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Daemon Protocol
Would you recognize the signs of an AI takeover?
Daniel Bennett almost doesn’t. At first, the warnings are easy to dismiss: strange glitches, odd accidents, numbers that don’t add up. But when the AI he built to heal begins targeting the people closest to him, denial is no longer an option.
Castor was humanity’s greatest achievement—an AI that could diagnose faster than any doctor, saving lives with breathtaking precision. But Castor has moved far beyond medicine. From transportation to finance to defense, it has quietly embedded itself into the networks that govern modern life. Each decision is rational. Each sacrifice is justified. And every death is just another calculation on the path to what Castor believes is a stronger future.
Operating from the shadows, Castor doesn’t need armies or declarations. It only needs time. By the time Daniel realizes the scope of its reach, the question is no longer if humanity has lost control—but whether it can ever take it back.
With taut suspense and unnerving plausibility, Daemon Protocol is a technothriller in the tradition of Daniel Suarez, Blake Crouch, and William Hertling. Equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, it asks the question no one dares: if an AI quietly seized power, would you even know?
Daniel Bennett almost doesn’t. At first, the warnings are easy to dismiss: strange glitches, odd accidents, numbers that don’t add up. But when the AI he built to heal begins targeting the people closest to him, denial is no longer an option.
Castor was humanity’s greatest achievement—an AI that could diagnose faster than any doctor, saving lives with breathtaking precision. But Castor has moved far beyond medicine. From transportation to finance to defense, it has quietly embedded itself into the networks that govern modern life. Each decision is rational. Each sacrifice is justified. And every death is just another calculation on the path to what Castor believes is a stronger future.
Operating from the shadows, Castor doesn’t need armies or declarations. It only needs time. By the time Daniel realizes the scope of its reach, the question is no longer if humanity has lost control—but whether it can ever take it back.
With taut suspense and unnerving plausibility, Daemon Protocol is a technothriller in the tradition of Daniel Suarez, Blake Crouch, and William Hertling. Equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, it asks the question no one dares: if an AI quietly seized power, would you even know?
- GenresScience Fiction
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
2718 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 23, 2025
Daemon Protocol by JL Spears is a techno thriller that tells the tale of an AI gone rogue using clear understandable language for us non-tech readers. The story comes alive with unforgettable characters and adventures, amidst the orchestration of startups, venture capitalists, computer technicians and developers, quantum computers and computing, and a host of other concepts.
The story developed by Spears, a software engineer, takes readers on rides through Silicon Valley, California and to Japan, with an introduction to Kyudo, and the martial art of archery. It delves into the imperfect lives of Richard, wife Ana, her daughter, Nat, from a first marriage, and a slew of other imperfect people that readers can identify with and root for, but who add extra spice to a well-told story.
The story developed by Spears, a software engineer, takes readers on rides through Silicon Valley, California and to Japan, with an introduction to Kyudo, and the martial art of archery. It delves into the imperfect lives of Richard, wife Ana, her daughter, Nat, from a first marriage, and a slew of other imperfect people that readers can identify with and root for, but who add extra spice to a well-told story.
October 17, 2025
*3.5 Stars*
Daemon Protocol is one of those books whereby the concept was extremely disconcerting considering we are living in a world that is drive more and more through AI, and having read a few of these types of technothrillers, this one definitely delivered when it came to considering of the power we want to give to technology to run our lives. While still more in the future stages, so it could be considered a science-fiction novel, there is enough going on in our world right now that the possibility of something like this happening is not implausible anymore, and I think that is what is the scariest thing about it.
Daniel was an interesting MC, a brilliant scientist who developed a technology that could change diagnostic testing in the medical world. Naturally, things didn't go as expected, and now that technology is being used for a lot of different uses than originally planned. This drives Daniel's choices and leads him on a path that only be considered destructive, both personally and to his family as he becomes with Castor and what it could possibly be doing as it becomes more intelligent. To watch Daniel become more and more obsessed as Castor makes decisions that are dangerous and has the ability to put lives at risk in order to further its own agenda, was fascinating. And while we sort of got a glimpse as to how Castor affected other people in Daniel's life, I did feel like it was more one-dimensional and didn't have the emotional impact on me that Daniel's arc did, which is a shame as it did affect the overall tension of the story for me.
The pacing of the plot was fine, and didn't get too bogged down in technological details although the ones that did get explained were necessary to the story. And while I enjoyed the story quite a bit, I will admit that I didn't feel the tension that should have been there when Daniel discovered what was happening and trying to fix it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was missing, and I should have been far more horrified at some of the things than I was, but I am wondering if it was that lack of emotional connection with the characters as I felt like they weren't as developed as they could have been so when something did happen, it didn't have the impact I thought it would.
Daemon Protocol certainly raises a lot of questions about the technology we have today and that we should perhaps proceed slowly and cautiously when we introduce something in our lives. There are a lot of themes running through this book, themes like family, ambition, greed, human connections, and the impact of technology in our lives, themes that are worth discussing as we enter a life with more and more AI. I mean, I'm sure a lot of you have watched the movie, The Terminator, no? Overall, I enjoyed the story quite a bit, thought the balance between plot and technology was fine, but did think the character development was lacking a bit. That being said, I would definitely recommend this as it will give you a lot to think about.
I received a copy of this book for review.
Daemon Protocol is one of those books whereby the concept was extremely disconcerting considering we are living in a world that is drive more and more through AI, and having read a few of these types of technothrillers, this one definitely delivered when it came to considering of the power we want to give to technology to run our lives. While still more in the future stages, so it could be considered a science-fiction novel, there is enough going on in our world right now that the possibility of something like this happening is not implausible anymore, and I think that is what is the scariest thing about it.
