When Gravity Fails

In "When Gravity Fails," Marid Audrian navigates a decadent world filled with cheap thrills and looming death, maintaining his independence at a price. Tasked by the ancient godfather of the Budayeen's underworld, Marid must prepare himself for a confrontation with a new type of killer, enhanced by lethal personality cartridges that channel the traits of historical psychopaths. As he undergoes advanced surgical implants to counter this threat, the novel blends dark humor and gripping tension, marking the beginning of a celebrated series that solidified Effinger's legacy in science fiction.