The Second World, Jake Korell
The Second World, Jake Korell
List: $17.99 | Sale: $12.59
Club: $8.99

The Second World

Author: Jake Korell

Narrator: Ted Evans

Unabridged: 11 hr 9 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: jk lawlz LLC

Published: 02/24/2026


Synopsis

"Korell's tale, which spans a couple of decades, is quintessential satire... There is much gleefully silly humor...and sound worldbuilding."—Kirkus Reviews
Founding fathers. Fathers. Daddy issues.Welcome to Mars.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.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.For fans of Andy Weir and Kurt Vonnegut, this satirical coming-of-age space epic blends sharp wit, surprising emotional depth, and bold worldbuilding.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kristen on March 15, 2026

What a good time! The consistent humor, relationships between characters, and political machinations were SO GOOD! This is unlike any story I have ever read and I can’t wait to recommend it! There’s nothing I love more than a book that feels so singular and unique that I don’t know what to comp it t......more

Goodreads review by Maddie on March 15, 2026

RATING BREAKDOWN Characters: 4⭐️ Setting: 5⭐️ Plot: 5⭐️ Themes: 4⭐️ Emotional Impact: 4⭐️ Personal Enjoyment: 5⭐️ Total Rounded Average: 4.5⭐️ Such a seamless blend of humor and heart—this sci-fi comedy was refreshingly relatable, emotional, and gripping! The first-person narrative was witty, not cheesy. Th......more

Goodreads review by Casey Bee on February 22, 2026

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.......more

Goodreads review by JG on December 31, 2025

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......more

Goodreads review by Taylor on February 11, 2026

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 conse......more