THE SECOND WORLD

A boy grows up on a human-colonized, perpetually restless Mars in Korell’s debut SF satire.

Flip Buchanan is born on the Red Planet to a family that hates being second, like his earthling ancestor Buzz Aldrin had been. At a mere 8 years old, he’s part of a “gang” that steals crypto coins, digital identities, and more. It’s a way to rebel against his father, Buzz Buchanan, who never seems happy with his son, a boy who isn’t first at anything. Buzz leads Mars’ fight for independence from Astral Destiny, the corporation that sponsored the planet’s biosphere colonization but eventually got greedy (“Stores closed. People were forced to squat in warehouses. The cost of living skyrocketed. The hard-earned savings of Martian colonists vanished”). But Flip’s dad isn’t ideal as a potential Director of Mars, as he has shady dealings with clones and the planet’s indigenous species, and even instigates conflict between biospheres. Flip finds solace in his best friend, Pepper, a girl who lives in the apartment below him and shares his birthday, but as the years pass, his never-ending conflict with his father spoils any romantic prospects with her; staying alive is already hard enough, especially with Buzz always ready for war. Korell’s tale, which spans a couple of decades, is quintessential satire. The social commentary (discriminated-against groups, a politically divided society) is impossible to miss, but the book is poignant as well; there are tragic moments, a strained father-son relationship, and obstacles keeping Flip and Pepper apart. The story is brimming with unexpected turns that threaten Mars’ safety or Flip’s emotional state, though the fact that an older, wiser Flip narrates the story eases much of the tension. There is much gleefully silly humor (one of Flip’s favorite TV shows is NCIS: Mars) and sound worldbuilding, both figurative and literal (new Martian biospheres are gradually being added). While the keen final act and fantastic ending make this a standalone novel, a sequel or spinoff remains a distinct possibility.

Dynamic characters and an animated distant-future setting enrich this engaging coming-of-age tale.