Blake Crouch | Why You Should Read

Mike heads to the multiverse to talk about his favorite non-fantasy contemporary author, Blake Crouch, and why you should consider reading him.
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0:00 Introduction & Background
3:32 Why You Should Read
11:43 Why It May Not Be For You
14:10 Final Thoughts
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Music used: Epic (No Copyright Music)
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#MikesBookReviews #BlakeCrouch #WhyYouShouldRead

[@nitehork2796]

I've read Dark Matter, Recursion, and Upgrade. Loved all three. Dark Matter was my first Crouch book, stumbling across it at my local library and, not knowing what to expect, being a lover of multiverse fiction for more than forty-years, I was very pleasantly surprised. With that first book, I became a hard and fast Crouch fan. I found the apocalyptic scenes in Recursion to be truly horrifying and incredible.

[@nsartin23]

I found Blake Crouch because of this channel. I’ve read 6 of his books and loved them all! Add to that… I’ve recommended him to 5 different people and this dude is at 100% pull through right now. Everyone enjoyed the rec. Lastly, when upgrade came out I was already on board waiting for a day 1 read. I decided to get a signed copy for myself and buddy who enjoyed him. Blake put a nice personalized note in each book. This author is an absolute must read!

[@nishthagupta1357]

Ikr!

[@jimlawson7135]

Thanks Mike for getting the word out about Blake Crouch. On your recommendation I read Dark Matter and loved it. After reading a long series I picked up and read Recursion and loved that as well. Early in the year I read the Wayward Pines trilogy and it blew me away. I now have Upgrade sitting on my shelf as well as Desert Places and Run on my Kindle waiting for me. Thanks to you I am a fully engulfed 'Crouch-Potato'.

[@Kayla-ey7zg]

Yes! I love Blake Crouch. I got Dark Matter ages ago on a Kindle First read and I didn't read it for a long time because I wasn't sure about it, and I regretted it. I love to read a Blake Crouch book to get out of a reading slump.

[@sjkrum320]

I absolutely loved Wayward Pines. I haven't gotten around to any other of his books yet, but maybe when I'm done with Hobb, I'll hit my library. I know they have most if his books. I really enjoyed your interview with him last year

[@Ulmo90]

Great video Mike! I've read Dark Matter, Recurrsion and Upgrade thanks to your recommendations and liked them a lot! So far, Dark Matter have been my favorite

[@thuff31]

YAAAAAAAAAAS. Crouch is up there with the heavy hitters for me! Crouch, Gaiman, Roucchio, Tchaikovsky

[@moonbot7613]

I enjoy them all but all but Robert J Sawyer is my favorite Sci-fi author

[@FourThreeSeven]

Just read Dark matter. first of his books ive read. Im hooked. Keeps me interested, easy to read. Im going to read all of his books.

[@unlimitedreads]

Great video, Mike. I completely agree - his books are so addictive! Last year when I had the virus that shall not be named, I finished Recursion in a day - incredible author :)

[@hhumca]

Mike, thank you. I read more since I fortunately saw your videos in youtube. I am having a blast reading more.

[@nishthagupta1357]

I'm glad you always pull out underrated gems ❤

[@jeff.smith907]

I’ve only read Recursion. Absolutely loved it and will definitely read others of his. Dark Matter next.

[@leezirkle7840]

I never get tired of your intro. Love the music and visuals.

[@nataliethompson5266]

Recursion looks fascinating so I’m planning on tackling it this year. Your comments were helpful.

[@bobgdn]

My 1st Crouch was Wayward Pines because of this channel and I was hooked from then on. I intend to read his entire catalog eventually.

[@ianthereader]

What an interestingly timed video! I have read and loved Recursion, Dark Matter, and Upgrade. I finally decided to jump into the Wayward Pines series on Monday after putting it off for ages. Halfway through and enjoying it thoroughly, so far!

[@MichaelRSchultheiss]

Thanks to you, I picked up Desert Places and flew through it. I'm on the second book now, Locked Doors, and it's another page-turner. Thank you again, I will absolutely be reading a *lot* more Blake Crouch in the future!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Blake Crouch is very high on the TBR pile! So is Crichton 👀. Will

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 thank you for recommending this book series! 📖🎥

[@gator7082]

I just ordered the Pine Deep Trilogy, I needed a good pallet cleanser. You haven't steered me wrong yet!