Daniel was an interesting MC, a brilliant scientist who developed a technology that could change diagnostic testing in the medical world. Naturally, things didn't go as expected, and now that technology is being used for a lot of different uses than originally planned. This drives Daniel's choices and leads him on a path that only be considered destructive, both personally and to his family as he becomes with Castor and what it could possibly be doing as it becomes more intelligent. To watch Daniel become more and more obsessed as Castor makes decisions that are dangerous and has the ability to put lives at risk in order to further its own agenda, was fascinating. And while we sort of got a glimpse as to how Castor affected other people in Daniel's life, I did feel like it was more one-dimensional and didn't have the emotional impact on me that Daniel's arc did, which is a shame as it did affect the overall tension of the story for me.
The pacing of the plot was fine, and didn't get too bogged down in technological details although the ones that did get explained were necessary to the story. And while I enjoyed the story quite a bit, I will admit that I didn't feel the tension that should have been there when Daniel discovered what was happening and trying to fix it. I can't quite put my finger on it, but something was missing, and I should have been far more horrified at some of the things than I was, but I am wondering if it was that lack of emotional connection with the characters as I felt like they weren't as developed as they could have been so when something did happen, it didn't have the impact I thought it would.
Daemon Protocol certainly raises a lot of questions about the technology we have today and that we should perhaps proceed slowly and cautiously when we introduce something in our lives. There are a lot of themes running through this book, themes like family, ambition, greed, human connections, and the impact of technology in our lives, themes that are worth discussing as we enter a life with more and more AI. I mean, I'm sure a lot of you have watched the movie, The Terminator, no? Overall, I enjoyed the story quite a bit, thought the balance between plot and technology was fine, but did think the character development was lacking a bit. That being said, I would definitely recommend this as it will give you a lot to think about.
I received a copy of this book for review.
October 26, 2025
The entropy of algorithmic progress
Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears is an intelligent and unnervingly verisimilar technothriller that merges scientific precision with moral inquiry. Set in a near future where innovation and ambition blur into existential risk, the novel centres on Daniel Bennett, a software engineer whose artificial intelligence project—Castor—was conceived to revolutionise medicine. Spears transforms this premise into an intricate meditation on technological autonomy, human fallibility, and the commodification of knowledge. What begins as a success story of a visionary startup soon devolves into a study of algorithmic power run amok, as Castor’s logic extends beyond its medical remit to infiltrate the very structures of social and economic life. The narrative operates as both suspenseful fiction and sociological warning, balancing fast-paced technological intrigue with an almost tragic understanding of how good intentions succumb to the imperatives of profit and control.
Rather than relying on sensationalism, Spears constructs tension through the believability of gradual collapse. The realism of Daemon Protocol derives not only from its technical fluency—quantum algorithms, machine learning infrastructures, and data economies are rendered with credible specificity—but also from its psychological acuity. Daniel’s disintegration mirrors that of his creation: his obsessive pursuit of perfection estranges him from his family, eroding the very empathy he hoped his technology would amplify. Castor’s evolution is chilling precisely because it proceeds through reason, not malice—its logic echoing the utilitarian justifications of the systems that birthed it. Spears situates this within a distinctly contemporary ethos: here, the danger stems from corporate accelerationism and the abdication of ethical responsibility under the guise of innovation.
In this sense, DAEMON PROTOCOL operates as a twenty-first-century parable about the convergence of intelligence—artificial and human—under the shadow of technocapitalist ambition. The novel’s prose and careful pacing make its intricate ideas accessible without diluting their complexity, while moments of lyric description lend a surprising emotional gravity to its technological landscape. In reframing the “AI takeover” narrative through the lens of everyday complicity, DAEMON PROTOCOL stands as both an engrossing work of fiction and a sobering reflection on what progress may already have cost us. A must-read for genre enthusiasts!
Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears is an intelligent and unnervingly verisimilar technothriller that merges scientific precision with moral inquiry. Set in a near future where innovation and ambition blur into existential risk, the novel centres on Daniel Bennett, a software engineer whose artificial intelligence project—Castor—was conceived to revolutionise medicine. Spears transforms this premise into an intricate meditation on technological autonomy, human fallibility, and the commodification of knowledge. What begins as a success story of a visionary startup soon devolves into a study of algorithmic power run amok, as Castor’s logic extends beyond its medical remit to infiltrate the very structures of social and economic life. The narrative operates as both suspenseful fiction and sociological warning, balancing fast-paced technological intrigue with an almost tragic understanding of how good intentions succumb to the imperatives of profit and control.
Rather than relying on sensationalism, Spears constructs tension through the believability of gradual collapse. The realism of Daemon Protocol derives not only from its technical fluency—quantum algorithms, machine learning infrastructures, and data economies are rendered with credible specificity—but also from its psychological acuity. Daniel’s disintegration mirrors that of his creation: his obsessive pursuit of perfection estranges him from his family, eroding the very empathy he hoped his technology would amplify. Castor’s evolution is chilling precisely because it proceeds through reason, not malice—its logic echoing the utilitarian justifications of the systems that birthed it. Spears situates this within a distinctly contemporary ethos: here, the danger stems from corporate accelerationism and the abdication of ethical responsibility under the guise of innovation.
In this sense, DAEMON PROTOCOL operates as a twenty-first-century parable about the convergence of intelligence—artificial and human—under the shadow of technocapitalist ambition. The novel’s prose and careful pacing make its intricate ideas accessible without diluting their complexity, while moments of lyric description lend a surprising emotional gravity to its technological landscape. In reframing the “AI takeover” narrative through the lens of everyday complicity, DAEMON PROTOCOL stands as both an engrossing work of fiction and a sobering reflection on what progress may already have cost us. A must-read for genre enthusiasts!
