If you read one book in 2009, read Daemon.

It’s unusual for me to recommend a book so early in the year. Daemon is only my fourth book of 2009. It’s a first novel. And it’s mental floss. But it’s as close to flawless for a book of its genre.

I first heard about Daemon in December from Rick Klau. I got to know Rick at FeedBurner; he’s now at Google running Blogger. Rick told me that I had to read this book. He pointed me to a blog post he had written in 2007 about it.

“I can remember the feeling I had, sitting in the audience as the credits rolled after seeing The Matrix on opening day. I knew I’d seen something that was different, important, and something that I’d want to see again. And again. When I finished Daemon this afternoon, I had that same feeling. Daemon is to novels what The Matrix was to movies. It will be how other novels that rely on technology are judged.”

I immediately one-clicked it on Amazon. It wasn’t available for the Kindle so the hardcover showed up a week or so ago. I devoured it this weekend. Rick’s assessment was correct – this is by far the best techno-thriller I’ve ever read.

The author – Daniel Suarez (also known as Leinad Zeraus) describes himself as “an independent systems consultant to Fortune 1000 companies … An avid gamer and technologist, he lives in California.” He doesn’t mention that he is a magnificent writer and brilliant storyteller.

I won’t ruin any of it for you. It’s got everything you’d expect in a fast paced book that will appeal to anyone that likes Crichton, Brown, Clancy, or my newfound friend David Stone. The tech holds together well and is completely accessible to non-nerds and nerds alike. It’s a page turner with very little wasted plot or character development. And it sets up the sequel (Freedom) superbly.

Yum.

January 18th, 2009 Categories: Books Tags: Books, daemon, future, mental floss

http://intensedebate.com/people/bruce2096 Bruce

I'll heartily second the recommendation. Picked it up last weekend, didn't go to bed until it was done. It sucks that there's a sequel (not done! wtf!); it's awesome that there's a sequel (more to come!).
- http://www.decorkitchens.com.au kitchen renovation
  
  I read Daemon the other week,
  Could not put the silly thing down. Yawning in bed thinking I will be dead tomorrow and work but nooooooooo I had to
  Worth every bit of sleep I missed out on
  - http://mmohut.com MMORPG
    
    same. I couldn't stop reading it!!!
  - http://www.uzoom.com.au/about-us Campervan Hire
    
    Have to agree but did get some sleep as I'm a fast reader.
http://intensedebate.com/people/jlongtine Joel Longtine

I'll third the recommendation. I went on a science fiction kick about 1.5 years or so ago, and one of the books I picked up was Daemon. Hadn't really heard much about it, but I think I found it on an amazon list of best sci-fi, or something along those lines. Daniel Suarez does an incredible job of weaving an amazing story with technological components that are not really that far-fetched. We have much of the infrastructure we need now. And the writing is superb. Go read it!
http://intensedebate.com/people/jim_pollock555 Jim Pollock

Just 1-clicked it per your recommendation. Amazon is showing a Kindle version now available. Thanks for the pass-along.
http://intensedebate.com/people/todd_sampso5628 Todd Sampson

Couldn't agree more Brad. I picked up the original release (listing Leinad Zeraus as the author) last year. One of my favorite books EVER!

I learned about the book from a talk the author gave at The Long Now Foundation. I highly recommend taking a look at his talk as well:

http://fora.tv/2008/08/08/Daniel_Suarez_Daemon_Bo…

I liked it so much that I wish a publisher hadn't purchased the rights to Damon and its sequel; since the second book in the series is already written and should be out now. As far as I know, there is no word on a new release date yet.
http://intensedebate.com/people/ElaineEllis ElaineEllis

That was too strong of a recommendation to ignore. I picked up the book last night at Tattered Cover and have just started on it.
http://intensedebate.com/people/dgcohen David G. Cohen

I read this and said "no kindle, no way". then bought it with 1 click once i saw that it was now available on the kindle! yay!
http://intensedebate.com/people/tomhigley tomhigley

Like David I checked to see if this was now Kindle-ready; it was; I bought it. Looking forward to it!
http://intensedebate.com/people/steve_bergs2127 Steve Bergstein

I picked Daemon up at the library over the weekend. I'm really enjoying it – I used to read a lot more sci-fi. I just haven't found much that's captured my attention in recent years. It's nice to be "re-united" with an old love. Thanks for the recommendation!

