Dark Matter: A Novel

I DEVOURED this book in three days, which is very out of character for me. This man writes the way people think - no overdone descriptions that slow down the plot. This was the first book I have read in years that I literally could not put down. I have already ordered his other books. So glad I found this author! He reminded me what it feels like to be completely engaged in a book.

The title of this novel, Dark Matter, gives you very little insight into the subject matter ('heh') of the novel, but fills you with intrigue. That intrigue follows you through the novel, always keeping you on edge for what is to follow. I didn't know what this novel had in store for me, and to be honest, you shouldn't either. I wouldn't say it's a perfect novel by any means-- some characters fall to the wayside, never to be seen again, some plotlines left open, never to be resolved. But that's the point-- the novel follows a focused story, and the protagonist, Jason, has a goal that he won't give up. That's all I can say without spoiling the plot. SPOILERS FOLLOW AFTER THIS POINT. -When I look back on the story, I kind of think of Fallout 3 (and other Bethesda games), if the character wanted to find his father no matter what-- glancing over the other subquests he could've taken but sticking to his main quest. Jason (9?) is kinda like that, and I understand why. His motivations, as well as Jason2's' are clear. They both want Daniela and Charlie. They're willing to do whatever to get to that point. That makes sense, but this platform of the box and the ampoules that allow a person to go between different parallel universes just opens up so many ideas and so many questions that the book can't take advantage of. The book rushes through many of the universes, giving you a taste of what "could have been" but never really fleshing them out. Look, I get why-- the character rushing through the universes makes sense-- he has a sense of urgency (because he has limited ampoules, and maybe limited time) because he wants to get back to his world. The plot is focused and tight. But therein lies the problem. This story maybe shouldn't have been this focused. It plays more like a movie that needs to get the plot wrapped up in like 2 hours. I dunno. Maybe it would've worked if it was longer and the author explored the other universes more, or maybe not. But in its current state, it leaves you wanting more. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but I would definitely like to see some more world-building and exploring in a sequel (if there ever happens to be one). The tightly focused story also sacrifices some characters that were so very interesting. The cocky friend of Jason's in the beginning. Amanda comes to mind as being pretty much abandoned towards the middle. It's almost like the author didn't want to deal with a love triangle later on in the novel if Amanda and Dani had to meet. But then why even introduce her? Why not have her die saving Jason right before Jason gets in the box and uses the ampoules for the first time? I feel like Crouch really wanted to do something bigger with Amanda, but realized how difficult it would be, especially when the other numbered Jasons come into play when Jason gets back into his world. I feel like keeping Amanda around would've been less tragic-- the other Jasons could end up with their Amanda when they realize that they can't all be with Dani. I liked how the other Jasons came into play later on in the novel. But man was it confusing to grasp at first, especially when you only have the UberChat conversation to pull from. -- Otherwise, I really did enjoy this novel. The brisk pace of the novel, despite my aforementioned qualms, makes it easy to continue reading. The author has a great way of explaining complicated ideas reasonably well-- things like how the multiverse works in the story (using a box and many doors because that's how the mind of humans can understand it), to the "uncanny valley" are explained quite well. That's why it gets a four-star review. Most of the characters were well developed and likeable; I sympathized with the plight of Jason2, I understood Daniela's uneasiness, etc. Not sure how I feel about the end-- I like how they left it up to Charlie to decide which world they would go into (because at least a world with Charlie is a world where Jason and Daniela came together), but I'm unsure if heading into a different universe is really that different from going on the run. It's also a whole lot more dangerous. But at least it makes sense. I guess that's what I can say about the whole novel-- every critical decision, from Jason asking Amanda to not be so close to him on the bed ("I don't want you to. But I need you to"), to more Jasons popping up in the main universe because of fragmentation in decisions in the box, makes sense.

