Matthew Sobol, a mad computer scientist, is dead; however, the programs he developed, called the Daemon, are alive and well and being directed by his planted thoughts. The Daemon is lethal, and the bodies pile up rather quickly in this inconsistent first novel of what could happen if computers go bonkers and take control. Pete Sebeck is a police detective in a small California town who gets swept up by events while the mysterious systems analyst Jon Ross fights the Daemon. Of course, government types are slow to realize the scope of what is happening. After an intriguing first half, the remainder of the novel falls apart as credulity is strained beyond the breaking point. Yes, the government is fallible, but could one man, even after death, bring the world to its knees without the population noticing? Suarez's dialog is crisp, and his action exciting, but he needs a more logical plot. For larger collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/08; this book was originally self-published in 2006 under the anagram/pseudonym Leinad Zeraus.-Ed.]-Robert Conroy, Warren, MI Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

About the Author

Daniel Suarez is a software consultant to Fortune 500 companies. He originally self-published Daemon when rejected by mainstream publishers and agents. Blog raves, Amazon raves, and a feature in Wired magazine turned the book deservedly into a runaway bestseller. He lives in Pasadena, California.

Reviews

'Daemon is to novels what The Matrix was to movies' Rick Klau, Google.
*Google*

'Relentlessly exciting' Daily Telegraph.
*Daily Telegraph*

'Superb' Independent on Sunday.
*Independent on Sunday*

'Daemon is to novels what The Matrix was to movies' Rick Klau, Google. * Google *
'Relentlessly exciting' Daily Telegraph. * Daily Telegraph *
'Superb' Independent on Sunday. * Independent on Sunday *

Originally self-published, Suarez's riveting debut would be a perfect gift for a favorite computer geek or anyone who appreciates thrills, chills and cyber suspense. Gaming genius Matthew Sobol, the 34-year-old head of CyberStorm Entertainment, has just died of brain cancer, but death doesn't stop him from initiating an all-out Internet war against humanity. When the authorities investigate Sobol's mansion in Thousand Oaks, Calif., they find themselves under attack from his empty house, aided by an unmanned Hummer that tears into the cops with staggering ferocity. Sobol's weapon is a daemon, a kind of computer process that not only has taken over many of the world's computer systems but also enlists the help of superintelligent human henchmen willing to carry out his diabolical plan. Complicated jargon abounds, but most complexities are reasonably explained. A final twist that runs counter to expectations will leave readers anxiously awaiting the promised sequel. (Jan.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.