I don't think that the technology described is as impossible as we might think (though, from half-way through, Sobol's ability to predict the way events would unfold approaches incredible).
http://intensedebate.com/people/steve_bergs2127 Steve Bergstein

It dawned on me this mornng that Matthew Sobol seems a lot like Harry Seldon.
http://venturehacks.com Nivi

Check out the movie Primer if you haven't seen it already. If you like techno-thrillers and the Matrix, I think you'll like it. It's an engineering-driven sci-fi movie: http://bit.ly/7IOD.
- http://venturehacks.com Nivi
  
  I also just found this list of "mindfuck" movies that I'm looking into:
  
  http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/reviews/mi…
  
  Primer is listed but be warned that the author writes that, "the first 20 minutes of Primer are among the most prosaic ever committed to celluloid." He might be right about that.
  - http://intensedebate.com/people/RohitK RohitK
    
    Sci-fi movies are good see but some times director makes it so bad that one can't see but this time I will say it is a very good movie….I must watch this…
  - http://www.intensedebate.com/people/RohitK RohitK
    
    sci-fi movies are good see but some times director makes it so bad that one can't see but this time I will say it is a very good movie….I must watch this…
    - http://agences-de.com agence
      
      That's a very good movie according to me, and you have to watch it !
http://intensedebate.com/people/bfeld bfeld

Netflixed!
- http://intensedebate.com/people/todd_sampso5628 Todd Sampson
  
  Awesome (semi-related) movie suggestion Nivi.
  
  I was actually lucky enough to be at the Primer premier — say that three times fast — at the Lake Placid Film Festival in upstate New York before they won at Sundance. The whole Cloudspace crew used to head to Lake Placid for the event each year while we were working on the event's website. We even lost an amazing graphic designer there one year who started dating a semi-pro snow boarder he met at Lake Placid. Anyway…
  
  Good times. Great movie.
http://toostep.com/profile/rohit_khanna Khanna

Daniel Suarez did an incredible job of weaving an amazing story with technological components> the Scientists get ideas from books some times..(just thinking,not sure). New business plan also come from books sometimes.So i will say great book..Thank you for ur suggestion also.
http://www.khaos.info/ felsefe

Thanks for very interesting article..
http://www.club-penguin.org/ club penguin cheats

I went on a science fiction kick about 1.5 years or so ago, and one of the books I picked up was Daemon. Hadn't really heard much about it, but I think I found it on an amazon list of best sci-fi, or something along those lines. Daniel Suarez does an incredible job of weaving an amazing story with technological components that are not really that far-fetched.
http://www.khaos.info/ felsefe

Looks very interesting, thanks for realise.
http://www.khaos.info/ edebiyat

Very interesting.. Thanks for realise..
http://www.tendances-de-mode.com/actualite Fashion news

I liked this book a lot. The pacing and action were that of a popular novel — the action scenes were some of the best I've ever read — but the characters, descriptions and dialogue were much better than those in "airplane reads." The antagonists, both alive and dead, were particularly, fist-clenchingly nasty.
http://www.savethislink.net online bookmark

I'll have some available time around next week, reading some books would be a great choice. As of now, Daemon was ranked #18 in Technothrillers @ Amazon. Not bad, huh? This book seems to be a strong candidate. I love thriller stories. Thanks for the recommendation.
http://www.rephouse.com/products/sports Sports Flooring

Have not had the chance to read this book or reviews.
Hmm..might go to my local book store
http://sidneylingerie.com.au/sexy-lingerie-shop sexy lingerie online

