Dark Matter

Dark Matter

2 (1)
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
ISBN 10: 1101904224
ISBN 13: 9781101904220
Publication date: July 26th, 2016
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 352

Genres: Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller & Suspense, Science & Technology

A gripping tale of alternate realities unfolds as an ordinary man finds himself ripped from his familiar life into a labyrinth of choices and possibilities. His routine existence takes a terrifying turn when a fateful encounter leads him to explore the concept of what could have been. The story delves into profound questions about identity, love, and the impact of our decisions.

The protagonist's journey is both thrilling and disorienting as he grapples with the eerie concept of parallel lives. Each twist and turn reveals hidden depths of the human experience, exploring how small decisions can lead to vastly different outcomes. The author masterfully weaves together elements of science fiction and psychological drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

As the narrative unfolds, the stakes grow ever higher. With each revelation, the line between reality and illusion blurs, prompting readers to question their own paths in life. Can one truly change their fate, or are they destined to repeat their past?

Through rich characterization and a fast-paced plot, the book immerses the reader in a world where the extraordinary feels terrifyingly possible. This is a thought-provoking exploration of existence that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

Reviews

  • eva6687

    Apr 19, 2025

    Dark Matter presents an intriguing premise—an unknown substance that alters the prefrontal cortex, leading the protagonist into an expanded version of Schrödinger’s box that he built. The box sends him on a journey through a corridor, a direct pathway to the multiverse, offering infinite possibilities. The concept alone captivated me and was the driving force behind picking up the book, especially after being so impressed by Blake Crouch’s previous novel, Recursion.The story begins with Jason being abducted by Jason2, an alternate version of himself from a universe where Jason2 has succeeded in creating the multiverse portal. Jason2 takes over Jason’s life, forcing the original Jason to embark on a mission to return to his own world, to his wife and son.The early chapters were engaging and full of potential, but the story quickly began to lose momentum. As the plot unfolded, I found myself growing bored. The pacing became repetitive, and Jason’s character, while central to the story, lacked the depth and complexity I typically look for in a protagonist. His emotional range and development felt flat, making it hard for me to connect with him.Another drawback was the unresolved arc of Amanda. The novel leaves her storyline up in the air, leaving readers to wonder what ultimately happens to her. The ending was also disappointing—it felt rushed and lacked the emotional payoff that I had hoped for, given the promising setup. While Dark Matter is an interesting concept, it didn’t leave me with the same lasting, awe-inspiring feeling that Recursion did. Ultimately, it’s a fun and thought-provoking book, but it falls short in terms of character depth, and emotional satisfaction. For that reason, I’m giving it a generous 2.5-star rating. 

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