At this point, I’ve read a handful of books that Blake Crouch either wrote or co-wrote, and by and large, I’ve enjoyed them. Crouch is undeniably a pulpy author, and his prose is basically fine but unexceptional; for all of that, though, his ideas are rich and compelling, and Crouch has a knack for zigging when you think he’s going to zag (a talent that served him incredibly well in Pines, but less so in Eerie). With all of that being said, it’s been surprising seeing Dark Matter gain a more mainstream success – much more so than any other Crouch book, as far as I know. Crouch has always seemed like a fringe figure, a cult favorite, but never someone who could attain big, mainstream success. But having read Dark Matter, I get why this has been his breakout novel. Between the gripping idea, the rich characterization, the surprisingly strong prose, and the emotional ideas that Crouch is playing with, it’s undeniably his most successful, intriguing, thrilling, and inventive novel, and one that makes the best use of his talents. It’s mind-bending, exciting, unpredictable, but best of all, it’s emotionally and thematically rich, delivering a surprisingly thoughtful tale out of a pulp premise. Exactly what that premise is should best be learned slowly (although if, like me, you know the basic idea, don’t worry – Dark Matter has some surprises still coming your way). Suffice to say that the book opens in a typical night in the life of Jason Dessen, a physicist turned college professor who has a satisfying, if unexceptional, life with his wife and teenage son. But as he’s leaving a bar after celebrating a colleague’s success, he’s kidnapped and drugged, and awakes in a strange place where his life seems to be entirely different from the one he remembers. Was he dreaming? Is he dreaming now? What’s going on? Again, I don’t want to dive too much into the basic premise of the book; if you’re an avid reader or science-fiction fan, you may have a good idea where this is going. But rest assured, even if you think you know, you don’t know exactly how Crouch is going to run with this premise, pushing it way further and more inventively than I’ve ever seen an author take it. More than that, though, Crouch uses his idea not as an end – as he did in Pines, whose primary fun came in its bizarre revelations – but as a means to explore his characters, letting it all play out like some nightmarish version of It’s a Wonderful Life, where Jason gets to see how his life could have turned out had he made one critical decision differently. Crouch invests us enough in Jason that we’re right there alongside him as he debates the merits of this new life, and we find ourselves exploring the same heady questions as he does – the way our decisions shape us, the way our priorities and experiences can make us into the person we are. Mind you, this is still undeniably a Crouch book, which means it moves at a breakneck pace, keeps you guessing, and constantly evolves in front of your eyes. Dark Matter is as much a thriller as it is anything else, and although it’s rich with subtext (and text, really), that doesn’t mean that it’s not exciting and thrilling. It’s one of those books that’s going to be incredibly hard to stop reading once you start it – I basically read it in two sittings, and that one break was just because I had to force myself to go to bed. And while I was reading, I was absolutely riveted; Crouch knows how to keep a reader hooked, and manipulates you into keeping on turning those pages well past the point when you should stop. The result is a real treat, and a deserved breakthrough for Crouch – not just in terms of success, but in terms of his talent. It’s easily the richest, best book of his that I’ve read, and the first time I’ve seen him push beyond the pulpy roots that have defined most of his works for me. And yet, Dark Matter keeps those pulpy roots – a great hook, an exciting plot – intact, all while marrying them to more thoughtful, intriguing material. It’s a really fun, engaging book; a fun thriller that’s got some substance to it, some genuinely shocking moments, and a willingness to go for broke that results in at least one of the most memorable reveals I’ve read in a thriller in recent memory. It’s a blast, and I can’t recommend it enough.

I don't know how to comment on this book without spoilers, so be advised. Reading this book was a bit of a roller coaster ride. It started out really well and grabbed my interest. Then, about 20% in or so, I stopped cold. I wasn't sure I would read on. I'm not a fan of reading about infidelity, and it smacks you in the face in this book. In this case, the wife isn't cheating per se as she actually thinks she's sleeping with her real husband. However, once this occurs no amount of writing or excuses can take it back. It taints the entire book and resurfaces throughout. Still, I decided to read on. The story does get better but quickly devolves into a series of descriptions of experiences that the protagonist and a companion go through. I ended skimming the next 25% of the book. It finally settles into the final act and does get a bit more interesting as to how the protagonist ultimately settles his dilemma, but once again it's tedious and I skimmed to just cut to the chase and see how it ends. The author writes quite well, but the story arc and conclusion left me unsettled and unsatisfied. It's just not my kind of book in the end.

It's been a good while since I've read a sci-fi novel, but this one was pretty good to get back into it! It read a lot like a thriller and had the pace of one too, so it kept me hooked and wanting to find out what happens next. One reason I don't read much sci-fi is because it usually follows a concept that's just too big for my brain to grasp and/or enjoy reading about. It's just too much to handle (for this one, it's the multiverse). While I can follow along with how the book explores it, the concept of it is just too mind boggling and always leaves me with too many questions. That being said, I do think Crouch handled the subject matter well and made it as tangible as possible for most readers. As this is my first Crouch book, I did really enjoy his writing style as well. Very straight and to the point. I do wish there may have been just a tad more character development - I enjoyed Jason as the main character, but I never really got a deep connection with him, nor any of the other characters as well. Felt a little lacking in that department. And one character I had a hard time with was Amanda - I felt like Crouch just added her in to the story on a whim as a sort of "distraction" or something, and felt like her character served no real purpose. She just didn't seem to fit in well with the story, and just seemed rather pointless to me. Overall, I did enjoy this one quite a bit and would definitely recommend to any sci-fi lovers. It's a book that get's your mind reeling with all kinds of questions, and has you thinking on your past choices in life and where they've gotten you today. What choices have you made that you regret? Where would you be now if you chose this over that? What would have happened if you went left instead of right? Gets you thinking about all kinds of directions your life could have gone had you made a different decision, no matter how minor. You know it's a good book when it has you questioning your life and almost puts you in existential crisis mode.

bought this when the series released on apple TV. It was a great and easy read. I had to read it before i watched the show. Don't watch without reading!

