A review by theladysparks
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

5.0

 

Ambrose and Kodiak, sworn enemies, find themselves on an unexpected mission aboard the Coordinated Endeavor. Ambrose awakens to a confusing situation with no memory of the launch, but a strong desire to complete his mission: rescuing his sister. As he investigates the strange occurrences on board, he realizes that he and Kodiak must work together to overcome the ship's secrets and challenges. Their unlikely partnership soon evolves into something deeper, as they discover that love might be the only way to survive.

“Intimacy is the only shield against insanity. Intimacy, not knowledge. Intimacy, not power.”

My suggestion with this book is to go in as unaware as possible. I didn't read the synopsis, literally picked this up because of the cover and I am so glad that I did. The Darkness Outside Us is a wild and unexpected ride that had me constantly at the edge of my seat, guessing what might happen next. It really solidifies why I love the sci-fi genre as a whole and I cannot recommend it enough.

The structure of the book and the writing were so unique, and although the beginning left me feeling like I was fighting against the current trying to fill in spaces, it evens out and that whole beginning really lays the groundwork for the puzzle that is the plot of this book. I am a sucker for books that take place in space on actual spaceships and this one ticked all of my boxes and made it feel like it was impossible to put down because I just needed to find out what was going to happen next.

The story itself is told in Ambrose's POV and getting only that perspective vs. both him and Kodiak I think was a really strong choice. I adore both of these characters and the story that they go through from beginning to end, it's one I never could have predicted myself. Their chemistry was top tier and I loved all of their interactions and this book is full of quotes that had me feeling every single emotion. It had so many unexpected twists and turns that make you go back and forth with what is actually happening vs. what's not. And the ending? Utter perfection.

This book was such a surprise and I am so glad that I picked it up because it's probably going to be one of my favorites for this year. I also just want to say I think this would be a killer movie adaptation or TV adaptation.

- ya sci-fi
- set on a spaceship
- futuristic earth
- lgbtqia+
- mm couple
- opposites attract
- emotional
- plot twist galore