There are few books that have us as excited right now as Blake Crouch’s riveting Dark Matter. Blending science fiction, alternate realities, time travel, and deeper philosophical investigations, we’re absolutely hooked. And the news only gets better: the book has been recently adapted as a series on Apple+ starring Jennifer Connelly, and the reviews are out-of-this-world.
If, like us, you’re longing to continue the adventure and looking for books with similar themes and ideas, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of ten must-read books for fans of Dark Matter. Let’s dive in.
10. Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
This 2014 novel follows a team of scientists as they venture into Area X, a mysterious coastal zone that devastated past expeditions. It was adapted into a 2018 film starring Natalie Portman, which we also heartily recommend.
Why I recommend it: its beautiful, uncanny, and terrifying atmosphere will pull you in immediately.
9. The Fold by Peter Clines
This tense mystery by Peter Clines explores the question “What happens in the folds of spacetime?” Mind-bending and thought-provoking, this novel is a fascinating speculation on the realities of teleportation.
Why I recommend it: its blend of science-fiction and horror makes it a widely accessible novel for readers of all interests and for Dark Matter fans in particular.
8. Ubik by Phillip K. Dick
Like most of Phillip K. Dick’s novels, Ubik explores questions of perception and reality. Set in a dystopian future of corporate surveillance, it follows Joe Chip, a security agent whose grasp on the world around him slowly unravels.
Why I recommend it: Dick’s signature dark humor and philosophical bent make this novel an absolute pleasure to read.
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7. The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
Recently adapted into a hit Netflix series, Liu Cixin’s masterpiece has spawned a flurry of interest in hard science fiction. (If you’re curious, we’ve already pulled together a list for you!) The novel follows a team of scientists who are grappling with a series of messages from an alien civilization and explores larger questions of our place in the universe.
Why I recommend it: this ambitious work of speculative fiction successfully explores prescient themes like technology and politics.
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6. Spin by Robert Charles Wilson
This moving novel tells the story of young Tyler Dupree, and his battle to save a world trapped in a time dilation field. As a result, time slows to a near-stop on Earth, opening up larger questions about aging, love, and the nature of change. As Tyler and a team of scientists race to find a solution, society slowly unravels.
Why I recommend it: surprisingly poignant and emotional, Spin is a can’t-miss mixture of hard science fiction and philosophy.
5. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This 2021 novel caused such a stir upon its release that it was almost immediately optioned for a film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling. It tells the tale of Ryland Grace, a teacher-turned-astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. As he pieces together the reason for his mission, he is challenged to uncover his own resilience and strength in the face of difficulty.
Why I recommend it: this thrilling adventure is both moving and hilarious, perfect for fans of Weir’s other work.
4. None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
This thrilling novel, published in 2023, traces the lives of two women: Josie, whose husband is over two decades her senior, and Alix, a successful journalist. A chance encounter on their 45th birthday brings their worlds together, culminating in a glamorous and intriguing conclusion.
Why I recommend it: while this novel is far from science fiction, Jewell’s narrative plays with ideas of perception, reality, and the difference between right and wrong.
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3. The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North
This mesmerizing novel tells the story of Harry August, who lives his life repeatedly while retaining the memories of his previous experiences. As he moves through the world, he find a community called the Cronus Club whose members are living the same fate as they grapple with the impending end of the world.
Why I recommend it: deeply emotional and quietly intellectual, this novel is a profound consideration of friendship and free will.
2. The Only One Left by Riley Sager
While Sager’s novel is also not quite science fiction, its blend of mystery and horror is a perfect match for fans of Dark Matter. This book tells the story of Kit, a young caregiver accused of overdosing her mother, a dying cancer patient. As she takes on a new patient named Lenora Hope, Kit is thrust into a web of intrigue and lies.
Why I recommend it: It is a great choice for readers who love true crime, mystery, and the spooky atmosphere of Dark Matter.
1. Recursion by Blake Crouch
This novel follows detective Barry Sutton and neuroscientist Helena Smith as they seek to battle a mysterious phenomenon known as False Memory Syndrome. As they race against time to save humanity from the consequences of this condition, Crouch encourages readers to reflect on time, memory, and the power of human connection.
Why I recommend it: a compelling blend of science fiction and thriller, this book is a must-read for fans of Crouch’s other work.
And there you have it! Our top ten reading picks for fans of Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the novel or a recent convert thanks to the series, we’re hopeful this list has given you inspiration for your next read.
Enjoy!
