ReadYourMood
Cover of Altered Carbon

Science fiction · Thriller

Altered Carbon

by Richard K. Morgan

4.0 out of 5, from 1,014 ratings from Hardcover readers

In a future where minds can be stored and moved between bodies, a hard-edged former soldier is revived in a stranger's body to investigate the apparent suicide of a very rich man. The rich man claims it was murder.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2002
Pace
Fast
Length
Medium
Pages
471
Format
Book 1 of 3 in Takeshi Kovacs
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like violent, noir-flavoured science fiction with a cynical lead and a twisty case.

Skip this if you are put off by graphic violence, torture and a bleak view of the powerful.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Torture
  • Gore
  • Sexual content

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Drug use; Sexual assault; Sexual content; Violence
  • Drug use
  • Sexual assault

Quick answers about Altered Carbon

What is Altered Carbon about?
In a future where minds can be stored and moved between bodies, a hard-edged former soldier is revived in a stranger's body to investigate the apparent suicide of a very rich man. The rich man claims it was murder.
Who should read Altered Carbon?
Read it if you like violent, noir-flavoured science fiction with a cynical lead and a twisty case. Skip it if you are put off by graphic violence, torture and a bleak view of the powerful.
How long and how fast is Altered Carbon?
It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 471 pages, first published in 2002.
Does Altered Carbon have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Torture, Gore, Sexual content.
Can I borrow Altered Carbon for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Altered Carbon; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Altered Carbon?
Readers who liked it often move on to Neuromancer, The Big Sleep, Leviathan Wakes.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved Altered Carbon

All picks

Science fiction

More to read

All science fiction