I love Daniel Suarez and I love Daemon.
This is a must
http://www.onlineflashgames.org Games

I also do recommend it!
Pingback: Why I Read Science Fiction
Pingback: 我为什么读科幻小说 - 数码
Pingback: 我为什么读科幻小说 « Hi Wonka
http://www.zimbio.com/member/virtualpets Virtual Kids Games

I do love a good page turner, thanks for the suggestion.
http://dailymovielinks.org/ movie download links

Making the best out of a bad situation
movie download links
http://www.cliffsidemalibu.com/drug-rehab Rehab

This seems to be a nice read. I just hope our local bookstore here has a copy of this. Otherwise, I might need to buy it online.
http://www.heelsncleavage.com Amy Hewitt

Thank you a pleasant read, interesting and informative.

HEEL LIFT
http://www.lolitadress.net lolita dress

Nice Share,I definetly must take a look.
http://urgentessays.co.uk/ Custom Essays

Interesting post. I just haven't found much that's captured my attention in recent years. It's nice to be "re-united" with an old love. Thanks for the recommendation!
http://full-headboard.com/2009/10/full-headboard/ full headboard

really good book, I finished reading it 3 days ago
http://link driver70

Friends who are smarter and savvier and more outgoing than I am. ,
http://www.narutohits.co naruto shippuden

thats good post keep update
http://www.how-to-weld.net How To Weld

I have read Daemon twice already and have been very happy with it. It is a great sequal, and I look forward to the next installment.

MIG Welding Techniques | Respectable Reviews | Training An Older Dog
http://google.com bestellen

Thank you so much for this post, it was very insightful!
http://twitter.com/levitraonline @levitraonline

Thank you so much for this post, it was very insightful!

_________________________________
website: apotheke online bestellen
http://www.jugendherberge-berlin.com/ Julie Jugendherberge

It’s unusual for me to recommend a book so early in the year. Daemon is only my fourth book of 2009. It’s a first novel. And it’s mental floss. But it’s as close to flawless for a book of its genre.
http://www.onlinepharmacynoprescription.us/tadalafil Tadlfil No Prscrpton

Book is expensive . But this yearly version is much good far better.
Julie

The book is really good and review is awesome. Thanks for sharing another good article. MCITP
Isumiko

I went on a science fiction kick about 1.5 years or so ago, and one of the books I picked up was Daemon. Hadn't really heard much about it, but I think I found it on an amazon list of best sci-fi, or something along those lines.

J'aime porter une chemise en jean, le jean slim en noir (ou bleu) mais aussi le délice de la pastèque !
http://www.newclubpenguincheats.com New CP Cheats

I was looking for a book to buy with a barnes and noble giftcard i've had laying around so i think i'll give this one a shot.

It's probably a better investment than the hot chocolate and coffee i probably would of wasted the gift card on.
Aliza

I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains a lot information related to Daemon. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing
organic dark chocolate
http://www.matthewmoving.com/annaplis=movers.aspx annapolis movers

Just now hearing about this book, and I used to work at a book store! Thanks for the recommendation.
http://www.eluneart.com/web-design-services.php Web design service

Thanks for great article!
Johny

I can remember the feeling HP0-J26 exam I had, sitting in the audience as the credits rolled after seeing E20-520 exam The Matrix on opening day. I knew I’d seen something that was different, important, and something that I’d want to see again. And again. When I finished Daemon this afternoon, I had that same feeling. Daemon is to novels what The Matrix was to HP0-J19 exammovies. It will be how other novels that rely on technology are judged.”HP0-J25 exam
http://www.seoshoot.com/ seoshoot

It's probably a better investment than the hot chocolate and coffee i probably would of wasted the gift card on.
http://www.google.com/profiles/dotty.dotee Dotty

I doubt we’ll see a scenario quite as terrifying as Daemon, but it was compelling and a real page turner.
http://freefarmvillecash.info farmville

