If you want a fresh twist on YA sci-fi, this book is a fun ride! The story follows teens raised in space, grappling with big questions about family, friendship, and identity. The unique text-speak writing style captures the main character’s voice and gives the book a modern vibe that younger readers, especially those who text a lot, might really enjoy. There’s cool science, emotional depth, and lots of pulse-pounding moments – perfect for teens and adults who love stories about space, growing up, and bending the rules of language.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some might bounce off the unconventional narration – the entire book is written in text-speak, with missing punctuation, which can feel awkward or tiring, especially if you prefer traditional prose. A few readers felt the ending was a bit too cinematic, with over-the-top heroics that didn’t fit the more realistic build-up of the first half. If you’re a stickler for grammar or want hard science over emotional drama, this might not hit the mark.

A unique and moving YA sci-fi adventure with a love-it-or-hate-it writing style – worth checking out for its fresh take, but definitely not for everyone.

About:

'Satellite' by Nick Lake is a young adult novel set in space in the near future, where three sixteen-year-olds who were born and raised on a space station are brought back to Earth to face the challenges of gravity and adjusting to life on the planet. The story unfolds with thrilling and emotional elements, engaging readers in a unique plot that involves complex human dilemmas and relationships. The writing style, which includes text speech, adds a creative touch to the narrative, making it a sad yet creative and engaging story.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed teenagers, each presenting unique challenges and growth, contributing to the emotional core of the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by text-speak, which may challenge traditional reading but adds a sense of modernity and accessibility, complemented by vivid and poetic descriptions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on three teenagers raised in space who confront the complexities of life on Earth, facing both personal and external challenges in a world altered by technology.

Setting:

The setting oscillates between a futuristic space station and a dystopian Earth, highlighting the challenges of both worlds.

Pacing:

The pacing blends quick action with reflective moments, though some critique the latter parts for feeling rushed and less realistic.

that’s Orion: floating down in a ball from the module above, unfolding, landing neatly beside us. he’s holding his flute, like always. he plays it ok. he never seems to get very much better, or rather...

Notes:

The story is set in a slightly dystopian future where three children, Leo, Libra, and Orion, are born and raised on a space station and prepare to return to Earth at age 16.

The book features a unique writing style, primarily using text speak with little punctuation, which some readers found challenging but others enjoyed as it made the reading faster.

The themes of family, friendship, and the impact of scientific advancements are central to the story.

The characters face serious choices regarding life and death as they experience Earth's gravity for the first time, affecting their health.

There is a notable shift in gender roles in the future depicted, with women portrayed as strong and capable individuals.

While some readers loved the book, opinions varied on the ending, which felt too unrealistic and cinematic for some.

The book is praised for its emotional depth, with various readers expressing that it made them cry or feel deeply engaged.

Despite the sci-fi elements, the book also explores complex human dilemmas and relationships, appealing to a broader audience beyond just sci-fi fans.

From The Publisher:

A teenage boy born in space makes his first trip to Earth in this engrossing sci-fi adventure for fans of The Martian from award-winning author Nick Lake.

He's going to a place he's never been before: home.

Moon 2 is a space station that orbits approximately 250 miles above Earth. It travels 17,500 miles an hour, making one full orbit every ninety minutes. It's also the only home that fifteen-year-old Leo and two other teens have ever known.

Born and raised on Moon 2, Leo and the twins, Orion and Libra, are finally old enough and strong enough to endure the dangerous trip to Earth. They've been "parented" by teams of astronauts since birth and have run countless drills to ready themselves for every conceivable difficulty they might face on the flight.

But has anything really prepared them for life on terra firma? Because while the planet may be home to billions of people, living there is more treacherous than Leo and his friends could ever have imagined, and their very survival will mean defying impossible odds.

October 2017

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472 pages

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Satellite

Nick Lake

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