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The Darkness Outside Us

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The Darkness Outside Us

By: Eliot Schrefer
Narrated by: James Fouhey
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They Both Die at the End meets Gravity in this mind-bending sci-fi mystery and tender love story about two boys aboard a spaceship sent on a rescue mission, from two-time National Book Award finalist Eliot Schrefer. Stonewall Honor Award winner!

Two boys, alone in space. Sworn enemies sent on the same rescue mission.

Ambrose wakes up on the Coordinated Endeavor with no memory of a launch. There’s more that doesn’t add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ship’s operating system is voiced by his mother, and his handsome, brooding shipmate has barricaded himself away. But nothing will stop Ambrose from making his mission succeed—not when he’s rescuing his own sister.

In order to survive the ship’s secrets, Ambrose and Kodiak will need to work together and learn to trust each other . . . especially once they discover what they are truly up against. Love might be the only way to survive.

* Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best Books of the Year * A Booklist Editor's Choice of the Year * A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book of the Year * A YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults & Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults Book of the Year *

 Science Fiction & Fantasy Science Fiction LGBTQ+ Literature & Fiction Romance Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thrillers & Suspense Heartfelt Tearjerking Exciting Feel-Good
Unexpected Plot Twists • Compelling Sci-fi Elements • Distinct Character Voices • Emotional Depth • Unique Storyline

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First of all: James Fouhey's performance was top notch, just really well done. I immediately went to find other books he's narrated after finishing this one, and have yet to be disappointed.

As far as the story itself, where to start? Some reviews mention the romance being too much of a focus, but I respectfully disagree as someone who listens to a LOT of gay romance- this is first and foremost a sci fi story, that features a M/M romance, not just a romance novel set in space.

I gave the 4 stars because some of the worldbuilding is pretty eyeroll worthy (c'mon the USSR vs US cold war expy bit was tired in the 90s), and I don't think the basic plot of the story is groundbreaking, but it is really well executed. The sense of lonely, empty space and the endless passage of time is expertly weaved, and Schrefer manages to make some well-worn sci-fi tropes feel fresh by finding new angles to view them from. The relationship between Ambrose and Kodiak was compelling and moving.

Overall, this book stuck with me for days after finishing it. I would (and have!) recommend it highly.

Genuinely engaging sci fi

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That was an amazing experience from beginning to end. Unique and heart-wrenching in so many levels. I loved every frustrating and hopeful moment of it.

Wild ride

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Amazing. Can’t say anything else without giving something away. I hesitated to buy this because at 8 hours, it felt shorter than the longer novels I like getting lost in.
But halfway through, I was so riveted, I stayed up all night just to find out.
Amazing

Mind blowing

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I came across this book my pure luck and I am soooo happy I bought it! I can say anything without giving you spoilers. Just listen to it, every minute worth it

This book is amazing,

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How can you fall in love with the "same" characters so many different times. After reaching "that point", I stopped listening for a while, my brain was too overwhelmed. However, I had to come back to it and see how it would end. The ending was what I can only describe as a feeling of bitter sweet. Like you're so happy, but also mad at the same time. Recommend it for anyone who enjoys science, romance, as well as philosophy.

Best boom I have listened to!

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