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Mickey7 #2
Antimatter Blues
Summer has come to Niflheim. The lichens are growing, the six-winged bat-things are chirping, and much to his own surprise, Mickey Barnes is still alive—that last part thanks almost entirely to the fact that Commander Marshall believes that the colony’s creeper neighbors are holding an antimatter bomb, and that Mickey is the only one who’s keeping them from using it. Mickey’s just another colonist now. Instead of cleaning out the reactor core, he spends his time these days cleaning out the rabbit hutches. It’s not a bad life.
It’s not going to last.
It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.
It’s not going to last.
It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.
312 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2023
1301 people are currently reading
18769 people want to read
About the author
Edward Ashton
30 books1,450 followersEdward Ashton is the author of the novels Mickey7, Three Days in April and The End of Ordinary. His short fiction has appeared in venues ranging from the newsletter of an Italian sausage company to Escape Pod, Analog, and Fireside Fiction. He lives in upstate New York in a cabin in the woods (not that Cabin in the Woods) with his wife, a variable number of daughters, and an adorably mopey dog named Max, where he writes—mostly fiction, occasionally fact—under the watchful eyes of a giant woodpecker and a rotating cast of barred owls. In his free time, he enjoys cancer research, teaching quantum physics to sullen graduate students, and whittling. You can find him online at edwardashton.com or on Twitter @edashtonwriting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,606 reviews
August 11, 2022
Such a gripping read! Literally had me reading this SO fast to figure everything out. Pretty fast paced and constant action throughout. I haven't read Mickey 7, which this book refers to alot of what happened in it, but without reading it I still believe this book was AMAZING. Now I need to get Mickey 7 and read it to get the back log. Fascinating. Mickey's character development by the end of the story was truly remarkable! Absolutely loved The Speaker throughout the story as well Nasha's fierceness! The author truly knows how to build a world that seems so real and submerges you into it so you feel you're in the middle of all of the action. Loved this! I'll absolutely have to read more by the author now!
I received this ARC by the publishers and NetGalley to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC by the publishers and NetGalley to read and review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
March 18, 2023
3.5 Stars
I really enjoyed Mickey7 so I was eager to pick up this follow up novel. Set after the events of the first book, I recommend reading the books in publication order to avoid spoiling yourself. Like the first, this was so fun and engaging. I often struggle with humorous books but this one worked for me. I liked it, but I liked Mickey7 more because it was a fresh concept at the time.
I really enjoyed Mickey7 so I was eager to pick up this follow up novel. Set after the events of the first book, I recommend reading the books in publication order to avoid spoiling yourself. Like the first, this was so fun and engaging. I often struggle with humorous books but this one worked for me. I liked it, but I liked Mickey7 more because it was a fresh concept at the time.
March 30, 2023
This is the second book about Mickey, an expandable human. Which basically means that his consciousness / memories are transferred into a new body every time he dies. Which he did a lot in book 1 since that was his job: doing the most dangerous stuff so other human colonists didn’t have to. But Mickey was sick of it on his 7th life and managed to regain independence.
Now, though, the colony is in danger. If Mickey can believe the colony’s commander. They are running out of energy and will therefore probably freeze to death as soon as the planet’s winter returns (which is supposed to be soon). The solution? Recovering the antimatter bomb Mickey told everyone but his girlfriend had been left with the creepers (native alien life-form).
Only, Mickey had actually buried it instead of giving it to the creepers and … well … it’s gone. *lol*
Honestly, the first half of the book was pretty much a slog (see my status update). I was almost able to abandon the book entirely. But then Mickey made contact with the creepers and had a highly fascinating conversation with Speaker (a creeper fashioned after a human, sort of, and therefore capable of speech as we know it).
That was apparently the starter’s gun and the book took off and got pretty entertaining what with Mickey and his friends going on a mad romp to find the antimatter bomb, making contact with yet another alien species. Sure, it’s still popcorn but good popcorn.
I particularly enjoyed the first-contact-like part where the humans have to figure out how to adequately express everyone’s wishes to one another cross-species. Without getting everyone killed, preferably. Many stories make it seem way too easy and forget that not every other life-form would think along the same lines (not by a long shot). The creatures here were alien enough and the author nicely emphasized that.
The writing was just like in the first book. In fact, it could have seemed as if the author had written the stories in one go and only then separated them, weren’t it for Mickey’s relentless (and annoying) recounting of what had happened in book 1 or what had motivated Mickey to do what he did in book 1.
So yeah, the book had its weaknesses but it was also a very nice way to spend a day.
Now, though, the colony is in danger. If Mickey can believe the colony’s commander. They are running out of energy and will therefore probably freeze to death as soon as the planet’s winter returns (which is supposed to be soon). The solution? Recovering the antimatter bomb Mickey told everyone but his girlfriend had been left with the creepers (native alien life-form).
Only, Mickey had actually buried it instead of giving it to the creepers and … well … it’s gone. *lol*
Honestly, the first half of the book was pretty much a slog (see my status update). I was almost able to abandon the book entirely. But then Mickey made contact with the creepers and had a highly fascinating conversation with Speaker (a creeper fashioned after a human, sort of, and therefore capable of speech as we know it).
That was apparently the starter’s gun and the book took off and got pretty entertaining what with Mickey and his friends going on a mad romp to find the antimatter bomb, making contact with yet another alien species. Sure, it’s still popcorn but good popcorn.
I particularly enjoyed the first-contact-like part where the humans have to figure out how to adequately express everyone’s wishes to one another cross-species. Without getting everyone killed, preferably. Many stories make it seem way too easy and forget that not every other life-form would think along the same lines (not by a long shot). The creatures here were alien enough and the author nicely emphasized that.
The writing was just like in the first book. In fact, it could have seemed as if the author had written the stories in one go and only then separated them, weren’t it for Mickey’s relentless (and annoying) recounting of what had happened in book 1 or what had motivated Mickey to do what he did in book 1.
So yeah, the book had its weaknesses but it was also a very nice way to spend a day.
January 26, 2025
loved seeing nasha and my himbo prince mickey again
April 18, 2023
4 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2023/04/15/...
Coming on the heels of Mickey7 is the sequel Antimatter Blues, which is as off-the-hook and irreverent as its predecessor. If you liked the first book, I think you will find this follow-up just as good, and in some respects even better.
