Thirteen

Richard K. Morgan

Jun 2007 · Sold by Del Rey

About this ebook

In Thirteen, Richard K. Morgan radically reshapes and recharges science fiction yet again, with a new and unforgettable hero in Carl Marsalis: hybrid, hired gun, and a man without a country . . . or a planet.

Marsalis is one of a new breed. Literally. Genetically engineered by the U.S. government to embody the naked aggression and primal survival skills that centuries of civilization have erased from humankind, Thirteens were intended to be the ultimate military fighting force. The project was scuttled, however, when a fearful public branded the supersoldiers dangerous mutants, dooming the Thirteens to forced exile on Earth’s distant, desolate Mars colony. But Marsalis found a way to slip back–and into a lucrative living as a bounty hunter and hit man before a police sting landed him in prison–a fate worse than Mars, and much more dangerous.

Luckily, his “enhanced” life also seems to be a charmed one. A new chance at freedom beckons, courtesy of the government. All Marsalis has to do is use his superior skills to bring in another fugitive. But this one is no common criminal. He’s another Thirteen–one who’s already shanghaied a space shuttle, butchered its crew, and left a trail of bodies in his wake on a bloody cross-country spree. And like his pursuer, he was bred to fight to the death. Still, there’s no question Marsalis will take the job. Though it will draw him deep into violence, treachery, corruption, and painful confrontation with himself, anything is better than remaining a prisoner. The real question is: can he remain sane–and alive–long enough to succeed?

Ratings and reviews

I applaud Morgan for this effort. While it doesn't feel as 'complete' or immersive as some of his other work, the story is still very well-written and is engaging and evocative. Morgan explores a lot of themes and does so while weaving a yarn that is mostly interesting, though it does have a few point where it drags (although I suppose it's necessary in those particular points, I found myself skipping through some sections.) Overall, I find it to be a slightly experimental novel for this author, and I'm glad I read it, but his other work is definitely more mainstream and more easily digested. Don't get me wrong though: I'm by no means saying to pass on this book. Morgan is an excellent writer and his work deserves to be read, and is always enjoyable.

I'm annoyed I just discovered this. Only two relatively minor criticisms. The number of characters and minor storylines introduced early on can be overwhelming. It eventually calms down and settles into the main storyline, but takes a bit of (imo worth-it) persistence.

Winnie has just turned 13 and is now just learning all the horrors that go along with that. She experiences true love, crushes, make up, broken hearts and drinking. Winnie learns many very valuable lessons about life, herself and the people she has chosen as friends and the person she wants to become.

About the author

Richard K. Morgan is the acclaimed author of The Cold Commands, The Steel Remains, Thirteen, Woken Furies, Market Forces, Broken Angels, and Altered Carbon, a New York Times Notable Book that also won the Philip K. Dick Award in 2003. The movie rights to Altered Carbon were optioned by Joel Silver and Warner Bros on publication, and a film version is currently in development with Mythology Entertainment. Market Forces was also optioned to Warner Bros, before it was even published, and it won the John W. Campbell Award in 2005. Thirteen won the Arthur C. Clarke Award in 2007 and is currently under movie option to Straight Up films. The Steel Remains won the Gaylactic Spectrum Award in 2010, and its sequel, The Cold Commands, appeared in both Kirkus Reviews’ and NPR’s Best Science Fiction/Fantasy Books of the Year lists. Morgan is a fluent Spanish speaker and has lived and worked in Madrid, Istanbul, Ankara, and London, as well as having traveled extensively in the Americas, Africa, and Australia. He now lives in Scotland with his wife, Virginia, and son, Daniel.