The novel is set in a world grappling with an epidemic of unexplained, violent “possessions”. The plot follows a man named Chandler who stands trial for a crime committed by his body, while his mind was a helpless observer. Mass Possession: People around the globe are inexplicably possessed by invisible entities, leading to widespread chaos and the breakdown of society. The “demons” are initially believed to be aliens or some form of spiritual invasion. The Protagonist’s Journey: Acquitted on the grounds that he wasn’t in control of his actions, Chandler is branded as a “hoaxer” and banished. He encounters a mountain community that uses self-inflicted pain (like barbed-wire anklets) to ward off possession, a form of mental defense against the intruders. The Truth Revealed: Chandler eventually discovers the truth: the “possessions” are the result of a new technology involving a mind-control device, eventually refined into a small, silvery coronet. This device allows a person to project their consciousness and take over another individual’s body anywhere on Earth. The Power Elite: A group of people, referred to as “execs,” use this technology to live vicariously through others, committing crimes and manipulating society. The novel explores the corrupting influence of this absolute power. The Climax: Chandler joins the execs under duress but ultimately turns against them. He uses the technology to track down and kill the other execs, one by one, effectively becoming the sole possessor left. The ending is ambiguous, as he promises himself he will stop using the power, but privately admits he is lying, implying the corrupting cycle continues.