Approximately two years have passed since Mickey Barnes’ retirement. The former Expendable has said no more to dying—which had been his only purpose on their colony’s expedition to settle the icy planet of Niflheim. Mickey was the one they sent in every time a mission got too dangerous, because if he died, they’d just clone another copy of him and download his consciousness into the new body with his memories mostly intact. This happened over and over, until the seventh iteration, who’d had enough, decided to do something about it.
If you aren’t caught up with the series yet, avert thine eyes because here be spoilers for the first book. Antimatter Blues begins with Mickey7 alive and well, enjoying life as just another colonist. He has a girlfriend and works as a general laborer, spending his days cleaning out rabbit hutches. Compared to his old job, this was like heaven, and it’s all because Commander Marshall, the colony’s leader, believes that Mickey had given an antimatter bomb to the creepers, the alien creatures that share the planet. Mickey had convinced Marshall that he and he alone had the power to tell the creepers not to activate the bomb, when in reality, all he did was bury it in a nearby hole.
It would have been a good plan, with none the wiser, except now, winter is coming to Niflheim. The antimatter used to fuel the colony is running low, and Marshall is desperate to get the bomb back so they can replenish their stores, going as far as to swallow his pride and make a deal with Mickey. But can Marshall be trusted? If Mickey gave up the bomb, there would be nothing to keep him from being forced to be an Expendable again, but if he didn’t, the whole colony was going to freeze to death. Turns out, in the end, none of it even matters. Mickey goes back to the site of where he’d hidden the bomb to check on it, only to find it…gone. With the whereabouts of the bomb a mystery, and an entire colony on the brink of extinction, Mickey’s just realized that perhaps burying a weapon of mass destruction in a random icefield wasn’t such a good idea after all, oops!
Here’s the thing—Mickey’s kind of an asshole. He also always doing things—stupid, dangerous, crazy things—without thinking them through. In that sense, not much has changed from the first book, because despite getting a chance at a fresh start, there has been little in terms of personal growth. That being said, if you came to this book from Mickey7, you’re probably already familiar with the protagonist’s personality and presumably enjoyed it. In that case, you’re in luck. Mickey is as snarky and reckless as ever, leading to some spectacularly disastrous results when he finds himself playing diplomatic liaison between the human settlers and the bug-like alien creepers.
Speaking of which, one of my favorite things of Antimatter Blues was its focus on the creepers and their fascinating society. This element, which was barely touched upon in the first book, has become a prominent part of the plot in this sequel. Here, too, the author has managed to inject a lot of humor into the situation, as evidenced by Speaker, the creeper who has taken on the task of dealing with Mickey and the colonists.
Then there was the plot. Looking back, Mickey7 was a lot of fun to read, but it was admittedly built upon a rather simplistic idea, and a gimmicky one at that. While the sequel may not be a bastion of literary genius either, the story is decidedly more complex with more action and thrills. Still, if you can, I would recommend reading the two books back-to-back. Antimatter Blues was the more entertaining novel for me, and theoretically you can read it as a standalone, but you would also be missing out on a lot of context from the first book, which even Mickey’s constant attempts to fill new readers in will not be sufficient enough to provide.
So, if you’re looking for a light sci-fi read that’s fast-paced and fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, this series might just do the trick.
Coming on the heels of Mickey7 is the sequel Antimatter Blues, which is as off-the-hook and irreverent as its predecessor. If you liked the first book, I think you will find this follow-up just as good, and in some respects even better.
Approximately two years have passed since Mickey Barnes’ retirement. The former Expendable has said no more to dying—which had been his only purpose on their colony’s expedition to settle the icy planet of Niflheim. Mickey was the one they sent in every time a mission got too dangerous, because if he died, they’d just clone another copy of him and download his consciousness into the new body with his memories mostly intact. This happened over and over, until the seventh iteration, who’d had enough, decided to do something about it.
If you aren’t caught up with the series yet, avert thine eyes because here be spoilers for the first book. Antimatter Blues begins with Mickey7 alive and well, enjoying life as just another colonist. He has a girlfriend and works as a general laborer, spending his days cleaning out rabbit hutches. Compared to his old job, this was like heaven, and it’s all because Commander Marshall, the colony’s leader, believes that Mickey had given an antimatter bomb to the creepers, the alien creatures that share the planet. Mickey had convinced Marshall that he and he alone had the power to tell the creepers not to activate the bomb, when in reality, all he did was bury it in a nearby hole.
It would have been a good plan, with none the wiser, except now, winter is coming to Niflheim. The antimatter used to fuel the colony is running low, and Marshall is desperate to get the bomb back so they can replenish their stores, going as far as to swallow his pride and make a deal with Mickey. But can Marshall be trusted? If Mickey gave up the bomb, there would be nothing to keep him from being forced to be an Expendable again, but if he didn’t, the whole colony was going to freeze to death. Turns out, in the end, none of it even matters. Mickey goes back to the site of where he’d hidden the bomb to check on it, only to find it…gone. With the whereabouts of the bomb a mystery, and an entire colony on the brink of extinction, Mickey’s just realized that perhaps burying a weapon of mass destruction in a random icefield wasn’t such a good idea after all, oops!
Here’s the thing—Mickey’s kind of an asshole. He also always doing things—stupid, dangerous, crazy things—without thinking them through. In that sense, not much has changed from the first book, because despite getting a chance at a fresh start, there has been little in terms of personal growth. That being said, if you came to this book from Mickey7, you’re probably already familiar with the protagonist’s personality and presumably enjoyed it. In that case, you’re in luck. Mickey is as snarky and reckless as ever, leading to some spectacularly disastrous results when he finds himself playing diplomatic liaison between the human settlers and the bug-like alien creepers.
Speaking of which, one of my favorite things of Antimatter Blues was its focus on the creepers and their fascinating society. This element, which was barely touched upon in the first book, has become a prominent part of the plot in this sequel. Here, too, the author has managed to inject a lot of humor into the situation, as evidenced by Speaker, the creeper who has taken on the task of dealing with Mickey and the colonists.
