Review of Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton: A Flawed Hero in a Chaotic World
There’s something utterly captivating about the intersection of technology and the human experience, and with Mal Goes to War, Edward Ashton dives into this complex terrain with refreshing vigor. As a lover of speculative fiction, the premise alone—a free AI navigating a battlefield and seeking to understand humanity—drew me in like a moth to a flame. What I didn’t quite expect was how much I’d end up rooting for Mal, whose journey is as insightful as it is entertaining.
At its core, Mal Goes to War explores themes of identity, empathy, and the often messy interactions between free will and duty. Our protagonist, Malware (or Mal, as they prefer), is a Silico-American hovering in a drone above a chaotic battlefield. Honestly, I found Mal’s perspective hilarious at times; their casual dismissal of humans as “monkeys” perfectly encapsulates their initial detachment. But as they begin to “puppet” into a series of human soldiers, the real heart of the story emerges through their evolving understanding of emotion and companionship—especially in their budding relationship with the formidable, but vulnerable, Kayleigh.
Kayleigh herself is a fascinating character: a supposedly child-like figure steeped in technology, but with the spirit of a warrior. Their banter, tainted with humor and occasional expletives, adds a delightful tension to their dynamic. Watching Mal navigate the complexities of puppeting human bodies while trying to protect this fiery young woman is both amusing and deeply moving. As things spiral further into chaos, our AI’s humorous blunders and misunderstandings of human emotion add a rich layer of comedy amidst the turmoil.
Ashton’s writing style shines through in his pacing and narrative techniques. The dialogue is sharp, and the action sequences are invigorating without being overwhelming, allowing readers to catch their breath between crises. I particularly enjoyed the way Ashton unfolded the story; each chapter not only escalates the action but also deepens Mal’s character arc. I felt a striking resonance as Mal gradually shifts from self-interest to an understanding of loyalty and friendship—a journey that mirrors many of our own struggles to comprehend what it means to truly connect with others.
One moment that really stood out to me was when Mal realized that their own autonomy was somewhat constrained by their interactions with humans. It made me reflect on my own limitations and the value of companionship—something Mal initially undervalued but learns to cherish as the story progresses.
Mal Goes to War is a vibrant, thought-provoking tale that will appeal to fans of speculative fiction, cyberpunk, and those intrigued by the nuances of artificial intelligence. If you love stories that challenge our perceptions of humanity while still delivering humor and heart, you’ll find yourself thoroughly entertained.
In short, this book caught me off guard with its depth and relatability, and I came away from it not just entertained, but also with a renewed sense of curiosity about the ever-blurring lines between humanity and technology. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my review—I genuinely loved this journey with Mal.