Title: Mickey7
Author: Edward Ashton
First published February 15, 2022
304 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250275035 (ISBN10: 1250275032)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
Mickey7 is a survivor, but even he has his limits. As an Expendable on a dangerous mission to colonize the ice world Niflheim, he’s died and been regenerated six times.
But when his replacement clone, Mickey8, arrives, Mickey7 decides he’s had enough. He refuses to let anyone take his place, knowing that being an Expendable might be a living, but it’s certainly not a life.
But Mickey7’s rebellion comes with a high price – if he’s caught, he and his clone will be turned into protein for the struggling colony. As he struggles to keep his double a secret, Mickey7 also faces the harsh realities of life on Niflheim.
The atmosphere is poisonous, food is scarce, and terraforming isn’t going as planned. And as the native species grows more curious about their human neighbors, Commander Marshall fears the worst.
Ultimately, it’s up to Mickey7 to save not only himself but the entire colony. But can he keep from dying long enough to do it?
About the Author
Meet Edward Ashton, author of the captivating novels Mickey7, Three Days in April, and The End of Ordinary. His short stories have graced the pages of various publications, from an Italian sausage company’s newsletter to the esteemed publications of Escape Pod, Analog, and Fireside Fiction.
Edward resides in upstate New York, nestled cozily in a forest cabin (not the one from the horror movie), accompanied by his wife, a fluctuating number of daughters, and an endearingly melancholy dog named Max. He spends most of his time writing fiction and occasionally dabbling in non-fiction, all while being serenaded by the dulcet tones of a woodpecker and a rotating cast of barred owls.
When not writing, Edward enjoys delving into cancer research, teaching quantum physics to moody graduate students, and carving wood. Connect with this talented author on his website, edwardashton.com, or follow him on Twitter @edashtonwriting.
Editoral Review
In Edward Ashton’s latest novel, Mickey7, the future has arrived and it is bleak. This cyberpunk thriller explores the darker side of human nature and the dangers of technology gone awry.
With his masterful writing and attention to detail, Ashton creates a world that is both familiar and hauntingly unfamiliar. Set in a dystopian future, Mickey7 follows the story of hacker Micah “Mickey” Corcoran, who is forced to work for a powerful and ruthless corporation after his girlfriend is killed in a botched heist.
Along with a motley crew of fellow hackers, Mickey must navigate a web of lies, betrayal, and corporate espionage to uncover the truth behind his girlfriend’s death and take down the corporation before they can unleash their deadly creation on the world. Ashton’s characterization is immersive and multidimensional, with each character struggling with their own demons and motivations.
From Mickey’s fierce determination to avenge his girlfriend’s death to the enigmatic and morally ambiguous corporate leader, every character has a unique and compelling voice that drives the story forward. The pacing of Mickey7 is relentless, with twist after twist that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Ashton builds tension through a series of interconnected plotlines that converge in a thrilling climax that is both satisfying and thought-provoking. One of the strengths of Mickey7 is Ashton’s exploration of themes like the ethics of technological advancement and the dangers of unchecked corporate power.
Drawing on current events and issues, Ashton creates a narrative that is both relevant and cautionary. While Mickey7 is a riveting and thought-provoking read, it is not without its flaws.
Some plot points feel rushed or underdeveloped, detracting from the overall impact of the story. Additionally, Ashton’s use of technical jargon and cyber-speak may be overwhelming for readers who are not familiar with the world of hacking and computer science.
Overall, Mickey7 is a thrilling and immersive cyberpunk novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone interested in the dark side of technology. With its complex characters, intricate plot, and thought-provoking themes, Mickey7 is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great storytelling.
Rating: 4/5
The rating is based on the strength of Ashton’s characterization, pacing, and exploration of themes, as well the potential for improvement in certain areas.