Then there was the plot. Looking back, Mickey7 was a lot of fun to read, but it was admittedly built upon a rather simplistic idea, and a gimmicky one at that. While the sequel may not be a bastion of literary genius either, the story is decidedly more complex with more action and thrills. Still, if you can, I would recommend reading the two books back-to-back. Antimatter Blues was the more entertaining novel for me, and theoretically you can read it as a standalone, but you would also be missing out on a lot of context from the first book, which even Mickey’s constant attempts to fill new readers in will not be sufficient enough to provide.
So, if you’re looking for a light sci-fi read that’s fast-paced and fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, this series might just do the trick.
March 13, 2025
I'm so glad I managed to finish this before I watch the movie later today, now I can go into it knowing the full story.
After the way the first book ended, I knew I had to continue this, and I enjoyed it just as much as book one, maybe even more during the Speaker parts, he was definitely my favourite.
People who liked the first book, but weren't a fan of Mickey being mostly confined inside, would probably like this one better, because we get to see more of the planet, as well as the creatures that inhabit it.
I love how much thought Ashton put into the creepers, the way they act and think and how different their customs are from ours, the language barrier with neither side properly understanding the other, it was really creative.
I wanted to know more about them after meeting them in book one, luckily I got my wish, I'm glad Antimatter Blues exists.
I'd love for this series to keep going, but I'm getting the feeling that it's over, because everything that was leftover from Mickey7 was wrapped up. Doesn't mean we won't be getting a spinoff in the future though, fingers crossed.
If you haven't seen the movie yet, pleaseeeee read at least the first book beforehand, it's a fun time!!
After the way the first book ended, I knew I had to continue this, and I enjoyed it just as much as book one, maybe even more during the Speaker parts, he was definitely my favourite.
People who liked the first book, but weren't a fan of Mickey being mostly confined inside, would probably like this one better, because we get to see more of the planet, as well as the creatures that inhabit it.
I love how much thought Ashton put into the creepers, the way they act and think and how different their customs are from ours, the language barrier with neither side properly understanding the other, it was really creative.
I wanted to know more about them after meeting them in book one, luckily I got my wish, I'm glad Antimatter Blues exists.
I'd love for this series to keep going, but I'm getting the feeling that it's over, because everything that was leftover from Mickey7 was wrapped up. Doesn't mean we won't be getting a spinoff in the future though, fingers crossed.
If you haven't seen the movie yet, pleaseeeee read at least the first book beforehand, it's a fun time!!
August 22, 2023
I think I liked this one even more than Mickey7! I mean I loved Mickey7, it was fun and snarky and yet asked some big questions with a likeably imperfect protagonist. Antimatter Blues had all of that, but the stakes were higher and the questions bigger. I enjoyed it quite a lot!
January 14, 2023
Antimatter Blues
By Edward Ashton
Oh my, I loved Mickey7! It was my favorite book from 2022! So I was so happy to get this book from NetGalley! This didn't disappoint. Fantastic!
In book one, Mickey7 hid the bomb but told his boss that the aliens had it. He said they wouldn't use it if no one attacks. Now, his boss needs it as a power supply or they won't survive. Mickey7 looks where he hid it and its gone. He asks the aliens and they said they found it and bargained it off to the warring aliens to the south, to save themselves really. Now, Mickey7 has to travel with a handful of people to try and retrieve it. Probably millions of aliens to a handful of people. Ugh!
It's funny, suspenseful, non-stop craziness, unpredictable situations, terrific dialogue, and another awesome ending! This is a must read series! It's like Hail Mary and Murderbot had a child! That's the feelings I get!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book! Thanks!!!
By Edward Ashton
Oh my, I loved Mickey7! It was my favorite book from 2022! So I was so happy to get this book from NetGalley! This didn't disappoint. Fantastic!
In book one, Mickey7 hid the bomb but told his boss that the aliens had it. He said they wouldn't use it if no one attacks. Now, his boss needs it as a power supply or they won't survive. Mickey7 looks where he hid it and its gone. He asks the aliens and they said they found it and bargained it off to the warring aliens to the south, to save themselves really. Now, Mickey7 has to travel with a handful of people to try and retrieve it. Probably millions of aliens to a handful of people. Ugh!
It's funny, suspenseful, non-stop craziness, unpredictable situations, terrific dialogue, and another awesome ending! This is a must read series! It's like Hail Mary and Murderbot had a child! That's the feelings I get!
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this terrific book! Thanks!!!
March 13, 2023
For me, this was more of a fail than it probably actually is. I was enamored with the first one, the humor worked for me, the novelty of the situation, the introspection on what it means to be an expendable, all great.
This is a series of high school debates on morality with NOTHING happening in between. The humor becomes tired, the novelty is gone. This felt like a poorly thought out cash grab. One lone spot was the Speaker. Those bits recaptured the magic but you don't meet him until 1/2 way in and was not magical enough to save this book.
This is a series of high school debates on morality with NOTHING happening in between. The humor becomes tired, the novelty is gone. This felt like a poorly thought out cash grab. One lone spot was the Speaker. Those bits recaptured the magic but you don't meet him until 1/2 way in and was not magical enough to save this book.
June 20, 2024
Fun read but not as good as Mickey7.
I loved Mickey7 so I knew I had to check out this book. Antimatter Blues is similar to Mickey7 in lots of ways such was writing style, humour and pace.
Unfortunately, the plot didn't really grab me. While I enjoyed reading it I wouldn't be surprised if I will forgot I've read this book in a year or so.
I loved Mickey7 so I knew I had to check out this book. Antimatter Blues is similar to Mickey7 in lots of ways such was writing style, humour and pace.
Unfortunately, the plot didn't really grab me. While I enjoyed reading it I wouldn't be surprised if I will forgot I've read this book in a year or so.
June 14, 2025
“Existence is just a series of bizarre choices, and I’m here for every single one of them.”
In Antimatter Blues, the exhilarating sequel to Edward Ashton’s Micky 7, we’re once again thrust into the unpredictable whirlwind of Micky’s life—the clone with an uncanny ability to navigate the impossible. Ashton artfully continues his exploration of identity, humanity, and the comedic absurdities that entwine them. As Micky grapples with new challenges and moral quandaries in an ever-chaotic universe, his signature wit and charm are on full, delightful display.
