Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

July 19th, 2016 Kimberly Review 51 Comments

19th Jul
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter
by Blake Crouch
Genres: Science Fiction, Thriller
Source: BEA
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

“Are you happy with your life?” Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Before a man Jason’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”

In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable--something impossible.

Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how can Jason possibly make it back to the family he loves? The answers lie in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could’ve imagined—one that will force him to confront the darkest parts of himself even as he battles a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe.

FED-THE-NERD thriller scifi PAGETURNER thriller

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is an addictive science fiction thriller perfect for fans of the TV show Fringe. Non-stop action, reality bending with an engaging protagonist Dark Matter delivered an intense, entertaining and addictive ride.

Blake Crouch is the author of the Wayward Pines trilogy, which recently gained attention when adapted as a television series by FOX. I had the pleasure of meeting Crouch at BEA and was delighted to bring home signed copies of both Wayward Pines and Dark Matter.

Based on Wayward Pine, I knew Dark Matter was going to offer up a twisted thriller. Crouch exceeded my expectations. Imagine being abducted and awakening only to discover you are in an alternate world. Dark Matter explores the path not taken. As the synopsis suggests it was both wondrous and horrifying. Crouch will have you reflecting on your own paths and wondering what is beyond our world.

Our protagonist is Jason Dessen. Crouch hooks readers from the first chapter as he introduces us to Jason, his wife and teenage son. We learn a little about Jason’s life and the path not taken as a former classmate receives an award. Jason steps out that evening to congratulate said friend and awakens to a nightmare. Come tag along as Jason works to find his way home.

Jason Dessen was the perfect protagonist for this tale. I imagined Jason as David Tennant and my mind delivered the tale in his Scottish brogue. Jason’s personality was the perfect combination of logic and heart. His mannerisms reminded me of those of the Tenth Doctor. He was genuine and I quickly found myself rooting for him.

The world building was vivid, horrifying and totally fed my inner nerd leaving it well sated. Crouch skillfully shares A complex tale with an ebb and flow that allows the reader to immerse themselves in this world. He made the impossible seem possible creating a believability. It will have you questioning scientific advancement and if some doors are best left closed.  We are not subject to pages of jargon, instead it is seamless woven into the tale and delivered in the simplest of terms giving readers a firm understanding of events and theories behind Dark Matter.

I found myself holding my breath, pondering choices and suffering the emotions of our protagonist. The worlds we encountered were fascinating, some even terrifying. Dark Matter delivered an intense, action-packed, thought-provoking read that left satisfied and asking what if.

Peek Inside

Grab your copy: Amazon|Audible|B&N

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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51 Responses to “Dark Matter by Blake Crouch”

  1. Lorna

    I’ve watched all The Wayward Pine shows and they are something else! I do like it. This book sounds like something this author would write. One of those books that stay with you awhile. How fun that you got to meet the author!

  5. Stormi Johnson

    I never finished Pines when I first tried it but then I watched Wayward Pines and now I want to go back and try it again cause I know what is going on….lol. I am curious about Dark Matters.

  9. Katherine

    This has been on my radar and has been slowly but surely working its way onto my TBR. It sounds like a book that really makes you think and keeps you turning pages. I hadn’t realized he was the author of Wayward Pines as well. Now I’m doubly intrigued!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes. He is nice, a little shy but I got a signed copy of WP too. I watch the show, but we all know the book is better..so I will be reading soon 🙂

  10. Maureen Beatrice

    Dark Matter really sounds like a great read. I love books like this were you just don’t know where the story is going. Awesome that the world building in this book was so good. I’m really curious about this one.
    Great review 😉

  11. Maggie

    This sounds really good Kim, I am a fan of Fringe therefore this is an easy add to the never ending reading pile.

  15. Kourtni

    I’ve been looking for a good thriller to read recently – this may win. Thanks for the great review!!

  16. Jenny

    Oooo maybe I can finally turn my husband into a reader! He absolutely LOVED Fringe and has been hooked on Wayward Pines, so this is clearly right up his alley. I think my dad and mother in law would really love it too, thanks for the recommendation Kim!

  18. Angela

    This one looks really interesting, especially since you’ve pictured him as the 10th Doctor. I’ve watched a few episodes of Wayward Pines and I think I’m going to pick both of these books up!.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes, from the way he thinks and acts all I could see was David. I got a signed copy of WP too and although I watch the show..we all know the book is always better 🙂

  19. Kristin

    Hey! Another great review for this hugely hyped book! Phew. “Fringe”, you say? Hmm, might have to get my sci-fi parents clued into this one 🙂

  20. Kay

    I feel like my husband and I would both like this one. I have an ARC but I haven’t read it yet. Thanks for the review!

  21. Leona

    This sounds intense as heck! I am seriously intrigued, but I’m wondering if I should listen to this to get the full production or read it myself?

  23. Kathy

    This was offered as a book of the month club pick, and I came soooooo close to choosing this one. I really wish I had, now.

  24. Maja (The Nocturnal Library)

    Oy! I was pretty much sold on this the second you mentioned Fringe, but you convinced me even further with the rest of your review. This sounds like the perfect read for me. I’m off to order a copy right now.

  26. Christy LoveOfBooks

    Word yo! I so badly want to do what he did. How freaking cool would that be? I never read the WP books or watched the show, but I so am now. Wonderful review, lady! Hope you’re feeling better.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Christy, I am finally seeing the light with this illness. Breathing is easier. Still taking it easy. I have watched WP but also got a signed copy at BEA and want to try it. This was awesome, I would travel by box 🙂