The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
cdbaker's review against another edition
3.0
I like the main character of these books. I like the world that's created and its technology. In this book, Morgan began exploring more of the different philosophies of the 25th century Earth, explaining that we got a lot of the technology from a much more advanced Martian civilization. There are a lot of debates about whether or not we're 'ready' for the technology or if we need to have developed it ourselves to get to the point where we can be 'trusted' with it. While a bit cliche as a concept, I found it interesting.
Yet, despite all of the above to like, I spent most of the book feeling like I had accidentally missed a book in the series with a lot of the background information. I get what Morgan was doing -- rather than loading the beginning with a lot of exposition, he never outright explains a lot of the background and allows the reader to learn it during discussions between the characters -- but it didn't work for me.
There are some other problems with the book -- it's overly meandering and I feel like Morgan really needs a better editor, one who is willing to cut out large sections of the text that add little to the overall plot and character development. But, in the end, I keep listening because I like the main character and it's a fairly interesting mystery set in the 25th century with cool tech. Even during the sections of this book when I was most annoyed, I still thought 'yeah, I'm going to listen to the next book in the series.' So, take that for what you will.
Oh, and the sex scenes (which, in this book took place in virtual reality, so Morgan didn't even need to follow basic laws of physics) were super cringeworthy. Yipe. I fast-forwarded through them (maybe that's where all the exposition was?).
Yet, despite all of the above to like, I spent most of the book feeling like I had accidentally missed a book in the series with a lot of the background information. I get what Morgan was doing -- rather than loading the beginning with a lot of exposition, he never outright explains a lot of the background and allows the reader to learn it during discussions between the characters -- but it didn't work for me.
There are some other problems with the book -- it's overly meandering and I feel like Morgan really needs a better editor, one who is willing to cut out large sections of the text that add little to the overall plot and character development. But, in the end, I keep listening because I like the main character and it's a fairly interesting mystery set in the 25th century with cool tech. Even during the sections of this book when I was most annoyed, I still thought 'yeah, I'm going to listen to the next book in the series.' So, take that for what you will.
Oh, and the sex scenes (which, in this book took place in virtual reality, so Morgan didn't even need to follow basic laws of physics) were super cringeworthy. Yipe. I fast-forwarded through them (maybe that's where all the exposition was?).
cdipierro's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nikkucallian's review against another edition
1.0
Stupid male power fantasy with a sorry excuse for a story.
iam_griff's review against another edition
3.0
Takeshi Kovac the former UN-envoy is back. Thirty-three years after the events in Altered Carbon. I don’t want to give up too much of the plot because there is A LOT of story in this book. You don’t have to have read Altered Carbon to enjoy this book & I’ll admit that there is quite a bit of the noir style story telling in a futuristic setting. Maybe I’m getting older, but there were a couple of sex scenes that were a bit more descriptive than I personally warranted & not necessary for the overall story. I am looking forward to the 2nd season of Altered Carbon on Netflix & I’ll do want finish this trilogy.
moncler's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
charlibirb's review against another edition
4.0
Good read. Very different material than the 1st book.
poseiden's review against another edition
4.0
Perfect balance of graphic content without being too much, story flowed really well and I felt a good connection to what was quite a few characters.
Honestly just wished this was longer.
Honestly just wished this was longer.
willowbiblio's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoy Takeshi Kovacs and his internal struggles, because I think they point to the fact that Richard K Morgan has a much deeper understanding of the human psyche than most. There were times this was a little hard to follow, and I had to re-read a page or two, but I like a good challenge. Some of these plot twists I didn’t see coming until it was too late and I don’t often get surprised anymore so it was a really enjoyable reading experience.