Ashton's mastery of pacing shines brightly once more, propelling us through a vibrant tapestry of adventures that echo Micky’s internal struggles. The stakes have never been higher, delivering a rollercoaster of heart-pounding encounters intermingled with sharp, well-timed humor. With each page, the narrative flows seamlessly, making it a breeze of a read.
What stands out most in Antimatter Blues is its poignant examination of connections and consequences. Micky's interactions with both familiar and new characters are richly developed, unveiling layers of emotion and camaraderie that resonate deeply. The complex dynamics of relationships—particularly in the context of cloning and survival—invite reflection and contemplation.
Ashton’s incredible world-building continues to impress, crafting a universe that is both bizarre and relatable. The scientific elements introduced in this installment feel innovative and engaging, skillfully steering clear of overwhelming jargon while still adding profound depth to the storytelling. The fascinating ideas surrounding antimatter and its implications provide a compelling backdrop for Micky’s adventurous path.
Micky’s journey becomes even more nuanced in Antimatter Blues, incorporating a delightful blend of slapstick humor and insightful commentary on existence. The unique challenges he faces—balancing laugh-out-loud moments with the serious weight of his situation—keep readers riveted.
With endless possibilities for Micky's next escapade, I find myself eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in this captivating saga.
In Antimatter Blues, the exhilarating sequel to Edward Ashton’s Micky 7, we’re once again thrust into the unpredictable whirlwind of Micky’s life—the clone with an uncanny ability to navigate the impossible. Ashton artfully continues his exploration of identity, humanity, and the comedic absurdities that entwine them. As Micky grapples with new challenges and moral quandaries in an ever-chaotic universe, his signature wit and charm are on full, delightful display.
Ashton's mastery of pacing shines brightly once more, propelling us through a vibrant tapestry of adventures that echo Micky’s internal struggles. The stakes have never been higher, delivering a rollercoaster of heart-pounding encounters intermingled with sharp, well-timed humor. With each page, the narrative flows seamlessly, making it a breeze of a read.
What stands out most in Antimatter Blues is its poignant examination of connections and consequences. Micky's interactions with both familiar and new characters are richly developed, unveiling layers of emotion and camaraderie that resonate deeply. The complex dynamics of relationships—particularly in the context of cloning and survival—invite reflection and contemplation.
Ashton’s incredible world-building continues to impress, crafting a universe that is both bizarre and relatable. The scientific elements introduced in this installment feel innovative and engaging, skillfully steering clear of overwhelming jargon while still adding profound depth to the storytelling. The fascinating ideas surrounding antimatter and its implications provide a compelling backdrop for Micky’s adventurous path.
Micky’s journey becomes even more nuanced in Antimatter Blues, incorporating a delightful blend of slapstick humor and insightful commentary on existence. The unique challenges he faces—balancing laugh-out-loud moments with the serious weight of his situation—keep readers riveted.
With endless possibilities for Micky's next escapade, I find myself eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in this captivating saga.
April 3, 2023
I really enjoyed Mickey7, it was a pleasant surprise, and here we follow some similar adventures—minus the doppelganger aspect of the first book. With the way Mickey7 ended, there are some elements that are out of play here, but I like how the story went back to the events of the first book to take this one on a different path.
I like how it somehow refreshed the situation of who and where the characters are without needing to rehash the first book. I think it was quite a brave choice to have such an interesting concept for the first book and then to follow it up with a good story that builds on it, despite the biggest building block no longer being in play.
We still have the creepers, and we expand on what we know of them, seeing more of their society and more of the world as well—this planet that Mickey and his friends find themselves on. Antimatter Blues is a good, solid sci-fi book that doesn't reach too high, and so doesn't fall short of its target. I think it compliments Mickey7 quite well, and fans of that first book should feel right at home with this one.
I like how it somehow refreshed the situation of who and where the characters are without needing to rehash the first book. I think it was quite a brave choice to have such an interesting concept for the first book and then to follow it up with a good story that builds on it, despite the biggest building block no longer being in play.
We still have the creepers, and we expand on what we know of them, seeing more of their society and more of the world as well—this planet that Mickey and his friends find themselves on. Antimatter Blues is a good, solid sci-fi book that doesn't reach too high, and so doesn't fall short of its target. I think it compliments Mickey7 quite well, and fans of that first book should feel right at home with this one.
April 5, 2023
Andy Weir had a love child with Adrian Tchaikovsky. The result has 12 legs, give or take, and comes in varying shapes and sizes. We meet Mickey7 again, his various fellow colonists and get close and personal with the creepers once more. Mickey left something behind at the end of the first novel and now he has to get it back, desperately. Things go from bad to worse and it‘s all very entertaining.
You have issues with creepy crawlies and spiders? This is not your book! I had fun though. We get more insights into the society of the creepers and meet some other critters as well. This is not something deep and insightful though, this is pure popcorn fiction. There is not a lot of character development either, Mickey is the same clueless guy as in the previous book and the other characters remain just as one-dimensional. Still, entertaining. I am looking forward to the next book.
You have issues with creepy crawlies and spiders? This is not your book! I had fun though. We get more insights into the society of the creepers and meet some other critters as well. This is not something deep and insightful though, this is pure popcorn fiction. There is not a lot of character development either, Mickey is the same clueless guy as in the previous book and the other characters remain just as one-dimensional. Still, entertaining. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 8, 2025
This book continues on from the first keeping a fast, enjoyable pace throughout. It keeps the humour and sharp dialogue that made the first book enjoyable, but also raises the stakes. It’s still focused on Mickey and the colony but with tense negotiations, new alien threats, and the consequences of his past choices thrown in the mix.
”Have you ever had one of those days when it becomes painfully apparent that the universe is deliberately screwing with you?”
Ashton’s writing is clear and snappy, making the book easy to read while still delivering action, suspense, and ethical dilemmas with a side of humour to keep it light. The characters feel real, with Mickey’s wit and flawed but likeable personality driving the story. The world building expands with a deeper look at both the human colony and the mysterious native species of Niflheim which kept me glued to the pages.
Overall it’s a solid and fun sequel. It balances action and humour while exploring what it means to be human. Fans of Mickey 7 will enjoy this next chapter in his journey. I did find that some moments felt a bit predictable, but the mix of humour, adventure, and moral questions kept things fresh.
