Unique But Familiar
4.25 out of 5 stars
I’ve had this one sitting in my TBR for probably longer than a year. I remember hearing about it when it first came out, and it sounded and looked really good. Well, what kicked my butt into gear was seeing that a second book in the series was coming out. I figured if I enjoyed it, I’d probably pick up the second book. And I did enjoy the heck out of it. Ashton wrote a book that combined a lot of my favorite things into one book.
Mickey7 reminded me a lot of Andy Weir’s style mixed a little with a few other authors I enjoy. Ashton was able to take a premise I’ve heard of or may even have been mentioned in certain other science fiction books and really hone in on it. The idea of an “expendable” was fascinating. And the idea that no one signs up for it except for Mickey. It started out with this unique point of view and never backed away from it.
This was one of those books that, once I started it, I had to get through it as quickly as possible. I wanted to know what was going to happen with him and Mickey8. I wanted to know the inner thoughts of both characters along with those around them, and Ashton delivered.
The book itself had some parts that felt… forced, but overall it was one that I enjoyed thoroughly and one that I flew through. It scratched that itch that I had for a good science fiction book that had some humor and lightheartedness in it without being fully unbelievable. I won’t go into the scene(s) with the “creepers” (I had a hard time not picturing Minecraft creepers every time he said it). Because those were intriguing and kept getting more so as the book progressed.
Overall, I really enjoyed Mickey7. Sure, it had a few faults here and there, but overall it was a book I didn’t know I needed in my life and one that I had a smile on throughout.
Book Description:
Soon to be adapted into a major motion picture from Oscar-winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite) starring Robert Pattinson.
The Martian meets Dark Matter in Edward Ashton’s high concept science-fiction thriller, in which Mickey7, an “expendable”, refuses to let his replacement clone, Mickey8, take his place.
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. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.
On a fairly routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, Mickey7’s 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 will likely be thrown into the recycler for protein.
Mickey7 must keep his double a secret from the rest of the colony. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that curiosity 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.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press
by Edward AshtonNarrator: John Pirhalla, Katharine Chin
Length: 9 hrs and 16 mins
Series: Mickey7 #1
Published by Macmillan Audio on February 15, 2022
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Audiobook
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