Review of Mickey7 by Edward Ashton: A critique of this fiction work
In the far reaches of space, a new colonization mission faces unimaginable challenges. The book "Mickey7" by Edward Ashton takes readers on an exhilarating journey, introducing us to Mickey Barnes, an Expendable - a reprintable human contractually obligated to take on dangerous tasks. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and identity in the context of artificial duplication.
Mickey7, a limp-noodle, run-away type of person, signs up for a job that requires him to run towards death for the sake of others. His first mission on the planet Niflheim takes a turn when he falls into a crevasse and is left for dead. Miraculously, he survives with help from native life, marking the beginning of his cycle of death and cloning.
As the story unfolds, we meet Mickey8, another clone of Mickey7, and witness the complexities of their dual existence as copies with overlapping memories. The narrative delves into the absurdity and challenges of immortality achieved through repeated cloning, as well as the psychological toll of multiple deaths and rebirths.
"Mickey7" tackles themes of ethics of expendability, the nature of consciousness, and the philosophical implications of cloning. It also sheds light on the struggles of colonizing a hostile alien environment, blending dark humor with science fiction elements to question the meaning of individuality and sacrifice.
The novel's themes resonate with those found in popular science fiction novels like "The Martian." Both stories feature characters dealing with adversity in space, exploring themes of resilience and survival against all odds.
While the book does contain some violence, with medium levels of graphicness, and a high usage of strong language, it is more in line with a PG-13 rating than expected, with less graphic violence, language, and sexual content than one might anticipate. There are a few instances of sexual content, such as fade to black sex, kissing, and cuddling, and a handful of "F-bombs" throughout its content.
The reviewer found "Mickey7" to be highly enjoyable, giving it a 5/5 star rating. They compared it to books like "The Martian" and "Project Hail Mary" and recommended it to readers who enjoyed those books. The reviewer did not mention any significant issues that make "Mickey7" unreadable.
The book's exploration of Expendables as necessary for interstellar colonies and the social stigma faced by Expendables in the colony adds depth to the narrative. It raises questions about the ethics of cloning and the nature of consciousness, making it a thought-provoking read for science fiction enthusiasts.
In 2024, a movie titled "Mickey17" was announced, featuring Robert Pattinson as a quirky character in a science fiction story. While the reviewer did not provide any specific examples of books they have picked up because they liked the movie adaptation, the success of "Mickey7" suggests that its themes and characters have resonated with audiences, paving the way for further exploration of these concepts in future adaptations.
- Despite its grim premise of death and cloning, the book "Mickey7" offers a unique blend of dark humor and science fiction elements, making it an entertaining read for fans of the genre.
- In the realm of science fiction, "Mickey7" echoes the themes of resilience and survival found in novels like "The Martian," offering thought-provoking reflections on the ethics of expendability and the nature of consciousness.
