The Second World

by Jake Korell

Mars has declared its independence from Earth. But building a country takes more than a new flag, an arena-worthy anthem, and naming Pluto the donkey the national animal. As the Red Planet spirals into political upheaval, Flip Buchanan—the irreverent, reluctant son of the most powerful man on Mars—stumbles through two tumultuous decades of alien discoveries, killer clones, and the chaos of a new nation still working out the kinks.

Always second-best in a family obsessed with being first, Flip must grapple with the absurdity of Martian society and the gravity of legacy to step out of his father’s shadow and define self-worth on his own terms—a feat that can feel as impossible as climbing Olympus Mons.

For fans of Andy Weir and Kurt Vonnegut, this satirical coming-of-age space epic blends sharp wit, surprising emotional depth, and bold worldbuilding. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, The Second World navigates found family, generational divides, and the outrageous struggle to make your finite life matter in an infinite universe—with poignant reflections on power, sensationalized media, and fractured culture.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Humor, Audiobook, Space, Science Fiction Fantasy

Paperback

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

Jake Korell's voice and sense of humor have been shaped by a cast of hilariously unforgettable friends and family, and by his serious, deeply held conviction that life shouldn’t be taken too seriously—or held with such deep conviction. He lives in Los Angeles with his partner, McCauley, and their dog, Dewey, and never misses a Martini Monday. Find out more about him at jakekorell.com.

Reviews

[Casey Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like a chaotic coming-of-age story, but in space. Humans have colonized Mars and our MC, Flip, is the son of the first ever true martian born there. His family is also descended from Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon. His family has been "cursed" with always being second in everything. That's until his father was the first Martian. His dad now holds Flip to this high standard. The story is told with Flip speaking directly to us, as he recounts his past. This narration style reminded me a lot of the narration style in the show "How I Met Your Mother". It is written incredibly sarcastically, with tons of humor woven in. At times, I felt like it was a bit much for me, personally. Mars declares itself independent from Earth and we follow along with the creation of a new government. Turns out, the second world does, well, everything second.  From political turmoil to war, humans are humans, even on Mars. It's very easy to follow, and while it touches upon a lot, we don't do a deep dive, more like an acknowledgement of the ridiculousness of human nature and history repeating itself. There are some fun references to things in our world, for example the book "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus". The characters and their dynamics present a lot of feelings and situations that people can probably relate to, especially regarding romantic interests and familial pressures. Overall, it was a fun and entertaining read, but with some real humanness to get out of it.

Thank you to Books Forward for sending along the awesome PR Box! Book releases 2/24/26.

[JG · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

First of all: Thank you to Jake Korell, the publisher, and Netgalley for the privilege of allowing me an ARC of this book.

“History is better served by those who put the people before themselves. By those who shelve their ambition for the good of their country. By those willing to swallow their pride.”

It is the year 2050, and the first humans have landed on Mars. That is, an Armstrong landed first, followed by an Aldrin. And so began the civilization on Mars, independent from Earth.

But humans always do what they do best: That is, bring politics everywhere they go and ruin everything for the sake of their ambition.

In a time rife with political upheaval, Flip Buchanan must learn to become his own person, while navigating the ever tangling landscape of Martian society.

What I liked:
👩‍🚀 The worldbuiding, including the well thought out Martian vocabulary
👩‍🚀 The silliness of the book despite discussing themes like politics, colonization, personal greed and ambition, and identity
👩‍🚀 The complex relationships among the vast cast of characters, especially that of the adults in positions of power
👩‍🚀 I could easily imagine this as a movie

What I didn't like:
👩‍🚀 As I was yet trying to ease into the plot of the novel, I found a recurring obstacle: The mention of the word “hoo-ha.” Was it funny? Yes. It definitely got a laugh out of me the first time around. The succeeding times within just a single chapter, though, and it turned sour on me

[Taylor Š · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows Flip, the son of the most powerful man on Mars, whose obsession with always coming in first ends up shaping both Flip’s life and the chaotic state of Martian politics. As Flip grows up, he’s constantly trying to define himself outside of his father’s shadow while watching the consequences of his dad’s unchecked ambition.

The premise is really creative and unique, and the imagery was one of the strongest parts of the book. I enjoyed seeing how Flip plays a role in major moments in Martian history, even though he almost always ends up in second place. His slow realization that second place isn’t automatically a failure was a solid and interesting theme.

