Review Tuesday: The Manipulation of Satine by JL Peridot

The Manipulation of Satine by JL Peridot

Muscoca Media, 2026

Satine Luna likes to think that she’s in control, but now her life is in the hands of Warden Jet. Caught in the act of stealing and detained against her will on a remote moon, she has no idea what to expect. Is she a prisoner facing punishment for her illegal behavior or a patient in a non-orthodox program of therapeutic rehabilitation? Either way, what thrilling, obscene acts will she be forced to perform next?

The Manipulation of Satine is the second installment in JL Peridot’s erotic science fiction quintet. This volume is easily as steamy as the first, adding Sapphic delights to the delicious and frustrating attentions of the sexy warden. It also includes a variety of intriguing sci fi details, such as skin paints that elicit emotional responses and smart doors that can display scenes of distant places. The author leaves us wondering about the purpose of the facility where Satine is imprisoned, as well as the nature of the powers that manage it.

I enjoyed this tale—I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve ever read by this author—but I found it too brief. Although the erotic scenes are gorgeous and intense, in some sense nothing happens. Satine does gain some insight into the true nature of her supposed connection to her planet-side band of criminal comrades, but I was left wondering just what it would mean for her to be “rehabilitated”. Meanwhile, is it feasible to believe (as a romantic would like) that the dutiful Warden Jet will develop a special relationship with his assigned charge?

Only the next books will tell. I still have three to go, and the author has hinted that the connection between Satine and Jet will be more than just casual sex.

We shall see.