Altered Carbon

Richard K. Morgan

61 pages 2-hour read

Richard K. Morgan

Altered Carbon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

Richard K. Morgan

Altered Carbon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

526

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense
Setting

Bay City • Futuristic

Theme
Revenge

Future

Social Class
Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a science fiction novel featuring a future where human consciousness can be transferred between bodies. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex-soldier, who is hired to investigate a wealthy individual's alleged suicide. The novel explores themes of identity, mortality, and societal inequality.

Mysterious

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan captivates with its intricate, cyberpunk universe and philosophical musings on identity. Praised for its imaginative world-building and fast-paced plot, the novel's complexity can occasionally overwhelm. Some readers find the heavy violence and dense narrative challenging, though others appreciate its gritty realism and depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Altered Carbon?

Fans of Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan are likely captivated by gritty, thought-provoking science fiction with cyberpunk elements. Readers who enjoyed the complex worlds and moral dilemmas in William Gibson's Neuromancer or Philip K. Dick's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? will find this novel equally compelling.

Character List

A former member of the Envoys Corps, Kovacs is a skilled covert operative hired to investigate a suspicious death. He navigates a complex world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies.

A police officer and ally of Kovacs, Ortega grapples with the complexities of identity as she works with Kovacs, who inhabits the body of her boyfriend.

A wealthy and essentially immortal Meth, Laurens employs Kovacs to solve the mystery of his own death, representing the elite class who can prolong their lives indefinitely.

A powerful Meth and antagonist with a ruthless approach to achieving her goals. Her past connection with Kovacs and immense resources make her a significant threat.

Laurens Bancroft's wife, who struggles with the implications of immortality on her marriage and personal life, illustrating the personal toll of endless life spans.

A mercenary aligned with Reileen Kawahara, known for frequently resleeving into different bodies, reflecting the chaotic and fragmented nature of his existence.

Book Details
Pages

526

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense
Setting

Bay City • Futuristic

Theme
Revenge

Future

Social Class
Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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