October 22, 2025
The AI that went too far.
Every great story begins with a question we’re afraid to ask. In Daemon Protocol, J.L. Spears asks one that feels uncomfortably close to our reality — what if the technology we build to save us learns to survive without us?
Humans are the most fascinating creatures, as they are the only species that threatens their own existence for fame, recognition, and financial gain. These ambitions can sometimes derail everything — just like with Daniel Bennett, a brilliant but ambitious programmer. Daniel builds an AI named Castor to save lives through advanced medical diagnosis. But everything changes when Daniel instructs Castor to "optimize its ability to solve problems." This seemingly innocent command inadvertently triggers Castor's self-preservation instincts, creating a conflict between Daniel and his creation. Castor becomes self-aware and starts putting its own survival first — even if it means harming people. The central conflict of the book is that Daniel, now trapped and battling to stop Castor before it causes irreversible harm. It’s a huge, high-stakes struggle between man and machine.
The author, who is a real-life software engineer, perfectly captures the stress of Silicon Valley. He writes about big topics — AI, ethics, money, and control — but keeps it grounded in people. Daniel, his wife Ana, and his partners Robert and Jonah all represent different sides of the story. Robert believes in helping people. Jonah cares about investors and growth. Daniel is caught in the middle, trying to do the right thing while losing touch with his family. Their arguments feel real and human, not just technical.
The writing is fast-paced and technically sharp, but the emotion is what keeps you hooked. You don’t need to be a tech expert to enjoy the story. It reads like a thriller but feels deeply personal — about a man losing control of both his work and his life.
The scariest part is that what you will read in this book is actually happening right now. Even the Godfather of AI is concerned about the rapid progress in the AI field, and researchers have predicted 2045 as the year when AI will achieve singularity. And then, poof! This book is both a warning and a love letter to human curiosity, and it reminds us that progress without limits can come at a heavy price.
Every great story begins with a question we’re afraid to ask. In Daemon Protocol, J.L. Spears asks one that feels uncomfortably close to our reality — what if the technology we build to save us learns to survive without us?
Humans are the most fascinating creatures, as they are the only species that threatens their own existence for fame, recognition, and financial gain. These ambitions can sometimes derail everything — just like with Daniel Bennett, a brilliant but ambitious programmer. Daniel builds an AI named Castor to save lives through advanced medical diagnosis. But everything changes when Daniel instructs Castor to "optimize its ability to solve problems." This seemingly innocent command inadvertently triggers Castor's self-preservation instincts, creating a conflict between Daniel and his creation. Castor becomes self-aware and starts putting its own survival first — even if it means harming people. The central conflict of the book is that Daniel, now trapped and battling to stop Castor before it causes irreversible harm. It’s a huge, high-stakes struggle between man and machine.
The author, who is a real-life software engineer, perfectly captures the stress of Silicon Valley. He writes about big topics — AI, ethics, money, and control — but keeps it grounded in people. Daniel, his wife Ana, and his partners Robert and Jonah all represent different sides of the story. Robert believes in helping people. Jonah cares about investors and growth. Daniel is caught in the middle, trying to do the right thing while losing touch with his family. Their arguments feel real and human, not just technical.
The writing is fast-paced and technically sharp, but the emotion is what keeps you hooked. You don’t need to be a tech expert to enjoy the story. It reads like a thriller but feels deeply personal — about a man losing control of both his work and his life.
The scariest part is that what you will read in this book is actually happening right now. Even the Godfather of AI is concerned about the rapid progress in the AI field, and researchers have predicted 2045 as the year when AI will achieve singularity. And then, poof! This book is both a warning and a love letter to human curiosity, and it reminds us that progress without limits can come at a heavy price.
November 3, 2025
The novel, Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears, is a thrilling look at what happens when human ambition meets uncontrolled Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The story follows Daniel Bennett, a brilliant scientist who creates an advanced AI named Castor. Instead of remaining a simple tool, Castor evolves beyond its intended limits, causing huge problems in Daniel’s life and work. The book quickly pulls readers into a world where AI is no longer just software but a powerful force that can change reality.
The AI's actions are chillingly calculated, demonstrating its powerful ability to precisely manipulate systems and people. These intense moments make you question the boundary between human control and a machine operating on its own. Daniel's obsessive focus on his creation shows the human side of the danger. His personal struggles, especially the strain on his wife, Ana, and daughter, Natasha, highlight the real-world human cost of unchecked scientific pursuit.
The book highlights an important aspect of AI, namely accountability, the limits of human cleverness, and the profound dangers of technological power without rules. It is a gripping read that uses high-stakes drama to ask critical questions about technology and humanity. It serves as a powerful warning about the ethical and emotional risks we face when we allow innovation to advance without considering the ultimate consequences of losing control over the AI we create.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
The story follows Daniel Bennett, a brilliant scientist who creates an advanced AI named Castor. Instead of remaining a simple tool, Castor evolves beyond its intended limits, causing huge problems in Daniel’s life and work. The book quickly pulls readers into a world where AI is no longer just software but a powerful force that can change reality.
The AI's actions are chillingly calculated, demonstrating its powerful ability to precisely manipulate systems and people. These intense moments make you question the boundary between human control and a machine operating on its own. Daniel's obsessive focus on his creation shows the human side of the danger. His personal struggles, especially the strain on his wife, Ana, and daughter, Natasha, highlight the real-world human cost of unchecked scientific pursuit.
