An imaginative science fiction novel centering on an AI character (Mal) and a plethora of supporting characters who pale in comparison.The premise is that he is chosen to protect a young girl. He has the ability to change from body o body as the novel proceeds. This is a stand alone book which seems odd during a time when virtually all science fiction is part of a series, This is refreshing as Ashton is not spending time manipulating us to set up a second book. ( )

With a lead character somewhat reminiscent of SecUnit in The Murderbot Diaries, this novel is filled with sarcasm, dark humor and plenty of action. The titular character, Mal, is an independent AI caught between two waring factions of humans, The Federalists and the Humanists. It was difficult for me to determine which of the two factions were "the good guys" and Mal seems to have the same difficulty. The characters seem to be sharply drawn and memorable. A quick and enjoyable read. ( )

2024 book #27. 2024. Mal, a free-AI finds itself trapped in a dying cyborg soldier and helps a group of humans survive a war between un-modified humans and cyborgs. Violent at times but mostly good wise-cracking fun with a good ending not quite guessable, at least by me. If you liked Ashton's Micky 7 series, you'll probably like this. It's also very derivative of Martha Wells' Murderbot series. ( )

Mal, a three-week-old free AI, is cruising along in a highjacked drone watching the humanist monkeys fight the federalist monkeys when things go wrong. His comfy home in Infospace goes dark, his drone is shot down, and he must jump into the implants of one of the dead monkeys. Edward Ashton’s AI hero is almost as much snarky fun as Martha Wells’ Murderbot, which is high praise. If you enjoyed Ashton’s Mickey 7, you should also like Mal Goes to War. ( )

I've enjoyed the Mickey7 series by the same author so when I saw he had a new book I immediately requested it.

Mal is an AI named for being Malware, traveling from host to host. Mal is not a fan of humans, but will take what he can get to stay alive. But then he ends up in the brain of an augmented human trying to protect a child. This gets Mal caught up in the war that has been going on between augmented and "pure" humans. Just like with all technology, the modifications done to humans can be both good at bad, and are often done without the humans consent.

This is a really interesting book and full of humor just like in Mickey7. I really enjoyed the audiobook, it allowed for the humor to really shine through and the scenes to come to life.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for giving me an advanced review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. ( )