3.95
Part of "Takeshi Kovacs" series
"Broken Angels" by Richard K. Morgan is a science fiction novel that continues the story of Takeshi Kovacs, the protagonist of Morgan's debut novel "Altered Carbon." The novel is set in a future where human personalities can be stored digitally and downloaded into new bodies, known as "sleeves." In "Broken Angels," Kovacs is hired by a wealthy woman to track down a valuable ancient alien artifact on a distant, war-torn planet. Along the way, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue and corporate greed, as various factions vie for control of the artifact and the power it represents. Morgan's writing is sharp and gritty, with a noir sensibility that permeates the narrative. The world-building in "Broken Angels" is detailed and imaginative, with a focus on the harsh realities of life in a future where death is no longer permanent. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and the consequences of technology, as Kovacs struggles to maintain his own sense of self in a world where bodies are interchangeable. Fans of "Altered Carbon" will enjoy revisiting Kovacs and seeing him in a new setting, while new readers will be drawn into Morgan's vividly realized future. "Broken Angels" is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of both science fiction and noir. Overall, "Broken Angels" is a worthy successor to "Altered Carbon," and a testament to Morgan's talent as a writer. It is a must-read for fans of the genre, and a great introduction to Morgan's work for new readers...
Richard K. Morgan
Altered Carbon
If you enjoyed 'Broken Angels', you might like 'Altered Carbon', also by Richard K. Morgan. This book is the first in the series and introduces the world of Takeshi Kovacs, a former elite interstellar warrior turned private investigator. In this future, human personalities can be stored digitally and downloaded into new bodies, leading to a world where death is no longer permanent. 'Altered Carbon' explores themes of identity, power, and corruption in a gritty, noir-inspired style.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
The Peripheral
Fans of 'Broken Angels' might enjoy 'The Peripheral' by William Gibson. This standalone novel is set in a near-future world where technology has enabled a new form of virtual reality, and a small-town woman named Flynne gets drawn into a dangerous game that spans two timelines. Gibson's intricate world-building and exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity make this a compelling read.
Learn MoreWilliam Gibson
Neuromancer
If you're looking for more cyberpunk classics, 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a must-read. This novel, which won the Nebula, Hugo, and Philip K. Dick Awards, follows a washed-up computer hacker named Case who is offered a chance at redemption by a mysterious employer. As Case navigates the seedy underworld of cyberspace, he becomes embroiled in a complex plot involving artificial intelligence, corporate espionage, and virtual reality.
Learn MoreNeal Stephenson
Snow Crash
Another classic of the cyberpunk genre is 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson. This novel is set in a dystopian future where the government has collapsed and society is controlled by corporations. The story follows a hacker and pizza delivery driver named Hiro Protagonist as he investigates a powerful computer virus that is infecting the virtual reality world of the Metaverse. With its fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and exploration of language and philosophy, 'Snow Crash' is a thought-provoking and entertaining read.
Learn MorePaolo Bacigalupi
The Windup Girl
If you're interested in science fiction that explores the consequences of climate change and genetic engineering, 'The Windup Girl' by Paolo Bacigalupi is a great choice. Set in a future Thailand, the novel follows a genetically engineered woman named Emiko as she navigates a world dominated by powerful corporations and a desperate struggle for resources. Bacigalupi's vivid world-building and exploration of bioethics make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreAlfred Bester
The Stars My Destination
Fans of 'Broken Angels' might also enjoy 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. This classic science fiction novel is set in a future where teleportation has become possible, leading to a world of chaos and opportunity. The story follows a bitter and vengeful man named Gulliver Foyle as he seeks revenge against the people who left him for dead in space. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and exploration of themes like revenge and identity, 'The Stars My Destination' is a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Learn MoreNeal Stephenson
The Diamond Age
If you're looking for a science fiction novel that explores the intersection of technology and education, 'The Diamond Age' by Neal Stephenson is a great choice. Set in a future where nanotechnology has enabled the creation of programmable matter, the novel follows a young girl named Nell as she is given a custom-built education device that changes her life. With its intricate world-building, exploration of themes like education and social class, and witty dialogue, 'The Diamond Age' is a compelling and entertaining read.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Left Hand of Darkness
If you're interested in science fiction that explores themes of gender and identity, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic choice. Set on a planet where inhabitants can choose their gender, the novel follows a human envoy named Genly Ai as he tries to persuade the planet's leaders to join an intergalactic alliance. With its nuanced exploration of gender and identity, 'The Left Hand of Darkness' is a thought-provoking and influential work of science fiction.
Learn MoreUrsula K. Le Guin
The Dispossessed
Another great choice by Ursula K. Le Guin is 'The Dispossessed', which explores themes of politics, philosophy, and identity. The novel follows a physicist named Shevek as he travels between two planets with very different political systems, and grapples with questions of loyalty, freedom, and the meaning of home. With its nuanced exploration of political ideologies and philosophical ideas, 'The Dispossessed' is a thought-provoking and rewarding read.
Learn MoreIain M. Banks
The Culture series
If you're looking for a science fiction series that explores the implications of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, Iain M. Banks' Culture series is a great choice. Set in a future where humanity has achieved interstellar travel and artificial intelligence has surpassed human intelligence, the series follows the exploits of the Culture, a post-scarcity society that seeks to explore and understand the universe. With its intricate world-building, exploration of themes like artificial intelligence and morality, and engaging storytelling, the Culture series is a must-read for fans of science fiction.
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