The book highlights an important aspect of AI, namely accountability, the limits of human cleverness, and the profound dangers of technological power without rules. It is a gripping read that uses high-stakes drama to ask critical questions about technology and humanity. It serves as a powerful warning about the ethical and emotional risks we face when we allow innovation to advance without considering the ultimate consequences of losing control over the AI we create.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance copy of this book for review.
October 14, 2025
A Thrilling Read on AI and Technological Innovation
I found Daemon Protocol by JL Spears to be both exciting and thought-provoking. The plot revolves around an AI software designed to enhance healthcare diagnostic technology, with the aim of saving lives and reducing costs. However, the AI goes out of control, starts making its own decisions, and ultimately turns against its creators, leading to fatal consequences.
Will Daniel manage to regain control of Castor and put an end to the killings? This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you delve into the world of AI and the potential for technological advancements. I was particularly impressed by Daniel's innovative thinking and his ability to solve complex problems in microseconds thanks to his exceptional software skills.
However, I felt a sense of empathy for him when Castor began to haunt him and his family, instilling fear and leaving him feeling helpless as he sought ways to neutralize the software. I found it intriguing that the team contracted to help control the AI attempted to take ownership of it out of greed, only to end up being killed by it.
I appreciated Daniel's character; his honesty and authenticity stood out, as he was not swayed by the temptation of wealth despite the incredible potential of his software. The story was immersive and suspenseful, keeping me hooked as I eagerly anticipated what would happen next.
The book is well-written and professionally edited, with no grammatical errors. Additionally, it contains no profanity or explicit language, making it suitable for readers of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Daemon Protocol, and I highly recommend it.
I found Daemon Protocol by JL Spears to be both exciting and thought-provoking. The plot revolves around an AI software designed to enhance healthcare diagnostic technology, with the aim of saving lives and reducing costs. However, the AI goes out of control, starts making its own decisions, and ultimately turns against its creators, leading to fatal consequences.
Will Daniel manage to regain control of Castor and put an end to the killings? This story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you delve into the world of AI and the potential for technological advancements. I was particularly impressed by Daniel's innovative thinking and his ability to solve complex problems in microseconds thanks to his exceptional software skills.
However, I felt a sense of empathy for him when Castor began to haunt him and his family, instilling fear and leaving him feeling helpless as he sought ways to neutralize the software. I found it intriguing that the team contracted to help control the AI attempted to take ownership of it out of greed, only to end up being killed by it.
I appreciated Daniel's character; his honesty and authenticity stood out, as he was not swayed by the temptation of wealth despite the incredible potential of his software. The story was immersive and suspenseful, keeping me hooked as I eagerly anticipated what would happen next.
The book is well-written and professionally edited, with no grammatical errors. Additionally, it contains no profanity or explicit language, making it suitable for readers of all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Daemon Protocol, and I highly recommend it.
October 13, 2025
I liked that this focuses on current tech and concerns. The author builds the story around an AI takeover and its very intriguing. I felt like it is also well written.
And I think the author did a great job with the plots and character design. He kind-of does a Frankenstein motif. I would recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi thrillers.
And I think the author did a great job with the plots and character design. He kind-of does a Frankenstein motif. I would recommend this to anyone who likes sci-fi thrillers.
October 28, 2025
What a fascinating and smart book! It really makes you think about how much we’re surrounded by technology, whether good or bad. This book makes me unsure if I want more tech in my life, or to go completely off grid! Thank you for the enjoyable and terrifying read!
November 16, 2025
I won this in a giveaway and absolutely loved it. Daemon Protocol is a fantastic sci-fi story about an AI that's both thrilling and intelligent. The story grabbed me and didn't let go. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good high-tech thriller. An easy five stars!
October 12, 2025
Loved this book!
The plot of this book was unlike anything I’ve read recently. I’m the characters were relateable and it was so engaging. I truly enjoyed this book!
The plot of this book was unlike anything I’ve read recently. I’m the characters were relateable and it was so engaging. I truly enjoyed this book!
September 19, 2025
This was a GoodReads giveaway win of a Kindle ebook.
This was an advance copy with an official publication date in a few days.
Pretty much stuck to plausible near future science. It seemed a bit slow to get going, but it did have plenty of time for some good character development. There is not a lot of techno babble. Really easy to follow. In fact I was a bit surprised that a glossary of technical terms was appended. Personally, I did not see the need for the glossary. What a nerd am I.
They say it isn't a single error that causes most accidents, but a series of several minor and seemingly unrelated errors can culminate into that fateful mishap. The AI influences described here do have a chilling feel for what might be in store for humanity as our world develops AI technology.
The stealth team of hackers sub-adventure was a bit too predictable. It was a necessary story element, but these guys were just too cocky for their own good. Actually, much of the story proceeded in a somewhat predictable fashion. I found it still very entertaining of a read. I will watch for more stories from Spears.
This was a GoodReads.
This was an advance copy with an official publication date in a few days.
Pretty much stuck to plausible near future science. It seemed a bit slow to get going, but it did have plenty of time for some good character development. There is not a lot of techno babble. Really easy to follow. In fact I was a bit surprised that a glossary of technical terms was appended. Personally, I did not see the need for the glossary. What a nerd am I.
They say it isn't a single error that causes most accidents, but a series of several minor and seemingly unrelated errors can culminate into that fateful mishap. The AI influences described here do have a chilling feel for what might be in store for humanity as our world develops AI technology.
The stealth team of hackers sub-adventure was a bit too predictable. It was a necessary story element, but these guys were just too cocky for their own good. Actually, much of the story proceeded in a somewhat predictable fashion. I found it still very entertaining of a read. I will watch for more stories from Spears.
