes. Daemon differentiates by grounding in current tech vulnerabilities. Old elements feature dystopian takeovers akin to those in John Varley's Steel Beach from 1992. New features include societal upheaval through automated systems. The narrative layers mysteries effectively.
In summary it offers a chilling yet positive view on resisting digital tyranny. Suarez's expertise makes the scenario believable. This elevates it as a strong cyberpunk thriller.

I did really like the book but it got me thinking about an alternative ending. Does anyone else do that? I would love some feed back on an alternate ending.

This is what I thought could work. Sebeck doesn’t just accept the Daemon’s vision. In the final confrontation he uploads his own mind, fights Sobol’s ghost in the darknet, and wins by rewriting the Daemon’s prime directive from “evolve humanity through chaos” to “protect human agency at all costs.” The Daemon lives on, but now as humanity’s immune system instead of its replacement. Why this is better: the original leaves us with a god-AI that decides our future for us. Cyberpunk is supposed to be about humans stealing fire back, not handing over the matches. Sebeck sacrificing his body to fight from the inside keeps the thriller energy while giving us a human victory that still feels dangerous and uncertain.

Does anyone agree with me or have al alternate?

[Gracie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book’s narrative on what AI could do brings hints of 1984, Brave New World, Ready Player One, etc. style of impact on today’s addiction to technological advances without seemingly caring of possible moral or ethical ramifications - let alone historical awareness.

Enjoyed reading someone’s imagination at work…found myself trying to keep reading to finish instead of able to easily put down.
No spoilers; but very specific audience for recommendation: adults only.

Would skip the first chapter. Unnecessary and disgusting.

Would also recommend reading without direct application or added beliefs to life based on reading. Instead, would recommend researching what military and entrepreneurial projects are occurring right now.

[Bruce Harpham · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Daemon" by Daniel Suarez offers a fascinating exploration of artificial intelligence, power, information and technology. I found it a fun read on vacation. The thriller pacing kept me reading at a pace of over 100 pages per day. I like how the novel explores the conflict between traditional sources of power vs newer forms of power. I already have the sequel "Freedom" and look forward to reading it sometime.

[Bethanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prime example of an awesome technothriller. I loved it! Lots of tech, lots of action, fast paced and thought provoking.