The Darkness Outside Us
By (Author) Eliot Schrefer
HarperCollins Publishers Inc
HarperCollins
10th April 2023
23rd June 2022
United States
Young Adult
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage personal and social topics: Dating, relationships, romance a
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Science fiction
813.6
Commended for Stonewall Book Award (Children/Young Adult) 2022
Paperback
416
Width 135mm, Height 203mm
354g
They Both Die at the EndmeetsThe Loneliest Girl in the Universein 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. Theres more that doesnt add up: evidence indicates strangers have been on board, the ships 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 succeednot when hes rescuing his own sister.
In order to survive the ships 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 *
"Schrefer masterfully evokes and maintains suspense that keeps the pages turning briskly while still taking the time to limn the two boys touching, moving relationship. If all of this is space opera, readers will want an encore.Bravo." Booklist (starred review) "3, 2, 1blastoff for mystery, adventure, and queer intergalactic bodice-ripping." Kirkus Reviews "[A] sexy space odyssey. Schrefers immersive novel combines the build of mysteries and the tension of romance, slowly unfurling an iterative story about love and attraction, destiny, and connection." Publishers Weekly "Schrefer does an excellent job of developing and humanizing his characters before throwing them into the swift waters of a sci-fi plot with its truly shocking and satisfying twist. Readers are sure to root for these lovable characters survival." Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books "This deep-space survival story, with a strong gay romance and notes of horror, will appeal to fans of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoffs Illuminae." School Library Journal "Yes,The Darkness Outside Usis utterly inventive and relentlessly page-turning. And yes, Ambrose and Kodiak are seriously the hottest couple in space. But even more, this is an insightful, tender, and profound story, about the weight of history, and the power of transformation and true love." Deb Caletti, National Book Award finalist and author of A Heart in a Body in the World Fiercely imaginative and desperately real, The Darkness Outside Us explores the wild expanses of the human heart. This book is a triumph. Elana K. Arnold, author of Damsel, a Printz Honor Book "The Darkness Outside Us is equal parts terrifying, tender, and thrilling. I loved every word of this sharp, thoughtful look at the world we live in and the ones beyond." Brandy Colbert, award-winning author of Little & Lion Absolutely brilliant.The Darkness Outside Usis a pulse-pounding thriller, engrossing science fiction epic, and heartfelt meditation on love all at once. Malinda Lo, Author of Ash
Eliot Schrefer is a New York Times bestselling author, has twice been a finalist for the National Book Award in Young People's Literature, and has won the Green Earth Book Award and the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award. His novels include ENDANGERED, THREATENED, RESCUED, and two books in the Spirit Animals series. He lives in New York City, is on the faculty of the Fairleigh Dickinson MFA in Creative Writing, and is the children's book reviewer for USAToday. Visit him online at www.eliotschrefer.com.