[@veronicaprice]

Wayward Pines sounds like just what I’m wanting for a vacation read. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@niallmaritz2599]

I agree wholeheartedly. He is amazing. Discovered him after the release of the Wayward Pines series, but only really got into his work during the 2020 lockdown. Dark Matter and Recursion is definitely top tier!

[@kaykayy13]

I recently listened to Recursion on a whim and loved it. Currently listening to Wayward and loving it. They are fantastic quicker reads! He really thinks out of the box and his style of writing is just so digestible.

[@koritsi2142]

This is perfect timing! Read Dark Matter a few years ago and just got Pines for 99 cents on kindle, I'm so excited to get into it!

[@VARIABLENEWSNETWORK]

I just Subscribed to your Channel because I recently read Dark Matter… 3 times, in just a couple weeks and I found your channel because I just found out they are making a series out of it. I have to work the day it comes out so I am planning to watch the whole series on the 12th. I got my popcorn and beer ready. Having only read Dark Matter, any recommendations on the next Blake Crouch books? Start from the beginning?

[@timothyterry1904]

Read Run based on your recommendation and loved it. Blake Crouch is definitely on my authors to read list.

[@whutzat]

The shock twist of Wayward Pines is a brain-scrambler! But Dark Matter is still my favorite. I'm almost afraid of a film version, because they will likely mess it up.

[@jellevanbreugel325]

Definitely on the palet cleanser list, loved Dark Matter!

[@pauls713]

You sold me, he's now on my list!

[@BioPhoenixReviews]

when i was watching one of your older videos you mentioned Blake Crouch i was very interested when you mentioned him being similair to Michael Crichton. so this is a great video for people like me who are very interested but have yet to pick up any of his books. Dark Matter, Recursion and Run are the ones that im most interested in just base after the online description

[@rscottwiley3624]

He's been on my list for a while. I think I need to pick up Dark Matter soon. Thanks for the push.

[@timsteinke3398]

I first found Crouch through his collaborations with Jack Kilborn / JA Konrath. It's awesome to watch his progression from writing gory slashers to bestselling Sci-fi author

[@scottferris2686]

I haven’t read crouch yet (been using Dresden as my palate cleanser but since I’m on book 15 I’m getting to the place where I’m going to need another author) but I have read every Crichton and will be reading crouch this year. Thank you for the video

[@lindseybellamy6374]

I found Crouch after you mentioned reading Run and it was on my kindle unlimited so gave it a go and couldn't put it down. If I'm ever in a reading slump he's no my go to author to lift me out of it.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

I read Blake Crouch because of your recommendation and he hasn’t disappointed 👍

[@knittymama570]

I started reading Crouch at the beginning of the year. Publication order. My next book will be Snowbound. Really enjoying his books.

[@sethsimmons5671]

Hey Mike! I know you said that you can start pretty much anywhere in his publications and enjoy it (which I have!) I started with Dark Matter based on popular recommendation, then Recursion, then Upgrade, then the Wayward Pines trilogy (my personal favorite thus far). I have seen some mixed reviews on his older works, but can't get enough of his stories. What titles should I try next? Run? Abandon? Desert Places trilogy? Short stories? Love your channel!

[@kathleenmcdonald4888]

Thanks to you I have read Dark Matter and The Wayward Pines series. I love Blake Crouch. I agree he is on par with Michael Creighton. I watched the Wayward Pines TV series. I like the books better, but it is still worth watching in my opinion. I just got Abandon and Desert Places. I enjoy your channel. I never would have found Blake Crouch without it.

[@MetalGildarts]

Funny, I went to the library earlier and I saw they had Blake Crouch books. Guess I'll give him a shot now.

[@lincolnanderson8130]

I found BC's "Wayward" at the NYPL, and yes, flew right through it. The library didn't have the other two books, so I bought "Pines" and, after thinking I wouldn't, just ordered "The Last Town." Yes, he's a very fast read, and it's pretty satisfying. I think he's better than Stephen King. I read "Running Man" recently and it just has so many holes and sort of weak parts, though had a lot of potential when I started it. I have vowed not to read any more Stephen King, even though I loved his book about writing. But I think Blake Crouch is a pretty good read. I was just reading some Raymond Chandler. He's great, but it was slower than BC. This video is making me want to read his other books. Good review!

