Freedom [Paperback]

First off, read the first book (Daemon). Otherwise FreedomTM won't make much sense to you.

Pros :
- The main global idea is interesting enough. The book makes you question the current economic system without being too... pushy about it. It makes you think, which is always a good thing about books in general.
- Interesting technological concepts, but a tad too far fetched (sci-fi?).
- Main vilain (the Major) is all evil (I liked that for some reason).

Cons :
- Way too many characters ruin pacing.
- Chapters don't seem to flow from one to another. The story limps.
- Sobol is hardly spoken of, even though he made the Daemon.
- While we get to understand most protagonists, we don't feel too much empathy for them (always a bad thing).

Conclusion:
- Daemon was a page turner, this one is not. Read it if you liked the first one and want to experience the finale.

I was one of the lucky readers who came a bit late to "Daemon," which is the first half of this story. You really must read "Daemon" first, to understand what's going on in this volume, and I was able to read both with just over a month between. Author Daniel Suarez really has one big book in the two volumes; well, it would be one HUGE book but some pruning would have been possible, even advisable.

In spite of that, I enjoyed Freedom (TM) in ways that I can't quite explain. There are endless battle scenes, and even some gory torture scenes, which I usually avoid but not this time. The new social order, one character says, was "beta tested by gamers"--and I've never been a gamer. It's full of roiling action and finishes with a lot of loose ends, which isn't bothering me at all.

"Freedom(TM)," like "Daemon," pulses with futuristic technology that's both scary and exciting. Just as mind-bending is the utopian-dystopian model of society, based on regional sustainability and interdependence. The Darknet is created by a legacy of background programs created by a dead computer genius, and members take their levels and reputation rankings from the votes of other Darknet members. In the "persistent world" of the Darknet, a raw democracy prevails. Some of the most powerful figures are avatars, non-living characters; they're never presented otherwise, because for all its technological magic, this is not packaged as a work of fantasy.

The iconic quest of Darknet champion Pete Sebeck is a counterpoint to the passionate intensity of the villains. Early in the book Suarez poses the question: can good grow from evil intentions? "Freedom(TM)" blurs the boundaries, with government security forces and Daemon/Darknet operatives showing the best and the worst of humanity. Greed and the lust for power--well, it's an old story, a "Cybergeddon." Civil disruption and economic collapse provide opportunities for greed.

"Tinkering with the organization of human society"--it never ends well. "Freedom(TM)" challenged my senses the way some movies do. It may not be the most coherent novel you'll ever read, but I didn't find a dull paragraph in it.

Linda Bulger, 2010

I would agree 500% that Daemon was one exciting read and Freedom took rite off following in this exciting computer and social networking world... You have to read Daemon first but trust me buy them both cause the second you finish the last word in Daemon your reaching over and starting Freedom. They flow together well and I totally enjoyed them... my biggest problem was I cant wait for the next book... Come on Daniel Suarez dont let this end at Freedom. Your writing and technology vision is so refreshing.