Altered Carbon

Author: Richard K. Morgan

If you are easily outraged or squeamish, then this is not the book for you. From the get go it’s an action packed thrill ride that you can’t put down. To be honest I haven’t even bothered to watch the Netflix series because the book was enough for me. Set in the distant future, human beings now flit from sleeve to sleeve, which is the general term used to identify the body you are inhabiting – whether it is your own or somebody else’s. This allows the super-rich to live forever, while the poor might lose their own sleeve at any time and be reduced to buying a synthetic. Without going too much into it, it’s a callous time in a world that’s almost comparable to that of Blade Runner. You get the picture. The story follows the life of Takeshi Kovacs, an Envoy who is well versed in the art of killing. An Envoy is kind of like a special forces operative, but now for hire.

Waking to find his consciousness has been transferred to a new sleeve, he is immediately intercepted by the cops and escorted to the home of his next client. A mega-wealthy couple, who have an interesting relationship. From here on it’s a wild ride as Takeshi tries complete his mission amidst a steady onslaught of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll.  

Read this if you like: The Netflix series, action novels with a hint of violent, crime, thrillers, mysteries and science fiction.

Rated: 3.5 scoops out of a possible 5 flavours.