The Martian meets Dark Matter in Edward Ashton's high concept science fiction thriller, in which Mickey7, an "expendable," refuses to let his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place. Dying isn't any fun...but at least it's a living. Mickey7 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 fairly 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, Mickey7's fate has been sealed. There's a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they will likely be thrown into the recycler for protein. Mickey7 must keep his double a secret from the rest of the colony. 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.
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Exploring human identity, mortality, and technological progress through high-concept science fiction, the novel Mickey7 brought widespread recognition to author Edward Ashton prior to its film adaptation directed by Bong Joon-ho. Ashton combines speculative genre premises—ranging from expendable human clones to body-hopping artificial intelligence—with grounded, often dark humor and authentic scientific insights.
Born on January 10, 1968, in Fairfax, Virginia, Edward Ashton developed a career that spans both speculative fiction writing and scientific research. Alongside his literary work, Ashton works as a research scientist involved in medical studies, including participating on a team that achieved approval for a novel pediatric glioblastoma treatment, while also teaching quantum physics to graduate students. His career in fiction began with short stories appearing in venues such as Perihelion, Escape Pod, Analog, and Fireside Fiction, starting with his 2014 publication 'Midnight in Absheron.' He published his debut novel, Three Days in April, in 2015, followed by the genetic-engineering novel The End of Ordinary in 2017. Ashton currently resides in a cabin in upstate New York.
Ashton's writing is defined by its blend of rigorous scientific concepts, moral dilemmas, and satirical character perspectives. Drawing directly from his background in physics and medical research, he constructs science fiction narratives that probe ethical questions surrounding artificial intelligence, human consciousness transfer, genetic manipulation, and interstellar exploration. His prose balances high-stakes technological crises with dry humor, existential pragmatism, and grounded character dynamics. Whether depicting an expendable clone calculating his own survival or an indifferent AI navigating human warfare, Ashton continuously examines how individuals adapt to extreme environments and disruptive technologies.
Mickey7