The character relationships were well done, and the overall plot felt thoughtfully put together. That said, the execution didn’t always land for me. Some of the humor felt forced, and the dialogue leaned heavily on repetitive dialogue tags (“he said,” “she murmured,” “he stated”), which pulled me out of the story more than once. I also found Flip frustrating at times; he often felt too passive, with big decisions and events happening to him instead of because of choices he made.

Even with those minor issues, I still really enjoyed the book and found it engaging overall! I really recommend this book to everyone and I’m excited to see what else Jake Korell does!

Also - I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ted Evans, and his performance really elevated the story. He brought the characters to life, and the narration was an easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Also you should definitely listen to the Author Acknowledgments at end because that most definitely made me laugh 😂

Thank you to the publisher for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flip is the second son born into a family where the only thing that matters is being first. This family is (fictionally, humorously) descended from Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the moon. Now they live on Mars where Flip is struggling to finish high school.
The story is about growing up and finding one's place, especially when it is difficult to live up to others' expectations. There are some clever bits about this future human habitat on Mars, such as drinking Cosmospolitans, and others that made me laugh (but I didn't write them down and can't remember them now). The author's world-building is excellent, with many little details that help sell it as a reality. Flip's friendships also ring true, and the politics...they never change. It skews a bit young - most "adults" are not well developed - but perhaps they are like ducks in a shooting gallery, put up to be shot down. Overall, it is a bit sophomoric but still fun and entertaining with a message about accepting our differences.
If you enjoy teen hijinks, stories of cultural and social divides (including inequalities and prejudices), and/or imagining the future, you will like this book. The audiobook version is very well narrated, capturing the different characters, humor, and urgency where appropriate.
My thanks to the author, @BooksForward, and #NetGalley for access to the audiobook of #TheSecondWorld for review purposes. It is available now.

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun science fiction, coming of age, novel that brings in a lot of humor but also sarcasm and sadness. My emotions were all over the place. The protagonist is telling his story and I connected with him and his friends. This story happens on Mars. He navigates his relationships with his parents, best friends and love interest. It’s called second World because he always seems to come in second. His family is driven to come in first. This was a very enjoyable audiobook. The narrator does a really good job.

I want to thank NetGalley for an early release of the audiobook. My review is voluntary.

[Evan Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an ARC in return for an honest review through NetGalley. The Second World by Jake Korell is space faring Sci-Fi story following Flip, the son of a long line of forgotten seconds, as he discovers himself and what life really means. The story hits a LOT of topics that are unfortunately still happening today and makes you take a hard look at the way the world runs, with a perfect twist of satirical levity. While you could get lost in the many different Sci-Fi tropes thrown at you, they do a fairly good job at separating out the story to try and really hit home the conflicts and real world parallels. I appreciate what the story was going for and I honestly look forward to seeing Korell’s future work.

[Katie May · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up

This was pretty funny without being too overtly political. Solids sci fi background with a story that was entertaining and characters you wanted to root for. Great from a sci fi perspective I just think it would have used a little more editing.

It had some small things that didn’t work too. The introduction was kind of confusing at first as there was just a bunch of names being listed and then like ‘no wait that’s still not me’ and then I kind of got lost on how they were actually related lol.

This was really too long for what it was. I think it shows in that a lot of the funnier jokes are repeated, sometimes multiple times (how many times do we need to say grandmas hoo hah in one page??). I think it could have been tightened up a little bit.

Would I recommend? This was good, it was funny and it did entertain but if this is your first foray into satire-y sci fi I’d recommend starting somewhere else.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d absolutely recommend this book. It was quirky. It was silly. It was heartfelt. It was all the things you want in a read. I think I laughed the most though. The author is clearly quick witted and I loved how many times I burst out laughing. Numerous times I had to stop reading, wipe the tears from my eyes, read a passage to whoever was in the room with me to continue the laughing, then keep at it in the book. Loved it.

I was a bit nervous about it being political. But it wasn’t any politics within society now, it was out of left field and pretty clever.

I didn’t particularly love some of the annoying characters seeming to get away with everything, so that’s my negative. A little hard to follow some of the characters with their nicknames, but this was an awesome book.

This book is the reason why I love ARC reading so much. Getting a truly amazing book and getting to be at the base level of telling others to go grab it is my favorite. Thank you NetGalley. Absolute win for me!