I went to a sci-fi draft 1.5 years or so ago, and one of the books I picked up was Daemon. There really was not heard much about it but I think I found a list of the best science fiction amazon or something. Daniel Suarez does an incredible job of weaving an amazing story, with the technology components that are not so preposterous.
http://intensedebate.com/people/leogoldwin2010 leogoldwin2010

good conversation. well i would like to say that Check out the movie Primer if you haven't seen it already. If you are those among guy who likes a lot Matrix, i can assure that you will definitely like this movie. A thankful greetings to all from Montel Blender
http://intensedebate.com/people/leogoldwin2010 leogoldwin2010

good conversation. well i would like to say that Check out the movie Primer if you haven't seen it already. If you are those among guy who likes a lot Matrix, i can assure that you will definitely like this movie. A thankful greetings to all from Montel Blender
http://intensedebate.com/people/lindaotwel2 kids comforter set

Starts with imagination and fun and some excellent plot threads. Then the author seems to run out of imagination, got lazy, or decided to save what he had left for a sequel. (How many robot cars can you take before getting burned out?) Weak and disappointing ending, even losing some interesting characters along the way.
http://www.devinharry.com/ Devin Harry

I picked Daemon up at the library over the weekend. I'm really enjoying it – I used to read a lot more sci-fi. I just haven't found much that's captured my attention in recent years. It's nice to be "re-united" with an old love. Thanks for the recommendation!
http://www.best-culinary-arts-colleges.com/top-culinary-school/ top culinary school

I second this review, there won't be better techno thrillers that this. It feels really good considering my disappointment in Modesitt's technotrailers from which I had great expectations.
http://www.facebook.com/joel.kehle Joel Kehle

Brad,

I just got around to reading this. Awesome. I bought 5 physical copies to give to family and friends.

Thanks!
- http://intensedebate.com/people/bfeld Brad Feld
  
  Glad you liked it. Make you read the sequel – Freedom(TM)
  - http://www.facebook.com/joel.kehle Joel Kehle
    
    Reading it now.
    BTW – Clicking the reply button on Firefox 3.6.2 on Windows 7 gave me a 'broken layout'.
    I switched to chrome to type this.
    - http://intensedebate.com/people/bfeld Brad Feld
      
      Broken layout – I'll look into it.
Mike Greczyn

Have you tried the Free Books app on the iphone? Nothing new on there, since it only has works that are not subject to copyright, but once you plunk down your $1.99 everything is free. So far I've downloaded War of the Worlds and the Gettysburg Address. I'm not sure, but I think there might actually be enough material on there to keep even you busy for a while.

Got a chance to read Daemon earlier this year and I loved it. Can't wait to read Freedom.
- http://intensedebate.com/people/bfeld Brad Feld
  
  Yup – grabbed it on the iPad – it’s great.
dsfsdf

buy ultram online
http://www.vinfotech.com Web 2.0 Design

After your strong recommendation, I am going to read it
- http://www.funeralreadings.net Funeral Readings
  
  You'll be doing yourself a favor if you do. It was definitely worth the read.
http://www.disneytvgames.com Disney Games

Sounds promising, also the book is only £4.78 on Amazon uk
http://www.weedsseason4.org watch weeds season 4

What a great list, I really enjoyed the read thanks again!
http://www.essaybank.com/ essay help

