Altered Carbon, written by Richard K. Morgan, is a cyberpunk novel set in a future where consciousness can be transferred to different bodies, known as sleeves. The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned private investigator, as he navigates a world of immortality, corruption, and transhumanist advancements. This gritty and noir-inspired book delves into themes of identity, mortality, and the ethical implications of technology.