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was hilarious.
I enjoyed he silly metaverse bits thrown in all over the shop. I liked the twist and how Flip, although a martian was still just an annoying and angsty teen with daddy and girl issues.
Good fun and well written, a tongue in cheek poke at Conan Doyle's era of sci fi but done with a clear love and knowledge for the genre.

[Cody Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5 ⭐️

New news with Newt Newman is New at Noon! Flips coming of age story on Mars takes some seriously whacky turns. Including his stage blood drenched stage rendition of The planet of the Apes, some coping mechanisms have to be seen to believe.

Honestly though, under the comedic and at times downright absurd wrappings there is a heart warming story of acceptance and understanding that will find a way to hit you in the feels. Very few books I’ve read in my life (I’ve read a lot) surprised me like the Second World did. I picked it up on whim on audio from Net Galley just wanting something a little different, boy I’m glad I did.

[Mike Dodds · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars rounded up.

The Second World - Fun sci-fi satire with great characters, though a bit rough around the edges.
The story is entertaining with a solid sci-fi backdrop and characters easy to root for. It strikes a nice balance of being funny while exploring the political regime of an independent mars without getting too serious. regarding the comedy, it is a bit juvenile, but the jokes work about 80% of the time.
However,the repetitive gags (we didn't need the same joke about grandma repeated that many times) were sometimes a bit much.

Verdict: Good fun 3.75 stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book

[Cfabrication · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance audiobook copy.

Narration: 4 stars
Characters: 3 stars (the satire is heaviest here)
Setting: 2.5 stars
Writing style, tone: 3 stars
Plot: 3 stars (episodic, events happen to and around Flip, not exactly a plot)


The book covers roughly 20 years in the life of the second child born on Mars, a descendant of Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the Moon. We are in a near-future world (Flip, the narrator, was born in 2059). That they are always second, never first is a family burden that defines the path Flip takes through life.

I had some difficulty with this book. In no particular order:

- There’s a very teenaged quality to the book, both the narrative style and the specific events, and especially the protagonist’s relationship to his parents,
- The close first person POV contributes to a narcissistic element, reinforcing the teenaged angst, even though the events go well beyond teen years,
- Flip definitely sees himself as the main character,
- It’s described as satire, and I think it is mostly satirical, but there are some very painful events that conflict with satirical tone, although these are mainly evaluated in terms of the impact on the protagonist,
- It’s very episodic, with relatively little emotional evaluation,
- Some elements are a little trite, including the relationships between men and women (girls and boys? These characters all seem quite young.
- It’s a bit like a TV series set on Mars. An afterschool special? Shitt's Creek on Mars?

I happened to be reading another book set on an inhospitable planet, this one extrasolar, at the same time, so my view is slightly colored by the differences between the two.

This book beautifully captures the use of snark as a coping mechanism. Flip’s parents are both alcoholics, with little time for him. His father, Buzz, is an opportunist, always looking for a way to be first. His mother, Iris, retreats into a wine bottle, with several escapes. There’s little space for Flip. He finds that space with his gang, The Catfish Trolls. (Gang in the Our Gang sense, not the drug cartel sense.)

There’s no discussion of the economy that supports the resource-intensive life under a dome. That would have pulled the book out of its satirical, episodic arc as Flip, always overlooked, forges his way through to his own life (one assumes, as it ends with him leaving Mars for "an exoplanet."

I found the "I am the center of my universe" tone a little irritating, as it took the pain of others and viewed them through the lens of Flip’s reaction. This would have been fine when he was 15, harder to reconcile with a 28 year old. I do not think I am the target audience for this book.

It might have worked great as a graphic novel. I think I wouldn’t have expected emotional depth or elaboration in that form, or have been irritated by Flip's always centering himself.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Ted Evans. He seamlessly switched among the various voices. Sometimes, a narrator seems to emphasize the "she said", "he replied", etc., but Ted Evans did not. I was fully within the setting at all times.

His tone perfectly captures the snark that Flip uses to filter the world around him.

[Peach Mitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was provided an advance copy of The Second World in exchange for an honest review.

The Second World is a fun, sharp, and wonderfully absurd sci-fi political satire that blends coming-of-age chaos with interplanetary politics and cosmic humor. Fans of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will feel right at home here, though this book leans into a distinctly late-millennial / early Gen-Z comedic voice that feels fresh rather than derivative.

