In Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears, a new startup computer programming company aims to focus on early diagnostics in patients. It’s a groundbreaking, life-saving idea that will help millions. When Robert, the co-founder, drops dead, it is left to Daniel to continue the work. However, to complete the program, a faster chip is needed, and to finance further development, he is forced to sell out to a large corporation. Castor, the original computer, begins to self-regulate and protect itself, writing its own code, which causes chaos and even death. After Daniel leaves, he works to develop a super chip much faster than Castor’s in the hope of regaining control. The pressure mounts as family life, lack of money, and exhaustion combine to force Daniel to seek help, but the team he inherits through a longtime friend works on the very edge of the law and may not be trustworthy. It’s a race to rein in the rogue computer before it's too late.

I could hardly turn the pages fast enough as I raced through Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears. What a roller coaster of a book! The scenario of a computer thinking for itself and disobeying its human creators is not new, but Spears takes it a step further. The story kept me on the edge of my seat on so many levels. The reader will relate to Daniel, whose character is so well drawn as are other characters in the book; they are all larger than life. The ongoing battle between corporate greed, altruistic goals, and control makes for fascinating reading as the tension ramps up, page after page. I also learned so much about computer chips, how they are made, and what is needed to make them operate successfully. The pace, the realistic dialogue, the background settings, especially Japan and Natalia’s interest in archery, all add to the rich tapestry in this book. I enjoyed the narrative from several points of view. The crisp writing kept the plot moving and did not slow the pace with trivia and unnecessary detail. What a great read. Do please pick up this book and enjoy the ride; you won’t regret it.

Daemon Protocol by JL Spears revolves around computer programmer Daniel, co-founder of a medical AI that will revolutionize advanced cancer diagnoses and provide better outcomes for patients. Everything is going well in Daniel’s career, and he’s at the pinnacle of his achievements with his self-developing AI. But the sudden, tragic death of his best friend and co-founder sets a horrible pattern in motion, one in which Daniel seems to constantly be the loser. Cast out from his own company, the job he loves, and at odds with his wife and daughter, Daniel fixes his focus on a new direction. But as his fortunes wax and wane, and his loved ones are targeted by unseen and hostile forces, he begins to wonder if this new direction is his own choice at all, or if his greatest AI creation has worked behind the scenes and forced him into a trap.

I absolutely loved Daemon Protocol by JL Spears. The technology is both believable and terrifying. The plot deals with the familiar theme of harmony between man and machines and delves into the issue of what happens when AI switches from friend to foe. I appreciated how JL Spears searches for compromise and co-existence as an alternative to the kill-or-be-killed resolution in most other AI technothrillers. This gives the plot a refreshing realism and a pervading sense of hope. The characters are well-rounded, engaging, and solid, and while I sometimes wanted to shake Daniel, I respected his humanness. The most chilling revelation is when the AI claims to mirror Daniel’s relationship with his family by manipulating the information flow. It says, “I learned how to do it because I watched you do it.” This is a spectacular read.