I honestly could talk about this novel for hours and this would be an amazing book club book! What would you do if you woke up in a strange room after a traumatic event, amongst strangers, who knew you very well? Strangers who claim you work with but at the same time you did not trust. In fact, you can’t even trust your reality or sanity? This mind-bending story is a page burner… The author does an amazing job detailing the complex nature of quantum physics and each character. The protagonist (Jason) is very like able and although he is a scientific genius he is very relatable. As I mentioned I could talk about this book for hours but I don’t want to give too much away as this is best experienced without a lot of prior knowledge. Jason is a quantum physics professor. He had a very promising career as an experiential scientist with Grant funding. However, when he met the love of his life; Daniela, he gave it up to be a family man. In the beginning of the book, he’s a very happily married man and father. He works as a professor at a local college in Chicago. His college roommate is in town after receiving a prestigious scientific award. An award Jason’s wife Daniela tells him he could have won. Jason decides to go to the bar to have a drink with his old roommate and friend… While having drinks with his old roommate (Ryan) Jason is lambasted for giving up his career for a family. Frustrated, Jason gets up to leave and his life will never be the same. This book has found a way into my all-time top 10. It is a must read for lovers of suspense, thrillers, sci-fi and just plain excitement!! Minor SPOILER ALERT: While walking home from drinks with his friend, Ryan, Jason notices a man approaching rather fast, and before he has a chance to react, there is a gun in his face. The man is very forceful and threatening. He orders Jason to get in a nearby vehicle that has a pre-programmed GPS location and tells him to drive. Jason is scared for his life. The man is wearing a mask, but Jason feels like he knows the man’s voice, but cannot place it. The man has Jason drive them to a deserted warehouse region of the city, where he forces Jason to go to the basement by gunpoint. Once there the masked man, drugs, Jason, and apologizes for what he’s about to do. He seems kinder more empathetic all of a sudden and just states to Jason to just go with it. Jason then wakes up in a hanger into a world of strangers… This is where the novel gets mind-bending. I cannot promote this book enough. It is a must read!

This is my first book by the author Ive read and I enjoyed it. The plot is captivating, interesting, and intriguing from start to finish with a Philip K. Dick feel to it. Its an easy read as well, found myself reading through it over a weekend. It ended somewhat abruptly I think, I wanted more in the ending, but otherwise I was hooked from start to finish and am looking forward to watching the Apple series based on the novel.

Dark Matter combina ficção científica, suspense e romance na mesma história. O que achei mais legal é como o autor aborda os multiversos fazendo uma reflexão com as escolhas que fazemos na vida. Único ponto negativo é que do meio para frente o livro parece que caminha “com pressa” para um desfecho e algumas coisas não são muito bem explicadas. No entanto, vale a leitura mesmo assim.

A PLOT TWISTING must read ! An exceptional book with amazing twists. I loved the starting and thought this was a normal science-fiction… but after reading half of the book I was thrilled with the twists. I completed reading this book in 3 days only! The first half of the book did not kept me that hooked, but when reading the other half of the book, I was hooked all the time, can’t keep it down. If you’re looking for a science-fiction, fast-paced book; go for it! I purchased another popular book of Blake Crouch (Recursion) as soon as I completed reading this one cause I heard it’s a science-fiction too! Definitely gonna write a review for that one too. Thanks.

WOOOOW! How should I start? This was one of the best books I have read this year and probably in my life, I was completely hooked from page 13 and it's been non-stop ever since. ❤️ With a very dynamic rhythm, this story captivates you, makes you dream and makes you wonder many things; how shocking would it be meeting different versions of yourself?! I highly recomend it for several reasons: a unique story, the characters make you feel different emotions, I find the ideal of the multiverse fascinating and not too far from reality... I'm pretty sure this story won't be forgotten for a long time

Een leuk idee dat prima is uitgevoerd, was mijn gedachte tot vlak op het einde. Maar dan volgt er een twist die ik niet zag aankomen maar toch zo slim is dat het hele verhaal opeens een extra diepte krijgt. Sowieso is Crouch wel goed in net voldoende spanning toevoegen zodat je verder wilt, dus het boek leest lekker weg. Aanrader.

A tel point que j'en ai raté mon arrêt de bus. Une histoire originale car au lieu de reprendre le thème du voyageur temporel et tous les paradoxes bien connus que cela engendre, on parle ici d'univers parallèles. L'auteur utilise avec succès les théories quantiques pour nous parler des choix, des regrets et des "et si..." qui jalonnent notre vie. Et nous livre une très belle histoire. Je ne connaissais pas cet auteur mais vais m'intéresser à ses autres livres.