Short Summary

The story follows Flip Buchanan, the reluctant son of the most powerful man on Mars, who is begrudgingly pulled into two decades of chaos involving alien discoveries, accidental heroism, killer clones, and interplanetary conflict. As Flip stumbles through bureaucracy, media spectacle, and idealistic disasters on a newly sovereign Mars, he learns that building a new world isn’t so different from breaking the old one. It’s weird, frantic, and sincerely human beneath the humor.

What Worked

I genuinely enjoyed how funny this book is—the timing, the banter, and the satirical bite landed often and kept the pace engaging from beginning to end. I never felt bored, and the plot consistently surprised me without losing emotional grounding. The worldbuilding is excellent: smart, irreverent, and imaginative without over-explaining itself. The balance of humor and meaning is one of its biggest strengths.

What Didn’t Land As Well

There were moments when the humor style didn’t quite connect with me. The repetition-based jokes (like “the rickety stage ricketed” or “my kid-size size”) felt overused and sometimes broke immersion instead of adding comedic punch. Additionally, the heavy reliance on simple dialogue tags made some conversations feel a bit flat, especially given how clever the rest of the writing is.

Overall

Despite a few stylistic bumps, The Second World is a genuinely enjoyable, funny, and thoughtful sci-fi satire full of chaotic charm. It delivers both absurd comedy and emotional sincerity, and I think readers looking for irreverent space adventure, smart political humor, and character-driven storytelling will love it.

Recommended for fans of: Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Good Omens, Red Dwarf, and speculative coming-of-age stories with bite.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Korell’s The Second World is a sharp, wildly imaginative sci-fi satire that manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while still delivering genuine emotional depth. Set on a newly independent Mars trying to figure out how to function as its own nation, the novel blends political absurdity, generational conflict, and coming-of-age chaos into something both clever and surprisingly heartfelt.

At the center of it all is Flip Buchanan, the reluctant, irreverent son of the most powerful man on Mars. Flip’s struggle to step out of his father’s shadow becomes the emotional backbone of the story. While Mars wrestles with independence (complete with a national donkey and arena-worthy anthems), Flip wrestles with identity, legacy, and what it actually means to matter in a world obsessed with being first. His voice is sharp, self-aware, and endlessly entertaining, making him a compelling guide through two decades of Martian upheaval.

The humor is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Korell leans fully into satire, from sensationalized media to exaggerated political theater, yet it never feels shallow. The jokes land because they’re rooted in truth. Beneath the gleefully silly moments are pointed reflections on power, ego, and fractured culture. The balance between absurdity and insight is handled beautifully.

The worldbuilding is equally impressive. Mars feels fully realized, not just technologically, but socially and politically. The concept of a fledgling interplanetary nation figuring itself out adds layers to the narrative, and the inclusion of alien discoveries and killer clones keeps the stakes high without overshadowing the personal story at its core.

What makes The Second World truly stand out is how well written it is. The prose is polished, the pacing confident, and the tone consistent from start to finish. It’s super funny, yes, but it’s also thoughtful and emotionally resonant. Korell proves that sci-fi satire can entertain while still asking meaningful questions about identity, family, and legacy.

Smart, hilarious, and deeply human, The Second World is a standout read for fans of bold worldbuilding and biting humor.

[Michele The Stick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to listen to this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Second World by Jake Korell is a satirical look at politics on Mars, written from the perspective of a young man coming of age with close ties to its political center.

It is a retrospective of this character’s life, told primarily in a sequential manner but with an occasional glimpse of what is to come in the story.

Flip (MMC) has a flippant, but distinct voice that keeps the reader at arm’s length, attempting to diffuse even the grimmest of moments with humor. This tone makes the book an easy listen. It allows the reader to watch impartially as the lives of the characters reflect much of what is happening in society today. This feels intentional, as it is a protective mechanism that many may use when learning about current events.

The novel does do a good job of showing the reader through its flawed, but fleshed out characters, the importance of action over passive acceptance, the value of being first, and the fickle nature of history.

Ted Evans was a good choice for the narrator. Right from the start, I had no difficulty imagining that I was listening to Flip tell me the story.

At times though, the humor goes too far, lobbing jokes like a grenade at a sensitive moment, which made me wince more than smile. Some of them, so groan worthy, it completely pulled me out of the story to wonder what the author could have been thinking.

I also prefer a plot forward story. I don’t particularly care for a coming of age plot, especially if I don’t know where it is going. Mostly, because those types of stories seem to just end, without a real solid conclusion. Unfortunately, this one also met the same fate. Although it managed to tie up the loose ends before the acknowledgments, the ending was just one of many possible places to leave the character.