I have heard about this book before. My workmate keeps on mentioning this during our lunch time. He says that the book is really worth to read.
Pingback: Book: Kill Decision
Pingback: xbox 360
Pingback: www.qualitywebhostings.com
Pingback: www.bumperstickerquotes.org
Pingback: penis advantage scam
Pingback: edu backlinks
Pingback: hostgator 1 cent coupon
Pingback: free ipad
Pingback: best led tv brand
Pingback: buy quality backlinks
Pingback: xbox giveaway
Pingback: portable dvd player for car
Pingback: truth about six pack abs
Pingback: penis advantage scam
Pingback: Abel Kolias
Pingback: Juliette Scheuring
Pingback: Edmond Wortham
Pingback: edu link building service
Pingback: hostgator promo code
Pingback: best led tvs
Pingback: penis advantage scam
Pingback: best portable dvd player
Pingback: the truth about abs review
Pingback: penisadvantage
Pingback: Jerrell Honokaupu
Pingback: Thalia Vogds
Pingback: Verlie Chism
Pingback: Dannie Wardrop
Pingback: Alexander Braver
Pingback: Trinity Orea
Pingback: Aretha Knightly
Pingback: Hiroko Prestidge
Pingback: Marvin Loewenstein
Pingback: Barbie Duffer
Pingback: Michal Liukko
Pingback: Yvette Beeching
Pingback: Tamica Sebold
Pingback: Marcus Botdorf
Pingback: Bart Karry
Pingback: Kimberlie Bordenkircher
Pingback: Corrine Hepperly
Pingback: Deloras Oderkirk
Pingback: Barbie Duffer
Pingback: Stevie Saleeby
Pingback: Trinidad Anastasi
Pingback: Willard Jaquess
Pingback: Lee Jargas
Pingback: Beverley Waldrep
Pingback: In Silva
Pingback: Flossie Zupancic
Pingback: Teena Aleff
Pingback: Lindsey Jeminez
Pingback: Twila Balasa
Pingback: Keith Conigliaro
Pingback: Wai Werk
Pingback: Ezra Wishum
Pingback: Luciano Lavigna
Pingback: Edda Turbyfill
Pingback: Allyson Klemash
Pingback: Lilla Merk
Pingback: Franklyn Cargile
Pingback: Lennie Lipsey
Pingback: Abe Maines
Pingback: Tyson Broida
Pingback: Refugio Gravelin
Pingback: Jaime Thor
Pingback: Caleb Miyashiro
Pingback: Modesta Timmons
Pingback: Leonardo Kavadias
Pingback: Martine Mazzarella
Pingback: Glen Dansby
Pingback: Karan Delgado
Pingback: Rodrick Chirco
Pingback: Tyrone Ragusa
Pingback: Herma Heckers
Pingback: Grace Norder
Pingback: Jewell Vanderhoef
Pingback: Cheap Rolex
Pingback: Rosy Spancake
Pingback: iOs
Pingback: Verdie Duos
Pingback: Shellie Spitznogle
Pingback: Ronnie Mccrorey
Pingback: Nohemi Than
Pingback: Cletus Randhawa
Pingback: Norman Mcduffie
Pingback: Forrest Primas
Pingback: Leigh Ribaudo
Pingback: Sacha Guynup
Pingback: Elliott Lampe
Pingback: Evonne Penta
Pingback: Gracia Shemanski
Pingback: Tawana Manternach
Pingback: Kami Treff
Pingback: Willis Sheats
Pingback: North Carolina
Pingback: Jack Plaxico
Pingback: Garnett Birchard
Pingback: Barrett Tribbey
Pingback: Sung Loffredo
Pingback: Douglas Henson
Pingback: Alfred Donato
Pingback: Eartha Salvador
Pingback: Eric Losser
Pingback: Amber Trevis
Pingback: Shemika Daurizio
Pingback: Fausto Benford
Pingback: Gonzalo Smejkal
Pingback: Otelia Crisafi
Pingback: Michale Chritton
Pingback: Andrew Truman
Pingback: Edmund Noorda
Pingback: Tyrell Liesveld
Pingback: Leandro Williamsen
