3 1/2 stars 
 With such dark subject matter, the author balanced this with syrupy sweetness. This is a good thing for readers who cannot stomach the darker side of human nature. For me, though, I like a book to be harder-hitting, more raw, delving deeper into the psyche. 
 With that saying, Out of the Blackness was an engaging read. Well-written, with an interesting premise that is very lifelike. The romance is patient and kind, just too sweet for my tastes. 
 (These are MY pet peeves- ones I cannot escape, and do not effect my rating.)The MC was a small, abused gay male suffering while trying to endure life. I had a hard time with him giggling and all the times he said something or someone was cute. I'm not saying it wasn't masculine. I'm not saying it was feminine. It bellied how an abused person would behave. Giggling and cute are too juvenile for my tastes- more tweenish. Also, I can't swallow pet names, endearments. By the last 1/3rd of the book, sweetheart, baby, little one, among others, was in every line of dialogue from the love interest. (As I said, MY pet peeve. Others may love this. I'm TOO SERIOUS, hence my love of the darker elements) 
 The MC's mental health transition was accurately portrayed, well paced throughout the book, and believable. 
 Highly recommend to readers who enjoy a book based around psychology, and those who enjoy the sweeter romances. But I do not recommend to those who like to read more on the darker, deeper emotions of surviving abuse.