On a distant planet a human colony is struggling to survive with a colder than predicted climate and problems growing food. They are down to 175 people (although they have many embryos ready…if the colony gets established). One of the 175 people is hot-shot pilot named Berto who is being questioned about an incident by the head of the colony, Marshall. Here’s part of the interview:
“Primarily that the Security officers involved were upset about the consequences of their own poor judgement, and one of them decided to work out his frustrations by assaulting an innocent bystander.”
“Huh,” Marshall says. “Mr. Drake assaulted you? How is it then, that he’s in Medical with a cracked zygomatic arch, while you appear to be completely uninjured?”
Berto shrugs. “I said he assaulted me. I didn’t say he did a good job of it.” (p. 169)
If you enjoy this kind if flippant repartee, then you’re likely to enjoy Edward Ashton’s Mickey 7. Ashton invents a future where human personalities can be stored and then reinserted into bio-3D printed bodies. This technology is used to provide a Mission Expendable–in this case Mickey 7–who does the serious and deadly work for the colony necessary for it to exist. And, this Mickey Barnes has died six times and has been regenerated for a 7th time.
Mickey 7 encounters a giant alien centipede on a mission outside the colony dome. Berto, the pilot who was providing air support, reports Mickey 7 has died…but doesn’t see that the giant alien centipede returns Mickey 7 to the dome unhurt. With the report that Mickey 7 has died, the Lab regenerates a Mickey 8. That becomes the focus of the novel with both funny and moving moments as the two Mickeys have to resolve their differences and keep their secrets while trying to stay alive from Marshall’s distaste for Expendables.
Mickey 7 is currently in production as a feature film. I’ll go see it! GRADE: B+
It’s strange, because even though I’ve never heard of it, the plot sounds so familiar. I think I read another book some years ago with a vaguely similar idea for a story line. Of course, the idea of me remembering it is unlikely.
Jeff, Edward Ashton sets up a clever plot with Mickey 7 dealing with his doppelgänger, Mickey 8. And then there’s the struggle for survival of the colony on a hostile planet. This was a quick, satisfying read!
The film director attached to the projection directed Parasite .
I liked the book but havent read the sequel.
Steve, I’m looking forward to the sequel, too.
You know, when I was looking at your page yesterday morning, I didn’t see this entry at all. The $10 Question arises again, is WordPress or something else fiddling around with your posts, everyone’s, or the tine-space continuum?
Todd, WORDPRESS pulls all kinds of shit: posting reviews I haven’t finished, delaying posts I already scheduled. And, don’t get me started on WORDPRESS’s demonic spell checker!