Automnicon: The Intern: A We Fix Space Junk novella

by Beth Crane

All Astatine has ever wanted is to work for Automnicon. And now, years after her first application, she has her chance. An internship! But can she prove herself to her new boss and to Automnicon? Or will she fall at the first hurdle?

A book set in the world of the We Fix Space Junk podcast!

Genres: Science Fiction

58 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2019

Reviews

[Richard Kreutz-landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short but fantastic read you can do in a sitting. What happens when you're living in an over the top corporate hellscape and you want to get off the dusty rock you live on no matter the cost?

The We Fix Space Junk universe is populated with the kind of oddball UK sci-fi sensibilities you'd find in the works of Douglas Adams, but is layered with a sharp critique of corporate evil from the perspective of those it crushes.

This book is no exception, bringing action, intrigue, dark comedy, and even a bit of romance. I would highly recommend checking this out. It's worth every penny.

[Byrdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly cute.

Well, granted, the podcast associated with this book is pretty cute, but I wasn’t expecting a story about Automnicon to be equally so.

A novella, so a fast read, this story didn’t drag anywhere. I was pretty quickly invested in the characters, and already had an idea of the world building - if not this specific slice of it yet.

If you haven’t listened to the “We Fix Space Junk” podcast yet, I’m unsure if this is going to be a good starting point yet. But if you’re a listener who wonders why it takes to be a non-indentured Automnicon intern, this is a fun way to learn.

[Travis · Rating 1 out of 5]

We Fix Space Junk is a novella placed in the space junk podcast universe. I have never listened to the podcast, so have no idea what it's about, but this novella started out just fine, then went down hill in a hurry. By the end, the story was nothing more than a drag that made no sense to me. I don't recommend this one. Unless of course you're a fan of the podcast, in which case, you'll probably like this one, but for me, it was one of the most boring books I read last year.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid characters and storyline!

The characters in the book are so well written that you can easily see them and feel what they are experiencing. The dystopian future controlled by the Automnicon corporation disturbingly seems like something that could actually happen. There is also a sense of dark humor that draws you in. I can’t wait for the next installment.

[Alexander]

We Fix Space Junk is a wonderful audio drama podcast, and The Intern provides a delightfully grim expansion to the world of the show, while still providing a standalone story that can serve well as an entry point for new listeners. Looking forward to more of Crane's novellas set in this world!

[May Dax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

Automnicon will own you, so you might as well get used to it. Listen to We Fix Space Juno, now!!

[Carola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t read this book, listen to the podcast We Fix Space Junk.
I mean, read this eventually, but for the love of god Automnicon god Automnicon god Automnicon god Automnicon listen to the podcast.

[Eddie Feeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Crane makes a wonderful transition from podcast writer/actor to novel writer. This story fleshes out the corporate space dystopia of We Fix Space Junk, following an intern who completely buys into the message of the clearly evil Automnicon. The perspective work in this story does wonders, making you want to root for the character's inherent decisions and relationships, but, when zoomed out on, realized how against the greater good the character's actions are. I'm looking forward to Crane's next expansion to this fresh take on science fiction.