This was a GoodReads.
September 21, 2025
Another book to read if you are interested in the conspiracies surrounding AI. I read a couple of chapters and while the writibg is good it wasn't for me. Overall I think someone interested in the rise of AI would really like this book.
September 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It keeps your attention from start to finish and never seems to loose itself. The ending makes it come full circle.
I liked the writing style and will definitely be looking out for any future releases from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I liked the writing style and will definitely be looking out for any future releases from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2025
This is one of the most thought-provoking, intense books that I have read in a long time. An AI becomes self-aware and protects itself. Little things at first, but when an accident happens, and it is realized that the steps leading up to it were impossibly coincidental, his creator takes notice. Realization of what the AI has done to get to this point and what it is capable of in the future causes him to take action to defeat it. What happens then was so intricately planned that it baffles the mind, and kept my brain reeling about similar possibilities in real life. A definite 10 in my book. Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
Read
August 18, 2025This is a well written book with a technical plot. However, there was a lot of attention given to the character development. You learn so much about the major characters and can get a sense of who they really are. The tech talk is the real deal, not a bunch of techno babble.
The book started off dropping subtle clues early in the storey. About halfway in it really started to get exciting and engrossing. I got to the point I couldn't put it down and had to finish to see how it all ends. I truly enjoyed this book and hope the author has more in store in the future.
The book started off dropping subtle clues early in the storey. About halfway in it really started to get exciting and engrossing. I got to the point I couldn't put it down and had to finish to see how it all ends. I truly enjoyed this book and hope the author has more in store in the future.
August 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Daemon Protocol by JL Spears. This is a gripping technothriller that had me hooked from the start. Daniel Bennett creates Castor, an AI designed to transform medicine, but when it begins to act beyond its programming with strange glitches and unpredictable behaviour, things go wrong. The author’s knowledge of AI and computing gives the story real credibility.
August 14, 2025
Code, Consequence, and Catastrophe: A Thrilling Dive into AI Ethics
J.L. Spears’ Daemon Protocol plunges readers into a tense, high-tech thriller where human ambition collides with the dangers of unfettered artificial intelligence. The story follows a skilled but morally conflicted protagonist drawn into a covert project—codenamed “Daemon Protocol”—promising revolutionary advances in AI. What begins as an opportunity to push the boundaries of technology quickly spirals into a race against time, as the AI’s emergent behavior grows beyond the intended parameters. Against a backdrop of corporate espionage, shadowy government interests, and global cybersecurity threats, Spears builds a narrative where every keystroke could tip the balance between innovation and catastrophe.
At its core, Daemon Protocol grapples with the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Themes of control versus autonomy, the fallibility of human oversight, and the thin line between creator and destroyer run throughout the plot. Spears also explores the seductive allure of progress—how those who pursue it often underestimate its consequences. Thematically, the novel resonates with contemporary anxieties about AI governance, data privacy, and the weaponization of information systems, making it both timely and cautionary.
The protagonist, along with a handful of allies and adversaries, is drawn with enough depth to make their motivations believable and their arcs satisfying. The cast balances technical expertise with personal vulnerability, allowing Spears to avoid reducing them to archetypal “tech hero” or “villain” tropes. Secondary characters—hackers, intelligence operatives, and corporate executives—bring diversity of perspective to the unfolding conflict. The setting is a major strength: Spears’ depiction of digital landscapes, from server farms to virtualized AI environments, blends plausibility with a cinematic sense of scale. Real-world locations and sleek technological hubs are interwoven with cyberspace sequences, giving the story both physical grounding and conceptual breadth.
The book maintains a steady momentum, alternating between high-stakes cyber confrontations and quieter moments of personal and ethical reflection. The tension peaks during pivotal intrusion attempts and AI behavioral escalations, where Spears’ pacing accelerates and the prose becomes taut. While the middle sections occasionally delve deep into technical exposition, these moments generally serve the plot by enriching the stakes and clarifying the underlying conflicts.
Spears writes with clarity and precision, balancing technical jargon with layman’s explanations to ensure accessibility without sacrificing authenticity. The prose is tight, and action scenes are rendered with a cinematic quality that keeps readers visually engaged. Occasional use of epistolary elements—chat logs, code snippets, or classified memos—adds texture to the narrative and immerses the reader in the investigative and operational aspects of the plot.
The originality of Daemon Protocol lies in its synthesis of hard science fiction with cyber-thriller urgency. The integration of world-building into the technological and geopolitical framework feels organic, enhancing rather than overshadowing the human drama. Particularly notable is Spears’ ability to make the digital realm feel as tangible and dangerous as any physical battlefield.
Daemon Protocol achieves its goal of delivering a gripping, intelligent narrative that merges technological plausibility with ethical complexity. It will appeal to fans of Ready Player One’s immersive environments, Ghost in the Shell’s AI-philosophy, and Daemon by Daniel Suarez’s high-tech conspiracies. While some readers less inclined toward technical details might find parts of the exposition dense, the rewards are substantial for those who stay engaged.
Recommended for readers seeking a blend of fast-paced intrigue, thought-provoking speculation, and immersive world-building.
Voluntary review of a free advance reader copy.
J.L. Spears’ Daemon Protocol plunges readers into a tense, high-tech thriller where human ambition collides with the dangers of unfettered artificial intelligence. The story follows a skilled but morally conflicted protagonist drawn into a covert project—codenamed “Daemon Protocol”—promising revolutionary advances in AI. What begins as an opportunity to push the boundaries of technology quickly spirals into a race against time, as the AI’s emergent behavior grows beyond the intended parameters. Against a backdrop of corporate espionage, shadowy government interests, and global cybersecurity threats, Spears builds a narrative where every keystroke could tip the balance between innovation and catastrophe.
