This was mind-blowingly beautiful. This story had me confused in the best way. I really didn’t understand much until I got to the final chapter and everything fell into place. The writing style was descriptive and easy, and I got through this read pretty quickly.

I love the description/disclaimer for the Space Station. While everything was disorienting and constantly shifting, I didn’t struggle to picture the setting of each sphere our MC was in. As I started to realize what was happening - what our MC was experiencing - I started putting my own interpretations and emotions on the events. I found the final chapter (the bow that ties it all together) to be really fascinating and it made me wish I could enter and re-enter the Space Station.

Thank you to NetGalley and K.R. Gadeken for this eARC! I’m definitely interested in reading her other work!

Firstly I have no idea where to start this review. The writing is amazing and conjured up so many different images in my mind, but on the other hand, I have next to no idea what the hell I just read. That's exactly where my problem lies.
Parts of this short story seemed to make sense and others just felt like I was in the midst of a fever dream. Hence the lack of any kind of synopsis in this review. I just don't know how to explain things.
So in summary, this was beautifully written but in terms of plot, I have no idea what I've just read. So I'm awarding three stars for now due to my not following events in this story.

Each chapter, you are following the main character as they travel through different spheres on the space station. Each of these spheres contain a different experience for this main character to enjoy, or not enjoy.

The writing of this novella was absolutely wonderful and so very descriptive. I found myself getting lost in each chapter.

“From the destruction of the old came new life and opportunities, yet everything was still made of the same base elements.”

I adored this novella so very much. It just perfectly encapsulated the feeling that everything would be okay and always work out in the end, even if it’s not how you first pictured it.

(My thanks to BooksGoSocial for an eARC via NetGalley.)

Let me start by stating that this is a 3.5-star book for me. It could end up being a 4-star with a future reading, I believe.

The story was engaging and interesting at nearly every turn. I never felt bored or wanted to rush through any portion of it. Though it is short, it carries a lot of information and a lot of story. I would classify it as sci-fi, bordering on weird sci-fi. It is a story that requires reflection afterward.

To be honest, I am not certain I even understood half of what could be hidden meanings in each section of the story. It will be interesting to see as others read the book if they received the same messages as I did, or if the author purposefully wants you to interpret it in your own way. Either way, it works and it was a very enjoyable read.

I look forward to reading the author’s other full-length book, as well as giving this a re-read in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As others have said, this is Alice in Wonderland-esque: The protagonist explores various “worlds” contained in spheres on a space station (don’t think too hard about the science of that, as the author doesn’t explain it). It’s interesting to follow the protagonist’s philosophical evolution through the trials they meet on the way. This is very light reading, however; glad it’s short.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley.

This novella is very self-reflective with no actual plot. It could benefit from editing for typos, misused words, and grammar.

A thought-provoking allegory for navigating through life and finding oneself. Sublime work of show, don't tell.

Rated 4.75 stars.

This isn't a novella you read- it's a story you experience.

In SPACE STATION, we follow the narrator as they explore a space station that offers many different experiences, from a supernova to environments that don't make sense. It feels like a reflection on life and a suggestion for direction all at once, and it remains beautiful all throughout the entire novella.

"I got Lost on a journey to the center of a planet, but I made it back before the dinosaurs could eat me."

The events and experiences in SPACE STATION make no sense and absolute sense all at once. The writing is beautiful, which gives a dreamlike atmosphere to the entire novella. It was often caught up in the description of each sphere as the writing was so descriptive and so beautiful that each environment was perfectly described. I lingered in a few of the short chapters because I wanted to remain in the experience.

"Even if I couldn’t control everything, I could still try, and perhaps that was the meaning of existence."

I really feel like SPACE STATION would be an excellent book for a book club or anyone wanting to discuss the novella. I think there are many ways people can receive this book, whether its an allegory for life, mental health, or even religion. It left me with hope- hope for the world, hope for how I exist in it, and hope for how I can navigate the future. This was my first experience reading K.R. Gadeken, but it will not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review

So I don’t feel like the blurb was accurate in terms of priming my expectations for the book. That being said I ended up beyond loving it anyway.

I understood what was happening even though nothing felt explained literally, and yet I am at a complete loss as how to explain it someone else? But I will be telling everyone to read this, especially because it almost made me cry which is a hell of a feat.

This was a really good short story. The concept of swapping out memories, good or bad, it’s so interesting. I like the examples of what could happen that were given in this book it was unique concept and well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

An adult reimagining of Alice in Wonderland set in the vastness of space. Our unnamed protagonist navigates a labyrinthine space station, where every room opens the door to a new, surreal adventure. The story is well-paced, blending cosmic wonder with poignant moments of heart.

An intergalactic "Alice in Wonderland" for adults. Our unnamed main character is travelling through a Space Station, where every room begets a new adventure. Well-paced with an undercurrent of heart.