How many times can you die before you're no longer human? I really loved how this book was presented. It has an interesting, challenging idea of cloning wrapped in a gripping story. I also liked how the whole time I was reading it I was constantly thinking not just about the book, but the main character's dilemma, which is that every time he dies he gets remade with all his memories. This relatively simple premise creates a very entertaining read. I would totally recommend this book as a unique sci-fi read that's both smart and funny. Content warning: violence.- Owen, tenth-grade teen volunteer
Publisher's description:
The Martian meets Multiplicity 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.