Dark Matter: A Novel

This was a great sci-fi read despite me realizing about 3/4 of the way through that I would not like the ending. Not that it isn't a good ending, but I don't like it. I don't like what it means for the characters. Usually I don't care, but in this case, I care and it bummed me out. So much so that I couldn't stop reading despite it getting late at night. I just had to be done with it. He ended it as well as it possibly could be but... well, wow. If you know much about physics, the blurb on the back sort of gives away what is happening to the character long before the plot does. That doesn't really diminish the read though. The pace of this book is perfect if you want to just read and read without putting it down. Something is always happening, and just when that something is sorted out, something else comes up so there's never a good stopping place. If you like well plotted, fast paced, near future sci-fi without a hint of "enemies to lovers" or whatever, this book is for you.

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.

"It's terrifying when you consider that every thought we have, every choice we could possibly make, branches into a new world." Have you ever in your life, felt like you've entered an alternate reality? Well, I know I have. 2017 was a difficult year for me. I suddenly lost 40 lbs within a matter of months. My grandmother, one of the closest people to me, passed. I was laid off from my job of 14 years. My best-friend, suddenly walks out of my life. Not only had my appearance changed, but inwardly, I had changed. I began reading more, my eating habits were different, I no longer liked certain foods, but found a new appreciation for others. The majority of this, happening within March of 2017. As I stood in front of the mirror, looking back at myself, I wondered, is this really me? What happened? How did it all change so fast? "This is not my world" During it all, the only constant was my husband. Which, for me is why this novel resonated so deeply. Jason Dessen, an educated man, gives up his dreams of achieving the Pavia Prize to start a family with the woman he loves. He's now a professor, a husband, a father, a simple man, living a simple life. One evening he hits the local bar not far from home to meet up with an old friend, Ryan Holder. He can't help but feel a bit of jealously in the face of this man, his old college buddy, for he has achieved his dreams, he has received the honor of the Pavia Prize. It's not long before Jason decides he's had enough and sets off for home, stopping along the way to pick up some ice cream for Daniella and Charlie at the local market for dessert. As he makes his way home admiring the beautiful autumn evening, feeling somewhat nostalgic, he is suddenly overcome with terror. There's a gun pointed in his face. Jason has been kidnapped by a masked man. All he can think about is his wife, Daniella, and their son, Charlie. He needs to let them know what is happening. No sooner than he tries to send Daniella a message, the masked man discovers Jason's efforts. Jason is instructed to drive to an abandoned warehouse, then instructed to take off his clothes and change into new ones. Jason has been injected with something as he waits for the effects of the drug to take hold the masked man forces him to consider his life choices. "Are you happy in your life?" "My life is great. It's just not exceptional. And there was a time when it could have been." Jason has been stripped of his clothing, his keys, wallet, and his dignity. The masked man has forced him to reflect on his life, so he continues to feel an overwhelming sense of loss. Little does Jason know however, that he has so much more left to lose. As Jason awakes, although everyone around him appears to know him, he does not know these people. He can't help but feel like Alice who has tumbled down the rabbit hole. What is going on? Who are these people? Why are they asking me these questions? Where am I? Jason begins to realize that this is not his world. In this life, he has no Daniella, no Charlie, but he has his beloved Pavia Prize, his achievements, but which is greater? Jason quickly realizes that a life without Daniella and Charlie is no life at all. This is a one heck of a novel, and I loved every word of it! We are taken on such a ride with Jason as he attempts to make it back to Daniella and Charlie, to his world, to the one constant in his life. Daniella becomes Jason's beacon, a guiding light, driving him home. He must focus his emotions if he ever plans on returning to her, which given the circumstances is no easy task. The concept of this novel, while not entirely original (because let's face it, there are several novels containing alternate realities) has an originality all of it's own. I have never read a novel so complex in the making where I've had to stop and wonder if the author himself stepped into an alternate reality to create it. I can't say enough about this novel, I only wish that I had written my review sooner... while everything was still fresh in my mind and my thoughts were whirling. Sadly life has a way of getting in the way. Have no doubt though, this is one novel, that will stay with me. "The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious."

Im becoming a Blake crouch fan I guess I have read recurssion and dark matter now, and I wasn't able to put them down, i love speculative cience and the what if something was possible, and this book is a fantastic read of one such cases. (SPOILERS AHEAD) the concept of multiversal travel and the many worlds theory being real and the consequences it has on a single human already seems cataclysmic, and it certainly was for Jason's life. I loved how the topic was navigated as a thriller/romance, as Crouch is very big on science and family, that sentiment comes very much across in this book. Personally I liked recurssion more than Dark matter and I just bought Upgrade to continue on my Blake Crouch reading spree after I'm done with Project Hail Mary.

If you like graphic violence this book is for you. Just too graphic for me and couldn't finish it. But a very suspensful, sci-fi, mind bending story. Well written and flows well. Takes place in Chicago with local areas you might know. Couldn't read it all, so my review isn't fair. My bad. Probably shouldn't write a review. I heard there is a streaming TV version.