Station Six is a sci-fi novella that feels dismayingly realistic in its grim portrayal of futuristic capitalism.

 

Indentured worker Max is millions of miles from Earth, struggling through dull days of labor and hoping to make ends meet – while secretly offering cyberhacking services on the side. They’re roused to action after the threat of being replaced by automatons, and they connect with an underground revolution in order to stage a strike. Things escalate quickly, and Max struggles with their own anxiety and their desire to forge a livable future for themself and their friends.

 

The novella takes place over a very short time period, and it’s filled with action. I enjoyed the writing and Max (as well as the supporting characters), but felt almost like this was a prelude to the story I truly wanted to read. What happens next? How are these characters effectively battling capitalism? Does their union succeed? 

 

Max’s anxiety is portrayed with thoughtfulness and care, and again, I would have loved to see this explored over a longer time period for the chance to have a larger arc. 

 

Overall, this was a bleak-yet-fierce glimpse into an intriguing world. I’d be thrilled to read more from author S.J. Klapecki. I’m so curious!

 

CW: police brutality, violence & gun violence, classism, injury, blood, death (mentioned), medical content, anxiety

 

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(I received an advance reader copy of this book; this is my honest review.)