The Darkness Outside Us

Intense, far-future space voyage explores hope and truth.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Eliot Schrefer's The Darkness Outside Us is about two teen boys on a rescue mission traveling through space in the far future. Violence includes killing, fighting, and being attacked with weapons like tools and electric shock. Pain and blood are described as well as what it's like to die in the vacuum of space. There's lots of tension from dangerous situations. A same-sex romance includes kissing, undressing, putting hands down pants, and spooning are described briefly. Having sex is implied by a conversation about it afterward. Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," and "ass." Drinking to excess in the past is remembered.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
THE DARKNESS OUTSIDE US takes place in 2472, when 17-year-old Ambrose and 18-year-old Kodiak are sent on a rescue mission to Saturn's moon Titan. Ambrose's sister Minerva was sent to Titan two years ago, to begin exploring colonization and settlement there. But since communication with Minerva went dark, everyone fears the worst. So it's up to Ambrose and Kodiak to find Minerva and bring her, or her body, back. Along the way they'll learn painful truths; find and lose hope many times; and find, lose, and find love, again.
Is It Any Good?
This far-future space voyage is gripping and intense. The Darkness Outside Us starts out slow with a lot of world and character building. But it picks up and keeps the pages turning as the story goes in unexpected directions. And at its heart it's a thoughtful exploration of hope, love, truth, and self-determination.
Main characters Ambrose and Kodiak are well developed and often surprising. Their romance is realistic, and teens will enjoy how their relationship deepens and matures along the way to a satisfying, touching ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Darkness Outside Us. Is it too much? Is it realistic? How is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, games, etc.?
What about the sexy stuff? Is it too much? Is it realistic, or glorified?
How much strong language is too much? What's the big deal? What are your and your family's values when it comes to swearing?
Book Details
- Author: Eliot Schrefer
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Great Boy Role Models, Robots, Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
- Publication date: June 1, 2021
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 22, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love science fiction and LGBTQ+ stories
Character Strengths
Find more books that help kids build character.
Themes & Topics
Browse titles with similar subject matter.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate