Altered Carbon, written by Richard K. Morgan, is a gritty and action-packed science fiction novel. Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred to different bodies, the story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he is hired to solve a murder. With its noir atmosphere, complex characters, and exploration of themes like identity and immortality, Altered Carbon has gained a devoted following and has been adapted into a popular Netflix series.