Review: Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

May 28, 2017 by Samantha Andrews in Reviews

Synopsis for Dark Matter

“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.

It’s no secret that sci-fi/thriller is my least read genre. The few books I’ve read in those genres have impressed me and Dark Matter is no less impressive. It was interesting, intense, and thought-provoking on both a scientific and philosophical level. Dark Matter really did make me realize that the grass is never greener.

I love a book that can engage me right away. The beginning of the book was a great set up to connecting with Jason, especially since I have a family of my own. By the time Jason is abducted I was able to feel his need and desperation to get back to his family.

The most interesting aspect to me, though, was actually the science fiction. I know, shocker, considering the amount of times I said I don’t like science fiction! There were so many scenarios going through my head about Jason’s abduction and how it was made possible. When it was being explained it made perfect sense to me. It made so much sense to me I wondered if it could be possible. Probably not, but it does make you think. Or maybe and just not yet. See, I’m still thinking about it even now!

Dark Matter did give me some Interstellar vibes, and I really loved that movie. If you did, too, I would recommend Dark Matter. Jason’s journey gave a whole new meaning to “be careful what you wish for” and “be grateful for what you have.” After reading Dark Matter I know I will be.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book in any way.