This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis
Title & Author: This Darkness Mine by Mindy McGinnis
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: October 10, 2017
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series Details: Standalone
Page Count: 384 Pages
Description: “Sasha Stone knows her place—first-chair clarinet, top of her class, and at the side of her Oxford-wearing boyfriend. She’s worked her entire life to ensure her path to Oberlin Conservatory as a star musician is perfectly paved.
But suddenly there’s a fork in the road in the shape of Isaac Harver. Her body shifts toward him when he walks by, and her skin misses his touch even though she’s never known it. Why does he act like he knows her so well—too well—when she doesn’t know him at all?
Sasha discovers that her by-the-book life began by ending the chapter of another: the twin sister she absorbed in the womb. But that doesn’t explain the gaps of missing time in her practice schedule, or the memories she has of things she certainly never did with Isaac.
Armed with the knowledge that her heart might not be hers alone, Sasha must decide what she’s willing to do—and who she’s willing to hurt—to take it back.“
“I’m digging splinters out of my gums again.”
From its’ disconcerting opening line, This Darkness Mine quickly establishes an ominous tone. One that makes it vividly clear that this isn’t your average lighthearted thriller.
Centering on Sasha Stone, an intense, Type-A first chair, whose grades are “a long vowel-filled exhalation of superiority,” this psychological stunner presents one of 2017’s most unlikable – and unreliable – narrators. Seriously, even her fictitious friends and family don’t seem to like her. In fact, the only person who appears to be #TeamSasha is the stereotypical, leather-jacket wearing badass, Isaac, and Sasha doesn’t even remember her interactions with him.
And it’s those forgotten interactions that lead to our very first twist. Where are those memories? Are they real? And if they’re not, why does her body react as if they were?
During her quest for answers Sasha discovers a confusing sonogram, which leads her to a chilling discovery:
“…I have — or had a sister. A sister who wasn’t born, and never died.”
Confirmed by her parents, the truth of Sasha’s origin story finally comes to light. A light that’s quickly smothered by the dark. Because as soon as Sasha starts to believe it, her reabsorbed twin starts to assume power and fight back for the life that was taken from her. In their fight for control, Sasha’s unhinged sister makes some seriously deranged decisions (the stuff of nightmares, y’all), which soon shatters Sasha’s perfect life.
As new twists and repercussions from said actions emerge, we’re introduced to a new setting, new characters, and a fresh sense of manipulation. After a while we start to wonder who’s strings are really being pulled? Sasha’s? The twin’s? Or ours?
Overall…
This action-packed mystery is well-written and chock-full of bold choices. Filled with unlikable characters it provides an addictive ride till the very end. Much like it’s cover art, I suspect this thriller’s fanbase will be slashed down the middle with lovers on one side and haters on another. And although it’s dark, I ultimately landed on the first side. Now, “how does that make you feel?”
Thank you so much to Heather Doss and Harper Collins Books for providing a copy of this book via a Twitter giveaway. All quotes were taken from an unfinished proof and may change by final publication date.
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Huh, this sounds so dark and interesting. Awesome review! I’m thoroughly intrigued 🙂
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Thank you so much, Kaila!! It is definitely dark and if you read it PLEASE let me know what you think! I’d love to discuss this with someone that’s got a pair of fresh eyes on the material.
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