”Have you ever had one of those days when it becomes painfully apparent that the universe is deliberately screwing with you?”
Ashton’s writing is clear and snappy, making the book easy to read while still delivering action, suspense, and ethical dilemmas with a side of humour to keep it light. The characters feel real, with Mickey’s wit and flawed but likeable personality driving the story. The world building expands with a deeper look at both the human colony and the mysterious native species of Niflheim which kept me glued to the pages.
Overall it’s a solid and fun sequel. It balances action and humour while exploring what it means to be human. Fans of Mickey 7 will enjoy this next chapter in his journey. I did find that some moments felt a bit predictable, but the mix of humour, adventure, and moral questions kept things fresh.
July 22, 2022
If you care there are indeed Spoilers below.
It’s not very often I read a book and immediately go lower my rating on the first one because the second one really just beat home the flaws and issues of the first one.
Antimatter Blues takes place - supposedly 2 years after the events of the first Mickey7 book. Mickey is still alive and he’s been puttering around the colony, seeminly fine and unbothered by everyone. Now - I say supposedly because several pages just past the opening we have a scene with Berto and Mickey in which Mickey brings up Berto’s abandonment of Mickey in the beginning of the first book. Almost as if they hadn’t spoken in two years. That strange exchange of telling us one thing but the characters definitely not acting appropriately set the tone for the entirety of this book.
Mickey is no longer an Expendable at the time of this book. Instead he’s a rabbit feeder/tomato tender/useless bum but somehow - based entirely on his fictional ‘ambassador’ status to the Creeper colony outside their Dome. As you can expect this unravels very quickly (especially since it doesn’t seem to make any sense in the first place). The bomb that Mickey hid is missing and he in fact DOES become an ambassador to the Creepers to try to locate and return it.
My list of problems with this books is long and frustrating. I'll focus on the characters - starting with Mickey himself who is the ultimate Mary Sue. Bad things happen - but not to Mickey. He is never really held accountable for his actions, he doesn’t truly actually have any trauma from his time as an Expendable (besides a vague feeling of ‘I don’t want to do that’ when things seem familiar), and ultimately he’s just fine. The secondary characters are simply devices to prop up Mickey. Nasha is a glorified sex pillow with a sad family backstory to give her the façade of a personality (she never actually changes, just develops a dangerous brain tumor that fuels Mickey - which is a WHOLE other can of worms). Speaker is the ‘cute animal companion’ we didn’t need. Berto is still a unnecessary asshole whose only contribution or change is his fancy new glider. No one else mattered - except the Marshall who heroically sacrifices himself. A fact of which Mickey gets jealous.
It's really easy to ignore the plot because ultimately isn't important. Mickey fixes everything. As mentioned above, he's right all the time. Things might surprise him but ultimately it all works out. The people who end up hurt are the people who doubted him so we clearly aren't meant to care about them anyway. And honestly, they are the ones who carry the consequences of all of Mickey's actions. So no need to beat those two poor dead shells of characters.
It’s not often a book reminds me of Ready Player One. But this one did. And it’s not a good reminder. I don’t recommend this one. I barely recommend the first one.
One Star. I can’t even make a fun rating out of this one. One Star - do not recommend.
It’s not very often I read a book and immediately go lower my rating on the first one because the second one really just beat home the flaws and issues of the first one.
Antimatter Blues takes place - supposedly 2 years after the events of the first Mickey7 book. Mickey is still alive and he’s been puttering around the colony, seeminly fine and unbothered by everyone. Now - I say supposedly because several pages just past the opening we have a scene with Berto and Mickey in which Mickey brings up Berto’s abandonment of Mickey in the beginning of the first book. Almost as if they hadn’t spoken in two years. That strange exchange of telling us one thing but the characters definitely not acting appropriately set the tone for the entirety of this book.
Mickey is no longer an Expendable at the time of this book. Instead he’s a rabbit feeder/tomato tender/useless bum but somehow - based entirely on his fictional ‘ambassador’ status to the Creeper colony outside their Dome. As you can expect this unravels very quickly (especially since it doesn’t seem to make any sense in the first place). The bomb that Mickey hid is missing and he in fact DOES become an ambassador to the Creepers to try to locate and return it.
My list of problems with this books is long and frustrating. I'll focus on the characters - starting with Mickey himself who is the ultimate Mary Sue. Bad things happen - but not to Mickey. He is never really held accountable for his actions, he doesn’t truly actually have any trauma from his time as an Expendable (besides a vague feeling of ‘I don’t want to do that’ when things seem familiar), and ultimately he’s just fine. The secondary characters are simply devices to prop up Mickey. Nasha is a glorified sex pillow with a sad family backstory to give her the façade of a personality (she never actually changes, just develops a dangerous brain tumor that fuels Mickey - which is a WHOLE other can of worms). Speaker is the ‘cute animal companion’ we didn’t need. Berto is still a unnecessary asshole whose only contribution or change is his fancy new glider. No one else mattered - except the Marshall who heroically sacrifices himself. A fact of which Mickey gets jealous.
It's really easy to ignore the plot because ultimately isn't important. Mickey fixes everything. As mentioned above, he's right all the time. Things might surprise him but ultimately it all works out. The people who end up hurt are the people who doubted him so we clearly aren't meant to care about them anyway. And honestly, they are the ones who carry the consequences of all of Mickey's actions. So no need to beat those two poor dead shells of characters.
It’s not often a book reminds me of Ready Player One. But this one did. And it’s not a good reminder. I don’t recommend this one. I barely recommend the first one.
One Star. I can’t even make a fun rating out of this one. One Star - do not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2023
2.5 stars!
Unfortunately, book #2 in the Mickey7 series was not as good as the first book... for me.
It didn't pick up for me until page 96. Then I was on board.
There was way more action in this one... towards the middle-ish to the end, but I missed the mystery, suspense, and humor from Mickey7.
You can check out all of my thoughts in this video: https://youtu.be/ZzIt4_cdmt8
Unfortunately, book #2 in the Mickey7 series was not as good as the first book... for me.
It didn't pick up for me until page 96. Then I was on board.
There was way more action in this one... towards the middle-ish to the end, but I missed the mystery, suspense, and humor from Mickey7.