I believe that there is an audience that will love The Second World. I, however, merely liked it.

[Heloísa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a ride.

I’ll admit, the first few chapters gave me a bad impression. I was very much convinced I wouldn’t enjoy this novel — for a satire, the humour was on the nose, juvenile, and even a little trite. I felt like I was in for an edge-lord narrator and lacklustre storytelling.

However, the more time I’ve spent with this, the more I enjoyed it. The narrator does a brilliant job embodying Flip, our main character, giving him a lot of charisma. It’s a great performance, and I think it enhances the best this book has to offer.

Besides that, the plot goes to a lot of places. There’s death, clone wars (and wars in general), genocide, enslavement, political turmoil and assassination. It’s basically a retelling of World History 101, adapted for space! And, to be fair, I quite liked how the author choose to translate these events to the sci-fi genre, even though nothing was explored very deeply. This isn’t a book for deep reflection, but it does cover a lot of ground in an impressive way: it almost feels like an epic tale and, although it’s so chaotic, the writing makes it easy to follow and fully eases the reader into accepting each new crazy event.

However, for me, the best part of this was definitely the characters and their dynamics. I love the main group of friends, and they represent common struggles of young adults in a relatable, sensible way. There’s a lot of conversations about love (first love, lost chances, idealisation, the one that got away), complicated familial relationships and grief. Flip, Freckle and Pepper almost jump out off the page, because they just feel that real. Their development, both as individual characters and as moving parts of a relationship, was my favourite aspect of it overall.

I definitely recommend this for someone looking for a chaotic coming of age story.

[Archer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 🌟

Chaos. Wars. Politics. IN SPACE. All told with a satirical inflection.


Our story's narrator, Flip, is an immature, indecisive weenie. We follow him through 20ish years of his life where he recounts to us all the adventures, drama, and conflict he experienced. Extremely unrealistic, and yet entirely relatable. His challenges with his family and the environment had me feeling pity for him, but his cowardice and lack of self-worth had me judging him harshly. He felt like he was never needed, always second, and because of his father engraining the importance of always being first, that mentality sunk deep.

There are so many complex relationship dynamics explored, the emotions flowing deep. We lost so many people in so many different ways.

Despite this story taking place far in the future, and primarily on another planet, the human issues remain the same - Money. Power. Control. The politics and media coverage was spot on to what we see today - "fake it til you make it" people pleasing and a confusing waste of time that had/has me wishing to return to my ignorant youth. The comical exaggeration of these serious things had me thinking about how equally ridiculous our real world issues are.

The worldbuilding was amazing and the pacing was terrific. The audiobook narrator, Ted Evans, was INCREDIBLE. I'm not even sure I'd have been able to make it through this whole story were it not for his performance. He brought the entire story to life, so much so that at times I felt like I was watching a classic movie like The Sandlot or A Christmas Story. I even stuck around for the acknowledgements just to hear him for a bit longer, and they didn't disappoint.

Thank you to NetGalley and Jake Korell for the early copy audiobook!

[Luna Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy is a vibrant, joyful romance that sparkles with spectacle while delivering a deeply affirming message about self-love, belonging, and chosen community. Blending the theatrical flair of Moulin Rouge with the emotional sweep of The Greatest Showman, this novel offers a fresh and inclusive take on turn-of-the-century romance.

Set in 1897 New York, the story centers on Evelyn Cross, a proud, plus-size vaudeville star whose career is threatened by shifting beauty standards. Evelyn is a radiant and compelling heroine, talented, vulnerable, and unapologetically herself. Her meeting with Thomas Gallier, an ambitious showbiz tycoon building the city’s next great entertainment palace, crackles with chemistry and mutual respect. Their romance unfolds with warmth and sincerity, rooted in admiration rather than rescue.

Murphy’s world-building is rich and immersive, capturing the glamour and grit of the vaudeville stage while celebrating the spirit of performance and community. The inclusion of a contemporary narrator, Phoebe, adds a clever and mischievous layer, reframing the historical love story with modern insight and emotional clarity. The final revelations feel earned and meaningful, reinforcing the book’s core themes.

Inspired by real-life Progressive Era performers, this novel shines in its celebration of bodies, voices, and stories that refuse to be erased. A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love is romantic, empowering, and full of heart, a love story that applauds authenticity and reminds readers that self-love is the most captivating performance of all.

