Meet New Books
Book Cover

Mickey7

Book 1 in the series:Mickey7

Save:
Find on Amazon

"Mickey7" by Edward Ashton is a science fiction novel that explores the concept of human cloning and identity. The protagonist, Mickey 7, is reset over and over again, leading to intriguing and sometimes uncomfortable thought experiments. The book presents a world with sentient aliens and advanced technology, raising questions about the future and the nature of humanity. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, tension, and inventive world-building, keeping readers engaged with unique scenarios and twists. However, some readers felt that the story had slow spots and lacked in-depth exploration of certain fascinating concepts, leaving them wanting more depth and action.

Characters:

The characters are diverse, with Mickey as a relatable protagonist navigating a unique and challenging situation.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, filled with humor, and designed to be accessible, allowing for a quick read.

Plot/Storyline:

The story grapples with complex themes of cloning, identity, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the existence of multiple copies of a person.

Setting:

The setting is a futuristic space environment that combines themes of colonization and advanced technology.

Pacing:

The pacing is inconsistent, with slow narrative sections that detract from the sense of urgency and action.

Notes:

Mickey7 features a unique sci-fi concept called 'Expandables' who can be recreated after dying.
The main character, Mickey Barnes, uploads his memories before he dies.
Due to an error, there are two Expandables, Mickey7 and Mickey8, which leads to tension and intrigue.
The book explores themes of identity and morality in the context of cloning and humanity.
It's compared to the tone and style of the Murderbot Diaries series.
The story is set against the backdrop of interstellar colonization efforts.
There are mentions of sentient aliens, but their origins and motives aren't fully explained.
The book was optioned for a movie adaptation even before its publication, featuring notable actors like Robert Pattison and Mark Ruffalo.
Readers describe the book as a fun and easy read, with humor sprinkled throughout.
Despite some slow pacing and less action than expected, it still offers engaging thought experiments about technology and humanity.

From The Publisher:

"A wildly entertaining mix of action and big ideas peppered with humor and a bizarre love story." -NPR

"A brisk, spirited sci-fi romp…hugely enjoyable." -Max Barry, author of Providence

*Soon to be the major motion picture Mickey17*

Dying isn't any fun…but at least it's a living.

Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there's a mission that's too dangerous-even suicidal-the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact.

On a routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, his fate has been sealed. There's a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they face being recycled into protein to feed a hungry colony. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse, and the native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, which has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.

That is, if he can just keep from dying for good.

"The fun [in reading Mickey7] is trying to keep up with Mr. Ashton's twists and turns, and the extra fun is that you never do." -The Wall Street Journal

"Sci-fi readers will be drawn in by the inventive premise and stick around for the plucky narrator." -Publishers Weekly

Ratings (9)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (22):

Read It (8)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (11)
Not Interested (1)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
5 months

“Mickey 7” is a light-hearted sci-fi romp that follows the story of Mickey Barnes, or the seventh iteration of him, to be more precise. He is an Expendable, the one job nobody wants but that every expedition needs, especially when you’re looking to colonize an inhospitable ice planet like Niflheim. Mickey’s job title is exactly what it sounds like—every time there’s a mission too dangerous, they send him in, and if he dies, they’ll simply regenerate a new clone of him, with his memories mostly intact.

The humor and light-hearted tone of this book was easy to get into and the conversations between the Mickeys were a highlight. The audiobook is narrated by John Pirhalla and Katharine Chin. If you enjoy science fiction with space colonization, alien first contact, and even cloning themes, then this audiobook might be for you.

 
 
Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.