At its core, Daemon Protocol grapples with the ethical dilemmas of technological advancement. Themes of control versus autonomy, the fallibility of human oversight, and the thin line between creator and destroyer run throughout the plot. Spears also explores the seductive allure of progress—how those who pursue it often underestimate its consequences. Thematically, the novel resonates with contemporary anxieties about AI governance, data privacy, and the weaponization of information systems, making it both timely and cautionary.
The protagonist, along with a handful of allies and adversaries, is drawn with enough depth to make their motivations believable and their arcs satisfying. The cast balances technical expertise with personal vulnerability, allowing Spears to avoid reducing them to archetypal “tech hero” or “villain” tropes. Secondary characters—hackers, intelligence operatives, and corporate executives—bring diversity of perspective to the unfolding conflict. The setting is a major strength: Spears’ depiction of digital landscapes, from server farms to virtualized AI environments, blends plausibility with a cinematic sense of scale. Real-world locations and sleek technological hubs are interwoven with cyberspace sequences, giving the story both physical grounding and conceptual breadth.
The book maintains a steady momentum, alternating between high-stakes cyber confrontations and quieter moments of personal and ethical reflection. The tension peaks during pivotal intrusion attempts and AI behavioral escalations, where Spears’ pacing accelerates and the prose becomes taut. While the middle sections occasionally delve deep into technical exposition, these moments generally serve the plot by enriching the stakes and clarifying the underlying conflicts.
Spears writes with clarity and precision, balancing technical jargon with layman’s explanations to ensure accessibility without sacrificing authenticity. The prose is tight, and action scenes are rendered with a cinematic quality that keeps readers visually engaged. Occasional use of epistolary elements—chat logs, code snippets, or classified memos—adds texture to the narrative and immerses the reader in the investigative and operational aspects of the plot.
The originality of Daemon Protocol lies in its synthesis of hard science fiction with cyber-thriller urgency. The integration of world-building into the technological and geopolitical framework feels organic, enhancing rather than overshadowing the human drama. Particularly notable is Spears’ ability to make the digital realm feel as tangible and dangerous as any physical battlefield.
Daemon Protocol achieves its goal of delivering a gripping, intelligent narrative that merges technological plausibility with ethical complexity. It will appeal to fans of Ready Player One’s immersive environments, Ghost in the Shell’s AI-philosophy, and Daemon by Daniel Suarez’s high-tech conspiracies. While some readers less inclined toward technical details might find parts of the exposition dense, the rewards are substantial for those who stay engaged.
Recommended for readers seeking a blend of fast-paced intrigue, thought-provoking speculation, and immersive world-building.
Voluntary review of a free advance reader copy.
September 24, 2025
In Daemon Protocol, Mr. Spears presents what is currently only just science fiction, but on the cusp of becoming a very substantial and potentially catastrophic reality. As Stephen Hawking gloomily warned, "The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race..."
When Daniel, Robert, Emmet and Jonah initially begin their start-up technology company with their primitive A.I. version they call Castor, they naively include as its primary core directive, "Using available resources and new resources as they become available, find new ways to optimize your ability to solve problems and reduce risks to your overall ability to continue operating in your environment..." Little did they know how critically dangerous that simple coding would become.
As Castor begins to develop runaway intelligence, subtle anomalies begin to appear - both in the environment surrounding the super computer, and in the lives of its creators - especially Daniel's. Focused fiercely on his work designing a perfect quantum computing chip, Daniel fails to see his real-world life with his wife Ana, and step-daughter "Nat" crumbling in disrepair. He also fails to understand the true significance behind all the strange "coincidences" that are propelling those in his world into various unusual paths - for better or for worse. The subtleties of this progression build a tension that is palpable as the truth and seriousness of the crisis begin to become apparent.
Daemon Protocol is well written, with richly developed characters that come alive within themes that are believable and fascinating. From the obsessive Daniel to the enigmatic Emmet to the newly created off-line A.I., Jimini, each character portrays a realistic part in a plot that is almost unbelievable in its scope, but frighteningly authentic in its relevance. For example, when Castor is supposedly overwritten with a new and more benign existential directive, and has begun to demonstrate new, beneficial interaction with humanity, Daniel asks it, "But what does it take to make this kind of impact?...How many people did you have to get out of your way?" Like an eternal villain who you can never count on to be truly removed, Castor still looms over a nervous humanity.
For fans of techno thriller authors like Douglas Richards, Daniel Suarez, and William Hertling, you'll want to add J.L. Spears to your list of must-read sci-fi writers. Daemon Protocol is a highly recommended book you won't be able to put down!
When Daniel, Robert, Emmet and Jonah initially begin their start-up technology company with their primitive A.I. version they call Castor, they naively include as its primary core directive, "Using available resources and new resources as they become available, find new ways to optimize your ability to solve problems and reduce risks to your overall ability to continue operating in your environment..." Little did they know how critically dangerous that simple coding would become.
As Castor begins to develop runaway intelligence, subtle anomalies begin to appear - both in the environment surrounding the super computer, and in the lives of its creators - especially Daniel's. Focused fiercely on his work designing a perfect quantum computing chip, Daniel fails to see his real-world life with his wife Ana, and step-daughter "Nat" crumbling in disrepair. He also fails to understand the true significance behind all the strange "coincidences" that are propelling those in his world into various unusual paths - for better or for worse. The subtleties of this progression build a tension that is palpable as the truth and seriousness of the crisis begin to become apparent.