[@jwcarlson]

Crouch books read like an F1 car with a stuck accelerator. I need to fold some more back in!

[@angelaward9746]

I recently read Dark Matter for my sci-fi book clubs first pick. It was my first time reading Blake Crouch and I enjoyed its fast pace and appreciate his focus on family like you mentioned, and how he makes his characters and his writing accessible. Another writer who does this well is Mike Chen, particularly in Here and Now and Then, which Dark Matter reminded me of. Have you read anything by him? I'm thinking my next Blake Crouch book will be Recursion...

[@liammccallion4963]

ive been wanting to try michael crighton for a while so this is just more books for my TBR!!! haha

[@nilulal545]

His an amazing, awesome author.. Blakes books, call for a nice Crouch patato weekend! Love his books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Agreed!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

I've been starting my journey into SciFi this year and I have heard good things about this author. You did such an amazing job showcasing this author and his works in this video, man. Right around the 1/3 mark of this video I kept saying "Where should I start Mike!! Where should I start?!?!" And BOOM you provided that answer right at the end. Excellent content and structure in this video 💪

[@pythonboii8457]

1:06 1:10 1:10 1:11 b 3:07

[@pythonboii8457]

4:49

[@pythonboii8457]

6:11 6:11 6:12

[@pythonboii8457]

7:53

[@pythonboii8457]

8:24

[@Allieslaysss]

Finished my first Blake Crouch book about a week ago-Dark Matter. Really good!

[@phoenixoliviacopy2727]

I wasn't too sold until you said "X-Files meets Twin Peaks." I'm in! 😆

[@Talking_Story]

Listening to you I may need to give Mr. Crouch another try. I hear you are fitting Speaks the Nightbird into you schedule. Can't wait for you to get into Matthew Corbett's world. I am wrapping up Book 8 now.

[@Kamakazi152.]

Alright, that does it! I've been looking for what to read next since I finished The Expanse series and was looking for stand alones, and Crouch was in the mix of books I was trying to decide between. Looks like Dark Matter it is!

[@jthespiceoflife]

Could not get in to expanse unfortunately but glad to hear be someone could

[@Olphas]

I've had Dark Matter on my TBR for quite a while, but did not get to it (or any other book of his) yet. I should get on that. I do always alternate series with standalones, so I'm sure I will find a place for it soon.

[@markb3534]

Read Dark Matter, Recursion and Run based on your rec... 100% great recommendation!! Several more on my TBR.

[@nicolehaugen9265]

I am currently on book 2 of the Wayward Pines trilogy.... it is amazing!!!

[@kflott]

Love Crouch, especially his more recent techno/sci-fi thrillers, definitely fills that Crichton sized hole

[@Maximus0623]

Dark Matter is the best book I’ve read in years, and I’m more of a fantasy than a Sci-Fi guy. Recursion was really good too, although not quite at Dark Matter’s level. I really need to read more of his books.

[@booknikYT]

I picked up the pine trilogy, going to give him a shot this fall. I've been reading Crichton in chronological order this year so I'm already in that mindset.

[@sjkrum320]

Make sure you set aside free time and give up sleep. Once you start the Pines trilogy, you can't stop!

[@dianeknecht1859]

Love Blake Crouch. So far The Pines Trilogy is still my fav.

[@alynam82]

I loved Dark Matter and even Abandon was cool. I got Upgrade and Recursion on Kindle, just waiting for me to get my @$$ into gear

[@BishopWalters12]

I like the comparison with Michael Crichton and he's also my 2nd favorite author of all time after Stephen King, I own Upgrade and I plan on reading more Blake this year but really impressed so far.

[@74jameswilson]

The first Crouch I read was Dark Matter last year, and it's one of the best books I've ever read. I followed it up with Recursion which was good, but not as good as Dark Matter. I'm now 2/3 of the way through Upgrade and it's really good. Not quite as good as Dark Matter but better than Recursion. Looking forward to reading more.

[@cipriansirbu3699]

I have read Dark Matter which I loved and Recursion which I struggled a bit with but I will continue with The Wayward Pines trilogy,just don't know when.😅.

[@ptannous27]

I’ve never read either him or Crichton. I just picked up the folio Jurassic Park and plan on reading some Crouch this year.