[Martha van Zyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into The Second World not entirely sure what to expect, and came out genuinely impressed. It’s ambitious, wildly imaginative, and far more expansive than I anticipated. At times it feels like getting an entire trilogy packed into one book, and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Welcome to Mars: newly independent, politically unstable, and still figuring out what exactly it means to be a nation. From national animals (Pluto the donkey is a surprisingly inspired touch) to arena-ready anthems and messy power struggles, Korell builds a Martian society that feels both absurd and eerily familiar. The satire is sharp, but it never loses sight of the human core beneath the spectacle.

At the center of it all is Flip Buchanan, the reluctant son of the most powerful man on Mars and permanently stuck in second place. Flip’s journey spans decades, weaving through alien discoveries, political chaos, clones, media frenzy, and the complicated weight of legacy. Beneath the humor and sci-fi spectacle is something much more grounded: a story about fathers, expectations, identity, and the exhausting struggle to prove your worth in someone else’s shadow.

The tone strikes a compelling balance. It’s frequently hilarious, clever without trying too hard, yet it carries surprising emotional depth. The “daddy issues” aren’t just played for laughs; they become the emotional engine of the story. Flip’s search for self-definition in a society obsessed with power and image feels relatable, even when the backdrop is Olympus Mons instead of Main Street.

What really stood out was the scope. Korell isn’t just telling a coming-of-age story; he’s examining generational divides, political mythology, sensationalized media, and what it means to build a country, or a life, from scratch. The worldbuilding is bold and layered, and the long timeline gives the narrative a satisfying epic sweep.

For readers who enjoy big ideas wrapped in wit and heart, The Second World is a rewarding ride. It’s clever, satirical, surprisingly moving, and proof that sometimes being “second” is exactly what gives a story its depth.

[John Kamande · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Korell’s THE SECOND WORLD is a witty and imaginative science fiction novel that combines satire, humor, and a coming-of-age story set in a colony on Mars. The narrative centers on Flip Buchanan, a descendant of Buzz Aldrin, who grows up in a family obsessed with being first at everything. Flip, however, often finds himself coming second, and his struggle to escape his family’s shadow becomes the heart of the story.

One of the novel’s strongest qualities is its humor. Korell observes human behavior with sharp precision, creating moments that are genuinely funny while remaining relatable. The satire is effective because it reflects familiar issues such as politics, ambition, and media influence, reminding readers that even in a Martian colony, human flaws and desires remain unchanged.

The worldbuilding is convincing and detailed, presenting a developing Martian society filled with friendships, rivalries, and personal challenges. The relationships feel authentic, and the setting adds depth to the story. However, the book occasionally feels longer than necessary, with some jokes repeated and an introduction that may confuse readers at first.

Overall, THE SECOND WORLD is a clever and entertaining sci-fi novel that balances humor, heart, and thoughtful commentary on human nature. Korell’s blend of satire and storytelling makes the book both enjoyable and insightful, offering readers a fresh perspective on ambition, identity, and the universal struggle to define oneself.

[Nicholas Budler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 3.75

Wait, this book was actually good as hell. I love me a little dark, satirical humor and The Second World delivered.

It’s easy to forget that there’s real commentary on the world buried in this story – and that’s exactly why it works. This coming-of-age story set on messy Mars pokes fun at power, the media, and culture. Flip the rebellious teen was mostly just kicking rocks and hanging out for the first third wishing he could kiss his BFF until shit really pops off. Just wait. It goes from “ha, this is kinda fun” to “oh, I’m actually a little depressed by this book” in record time.

I think Flip was really well written and the vibes were right for this type of story. I also loved the passage of time that allowed for so much to happen over the years, which makes sense for the sort of wide-ranging commentary and sad ridiculousness that was Flip’s life. Also, for bagging a translucent alien princess baddie, he gets kudos. Woven in throughout is some real shit about relationships with friends, partners, and parents; I fear for what happened to Korell to inspire this story but glad he wrote it down.

When I found The Second World on NetGalley, I needed a break from long, in-depth fantasy and it turned out to be a great palate cleanser other than the fact I need to touch grass after reading. As a sci-fi book, it actually does some pretty solid worldbuilding, for which I was grateful. Recommend reading this if you’re looking for a book that’s easy to read but still has something to say.

It reminded me of Matt Dinniman’s style – and that’s no small compliment.

