Edward Ashton’s Mickey7 is a mesmerizing exploration of identity, survival, and the human condition in the unforgiving reaches of space. At the heart of this gripping science fiction novel is Mickey7, an Expendable sent to colonize an alien planet. When Mickey7 dies, his consciousness is downloaded into a new body, and he’s sent back to work—again and again. But with each death, Mickey7’s sense of self and his very understanding of existence begins to unravel, leading him to confront deep philosophical questions.
The novel’s exploration of the Ship of Theseus paradox—where a ship, over time, is entirely replaced by new parts, leading to the question of whether it remains the same ship—becomes a powerful metaphor for Mickey7’s existence. As each version of Mickey is “reborn,” he is physically different, yet carries the same memories. Does he remain the same person, or has he become someone entirely new? This philosophical question drives the heart of the story, as Mickey grapples with the impact of his repeated resurrections on his sense of self, purpose, and what it means to truly live.
Ashton blends these existential questions with a healthy dose of dark humor and fast-paced adventure, crafting a protagonist who is at once irreverent and deeply human. Mickey’s sarcastic nature masks the profound inner turmoil he faces as he struggles with being a disposable cog in a larger machine. Yet his resilience, and his desire to break free from his predetermined fate, make him a character you can’t help but root for.
The novel’s pacing is relentless, shifting between high-stakes action and quiet moments of introspection that ask readers to consider their own understanding of identity and mortality. Ashton’s world-building is exquisite, creating a universe where technology and human life are inextricably linked, and the cost of survival is often greater than anyone is willing to admit.
In short, Mickey7 is not just a science fiction novel—it’s a profound meditation on the nature of self and the soul. It’s a tale of survival in a hostile world, but more than that, it’s an exploration of what it means to exist, to change, and to remain true to oneself despite the odds. For anyone interested in space operas, philosophical musings, or just a damn good story, this book is a must-read.