[James Barclay]

Well, I've just finished reading a bound proof of the first novel by a new British SF author.

Richard Morgan - Altered Carbon

It's out in Feb 2002 and is excellent. A great premise, superb action and entertainment and penned in slick style. One to watch, I suspect.

[Hobbit]

Always worth a note from the 'inside' NOM!

It's on the Amazon co.uk website, published Feb. 21st (the day before my birthday!)- has quite a cool cover (looks like a Chris Moore/ Fred Gambino or Jim Burns to me).

Similar to Peter Hamilton or Alastair Reynolds in your opinion?

Hobbit

[James Barclay]

More like Peter Hamilton, I'd say. Plenty of well-described action and a tight plot wrapped round a cleverly realised future vision.

[Hobbit]

That sounds like a birthday pressie, then!

I quite like Peter Hamilton...*looks at his copy of Fallen Dragon that he MUST read soon..*

Hobbit

[James Barclay]

Shamed though I am, I've not read Fallen Dragon either yet but it is in the must read pile right under (even more shame) The Naked God.

So much good stuff to read.

[Slowhand]

I ordered this book, based on your recommendation. Of course, it's not published in America, so I had to order it from Amazon UK. Here's my review with no spoilers:
Richard Morgan writes like he is the reincarnation of John D. MacDonald, and Altered Carbon is like a Travis McGee Novel on steroids in a Blade Runner-like world. Full of original concepts, this is a Science Fiction novel not merely about believable and thought provoking, soul-wrenching technology, but about human beings living and dying and loving in a dangerous, accelerated world where death is not always final and drugs don’t just make one high. It’s black noir, full of violence and steamy sex, but so’s the world into which Takeshi Kovacs is unwillingly thrown. Morgan rushes you headlong on an adrenaline pumped ride from start to finish, with twists and turns that will leave you dizzy, and suspense that won’t let you stop reading. The technology of Kovac’s time turns conventional religion on it’s head and makes one ponder one’s own existence. After reading this novel, I’m left with an overwhelming sense not of technology, but of humanity. Kovacs’ world is grimy, gritty, dirty and real. It’s truly hard to believe this instant classic is a first novel. I can’t wait to read more about the universe of Takeshi Kovacs and I shall unhesitatingly purchase anything that Richard Morgan cares to write.

[Hobbit]

Well done, Slowhand - you and NOM have made me want to read the book NOW!!!

I've got to confess that it's taken me longer to finish Fallen Dragon (no criticism of the book, it is VERY good but work keeps me away from it... http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/frown.gif )and I was thuinking of giving a little time away from SF before reading another - I'll now read Altered Carbon next. I'll have to handle it carefully though - I've got a signed copy, which is very nice to have!

Hobbit

[vortexreader]

I've actually bought a copy of this after reading comments here and on Amazon UK...hope it was worth the expense! It sounds like my kind of book so I'm really looking forward to reading it.

[James Barclay]

Slowhand has hit it spot on. It's one terrific novel.

Hobbit, you'll love it - particularly if you're a Hamilton fan, I think (you'll know what I mean when you read it).

And, vortexreader and everyone else, get reading. This book rocks.

[Hobbit]

Yes, so far very good - hits the ground running, rather, doesn't it? http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

Hobbit