[@JohnDoe-xf9ly]

I read two of his books First one i read was dark matter I enjoyed it but thought it was nothing speaciale. I can see why many love it The second book i read was run after watching you mike talk about it. Enjoyed the first two chapters and then just hated the book and speed read it because i dont like leaving books unfinished. Will try his wayward pines series down the road but it seems i just dont like his works that much. Art is subjective and people like what they like just seems i am not the kind of guy to like blakes work

[@jef4496]

Love Blake Crouch! If you haven’t already you should try The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch

[@dpeady78]

Don’t need convincing but me click video anyway. But I have you to thank for that !

[@ragnarvolorus2925]

Hey Mike... I plan on checking out your livestream with Pierce Brown....never really done one before...is there a part of the interview for fan questions? Or can we submit them to you, and if you think its a good one, you can ask Pierce?

[@elijahvernon6795]

Yay yay 🎉

[@CptGooch]

Another Michael Crichton successor you should check out if you have not is influx by daniel suarez.

[@phoenixoliviacopy2727]

Are there any other booktubers that are as awesome as you that you would recommend? I've pretty much completed watching everything of your and I need more book nerds downloads but they have to be as good as you. 🤣

[@evandickinson6393]

Maybe I was just in a sour mood but I hated Dark Matter...I thought it squandered a good idea and messed up what could have been a great ending... It's only fair I check out some of his other work...maybe I can find ones that work for me

[@s.p.8508]

So far I’ve read Dark Matter, Recursion, and I just read Pines this week. I’m very confused on what the rest of the series is gonna be about, because based on the reveals in book 1 I don’t really see where this is going.

[@jacobmyers3005]

Hi Mike have you checked out the The ferryman by Justin Cronin ? I’m about 3/4 of the way through it and I think you love it especially since Stephen king and and Blake Crouch gave it glowing reviews. Blake Crouch said it was riveting and fiction doesn’t get better than this. And Stephen King said it was near impossible put down and so far I wholeheartedly agree. Interested to see what you think.

[@ozzyf6304]

I recently got into reading. Never liked it as a kid, randomly picked it up at 37 years old. I've read 7 Blake Crouch books, and loved them all. I have started a few books by other authors, but I cant get into them (including Hyperion). Any recommendations on other authors I should look into? Thanks!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome!

[@Drakdead555]

Hi, I am currently reading Black Matter and Crouch kind of makes me think of Philip K. Dick ! Do you agree? Thanks for this video! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

I've yet to read any PKD so I cannot. But I've heard that comparison a lot.

[@totallysick88able]

I haven’t read Blake Crouch but he sounds a lot like Douglas Richards who writes fast pace sci-fi and plays with ideas that might be a step too far. My favorite is Infinity Born which is about A.I that took off in a bad direction. I recommend checking him out if you like that kind of stuff 👍

[@JessMass86]

That's exactly what I use Crouch and sci fi for, to break up big fantasy reads.

[@tamerlaaane]

Upgrade was pretty mediocre but i have high hopes for Dark Matter which ill be reading soon.

[@MoonLightAmethyst_]

❤❤❤❤Dark Matter

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

A Crouch Potato 🤭

[@Michigntiger08]

I recently read my first Crouch, Dark Matter, and I thought it was very okay. I'd give it a 2.5/5. SPOILERS They walk into an absolutely frigid world with normal clothes on. That is utter nonsense. Flying the box with their "feelings" was way too soft, and convenient, sci-fi for me. Also, it seemed to me the only logical conclusion of how he explained the splitting universes was that the multiverse would have been completely overrun by copies of anyone who'd ever entered the machine.

[@seanhalpin87]

The only two books i didnt love were upgrade, and run. I DNF run, just because I wasnt in the right mood for. Upgrade i was so excited dor, but it did not even come close to dark matter or recursion for me. If I had read it first, i may have absolutely loved it, but it just didnt work as well for me. I thibk i gave i a 3.5, i cant remember. I was sadly let down

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

So far I've read Dark Matter, Upgrade, and the Wayward Pines trilogy. Reading Recursion next month and just ordered Snow Bound. I'll be getting Run when it's released in October. His books are so addictive they should be categorized as a Schedule I controlled substance.. I'm ok admitting I have a problem 🤣