Pingback: Karole Eilderts
Pingback: Clinton Debutts
Pingback: Lyndsey Knudsvig
Pingback: Kathe Godsman
Pingback: Graham Taulman
Pingback: Luciano Gasquet
Pingback: Rubie Blette
Pingback: Danny Guilbeaux
Pingback: Rosanne Hechinger
Pingback: Ola Chicca
Pingback: Seth Wenzl
Pingback: Tequila Gunderman
Pingback: Cedric Nesspor
Pingback: Kira Dunmire
Pingback: Maria Weicht
Pingback: Ninfa Huell
Pingback: Magdalena Hillburg
Pingback: Kris Smarr
Pingback: Karin Preuitt
Pingback: Lisa Froncillo
Pingback: Odell Schmoll
Pingback: Raymon Looby
Pingback: Korey Boyington
Pingback: Jacques Krawetz
Pingback: Dede Carlan
Pingback: Antwan Longe
Pingback: http://glcliberia.com/groups/esempio/wiki/a7bbf/Precisely_what_Every_one_Really_should_Understand_about_the_Truth_about_Six_Pack_Abs.html
Pingback: Hoyt Delprincipe
Pingback: http://hsi-kbw-46-223-242-110.hsi.kabel-badenwuerttemberg.de/groups/work/wiki/74648/Unlock_your_outstanding_songs_expertise_when_using_the_most_desirable_defeat_generating_software_applications.html
Pingback: Alexander Sagal
Pingback: Ossie Lewandowski
Pingback: http://kcongcs.k-cong.com/groups/kconginfo/wiki/2540f/What_One_and_all_Must_Learn_about_the_Truth_about_Six_Pack_Abs.html
Pingback: http://podcstsrv.knes.ucalgary.ca/groups/newwiki1/wiki/57aa6/What_exactly_Every_one_Must_Learn_about_the_Truth_about_Six_Pack_Abs.html
Pingback: Creola Hixenbaugh
Pingback: http://clancy.k12.mt.us/groups/badger5thgrade/wiki/9f130/The_magic_of_constructing_approximately_get_the_ex_back_again.html
Pingback: http://wiki.punahou.edu/groups/7xsciencevideos/wiki/b0f17/The_magic_of_constructing_nearly_obtain_your_ex_again.html
Pingback: Melissa Pinnow
Pingback: Christin Sandven
Pingback: Raphael Schweiner
Pingback: Shelli Feely
Pingback: Donte Rickie
Pingback: Winfred Wendel
Pingback: Vincenzo Breitkreutz
Pingback: Wesley Marye
Pingback: Alberto Busie
Pingback: Jesse Sautter
Pingback: Daphine Atmore
Pingback: Emmanuel Norn
Pingback: Carma Leeker
Pingback: Erlinda Zarek
Pingback: Dane Wrightington
Pingback: Xochitl Sabado
Pingback: Diamond Wiese
Pingback: Logan Tauteoli
Pingback: Jeffie Trevis
Pingback: Maxwell Felicano
Pingback: Taylor Porras
Pingback: Pearlie Ginder
Pingback: Alton Geyer
Pingback: Leigh Rollinson
Pingback: Tanya Shadduck
Pingback: Tod Alegre
Pingback: Russel Bialecki
Pingback: Fay Mcbrien
Pingback: Toby Ruedy
Pingback: Savannah Naz
Pingback: Vincenzo Johnston
Pingback: Dallas Iles
Pingback: Kimberely Wetzstein
Pingback: Yevette Trickel
Pingback: Omega Hustus
Pingback: Glen Binnie
Pingback: Rafael Planas
Pingback: Jackie Kuney
Pingback: Gerard Decelles
Pingback: Versie Vancampen
Pingback: Shelby Losh
Pingback: Winston Loynd
Pingback: Treva Lauerman
Pingback: Marx Ovadilla
Pingback: Jan Laterza
Pingback: Ernesto Kelsay
Pingback: Brady Fiorilli
Pingback: Keneth Mancine
Pingback: Mindy Godwyn
Pingback: Raymundo Mlynek
Pingback: Rutha Jardell
Pingback: Samual Guariglio
Pingback: Branden Gerling
Pingback: Gregg Gaber
Pingback: Toby Boelke
Pingback: Bernardo Alpheaus
Pingback: Laine Pillow
Pingback: Lora Neudeck

Book: Daemon

Popular Tags

Categories