Dark Matter Book Review: Is It Truly a Masterpiece?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you could switch between different choices in life as easily as flipping a switch?

Dark Matter invites you to explore big questions about who we are and how our choices shape our future. In this exciting story, you follow a main character who faces a lot of "what if" moments.

The book mixes science ideas with mystery and a dash of sci-fi fun, so you’ll see surprising twists that make you want to read just one more chapter.

Imagine discovering that even small decisions can feel like jumping through doors to different versions of your life.

If you like stories that make you think and keep you turning the pages, give Dark Matter a try! Let’s dive into more details about the book and my review. We’ll explore what makes this story unique and why it’s such an engaging read.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

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Book Details and Content

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What is the book Dark Matter about?

Dark Matter is about a man named Jason Desson, who is a physics professor. One day, he's kidnapped and wakes up in a different world where he's a famous scientist who discovered how to jump between alternate universes, and to do so, he built the box. He has to figure out how to get back to his real life, his family, and make things right. It's a story full of adventure where he discovers different versions of his life and learns what really matters.

My Spoiler-free review

This was the first Crouch book I read, and I was surprised by how easy it was to understand, even with all the cool science, like quantum physics. This was a huge plus, because understanding quantum mechanics would have made me want to DNF the book. Now I want to read more of his books. If you've never read sci-fi, this is a great start because it mixes sci-fi with thriller ideas really well. I wasn't a big fan of sci-fi books before, but "Dark Matter" changed my mind.

The story has lots of surprises, especially near the end, and it caught me off guard. The ending made sense, but I still had more questions, so I didn’t give it a full five stars.

It reminded me of the Loki show on Disney+ with ideas about alternate realities and identity. If you liked Loki, you might like this book too.

The way it’s written feels a bit like a movie script. It wasn't what I expected, but it made the story easy to follow once I got used to it.

The author does an awesome job of creating different worlds and showing how Jason tries to get back to his real life. I really liked the character Amanda, who helps Jason, and I wish we knew more about what happened to her. These questions made me want to read more.

I’m excited to see the TV series adaptation and how it compares to the book. My husband and I read this together, and we're looking forward to watching the show.

I have come up with a multiverse theory that I feel could tie into why Jason's choices lead to different lives. But for the sake of time, I will keep that to myself lol. This story definitely makes me question what makes us who we are and how the choices we make shape us.

My Overall Thoughts

The story takes you on a wild adventure full of twists and thrilling action as Jason tries to get back to his real life and family. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book but its not without its problems. Now let's talk about things that felt could be better and things I enjoyed.

What I Liked:

The idea of exploring different versions of reality was super cool. Jason’s adventure shows how choosing different paths can lead to completely different lives. For example, in one reality, he’s a famous scientist who invented a machine to travel between universes. The moment he realizes he’s in a world where he made different choices really shows how important decisions are.

The story was full of surprises. When Jason got kidnapped by the masked man and ended up in a strange world strapped down and surrounded by people in hazmat suits, I was really hooked. From escaping the lab with Amanda to finding a world filled with chaos, every moment was thrilling and kept me turning the pages.

I really liked Amanda. She was brave and clever, helping Jason escape from the dangerous lab by sneaking him into the machine. Her actions showed courage and quick thinking, and she became a key ally as Jason tried to find his way home.

The book made me think about what makes us who we are. When Jason found himself with other versions of himself, all trying to reach the same family, it made me wonder about identity and what truly makes a person unique. It was fascinating to see how he had to prove he was the real Jason to his wife and son.

What I Disliked:

Even though the story was fun, the ending left me with questions. When all the other Jasons appeared in the same Chicago, it was intriguing, but I wish there was more explanation about why they all ended up in the same world.

I also wanted to understand more about how the science of traveling between universes worked. While I enjoyed the simplified explanations, a bit more detail could have made the story even more interesting, especially for curious readers.

I was curious to know more about Amanda's life and her role at Velocity Laboratories. Her character was a big part of the story, but learning more about her background and personal journey would have added depth.

Overall, "Dark Matter" was an exciting book with lots to think about. It made me eager to read more stories by Blake Crouch and to watch the TV series to see how they bring this thriller to life.

Would I recommend it as a Christian?

I would definitely recommend but with a few things to keep in mind.

The book makes you think about choices, identity, and what makes life meaningful. These ideas can tie into Christian beliefs about purpose and the path God has for us.

It's a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy adventure and suspense, you'll likely find it engaging.

The novel encourages you to consider "What if?" scenarios and think deeply about the consequences of our decisions. Which I think is good for Christians to think about. However, some parts are scary or violent, which might not be suitable for everyone. If you’re sensitive to intense scenes, read with caution.

Also, the book doesn’t focus on religious themes and instead uses science fiction to explore its ideas. If you prefer stories with clear Christian messages, this might not be the best fit. The concept of alternate realities can be confusing or challenging, especially if it doesn’t align with your beliefs about destiny and free will.

All in all, Dark Matter can be an exciting and thoughtful read if you’re comfortable with the intense parts and open to exploring big life questions from a different angle.

Summary

On a quiet night in Chicago, Jason Dessen enjoys dinner with his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie. Leaving to meet his old friend, Ryan Holder, who is now a famous scientist, Jason becomes the target of a mysterious masked man. This stranger knows intimate details about Jason's life and kidnaps him, leading him to an abandoned building. There, Jason is injected with strange drugs and loses consciousness.

Jason wakes in a quarantined facility where people in protective suits celebrate his return, thinking he is a scientist who disappeared on a special mission. Confused and scared, Jason learns that in this world, he invented a machine to travel between different realities. With the help of Amanda, a woman working there, he escapes, realizing he’s in a life where he chose career over family.

Desperate to return to his real world, Jason travels through many alternate realities with Amanda. Each world is different, showing how choices could change everything. He visits a chaotic city, a pandemic-stricken world, and even a place where his wife doesn’t know him or their son.

Throughout their journey, Jason and Amanda encounter danger, and Jason finds that other versions of himself are trying to get back to their original lives too. Some of these other Jasons are willing to do anything to claim a life they think is theirs, creating a tense race against time.

In the end, Jason returns to his true world, but not before discovering that other versions of himself have also reached that same reality—some with hostile intentions. With Daniela and Charlie’s help, Jason plans to find safety in a new world, choosing family over everything else. They step into a new beginning, leaving behind the chaos of the multiverse.

Conclusion

Dark Matter is a roller-coaster of a book that explores deep questions about what really matters in life: our choices, our loved ones, and our search for happiness. It's more than just a thriller—it's a way to think about who we are and what we want from life.

If you enjoy a mix of action, mystery, and thought-provoking questions, pick up Dark Matter. It will make you curious, keep you guessing, and maybe even inspire you to think about your own choices in a new way!