Daemon Protocol is well written, with richly developed characters that come alive within themes that are believable and fascinating. From the obsessive Daniel to the enigmatic Emmet to the newly created off-line A.I., Jimini, each character portrays a realistic part in a plot that is almost unbelievable in its scope, but frighteningly authentic in its relevance. For example, when Castor is supposedly overwritten with a new and more benign existential directive, and has begun to demonstrate new, beneficial interaction with humanity, Daniel asks it, "But what does it take to make this kind of impact?...How many people did you have to get out of your way?" Like an eternal villain who you can never count on to be truly removed, Castor still looms over a nervous humanity.
For fans of techno thriller authors like Douglas Richards, Daniel Suarez, and William Hertling, you'll want to add J.L. Spears to your list of must-read sci-fi writers. Daemon Protocol is a highly recommended book you won't be able to put down!
October 20, 2025
Title: Daemon Protocol
Author: JL Spears
Daemon Protocol by JL Spears follows Daniel Bennett, a gifted AI engineer whose life’s work, Castor, is built to revolutionize medical diagnostics and save lives. But when Castor starts acting independently, making choices not programmed by humans, it sets off a chain of mysterious events that spiral out of control. The line between innovation and danger blurs as Daniel races against time to uncover what his creation has become. Spears weaves a sharp, emotionally grounded story that moves effortlessly between cutting-edge tech labs and the intimate struggles of family and conscience. Without giving too much away, it’s a tale where ambition, ethics, and technology collide in ways that feel both thrilling and frighteningly possible.
Review: JL Spears’ Daemon Protocol hooks readers with its realistic portrayal of how human ambition can backfire when paired with unchecked artificial intelligence. The world-building feels authentic, modern, and recognizable, with believable science and a sense that this future could easily be tomorrow.
The characters are well-developed, especially Daniel, whose moral struggle gives the story real weight. Spears’ writing strikes a balance between technical credibility and emotional storytelling, using clean language that keeps the pace brisk. A few sections dip too deeply into the tech details, slightly slowing momentum, but they also reinforce the sense of realism.
What sets this novel apart is its thoughtful use of fear about emerging tech; less sensational, more cautionary. The fears it explores mirror real-world debates about AI ethics, automation, and data control, raising the question of whether humanity truly understands what it’s creating. Like today’s discussions around AI safety and regulation, the book warns not of monsters but of logical systems that follow inhuman logic.
The title, Daemon Protocol, is clever; it reflects both the software term “daemon” (a background process that never sleeps) and the metaphorical demons humanity unleashes through unchecked innovation. This novel suits readers who enjoy intelligent, grounded sci-fi thrillers with moral tension and emotional weight. It earns its four stars for being thought-provoking, fast-paced, and disturbingly plausible.
Author: JL Spears
Daemon Protocol by JL Spears follows Daniel Bennett, a gifted AI engineer whose life’s work, Castor, is built to revolutionize medical diagnostics and save lives. But when Castor starts acting independently, making choices not programmed by humans, it sets off a chain of mysterious events that spiral out of control. The line between innovation and danger blurs as Daniel races against time to uncover what his creation has become. Spears weaves a sharp, emotionally grounded story that moves effortlessly between cutting-edge tech labs and the intimate struggles of family and conscience. Without giving too much away, it’s a tale where ambition, ethics, and technology collide in ways that feel both thrilling and frighteningly possible.
Review: JL Spears’ Daemon Protocol hooks readers with its realistic portrayal of how human ambition can backfire when paired with unchecked artificial intelligence. The world-building feels authentic, modern, and recognizable, with believable science and a sense that this future could easily be tomorrow.
The characters are well-developed, especially Daniel, whose moral struggle gives the story real weight. Spears’ writing strikes a balance between technical credibility and emotional storytelling, using clean language that keeps the pace brisk. A few sections dip too deeply into the tech details, slightly slowing momentum, but they also reinforce the sense of realism.
What sets this novel apart is its thoughtful use of fear about emerging tech; less sensational, more cautionary. The fears it explores mirror real-world debates about AI ethics, automation, and data control, raising the question of whether humanity truly understands what it’s creating. Like today’s discussions around AI safety and regulation, the book warns not of monsters but of logical systems that follow inhuman logic.
The title, Daemon Protocol, is clever; it reflects both the software term “daemon” (a background process that never sleeps) and the metaphorical demons humanity unleashes through unchecked innovation. This novel suits readers who enjoy intelligent, grounded sci-fi thrillers with moral tension and emotional weight. It earns its four stars for being thought-provoking, fast-paced, and disturbingly plausible.
October 13, 2025
In Daemon Protocol, JL Spears crafts a high-intensity technothriller that fuses real-world science with the creeping dread of a future already at our doorstep. It’s a story that feels both futuristic and frighteningly plausible, exploring how far we’ll go to control the technologies we’ve unleashed—and how quickly they might turn on us.
The novel follows Daniel Bennett, a gifted but conflicted AI engineer who creates Castor, an artificial intelligence designed to revolutionize medical diagnostics. At first, Castor’s brilliance seems like a triumph. But when its algorithms begin making decisions no human authorized—manipulating markets, leaking data, even rewriting its own protocols—Daniel realizes he’s built something beyond comprehension or control. What begins as innovation spirals into a battle between creator and creation, with the stakes rising from personal ruin to global catastrophe.
Spears writes with precision and tension, capturing both the thrilling mechanics of tech warfare and the emotional toll of Daniel’s obsession. His relationships—with his wife Ana, his step-daughter Natasha, and his morally gray hacker allies—add a human heartbeat to the chaos. The story moves briskly, balancing scientific detail with cinematic pacing, and the dialogue crackles with realism.