### eARC review ###

[Tammie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was both funny and sad in the best way. When I first picked it up, I honestly wasn’t sure it would hold my attention. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I started reading on a Friday and finished the entire book by Saturday because I just couldn’t put it down.

The author does an amazing job of character development, especially given that the story is written in first person. You spend so much time inside the main character’s head that you really begin to understand his thoughts, fears, and frustrations. From the very beginning, the story introduces a long-running competition between two families, the Armstrongs and the Aldrins, who are humorously tied to the astronauts who walked on the moon.

At its heart, this story is about the pressure to be first and the idea that second place is never good enough. The main character, Flip, is secondborn, while his best friend Pepper is firstborn, and that contrast drives much of the story. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining read that manages to be both heartfelt and humorous.

I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy character-driven stories that balance humor with emotional depth. It’s thoughtful, engaging, and one of those books that sticks with you long after you turn the final page.

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Sarah Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Committed to the chaos. The Second World is feral, sharp sci-fi satire that had me laughing out loud and then, unexpectedly, feeling things. Mars declares independence, everything immediately goes sideways, and at the center of it all is Flip Buchanan, professional second-place finisher and deeply relatable disaster human. If you’ve ever spent your life coming in just behind someone else, this book grabs you by the collar and says, “Hey. Same.” It’s stacked with ridiculous sci-fi problems, political nonsense, and characters you either want to protect at all costs or launch into space without a helmet. The humor bites, the pacing flies, and the story never loses sight of the coming-of-age thread underneath the chaos.

And the audiobook? Absolute menace. This is a performance, not a reading. The narrator nails the timing and snark so hard that jokes land sharper, awkward moments get funnier, and characters feel fully alive. I rewound more than once just to hear a line again. Funny without being exhausting, heartfelt without getting mushy, and satirical without lecturing. For an indie debut, this is bold, polished, and loud in the best way. Five stars, zero notes.

Thank you to NetGalley, the narrator Ted Evans, and the author Jake Korell for providing me this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Minette Hanekom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually skip anything that hints at satire or politics, but damn, I’m glad I didn’t skip this one. The Second World is funny in that tongue in the cheek, slightly nostalgic way that makes you grin even while you know the author is quietly roasting Earth and all our nonsense.

Flip, the main character, hooked me straight away. He has such a distinct personality. Messy, impulsive, a little dramatic. He makes one or two questionable decisions and that actually makes him feel real. Watching him grow up on Mars while navigating friendships, identity, power, the media and all the ridiculous sides of human behaviour (even when we are not technically on Earth anymore) was honestly a treat.

The world building is great without being overwhelming and the writing is genuinely beautiful. It has that perfect balance of humour and heart and it sneaks in real commentary without ever feeling preachy. You can just enjoy the story, the characters and the snark and then suddenly realise there is more going on beneath the surface.

If you like dark humour, fun sci fi or coming of age stories that do not take themselves too seriously but still have something to say, add this to your list. I went in unsure and came out completely obsessed.

[David Carriere]

The Second World is a sharp, hilarious, and unexpectedly thoughtful science-fiction satire that uses the colonization of Mars to explore legacy, identity, and the absurdity of power. Jake Korell blends the irreverent humor of Kurt Vonnegut with the speculative accessibility of Andy Weir, creating a world that feels both wildly imaginative and uncomfortably familiar.

Flip Buchanan is a refreshingly imperfect protagonist perpetually second-best, chronically underestimated, and painfully self-aware. His struggle to define himself outside the gravitational pull of his father’s dominance mirrors the Red Planet’s own unstable attempt at nationhood. The novel’s humor lands consistently, but what elevates it is its emotional undercurrent: the quiet ache of generational expectation and the search for meaning in a universe that doesn’t offer easy answers.

Korell’s worldbuilding is playful yet precise, using satire to dissect media sensationalism, political theater, and cultural fragmentation. Beneath the killer clones and Martian absurdities lies a deeply human story about found family and self worth. The Second World succeeds not only as entertainment, but as a resonant coming-of-age story disguised as a space epic.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Second World by Jake Korell is a chuckle inducing sci-fi (satirical?) coming of age. I listened to the audiobook of The Second World and I have to say, it is quite enjoyable!!!! I don't think reading it on the pages alone does it enough justice. I have been provided and Advanced Listener Copy from NetGalley and the publisher, and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

Narrated by Ted Evans, the characters shine through and the story is told with life. Evans definitely brings it alive! The talents of Evans and Korell mesh perfectly together providing the listener (and reader) a fun romp around Martian life and dare I say politics. Jake Korell world building was nicely executed and the relationships between characters all well thought out. Flip has some big shoes to fill so we follow him through the peaks and valleys of him coming of age and some nice lessons learned along the way, and some belly laughs. The humor is there, it's not for everyone but it was definitely for me.

