Blake Crouch's Dark Matter is widely praised for its gripping narrative and inventive exploration of alternate realities. Readers commend its fast pace and thought-provoking concepts. However, some critics find the prose simplistic and character development lacking. Overall, the novel is considered a thrilling, mind-bending journey, albeit with some superficial elements.

Readers who enjoy speculative thrillers will be captivated by Blake Crouch's Dark Matter. Fans of Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park or Andy Weir's The Martian will appreciate the blend of scientific intrigue, fast-paced action, and existential questions. The novel appeals to those who relish complex, mind-bending narratives.

Dark Matter is a 2016 science fiction thriller by Blake Crouch that follows Jason Dessen, a physicist who is abducted by a masked man and wakes up in an alternate reality where he must navigate a series of complex and dangerous situations to find his way back to his family. The novel involves themes of identity and choice within the frameworks of parallel universes and the multiverse theory. The book contains scenes of violence and mental health struggles.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Emotional / Dark / Adventurous

- Dark Matter by Blake Crouch explores the concept of the multiverse, allowing readers to dive into quantum mechanics and parallel realities in an accessible and thought-provoking way.
- The book was highly praised for its fast-paced narrative and intriguing exploration of identity, winning the 2017 Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction.
- Blake Crouch drew inspiration from his own experiences with life choices and forks in the road, crafting a story that examines the impact of decisions on one's life path.

**Jason Ashley Dessen**  
A quantum physics professor living in Chicago with his family, whose journey explores the challenges of identity and life choices after he is abducted.

**Jason2**  
An alternate universe version of Jason who has achieved a successful scientific career and becomes the antagonist by assuming Jason's life.

**Daniela Vargas-Dessen**  
Jason's supportive wife, whose life is deeply interconnected with their son, revealing her devotion and the sacrifices she has made for her family.

**Charlie Dessen**  
Jason and Daniela's teenage son, who represents hope and possibility, playing a pivotal role in the family's dynamic.

**Ryan Holder**  
Jason's friend and a successful neuroscientist, who embodies the professional achievements Jason might have pursued.

**Amanda Lucas**  
A psychiatrist at Velocity Laboratories who assists Jason by providing crucial insights and support during his journey.

**Leighton Vance**  
The chief executive of Velocity Laboratories, whose determination to protect the company's interests makes him a secondary antagonist.

Blake Crouch

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dark Matter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dark Matter Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Dark Matter Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Dark Matter Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Dark Matter Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Dark Matter Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

Dark Matter Chapters 13-15 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Dark Matter Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Dark Matter Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Dark Matter Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Dark Matter Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Dark Matter Essay Topics

Book Club Questions

Dark Matter Book Club Questions

Dark Matter

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dark Matter?

Reading Age

Book Details