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A review by sarahmsklar8
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
"The darkness outside hums its outrage." (page 295)
I disagree with other reviewers saying this is mismarketed as a YA romance, when it very much is to its core. It is absolutely YA and while the romance is a major plot point, it seamlessly corresponds with the adventure of the sci-fi space adventure. Seriously, do not underestimate this book as just a gays in space cute rom-com.
The story follows Ambrose, who wakes aboard the Coordinated Endeavor on a mission to travel to Saturn's moon, Titan, to rescue his sister, Minerva. However, he has no memory of the launch, and soon discovers that he is not alone on the ship. Ambrose and Kodiak must work together to survive the journey, but with some shocking twists, they learn that their love may be the key to staying alive.
It's a plot driven book which makes it a perfect page turning quick read. And while I'm notoriously difficult to make cry in books, I have to say, if you're a crier this one will get you.
Side note: I have to pay special appreciation to Ambroses' sarcasm:
"It tickles me that the Cusk planners organized my life into weeks, when I'm in an artificially heated polycarbonate hull surrounded by an imponderably immense void, a dust mote floating through an empty stadium. But at least I know when it's Tuesday!" (page 32)
I disagree with other reviewers saying this is mismarketed as a YA romance, when it very much is to its core. It is absolutely YA and while the romance is a major plot point, it seamlessly corresponds with the adventure of the sci-fi space adventure. Seriously, do not underestimate this book as just a gays in space cute rom-com.
The story follows Ambrose, who wakes aboard the Coordinated Endeavor on a mission to travel to Saturn's moon, Titan, to rescue his sister, Minerva. However, he has no memory of the launch, and soon discovers that he is not alone on the ship. Ambrose and Kodiak must work together to survive the journey, but with some shocking twists, they learn that their love may be the key to staying alive.
It's a plot driven book which makes it a perfect page turning quick read. And while I'm notoriously difficult to make cry in books, I have to say, if you're a crier this one will get you.
Side note: I have to pay special appreciation to Ambroses' sarcasm:
"It tickles me that the Cusk planners organized my life into weeks, when I'm in an artificially heated polycarbonate hull surrounded by an imponderably immense void, a dust mote floating through an empty stadium. But at least I know when it's Tuesday!" (page 32)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Gore