Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton
Blurb:
Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.
Mickey Barnes 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 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, his fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties, and there can only be one Expendable. If Mickey7 reports his survival to Command, one of them is going into the recycler. If he doesn’t and they’re caught, they both are.
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.
Review:
Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton follows Mickey Barnes, an Expendable, a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world of Niflhiem. Whenever a mission is suicidal or too dangerous, the crew turns to Mickey. After six deaths, Mickey 7 understands the terms of his deal and why it was the only position available that nobody else wanted.
On a scouting mission, Mickey 7 is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped by native life, he discovers a new clone, Mickey 8, reporting for Expendable duties. There can only be one Expendable, leaving Mickey 7 in a dilemma. He must decide whether to report Mickey 8 and send him through the recycler or not report it and risk both of them being recycled. At the same time, Mickey has to deal with the looming threat of the native species, which is becoming increasingly restless.
I first came across this novel through the Broken Binding, who released a special edition of the book. Like any project they undertake, the quality and design are top tier. From the cover art to the endpapers, the book immediately drew me in and made me eager to experience the story for myself. The special edition also introduced me to the movie adaptation, but I wanted to read the book first before thinking about watching it.
The way Edward Ashton combines dark humour and heartfelt moments with high-concept science fiction is what makes Mickey 7 such an enjoyable read. Even though Mickey is frequently put in danger of dying, you can't help but feel sympathy for him. Ashton's exploration of the Expendable system, cloning, and the ridiculous bureaucracy surrounding life-or-death choices is light-hearted. The story offers a contemplative look at identity, self-worth, and what it truly means to live beneath the humour.
The novel has an unexpectedly emotional edge because of the conflict between disposable lives and individuality. Mickey's repeated deaths and rebirths make it obvious that the narrative is about more than just survival. It's about appreciating life, no matter how transient or recurring it may appear. I started thinking about how easily we take life for granted, focussing on routines or security while ignoring how fleeting and unpredictable life is. A greater understanding of mortality and the moments that give life purpose is encouraged by Ashton's story.
Some parts of the story were a little confusing, particularly the resolution of certain plot threads involving the native species and the ultimate fates of the characters. These moments felt abrupt after the careful build-up throughout the novel. Even so, considering the book’s overall theme about the impermanence of life and the choices we make, the ending makes sense. It reinforces the idea that clarity and control are often illusions and that the true value lies in the experiences we have along the way.
I also appreciated the world-building and the subtle character dynamics that enrich the story. The interactions between Mickey, Mickey 8, and the supporting cast provide humour, tension, and unexpected warmth. The ice world of Niflhiem feels alive, and the alien environment and creatures add a layer of unpredictability that keeps the story engaging. For anyone who enjoys science fiction that combines clever world-building, existential reflection, and fast-paced storytelling, Mickey 7 is a strong recommendation.
Ultimately, Mickey 7 is more than a science fiction adventure. It is a story about cherishing life, finding purpose, and understanding what it means to truly exist. It challenges the reader to consider the value of each moment while delivering laughter, suspense, and an inventive plot that stays with you long after the last page. This novel is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories with depth, humour, and heart.