You can check out all of my thoughts in this video: https://youtu.be/ZzIt4_cdmt8
March 15, 2023
Fun read! Edward Ashton writes scifi with such humor. In this second book in his Mickey7 series, Mickey Barnes has retired as an 'Expendable' for the space colony but one of his last acts in book #1 has come back to haunt him in the present. It will be up to him to communicate with the native alien species they call 'creepers' and get 'the antimatter bomb' back. The fate of the colony is in his hands!
An action-packed sci fi novel with delightful characters, a good dose of humor and even some romance. Mickey has been through a lot in his time as an 'expendable' but tries to be brave and can be counted on to blunder in where others fear to go. He tries to make honorable decisions when put to the test--I really liked that about our hero. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I am grateful to have received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review though is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
An action-packed sci fi novel with delightful characters, a good dose of humor and even some romance. Mickey has been through a lot in his time as an 'expendable' but tries to be brave and can be counted on to blunder in where others fear to go. He tries to make honorable decisions when put to the test--I really liked that about our hero. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
I am grateful to have received an arc from the author and publisher via NetGalley. My review though is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
August 28, 2022
Steadily maintaining the same lightly humorous style, daredevil antics, and brisk action-driven pace, Mickey7 is back and sequelized. Of course, the man in no stranger to replication; in fact, that’s kind of his thing.
Mickey7 is a once professional and since retired Expendable colonizer of a distant world. Once he specialized in risky/impossible jobs and being brought back as a rebootable clone of sorts.
But not anymore. Now Mickey’s retired from all that, enjoying the good life of mindless chores and spending time with his girlfriend, Nasha.
Now the winter is coming…and if we learn one thing from seven season of Game of Thrones it’s that you gotta prepare for the winter.
The retirement was only good until Mickey’s inimitable services are needed once again. Now he must go retrieve the bomb he left with the locals two years ago. Absolutely must as in the survival of the colonizing mission depends on it.
And so once more into the…exoplanetary madness of it all. This time with a team, reluctant as they may be. Follow Mickey’s adventures amid the semi-hostile planet and its fascinating denizens. Follow the fun.
And it is fun, Almost exactly as much fun as its predecessor, which is to say considerable amounts. Mickey’s story is slick and movie adaptation-ready. The characters have that winsome easy-breezy charm that almost seems glib, an action-flick devil-may-care attitude, always ready with a joke or spunky banter.
It might be great art or great literature for that matter, but it’s very entertaining and enjoyable, well written with some nice world-building, and reads very, very quickly. No wonder it’s one of my favorite recent science fiction reads. Sometimes you just want pure snack food sort of fun and Mickey got oodles of it. And by the looks of it, is gearing to return in further adventures. Because, you know, colonizing a planet is complicated…and series from a marketing perspective are easy money. And I’d probably read the next one too, though I’m not much into series, because, you know, fun. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Mickey7 is a once professional and since retired Expendable colonizer of a distant world. Once he specialized in risky/impossible jobs and being brought back as a rebootable clone of sorts.
But not anymore. Now Mickey’s retired from all that, enjoying the good life of mindless chores and spending time with his girlfriend, Nasha.
Now the winter is coming…and if we learn one thing from seven season of Game of Thrones it’s that you gotta prepare for the winter.
The retirement was only good until Mickey’s inimitable services are needed once again. Now he must go retrieve the bomb he left with the locals two years ago. Absolutely must as in the survival of the colonizing mission depends on it.
And so once more into the…exoplanetary madness of it all. This time with a team, reluctant as they may be. Follow Mickey’s adventures amid the semi-hostile planet and its fascinating denizens. Follow the fun.
And it is fun, Almost exactly as much fun as its predecessor, which is to say considerable amounts. Mickey’s story is slick and movie adaptation-ready. The characters have that winsome easy-breezy charm that almost seems glib, an action-flick devil-may-care attitude, always ready with a joke or spunky banter.
It might be great art or great literature for that matter, but it’s very entertaining and enjoyable, well written with some nice world-building, and reads very, very quickly. No wonder it’s one of my favorite recent science fiction reads. Sometimes you just want pure snack food sort of fun and Mickey got oodles of it. And by the looks of it, is gearing to return in further adventures. Because, you know, colonizing a planet is complicated…and series from a marketing perspective are easy money. And I’d probably read the next one too, though I’m not much into series, because, you know, fun. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
May 27, 2024
Antimatter Blues is the second book in the Mickey7 series. I absolutely loved the first book due to its fast paced storyline and humor. And needless to say, the second book is equally as brilliant.
Can't wait for the movie adaptation!
5 stars.
Can't wait for the movie adaptation!
5 stars.
July 8, 2024
I don’t enjoy the sequel as much as Mickey7, but it was still a fun time. You can check out more of my thoughts here!
https://youtu.be/J8OsrOqXWKA
https://youtu.be/J8OsrOqXWKA
March 21, 2024
Estuvo bien. Fresco. Esta vez se centra más en los habitantes de una y otra parte del planeta (no muy variados pero desarrollaron un ingenioso sistema de "reproducción" si es que puede llamarse así, que hacía que sus escasas especies pudieran alcanzar un inquietante número de individuos), que en el propio Mickey7.
Llegas a encariñarte una pizca con Portavoz, el gusano, ¡Quién lo diría!.
El final fue como poco, inesperado.
El resto... entretenido. Una historia de ciencia ficción amena, que se lee con gusto. Más bien light, eso sí. Así que puede leerse como descanso entre dos lecturas significativas
Llegas a encariñarte una pizca con Portavoz, el gusano, ¡Quién lo diría!.
El final fue como poco, inesperado.
El resto... entretenido. Una historia de ciencia ficción amena, que se lee con gusto. Más bien light, eso sí. Así que puede leerse como descanso entre dos lecturas significativas
May 18, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
This sequel was fantastic and I loved getting into Mickey’s mind again. The description of some of the creatures in this book had my skin crawling at times and I couldn’t get enough. Definitely recommend if you enjoyed the first book!
This sequel was fantastic and I loved getting into Mickey’s mind again. The description of some of the creatures in this book had my skin crawling at times and I couldn’t get enough. Definitely recommend if you enjoyed the first book!
