Mal Goes to War
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Average rating4
15
Ratings3
Average rating4
By the author of Mickey7, now the major motion picture Mickey 17 The humans are fighting again. Go figure. As a free AI, Mal finds the war between the modded and augmented Federals and the puritanical Humanists about as interesting as a battle between rival anthills. He's not above scouting the battlefield for salvage, though, and when the Humanists abruptly cut off access to infospace he finds himself trapped in the body of a cyborg mercenary, and responsible for the safety of the modded girl she died protecting. A dark comedy wrapped in a techno thriller's skin, Mal Goes to War provides a satirical take on war, artificial intelligence, and what it really means to be human.
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TLDR: Enjoyable read. Similar to Wells' Murderbot, if Murderbot were an AI.
Ashton’s Mal Goes to War is a sharp exploration of AI in a near-future setting that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel cleverly integrates artificial intelligence as a central element, making it feel fresh and inventive without overwhelming the story’s human core. Ashton’s near-future world-building is detailed yet grounded, creating a setting that feels both relatable and plausibly futuristic.
The dialogue and narration are infused with snark and wit, striking a good balance between humor and tension. Mal, the AI protagonist, is an absolute standout - hilarious, self-aware, and surprisingly relatable. The interplay between Mal and the human characters builds much of the story’s charm, with razor-sharp exchanges that keep the narrative engaging throughout.
For fans of AI-centric sci-fi, Mal Goes to War is a gem. Ashton masterfully blends action, humor, and heart, leaving readers entertained while pondering the implications of near-future technologies. If this is just the beginning of Mal’s story, I’m eagerly hoping for sequels. This world and its snarky AI hero definitely deserve more pages.
