Dark MatterAuthor: Blake Crouch
Published by: Crown
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 352
Source: Publisher
“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.
Dark Matter indeed! After reading the blurb I was fairly certain this would involve an alternate universe or something of the kind. I mean I hoped so anyway. Boy, did I get more than I bargained for. It’s far more interesting and excited than just an alternate universe! And was it ever fascinating!
Jason has a good life. A beautiful, loving wife and a well-adjusted teenage son that doesn’t give him too much grief. That is, until he’s abducted and his life is turned upside down. Nothing is the same. We’re taken on Jason’s wildly thrilling journey to get back to those he loves. Where choices matter.
The thing is, the less details you know, the better. I will say that it gets crazy! It’s both terrifying and exciting. What Jason experiences is what nightmares are made of, yet I would be the first in line to do it. I’m insane like that.
Dark Matter is smart, crisp, and gets a little mind-boggling – trust me when I say that it’s in the very best way. The fast-pace with the unexpected lurking around every corner kept me on my toes until the last page.
I haven’t read any of Crouch’s other books, but now I have grabby hands for them all!
Yes. I enjoyed the and met author at BEA. I imagined Jason as the 10th Doctor
Crap I am not commenting anymore from my smartphone in bed. I enjoyed THIS. .lol
It’s great to see that it’s more than what you were expecting for! I didn’t know about this one so thanks for the review!
Way to get us all excited, Christy!! Alternate universes are the best! And I really have to know what Jason needs to do in order to come back to his own universe and his loved ones!
It’s so much cooler than just an alternate universe storyline. You should read it.
Yeah I like the sound of this. I read his Wayward Pines books and they were good (and occasionaly freaky)! so I imagine this is good. 🙂
Sounds very intriguing, Christy. I like that you kept your review vague. I’m very curious to see how Jason ends up home if he ever does!
The cover looks so familiar..hmmmm
Oh you have me totally interested in this one now! Sounds like a wild ride to see if he gets back. Great review!
So seen some not so good reviews and then a couple of good ones. 🙂 So do you think I would like this if I an not a huge Sci-fi person? (I don’t mind some if it’s not all so geeked out with techno language that I have no clue what is going on…lol) 🙂
Negative reviews for this? How dare they! lol. Seriously, it’s really good. This would actually be perfect for you if you’re not a huge sci-fi person. Read it! 😀
Oh sounds intriguing! I’m madly curious to see what this one is all about and find out what’s really going on. Adding it to the TBR!
This was SOOOO hyped up at BEA – you should have seen the display they made out of the books there! I was afraid to go near the book for all its hype! I’m so relieved it survived your test!!!!!! YAY!! It’s sounds like a Total Recall reboot, tho….
Oh really? Well, it is pretty dang good! lol
This is new to me but it does sound good. How do you always find these great books Christy? I need to start stalking you more on Goodreads. 😛
Ha! I don’t usually even mark my ARCs on GR before starting them.
I hadn’t heard about this one before so thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Why haven’t I heard of this one? I also worry that this one will be almost too much for me (I’m a wimp), but nah… I can take it. LOL This sounds too good to pass up. Totally adding this one to my wishlist.
I highly doubt it would be too much for you, Melissa. 🙂 It’s really interesting and exciting.
Oh wow, this would be a complete change for me, genre-wise, but I’m sure I’d enjoy it! I don’t know how I’d handle all the excitement… I see a lot of nervous eating in my future… but I’ll definitely read it.
It’s a really cool book and concept (that’s real). Hope you try it!
I haven’t read anything by this author either, but I am really curious about this one! I’m glad to see that you enjoyed it so much. Sometimes knowing less is better.
-Lauren
This sounds so good and creepy! Like Total Recall, but not. Glad you enjoyed this one 🙂
More than you bargained for and it sounds great. Didn’t know about it so thanks for sharing, Christy!
This sounds super intense!! I’ll have to check it out. Great review! 🙂
Those books that you can’t really talk about are the hardest to write reviews for. This does sound neat though! I’m definitely curious, especially since you say you would do it lol. Now I wanna know what it is!
I’m really enjoying this one, Christy. At first, I thought it would be confusing af, but that’s not the case at all. I can’t wait to get further into the story.
Kim really enjoyed this one too, so it’s on my list for sure! I want to know what happens to Jason and if he makes it back go his family. I’m going to try and get my husband to read it since he was a huge Fringe fan and has been binge watching Wayward Pines:)
I love alternate universes/realities, etc…. Well, as long as I don’t get a migraine from trying to keep up. Adding this to my list!
This sounds really interesting! you have me curious.
A great review Christy. Sharon – Obsession with Books
Mind-boggling? Oh my god, this makes me want to read it so bad! Plus I got a copy of it MONTHS ago from NetGalley. I feel so ashamed! Amazing review!!
Ooh, this sounds a bit like Sliding Doors, where the choices you make can lead your life on an entirely different path. I love books like these, because they’re thought provoking and the storyline poses the questions to readers about the ‘what ifs’ in life. This sounds absolutely brilliant Christy, I can’t wait to grab a copy Wonderful review! <3
Oh wow, this sounds amazing — and damn intense!! and I am so curious about the things you aren’t saying!
This sounds so interesting. I haven’t really heard of this author or book before, but you have me very intrigued. I do love the idea of alternate universes (see my most recent review, similar idea, but a romance instead of thriller. LOL). Adds this to TBR pile.
This is really not the type of books that I read but this seems damn interesting ! Both the blurb and your review have me intrigued ! I am definitely adding this on my TBR shelf :))
The title sure sounds to fit the story! I am not a fan of alternate universes, so I don’t think this one would be for me. I am glad you enjoyed this one! It does sound very well written and it’s always great when you finish a book and want to read more by the same author.
I loved Wayward Pines, it was totally bonkers but brilliant, this sounds a fab read too. Thanks for sharing!