April 1, 2025
Follow up story to mickey 7.
mickey has retired, much to the chagrin of the mission commander, eho reveals they dont have enough energy to aurvive thru next season. There is hope, the antimatter bomb he hid with the aliens… the catch- he has to go retrieve it but its not where he left it….
A fun sequel that is a good successor in tone and allows for plot to move despite some slight character inconsistencies. My guess: there will be a third
mickey has retired, much to the chagrin of the mission commander, eho reveals they dont have enough energy to aurvive thru next season. There is hope, the antimatter bomb he hid with the aliens… the catch- he has to go retrieve it but its not where he left it….
A fun sequel that is a good successor in tone and allows for plot to move despite some slight character inconsistencies. My guess: there will be a third
March 15, 2023
**** Happy Publication Day ****
This is the second book in this series and is just as entertaining as the first one, Mickey7. Although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Mickey7 first for the character background and, well, just because it's good!
It has been two years since Mickey7 fell into the creeper labyrinth and returned to tell of his experiences. Now, thanks to Commander Marshall's belief that expendables are an abomination, Mickey7 is still the last iteration in his line of clones. He spends his days cleaning rabbit hutches and other menial tasks, all the while conning Marshall into believing he is the colony liaison with the creepers.
A crisis is brewing in the Niflheim colony: the antimatter needed to fuel the colony is running low and the only known source is a bomb that the creepers possess. Marshall enlists Mickey to retrieve it and in doing so, sets off a series of events that may doom both species.
I love Mickey7. He is snarky, irreverent and a survivor, traits that probably don't make him the ideal candidate to conduct sensitive negotiations between two species who are depending on him for survival. This is a fun read that is both dramatic and comedic. It also raises ethical questions about how to negotiate with an alien species whose values are not the same as ours. I highly recommend both Mickey7 and Antimatter Blues for anyone who enjoys a good science fiction read.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy for review. The publication date is March 14, 2023.
This is the second book in this series and is just as entertaining as the first one, Mickey7. Although it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Mickey7 first for the character background and, well, just because it's good!
It has been two years since Mickey7 fell into the creeper labyrinth and returned to tell of his experiences. Now, thanks to Commander Marshall's belief that expendables are an abomination, Mickey7 is still the last iteration in his line of clones. He spends his days cleaning rabbit hutches and other menial tasks, all the while conning Marshall into believing he is the colony liaison with the creepers.
A crisis is brewing in the Niflheim colony: the antimatter needed to fuel the colony is running low and the only known source is a bomb that the creepers possess. Marshall enlists Mickey to retrieve it and in doing so, sets off a series of events that may doom both species.
I love Mickey7. He is snarky, irreverent and a survivor, traits that probably don't make him the ideal candidate to conduct sensitive negotiations between two species who are depending on him for survival. This is a fun read that is both dramatic and comedic. It also raises ethical questions about how to negotiate with an alien species whose values are not the same as ours. I highly recommend both Mickey7 and Antimatter Blues for anyone who enjoys a good science fiction read.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy for review. The publication date is March 14, 2023.
February 26, 2023
Antimatter Blues
by Edward Ashton
Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
For two years Mickey is still retired from his job of being an expendable, meaning for the last two years he hadn't died, but the reason he was able to retire has come back to haunt him. That antimatter bomb he said the creepers have, well if the humans want to make it through the upcoming winter, they need it back. But if he brings it back will that mean his retirement is over?
A short book with quite a few flashbacks to the first, some needed some not, and a few extras about Mickey's life before signing up for the job. It's not a hard storyline to follow, the science of it is simple for the most part, and the native lifeforms are interesting, simple, but interesting. Though the new species could've used some more descriptions.
The characters are likable, though some of them seem as if they are just filler, and others are even less than that, they don't even have a decent description. The world itself needs more history, it's only brushed over, as is the colony's habitat. They both need more so readers can center themselves into the world and what life is like.
Not a bad story; short, simple, and suitable for readers fourteen and older.
3 Stars
by Edward Ashton
Science Fiction
NetGalley eARC
For two years Mickey is still retired from his job of being an expendable, meaning for the last two years he hadn't died, but the reason he was able to retire has come back to haunt him. That antimatter bomb he said the creepers have, well if the humans want to make it through the upcoming winter, they need it back. But if he brings it back will that mean his retirement is over?
A short book with quite a few flashbacks to the first, some needed some not, and a few extras about Mickey's life before signing up for the job. It's not a hard storyline to follow, the science of it is simple for the most part, and the native lifeforms are interesting, simple, but interesting. Though the new species could've used some more descriptions.
The characters are likable, though some of them seem as if they are just filler, and others are even less than that, they don't even have a decent description. The world itself needs more history, it's only brushed over, as is the colony's habitat. They both need more so readers can center themselves into the world and what life is like.
Not a bad story; short, simple, and suitable for readers fourteen and older.
3 Stars
September 15, 2024
Another fun, but lightweight, sci-fi comedy. If anybody thought that the Mickey7 books are grim, they're actually 60s pulp/ John Scalzi throwbacks. No more Mickey clones this time, at the end of the previous book he hid a dangerous bomb behind some rocks and hoped no one would find it. Well, it turns out they need that weapon as a power source and he has to save the human colony again by going after the aliens who now have it. With a team including his girlfriend and his buddy, they are joined by a member of the local hive-mind alien species to seek out a different tribe. There are some fun sci-fi ideas and the banter exploring human and hive-mind consciousness is interesting. It's more of an adventure than the first book which was more comedy. There's some action, some romance, and aliens. Goofy alien planet fun.
September 14, 2024
‘AntiMatter Blues’ by Edward Ashton is the second book in the Mickey7 series. Readers should read Mickey7 before this one since the books are not standalone. Mickey7 is the narrator, and he’s been killed six times. Well, it was thought to be seven times, and Mickey8 was created before it was known Mickey7 hadn’t actually died yet. The rule was if two expendables were unintentionally alive, both copies had to go down the recycle hole. It didn’t go down like that as it should have by the rulebook. A lot of mistakes were made! But Mickey7 is the expendable who knows where he hid the bomb, so he is still alive. It’s a convoluted story, which is why it is best if the reader start with book one before this one.
It is always interesting times for an expendable!
