Richard K Morgan Altered Carbon

Wow, this a thriller ride through science fiction.... revisting earth in the 25th Century is not a pleasant experience, although you will recognize all the major components - still class, problems with race and religion, lost loves and the meaning of friendship in an all too familiar grim future. Life, if you can afford it, is now endless - your consiousness can be easily downloaded into a new 'sleeve' or body. It does take awhile to recognise the face in the mirror, or know what your body is capable of doing. This was a first novel, after reading the jacket, it appears there are more with this now a series! I will definitely look out for these. OK, I confess I was looking for another scottish author and discovered him. But with reviews like: "for every piece of action there is a stunning piece of reflective description, a compelling sense of place and abundant 24 karat witticisms" "marvelous updating of Marlowe film noir...original and effective..." "addictive"