Five Stars for the Quantum Thriller That Bends Reality: Dark Matter

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

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“Are you happy with your life?”

Those are the last words Jason Dessen hears before the masked abductor knocks him unconscious. 
 


Before he awakens to find himself strapped to a gurney, surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits.


Before a man Jason’s never met smiles down at him and says, “Welcome back, my friend.”  
 


In this world he’s woken up to, Jason’s life is not the one he knows. His wife is not his wife. His son was never born. And Jason is not an ordinary college physics professor, but a celebrated genius who has achieved something remarkable. Something impossible.
 


Is it this world or the other that’s the dream? And even if the home he remembers is real, how can Jason possibly make it back to the family he loves? The answers lie in a journey more wondrous and horrifying than anything he could’ve imagined—one that will force him to confront the darkest parts of himself even as he battles a terrifying, seemingly unbeatable foe.

🎤For the first time in forever🎤—oops, excuse me, that just slipped out! Disney songs have this uncanny ability to linger in my memory bank. Let’s start over. I honestly can’t recall the last time I watched a series, then read the book it was based on, and loved them both equally. Dark Matter is definatley the exception to the rule. Blake Crouch skillfully weaves together science fiction, romance, and suspense in Dark Matter. It had me invested in Jason’s journey from the first page to the final chapter, refusing to let go.

Characters – 9/10

The characters are compelling and relatable, especially Jason, whose emotional journey through alternate realities tugs at your heartstrings. Each character feels authentic, and their struggles and motivations are felt throughout the story.

Atmosphere - 10/10

The atmosphere is thoughtfully done. Even though the story takes place in a Chicago, Crouch immerses the reader in an eerie yet fascinating landscape, that changes with each turn of the doorknob.

Writing Style - 10/10

Crouch’s writing is thought provoking, concise, and perfectly suited to the pace of the story. He managed to capture both the scientific complexity and the emotional depth of the narrative in a way that didn’t slow down the plot with overly complicated explanations of how the world of Dark Matter work.

Plot - 10/10

I am a sucker for multiverse stories! The plot is nothing short of mind-bending brilliance. It’s a thrilling exploration of the lingering regret of the roads not taken. Every version of Chicago Jason steps into keeps the reader hooked, making it nearly impossible to put down.

Intrigue - 10/10

The concept of alternate realities and multiverses is executed flawlessly. The questions it raises about life, love, and destiny linger long after the final page, and definitely wanted more.

Logic - 10/10

The science behind Dark Matter is explained quickly and clearly and is grounded enough to be believable, even for readers unfamiliar with quantum physics and the Science Fiction Genre.

Enjoyment 8/10

Dark Matter is a gripping, thought-provoking, and emotional masterpiece. There were some moments where the story slowed down and I got a little bleary eyed, but an overall amazing read.

Overall CAWPILE Rating: 9.5/10

Dark Matter is an extraordinary blend of science fiction, suspense, and romance, earning its place on my bookshelf as an unforgettable read.

Have you read Dark Matter, or thinking about it? Comment below your thoughts.