Review: Altered Carbon

Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Altered Carbon is appealing as a science fiction story set 400 years in the future. What I liked about the book is that the scientific advancement is portrayed very naturally without glossing over it, or trying to explain how humanity got to where it is. The story remains the focus, and the science just flows with it quite naturally. There is a lot of action, in fact at times too much of it, and yet it is fast paced and mostly engrossing.

Takeshi Kovacs, is summoned from Harlan’s world to Earth to investigate an incident involving the influential Laurens Bancroft. Since it is possible to have memories uploaded and resleeved into new bodies, no real harm befalls Laurens. But was the incident one of attempt to murder or self-harm? And why?

As Takeshi investigates, he is drawn into a wide range of crimes with attempts to exterminate him. Has he been brought in as a fall guy? It gets difficult for Takeshi to know whom to trust as he finds his every move being monitored. There is Miriam Bancroft, Laurens’ wife who feels there is little for Takeshi to do and there are easier options he could take. Ortega is part of Bay City law enforcement who has reasons to deal cautiously with Takeshi. And there is the all-powerful Kawahara, who actually introduces Takeshi to the case. There are a number of secrets to be uncovered, and Takeshi has his hands full.

Altered Carbon is well worth a read – for its story, pace and the future scenarios it paints quite naturally.


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