'The Darkness Outside Us' by Eliot Schrefer is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of existentialism, love, sacrifice, duty, and the human condition. The story follows two teenagers, Ambrose and Kodiak, on a space mission to Titan, where they uncover a mystery that challenges their understanding of their mission and themselves. The book weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and psychological thriller, exploring the evolving relationship between the two protagonists as they navigate isolation, loneliness, and the complexities of human emotions in the vastness of space.
The narrative is characterized by its thought-provoking exploration of intimacy, existential crisis, and the importance of connection in the face of adversity. Through the development of the characters and the intricate plot twists, the book challenges readers to contemplate the nature of humanity, agency, and the pursuit of meaning in a universe filled with uncertainty and darkness. Schrefer's writing style captures the emotional depth of the characters, immersing readers in a tale that is both gripping and profound, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include existential themes, feelings of loneliness, gaslighting, and dark psychological elements, but there is minimal graphic content.
Has Romance?
While romance is a key element of the story, it is interwoven with more profound themes and character development, rather than dominating the narrative.
From The Publisher:
They Both Die at the End meets The Loneliest Girl in the Universe in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission, from two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer.
Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission.
Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of a launch. There's more that doesn't add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship's operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed-not when he's rescuing his own sister.
In order to survive the ship's secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust each other . . . especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive.
* Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of the Year * A Booklist Editor's Choice of the Year *
Ratings (33)
Incredible (7) | |
Loved It (14) | |
Liked It (5) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (102):
Read It (30) | |
Currently Reading (4) | |
Want To Read (50) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (15) |
1 comment(s)
2.5 stars rounded up. I don't know what I expected from this audiobook but what I got wasn't it. It was an interesting concept but I just couldn't get invested in the story. Very character driven but couldn't get close emotionally in them
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