The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer blew my mind. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read—a story that stays with you long after you’re done reading. It’s deeply moving, well-written, and utterly mind-bending. I’m so happy I found this story.

I’m a huge fan of Vanessa Kelley’s art (check out her Instagram), and it was through one of her pieces of art that I first heard about The Darkness Outside Us. Her rendering of Kodiak and Ambrose instantly captivated me, and I just had to read the book. If you love space travel, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and a good mystery, you’re in for a treat.

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The Darkness Outside Us — A Sci-Fi Thriller

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(you can find my rating and spice system here)

POV & Tense: Single POV, first person, present tense
Genre: (YA) Science Fiction / Thriller with MM Romance
Tropes/Themes: Isolation, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, Slow burn, Mystery, Space Travel, Dystopian/Futuristic

Synopsis:

Ambrose Cusk awakens aboard the spaceship Endeavor with no memory of the launch, having suffered a head injury during take-off. The mission: to rescue his sister, Minerva, who tripped her distress beacon from Saturn’s moon, Titan. Except, he’s not alone. His companion, Kodiak, is a spacefarer from a rival nation who wants nothing to do with Ambrose. But things soon become suspicious, and it seems the ship’s computer may not have their best interests at heart. Ambrose and Kodiak must learn to work together and develop trust if they are to survive.

My Review:

Writing this review is a challenge because there are so many things that make this book amazing, but I don’t want to give anything away. It’s best to go in blind and let the book run its course. I will do my best to outline some things I love without giving any major details away.

Space Travel

I love learning new things and adore books steeped in scientific fact. Eliot Schrefer has done his research and sprinkled in fascinating scientific information throughout the narrative (in a way that enhances the story and doesn’t bog it down) that had my inner science geek completely entranced.

Nowhere is truly empty. The thought makes me feel lavishly alone. Somehow, space is so deeply melancholy that it’s not at all sad, like a note so low it ceases to sound. Even my sorrow about my insignificance feels insignificant.

Unexpected Twists and Turns

Right from the get-go, there’s a mystery. What happened to Ambrose? Why can’t he remember the launch? From page one, I was hooked. And the mystery only deepens as the story progresses. There are twists and turns you won’t see coming. I was genuinely frightened for these boys on more than one occasion.  

Humor

The suspense is lightened with many humorous moments. Ambrose can be an adorable goofball at times, and I love the banter he has with the ship’s computer (which incidentally sounds like his mother but is nothing like her—his real mother was never the nurturing type and would never crack a joke).

Emotional Connection

While the romance isn’t the primary focus of this book, it heightens the emotional impact. This is a deeply emotional book featuring two boys from enemy nations who must forge a connection to survive. At the start, Kodiak is very closed off and wants nothing to do with Ambrose. He’s a machine going about his daily tasks. Ambrose, on the other hand, craves human companionship and won’t take no for an answer. His stubbornness is exactly what Kodiak needs. I love these two so much. Watching them grow and fall in love was a beautiful experience and my heart feels so full right now. No spoilers, but I teared up at the ending.

My mother was wrong. Minerva was wrong. Intimacy is the only shield against insanity. Intimacy, not knowledge. Intimacy, not power.

Final Thoughts:

The Darkness Outside Us is an emotional journey, and letting go is difficult. I can see myself revisiting this book again (and soon!). I initially borrowed this from the library, but I’m buying both the ebook and the paperback (it’s so good I want it on my shelves and in my hands wherever I go).

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

 

Author Stalking (but not in a creepy way):
Eliot Schrefer is the NYT bestselling author of adult and young adult fiction.
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