Freedom

Killer software develops a conscience, striving for "freedom" - but that isn't enough of a plot point to carry this rant against corporations and plutocrats.

Aspects of a post-Daemon world are attractive, including direct voting through ratings and a hints of a meritocracy. As a thriller, it was also good, though perhaps not as hard to put down as the first. As a pair, these books make solid points about the risks of software control.

Sobol's creation, whether clever scripting or true AI, adjusts behavior to deal with threats from without (the government/NSA) and within. It and other characters also voice the author's thoughts on corporations, governments and the establishment - which are all bad. Self sustaining communities is a fine goal, but they are only described in an Iowa cornfield.

A few new characters are introduced, including one who remains for a potential third book. Unlike the first in the series, this book at least comes to an end. Female characters are given short shrift here, as are minorities. In general, I think I would pass on any future books in this series, if the author goes that far.