Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, far-future space voyage explores hope and truth.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Robots
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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