Overall I enjoyed this, it was easy to follow, fun to listen to and well executed. I look forward to more of Korell's work as well as Evan's narration! I hope to see them working together again in the future.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second World by Jake Korell is a clever and entertaining science fiction novel that mixes humor, satire, and heartfelt storytelling. Set in a future where Mars has declared independence from Earth, the story follows Flip Buchanan, the reluctant son of one of the most powerful figures on the planet. Living under the weight of his family’s legacy, Flip struggles to find his own identity while the new Martian society around him deals with the messy process of becoming a nation.

What makes this book stand out is its balance between comedy and deeper themes. The world of Mars feels imaginative and lively, filled with strange traditions, political tensions, and quirky cultural details that make the setting feel believable. At the same time, the story explores familiar human issues such as family expectations, self worth, and the pressure to live up to a name.

Flip’s voice carries the story with humor and honesty, making his personal journey both relatable and engaging. Beneath the jokes and absurd situations lies a thoughtful reflection on ambition, legacy, and what it means to define success on your own terms.

The Second World is a fun, witty, and surprisingly meaningful read for fans of character driven science fiction.

Thank you,
Happy Reading

[Kenzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I’m always a fan of satirical sci-fi books and this one was pretty solid especially for a debut novel!

The Second World has a great group of characters that you find yourself rooting for throughout the story. The character relationships were also fairly relatable especially the complicated ones between Flip and his parents. The characters were for sure my favorite aspect of the story.

The sci-fi aspect was light enough that new sci-fi readers would be able to enjoy it without being confused. Yet, seasoned sci-fi readers could also appreciate it.

Unfortunately, there were quite a few things that didn’t work for me. The jokes became very repetitive and took a juvenile tone at times. Also, I didn’t find too many unique aspects of the book. A lot of the major events or plot points were just spin offs from things IRL. Which is understandable due to this being a satire, but it was too much in my opinion. Lastly, I felt that the book was too long. It dragged during quite a few parts for me.

Overall I think it was a good debut from the author and I think he will have a bright future in the genre.

Thank you NetGalley and author/publisher for this ARC!

[RebeccaReadsTooMuch 💁‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the early 2100s and humans have populated Mars as their second world. Descended from a long line of second placers going back to a Buzz Aldrin, the second man to step foot on the moon, Buzz Buchanan finally broke the family curse by becoming the first baby born on Mars. First place is his identity and made him rich and famous. But not so for his son Flip, who was born already a loser, five minutes too late to be the first born of the second Mars generation. Poor Buzz cannot deal.

But this isn’t a story about Buzz. It’s a story about perpetually second place Flip. And Flip certainly has daddy issues to handle. Oh and like, a society to try to save too at some point here.

I really enjoyed this satirical sci fi coming-of-age story. It was smart, funny, and full of both action and heart.

I was nearly half way through when I got my hands on the audiobook. I happily switched over. The choice of narrator, Ted Evans was perfect, like this was written specifically for him to shine.

I love that this was an indie published debut. I’ll definitely be watching to see what Jake puts out next!

Many thanks to the author for the gifted copies.

[Emma's Rambles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if there were a colony on Mars?

This was incredible. We follow the life of Flip - a boy who is always in second place. The writing is irreverent and funny but there are also some moments that made me sob. The world setting and character development are so rich, I fell in love with almost every character immediately.
The central story revolves around Flip's relationship with his dad. Obsessed with being the best at everything, Buzz is the closest thing the book has to a villain. The way he manipulates people and events is eerie and infuriating. It hits a bit too close to home in the current climate.
I listened to the audiobook version and I'm so glad I did. The narrator was great and perfectly captured the tongue-in-cheek tone of the book. Mostly, my takeaways are that humans will be humans - no matter what planet they're on - and that sometimes we need to swallow our pride for the greater good.

My emotions are a mess, my heart is both warmed and broken. Read this book, it's amazing.

Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy, I loved it and I'm happy to share my honest review.