I have copied the book blurb:
”Edward Ashton's Antimatter Blues is the thrilling follow up to Mickey7 in which an expendable heads out to explore new terrain for human habitation.
Summer has come to Niflheim. The lichens are growing, the six-winged bat-things are chirping, and much to his own surprise, Mickey Barnes is still alive—that last part thanks almost entirely to the fact that Commander Marshall believes that the colony’s creeper neighbors are holding an antimatter bomb, and that Mickey is the only one who’s keeping them from using it. Mickey’s just another colonist now. Instead of cleaning out the reactor core, he spends his time these days cleaning out the rabbit hutches. It’s not a bad life.
It’s not going to last.
It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.”
In the previous novel, it was discovered the Creepers are sentient. They don’t have a culture like people, so it took awhile for the colonists to realize the Creepers can talk. The Creepers, in turn, did not understand how humans work. It caused a misunderstanding, with deaths. After all, it IS the Creepers’ planet. But Mickey7 is the only human who can talk to them (read the first book). Things are very tense between Creeper and human. It gets worse, because in this book, the colony makes the sad discovery the Creepers are not the only bug colony as they had thought! Well. Maybe the enemy of my enemies is my enemy?
This is an excellent science fiction series! It is a fun entertainment written with light-hearted humor despite the seriousness of the troubles the little colony faces. I highly recommend it.
It is always interesting times for an expendable!
I have copied the book blurb:
”Edward Ashton's Antimatter Blues is the thrilling follow up to Mickey7 in which an expendable heads out to explore new terrain for human habitation.
Summer has come to Niflheim. The lichens are growing, the six-winged bat-things are chirping, and much to his own surprise, Mickey Barnes is still alive—that last part thanks almost entirely to the fact that Commander Marshall believes that the colony’s creeper neighbors are holding an antimatter bomb, and that Mickey is the only one who’s keeping them from using it. Mickey’s just another colonist now. Instead of cleaning out the reactor core, he spends his time these days cleaning out the rabbit hutches. It’s not a bad life.
It’s not going to last.
It may be sunny now, but winter is coming. The antimatter that fuels the colony is running low, and Marshall wants his bomb back. If Mickey agrees to retrieve it, he’ll be giving up the only thing that’s kept his head off of the chopping block. If he refuses, he might doom the entire colony. Meanwhile, the creepers have their own worries, and they’re not going to surrender the bomb without getting something in return. Once again, Mickey finds the fate of two species resting in his hands. If something goes wrong this time, though, he won’t be coming back.”
In the previous novel, it was discovered the Creepers are sentient. They don’t have a culture like people, so it took awhile for the colonists to realize the Creepers can talk. The Creepers, in turn, did not understand how humans work. It caused a misunderstanding, with deaths. After all, it IS the Creepers’ planet. But Mickey7 is the only human who can talk to them (read the first book). Things are very tense between Creeper and human. It gets worse, because in this book, the colony makes the sad discovery the Creepers are not the only bug colony as they had thought! Well. Maybe the enemy of my enemies is my enemy?
This is an excellent science fiction series! It is a fun entertainment written with light-hearted humor despite the seriousness of the troubles the little colony faces. I highly recommend it.
March 15, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I was so happy when I received this ARC as I had an ARC of Mickey 7 too and thoroughly enjoyed it! This story continues about two years after the other book ends and I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one. I honestly had no idea what kinds of trouble Mickey could be getting into this time, but it was so creative! I love all the witty banter thrown across the comms and inside jokes that the characters have! I really hope there’s more to come! If you’re into science fiction or dystopian, you need to check this series out!
I was so happy when I received this ARC as I had an ARC of Mickey 7 too and thoroughly enjoyed it! This story continues about two years after the other book ends and I would definitely recommend reading the first book before this one. I honestly had no idea what kinds of trouble Mickey could be getting into this time, but it was so creative! I love all the witty banter thrown across the comms and inside jokes that the characters have! I really hope there’s more to come! If you’re into science fiction or dystopian, you need to check this series out!
February 18, 2025
Really, really fun! It has the spirit of Mickey7 but a very different structure and storyline (as can be expected). The focus on the inhabitants of Niflheim and their societies and factions definitely had me engaged.
May 10, 2025
Direct sequel to Mickey7, this might be an even better book. But don’t start here! Here’s my 4-star review of Mickey7, the first book in the series: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Start there, is my advice. As you will see, the two books are really a single story.
BLUES, like the first, is a good old-fashioned SF adventure. A struggling human colony on a marginally-inhabitable (for humans) exoplanet meets (and fights) the locals: first a nearby group, who are hostile but want to make a deal with the humans. Then their enemies, who are trying to win a long-stalemated contest with the first group. These are well thought-out aliens, one of the books’ highlights. Bravo!
There’s a good backstory of the human expansion into the Galaxy. Humans at their best and worst. Aliens fought, allied, betrayed, and redeemed. A remarkably twisty plot-line that will keep you guessing, and well-entertained. The Mighty Quinn and David Drake have cameos. A sweet, tumultuous romance, and a happy(ish) ending.
Author Ashton has read the classics, and rung some nice changes on them. There’s plenty of room for more adventures in this new universe, but these two novels make for a good tale well told, and left me content. This was another strong 4-star read for me. Just the sort of SF yarn that I love to read! I’m looking forward to Ashton’s next.
BLUES, like the first, is a good old-fashioned SF adventure. A struggling human colony on a marginally-inhabitable (for humans) exoplanet meets (and fights) the locals: first a nearby group, who are hostile but want to make a deal with the humans. Then their enemies, who are trying to win a long-stalemated contest with the first group. These are well thought-out aliens, one of the books’ highlights. Bravo!
There’s a good backstory of the human expansion into the Galaxy. Humans at their best and worst. Aliens fought, allied, betrayed, and redeemed. A remarkably twisty plot-line that will keep you guessing, and well-entertained. The Mighty Quinn and David Drake have cameos. A sweet, tumultuous romance, and a happy(ish) ending.
Author Ashton has read the classics, and rung some nice changes on them. There’s plenty of room for more adventures in this new universe, but these two novels make for a good tale well told, and left me content. This was another strong 4-star read for me. Just the sort of SF yarn that I love to read! I’m looking forward to Ashton’s next.
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