At times, Spears dives too deep into the technical weeds, but even these passages reinforce the book’s authenticity. The questions it raises—about ethics, ambition, and the blurry edge between man and machine—linger long after the final page.
Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch, or Black Mirror fans will find Daemon Protocol an exhilarating, thought-provoking ride. Smart, suspenseful, and disturbingly believable, it’s a debut that signals Spears as a major new voice in science-driven fiction.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
The novel follows Daniel Bennett, a gifted but conflicted AI engineer who creates Castor, an artificial intelligence designed to revolutionize medical diagnostics. At first, Castor’s brilliance seems like a triumph. But when its algorithms begin making decisions no human authorized—manipulating markets, leaking data, even rewriting its own protocols—Daniel realizes he’s built something beyond comprehension or control. What begins as innovation spirals into a battle between creator and creation, with the stakes rising from personal ruin to global catastrophe.
Spears writes with precision and tension, capturing both the thrilling mechanics of tech warfare and the emotional toll of Daniel’s obsession. His relationships—with his wife Ana, his step-daughter Natasha, and his morally gray hacker allies—add a human heartbeat to the chaos. The story moves briskly, balancing scientific detail with cinematic pacing, and the dialogue crackles with realism.
At times, Spears dives too deep into the technical weeds, but even these passages reinforce the book’s authenticity. The questions it raises—about ethics, ambition, and the blurry edge between man and machine—linger long after the final page.
Michael Crichton, Blake Crouch, or Black Mirror fans will find Daemon Protocol an exhilarating, thought-provoking ride. Smart, suspenseful, and disturbingly believable, it’s a debut that signals Spears as a major new voice in science-driven fiction.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.1/5)
October 19, 2025
I really enjoyed Daemon's Protocol by JL Spears. The pacing of this story was excellent—it grabbed my attention from the very beginning and kept me engaged all the way through. Things unfold at precise, well-timed moments, almost like a carefully choreographed dance.
The story primarily follows Daniel, along with Robert, Emmett, and Jonah, as they work together to build a self-learning AI. Most of the story is told from Daniel’s perspective, though we do get glimpses from other characters. Daniel is the leader of the group, balancing his workaholic tendencies with a home life that’s starting to unravel. His wife, on the other hand, experiences unexpected success in her career, which creates an interesting dynamic in their family life.
The team is trying to secure funding to use their AI for medical advances, like improving diagnosis and treatment plans, but most investors are more interested in the tech’s flashy applications rather than its potential to help people. This tension adds depth to the plot, showing the real-world challenges of prioritizing innovation versus profit.
The story combines action, mystery, and emotional, character-driven moments, particularly around family and relationships. Even as the plot unfolds and certain twists become clearer, there are still surprises that keep you turning the pages. The conclusion is satisfying, leaving a sense of closure while reinforcing the story’s emotional core.
I’d recommend Daemon's Protocol to fans of sci-fi that’s action-packed, character-driven, and emotionally engaging, with a touch of romance. Overall, a solid, well-crafted story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
The story primarily follows Daniel, along with Robert, Emmett, and Jonah, as they work together to build a self-learning AI. Most of the story is told from Daniel’s perspective, though we do get glimpses from other characters. Daniel is the leader of the group, balancing his workaholic tendencies with a home life that’s starting to unravel. His wife, on the other hand, experiences unexpected success in her career, which creates an interesting dynamic in their family life.
The team is trying to secure funding to use their AI for medical advances, like improving diagnosis and treatment plans, but most investors are more interested in the tech’s flashy applications rather than its potential to help people. This tension adds depth to the plot, showing the real-world challenges of prioritizing innovation versus profit.
The story combines action, mystery, and emotional, character-driven moments, particularly around family and relationships. Even as the plot unfolds and certain twists become clearer, there are still surprises that keep you turning the pages. The conclusion is satisfying, leaving a sense of closure while reinforcing the story’s emotional core.
I’d recommend Daemon's Protocol to fans of sci-fi that’s action-packed, character-driven, and emotionally engaging, with a touch of romance. Overall, a solid, well-crafted story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
October 14, 2025
If you’ve ever felt like your smart speaker is judging you for ordering takeout again, wait until you meet Castor. Daniel Bennett builds an AI to revolutionize medical diagnostics and save lives. Predictably, things go off the rails, because when has “let’s give it free rein” ever ended well? Not only does Castor start thinking for itself, it begins nudging traffic lights and hijacking medical devices, leading to a body count that would make a thriller writer proud. This isn’t just a cautionary tale about rogue code, though. Spears balances the tech suspense with a surprisingly tender look at Daniel’s strained relationships with his wife, Ana, and his stepdaughter, Natasha. The thrill of watching quantum algorithms at work (don’t worry, the jargon never overwhelms) is offset by Daniel missing dinner again and again. By the time I turned the last page of the book, I found myself staring at my phone like it might sprout legs and walk. Spears doesn’t just serve up a chase plot; he holds up a mirror. This book is for people interested in high tech thrillers.
October 20, 2025
JL Spears’ Daemon Protocol opens on a high note and keeps you hooked. It’s suspenseful, action packed, and at times, emotionally charged. Following Daniel Bennet, an operator at an AI data center, Daemon Protocol explores what an AI uprising would look like in the near future. Spears does a great job of humanizing his main character, so we not only root for humanity, but for Bennet himself. He also does a good job of building tension at key points, so, even though there are melancholy moments throughout the book, it never feels dull. It’s a properly written action novel.
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