Book Review: This Darkness Mine

Title: This Darkness Mine
Author: Mindy McGinnis
Genre: Young Adult | Psychological Thriller
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: October 10, 2017
Source: ALA
Format: ARC

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 that 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, her skin misses his touch even though she’s never known it, and she relishes the smell of him—smoke, beer, and trouble—all the things she’s avoided to get where she is. Even worse, every time he’s near Sasha, her heart stops, literally. Why does he know her so well—too well—and she doesn’t know him at all?
Sasha discovers that her by-the-book life began by ending another’s: 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. As Sasha loses her much-cherished control, her life—and heart—become more entangled 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 (goodreads).


That shit was weird. 
Plot: I'm someone who likes messed up books and I LOVE unlikeable characters, but Mindy McGinnis took this to a whole new level. Sasha was your typical Type A girl. She outlined her entire future and wasn't about to let anything mess it up, even if it meant she had to tie herself to a boring boyfriend just to save her image. When she learns that she absorbed her twin in the womb, Sasha begins to act a bit differently - a bit recklessly.

I don't know how to feel, honestly. I can't say I recommend this book and I can't say I don't recommend this book, it was...an experience for that sure. A messed up and gross experience. The last fifty or so pages were very shocking and left me feeling really uneasy - which I guess is a good thing? I don't know!

Characters: In the beginning, I was intrigued by Sasha; her relationship with her friends was a clear power play and she was constantly denying herself happiness just for security. As she spiraled out of control, I felt like Sasha was intentionally alienating people in her life and couldn't find any logic behind her actions. No one was truly likable, but Sasha made me feel extremely uncomfortable. 

Worldbuilding: A Darkness Mine took place in three central locations and I found that scope to be limiting, that could have been because of the time gaps that Sasha experienced, but I never felt like the world was fully realized. 

Short N Sweet: Read it for yourself and let me know how you feel, I'm still sorting through my emotions. 

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