Location : Cleveland, OH
I finished this book, which was recommended to me, a little while ago, and I have a feeling it will be with me for days, or weeks, as I continue to replay the story in my mind.
Daniel Suarez' novel, Daemon, opens with an obituary (several key words and phrases are highlighted) and launches into a murder investigation. A key developer at CyberStorm Entertainment, the company that created two of the most popular games on the internet, has been found dead. That death is followed quickly by another, where an important employee of CyberStorm is electrocuted in spectacular fashion. Detective Sebeck, with the assistance of Jon Ross, a computer security expert, determines that the killer used the internet for both of the deaths. But the trail keeps pointing to a dead man, Matthew Sobol, whose obituary starts the novel, as the one responsible. Could he have created a daemon, a computer program that lies dormant until a specified condition occurs, that is now active on the internet? Further, what is the purpose of the daemon? Detective Sebeck's beliefs are tested, as he is not a gamer nor very technical, while he investigates and attempts to stop the daemon before there are serious global implications.
Suarez has written a thrilling and technically accurate novel that will appeal to people inside and outside of computer circles. If you are a fan of MMORPG, then there is a lot in this book that will interest you. Be patient as you read, as the first several chapters setup the characters and you will be introduced to quite a few. But then the story really picks up the pace, the characters become more familiar, and the story pulls you in. If you are worried that you won't understand the computer jargon, Detective Sebeck is in the same boat and the characters will explain the technical aspects to both Sebeck and you. This technique really adds to the book, as you realize that even veteran computer professionals aren't versed in all aspects of information technology. Daemon is Suarez' first novel, but it doesn't feel that way. Fast paced action, excellent premise, well developed characters, and believable dialog add up to an exceptional read. This is an excellent debut, one that deserves your time and attention. He weaves a tale that is based on fact, and may even motivate you to double check your wireless access points and the security on your workstations, While 2009 is only a month old, this book has made my list of Best Books for the year.
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