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Book Review of Daemon (Daemon, Bk 1)

Daemon (Daemon, Bk 1)
reviewed on
Helpful Score: 3


Honestly one of the best thrillers my husband and I have read in a long time. The sequel, Freedom, is equally worth reading, too. We originally checked them out from the library but wanted copies to own as we will be re-reading these books. People who have played RPGs or MMPORPGs will get an extra kick out this book but being a gamer is not necessary to enjoy this book.

This techno-thriller (and its sequel) is an inventive weave of politics, sociology, hubris, the predictability of human nature, the pervasiveness of technology in our lives, and what one man with unlimited resources, a high IQ, and a unique vision of what the world can become does to make that vision a reality. After he's dead.

It sounds like a lot of lofty territory to cover but Suarez does it in an engaging, propulsive manner grounded by characters that are flawed, human, and relatable. I wouldn't call it sci-fi since the technology is available today. It's more bleeding edge than science fiction and perhaps a bit more frightening because of that.

A word of (tongue in cheek) advice: the last page of the first book comes too soon and leaves you wanting more. For your own sanity's sake, don't start reading the first book until you have the second book already in hand. You'll want to crack it open immediately.