Takeshi Kovacs
Set in a future where human consciousness can be digitized and transferred between bodies ("sleeves"), the Takeshi Kovacs series explores identity, mortality, and corruption. The series begins with Altered Carbon, following Kovacs, a cynical ex-soldier turned private investigator, as he's hired to solve a wealthy man’s murder in a dystopian, neon-lit world. Morgan blends cyberpunk grit with noir detective tropes, challenging notions of self and soul. The sequels, Broken Angels and Woken Furies, further unravel Kovacs’ past and the ethics of technology and war. The series is noted for its brutal action, existential themes, and philosophical undercurrents.
In Richard K. Morgan's 'Altered Carbon,' readers are plunged into a futuristic world where consciousness can be transferred to different bodies, or 'sleeves,' challenging notions of identity and mortality. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, an ex-soldier turned private investigator, as he navigates a gritty, noir-inspired investigation into a wealthy man's murder. As Kovacs delves deeper into the case, he unravels a complex web of corruption, power struggles, and betrayal. The novel seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, cyberpunk, and hardboiled detective fiction, offering a thought-provoking exploration of themes like technology, ethics, and societal inequality.