This Thing of Darkness

by Matt Davies

Riley’s sister is dead and she feels responsible. Nothing numbs the pain. Nobody gets her. Until she meets Dean. He’s new to the school, mysterious, and Riley is immediately drawn to him. But when Dean’s dark past surfaces, their two tortured worlds collide. This Thing of Darkness explores the power of understanding and forgiveness—even when the pain is unbearable and the crime unspeakable.

Genres: Young Adult

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2018

Reviews

[Joelie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had this book leant to me with the warning "its just one emotional hit after another" and wow was that accurate. Its been a long time since I read a book with such a simple concept delivered so well! I could actually feel myself holding my breath in sections of this story and when I read the last line of chapter 19, I actually held the book to my chest actually taking a minute prepare myself for what might happen in chapter 20.
This book ruined me, from the first chapter I could not out it down and continued to devour it in one sitting (good thing it was only 230 pages)
I would like to also make an honourable mention to the authors genius by not allowing the slight drama's with the three friends not override the entire story, nor the romances!
Amazing! One of the best books (in my opinion) I have read so far this year!

[Dimity Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fashion conscious Riley was at the apex of her final senior school years until the tragic death of her younger sister in a house fire leveled her emotionally and socially. As she struggles to tread the ocean of guilt and despair she finds herself sinking deeper and deeper into, Riley prepares to ride out the remainder of her matriculating year, counting down the days until she can escape from her small town community and the suffocating dread of a reality without her baby sister.

She feels as though she is clothed in the skin of a leper and that her parents hate her or worse don't even care about their remaining daughter. Her closest friends remain stalwart and watchful about her yet she still finds it impossible to confess her darkest secrets to them. Only one other person seems to 'get her'. A stranger. The new kid to school, Dean. But is Dean the savior Riley perceives him to be or evil reincarnate?

Davies' debut novel is punchy and compelling full of edgy teenage tension, humour and emotion laid bare. Riley is prickly and horrible at times but her raw self-honesty and ingrained good still manages a flicker now and then despite the grime of despair the fire has left behind. Dean brings out the best in her but like a wave dumping at her feet, is destined to leave. Her girlfriends provide convincing emotional support and comic relief to a plot that is filled with Shakespearean inspired tragedy, the kind where things can really only get worse.

Yet the pervading themes of acceptance, understanding and forgiveness roll into a gratifying ending, one which had me sobbing and left me smiling. This Thing of Darkness, is cleverly narrated, revealing much about the human psyche without overstating anything.

[A G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hell of read. What happens to a child killer in the years after? After they've served their time in a correctional facility and are trying to move on with their life? There's a lot of growing that can be done between 10 and 17 and this fictional YA novel explores the other side really beautifully. It's an engaging read but I confess when I shut the last page, I threw the novel across the room and burst into tears.

[Karen Ginnane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stayed with me for a long time. It’s beautifully written; well balanced while examining some dark material - how to face and own the darkness within us? These are heavy topics but Davies writes them with a sensitive and light touch, with well placed touches of humour throughout. The characters are layered and believable and I was engrossed in their journeys. Highly recommend for adults and young readers alike.

[Neave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 14 and I loved this book. You got a real feel for the characters and the cliff hangers made it very engaging. I like the storyline because it's unique and easy to follow. I'd recommend it all ages but I think teenagers will like it the most.

[Emily Loveday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in a day, great Australian vibe to it, kept me interested but was also just a fun read that also had depth. I enjoyed this between big series reads!

[Kiki Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm writing this review more than a year later so details are blurry.

I remember liking the book as I read it, even though I was 14 and had no idea about high schoolers and I couldn't relate to Riley. I really didn't like the ending because open ending feel a bit lazy, though I do remember crying and throwing the book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous young adult novel. Dealing with interesting and controversial themes. Highly recommended.