The Brightness Between Us

"It packs the full punch of humanity’s potential ills balanced with hope of the good we might achieve. The realism of the struggles the characters face keeps the story engaging, and returning fans will appreciate the time spent with the original Ambrose and Kodiak. Complex and brimming with pathos." — Kirkus Reviews "Compulsively readable, with thought-provoking themes. Truly, Schrefer has produced an updated, inclusive exploration of human connection in a way that is rarely seen outside the context of classic science fiction." — Booklist “A worthy successor to the first book, answering questions while weaving plot points and characterization in and out of time and space, fully delivering on some sci-fi coolness, creepiness, and political commentary all at once.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Praise for The Darkness Outside Us: “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, 1…blastoff for mystery, adventure, and queer intergalactic bodice-ripping.” — Kirkus Reviews “[A] sexy space odyssey. Schrefer’s 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 Children’s Books “This deep-space survival story, with a strong gay romance and notes of horror, will appeal to fans of Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff’s Illuminae.” — School Library Journal “Absolutely brilliant. The Darkness Outside Us is a pulse-pounding thriller, engrossing science fiction epic, and heartfelt meditation on love all at once.” — Malinda Lo, National Book Award winner and author of Last Night at the Telegraph Club “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 “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 “Yes, The Darkness Outside Us is 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