❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃

Review: They Both Die at the End by Adam SIlvera

This book is one of the most inventive books I’ve read. Basically, everyone gets a phone call on the day they are going to die. They don’t know how or when, just the date. Enter Mateo and Rufus, who meet through an app designed to help people find a friend to spend their last day with. The book follows their first and last day together and their developing relationship. I enjoyed the new technology in the book that almost has a sci-fi vibe to it and the inspiring message. I would definitely recommend this one, even if it is an emotional rollercoaster.

❀ Lovable Characters

I loved the characters in They Both Die at the End. Mateo is such a sweetheart who is also overcoming social anxiety. He is determined to break out of his shell on his last day and live the rest of his life to the fullest. Throughout the book, I 100% supported Mateo, and his transformation is so heartwarming. Rufus is pretty much the opposite of Mateo, as he is a pretty reckless character. He does have a soft side, and he also changes a lot as the book progresses. I personally liked Mateo’s character more, but Rufus grew on me.

❀ Multiple Perspectives

The writing in this book is also different. The story is told through multiple points of view, primarily Mateo’s and Rufus’s. However, every once in a while there is a chapter told from a side character’s perspective. I enjoyed characters such as the person from Death-Cast who calls Mateo and how they all connect to the main plot line. There is also a lot of suspense to the story since the reader knows that the main characters will die, but it is hard to predict how. The writing is filled with emotion and will definitely bring on some tears.

❀ Phenomenal Writing

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera is a creative story about two people who meet on their last day of life. I enjoyed the characters and their complexity, especially compassionate Mateo. The writing is phenomenal as well, making the book even more moving.

Quotes: They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera

Book Beginning:

Death-Cast is calling with the warning of a lifetime—I’m going to die today. Forget that, “warning” is too strong a word since warnings suggest something can be avoided, like a car honking at someone who’s crossing the street when it isn’t their light, giving them the chance to step back; this is more of a heads-up.

Friday 56:

I go into my closet and pull out the blue-and-gray flannel shirt Lidia got me for my birthday, then put it on over my white T-shirt. I haven’t worn it outside yet. The shirt is how I get to keep Lidia close today.

About Adam Silvera

Adam Silvera is the New York Times bestselling author of More Happy Than Not, History Is All You Left Me, and They Both Die at the End. His next book What If It's Us is co-written by Becky Albertalli (Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda) and releases on October 9th, 2018.
He writes full-time in New York City and is tall for no reason.

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About The Candid Cover

Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.