They Both Die at the End

They Both Die at the End
Written by Adam Silvera
Contemporary, Science Fiction, LGBTQIA
304 Pages
Expected publication October 1st 2017
Thank you to Simon & Schuster
Add to Goodreads
★★★★★
When Mateo receives the dreaded call from Death Cast, informing him that today will be his last, he doesn't know where to begin. Quiet and shy, Mateo is devastated at the thought of leaving behind his hospitalised father, and his best friend and her baby girl. But he knows that he has to make the most of this day, it's his last chance to get out there and make an impression.

Rufus is busy beating up his ex girlfriend's new boyfriend when he gets the call. Having lost his entire family, Rufus is no stranger to Death Cast. Not that it makes it any easier. With bridges to mend, the police searching for him and the angry new boyfriend on his tail, it's time to run.

Isolated and scared, the boys reach out to each other, and what follows is a day of living life to the full. Though neither of them had expected that this would involve falling in love...
The phone rings moments after midnight. Death Cast wishes to inform you that today will be your last day but for seventeen year old Mateo, today will be day he has chosen to live. Mateo is a wonderfully compassionate young man, conscientious and meticulous. Mateo contemplates his final moments, despondent, isolated and seeking companionship. The Last Friend network encouraging Deckers to atone, to live within the moment and find solace. Mateo lives in solitude, his mother passed away seventeen years prior while his father remains unconscious, debilitated and receiving palliative care. His platonic relationship with Lidia is wonderful, a tremendous support to the young single mother since losing her partner.

Eighteen year old Rufas has also received his Death Cast forecast, several months after the lives of his family members were claimed in an accident Rufas survived. Rufas is indignant, a violent young man evading the authorities after a physical assault, which some readers may find confronting. With his friends detained in custody, Rufas has registered with the Last Friend network and connects with fellow New York resident Mateo. Rufas is an interesting character, an instinctive leader accepting of his forecast. 

The narration takes place within New York City. Wonderfully atmospheric, it explores the ambiance of New York and the colourful, diverse residents. Mateo is Puerto Rican American, Rufas identifies as bisexual. Amidst their journey, the narrative introduces the voices of New York. Migrants, immigrants, same sex couples. Community kindness and fragments of the lives intersecting the Last Day journey, through coincidence and circumstance.

The contemporary science fiction fusion offered no explanation to how Death Cast had evolved or how a death forecast is determined. Which was of little impact overall. A Herald will inform recipients they will meet an untimely death within the next twenty four hours and although they cannot suspend the forecast, they are afforded the opportunity to live a final day. While Rufus seems comfortable within his mortality, Mateo is experiencing anxiety and concerned for those he leaves behind. His unconscious father, Lidia and his neighbours. Rufas begins to gently persuade Mateo to live spontaneously. Mateo is a wonderful influence on Rufas. The blossoming friendship and tentative relationship was captivating.

Adam Silvera is magnificent storyteller and They Both Die at the End is his most prolific release to date. Personal and resonating, to live in the moment, to be spontaneous.
I wasted all those yesterdays and am completely out of tomorrows. 
Mad love Adam Silvera, mad love.

33 comments

  1. Ahhh I'm so excited to read this! Everyone has loved it so much 🙈 Planning to pick up his other works first ☺️ Great review as always 💜

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  2. I hadn't actually heard of Adam Silvera before (or if I have, I've forgot, cause i'm useless). But I really like the sound of this. Off to goodreads to investigate.

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    1. He's magnificent Sarah. Such wonderful, diverse storylines. This one reminds me a little of Patrick Ness with the contemporary science fiction fusion.

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  3. What a thought provoking plot this is. And also terribly sad and confronting in a way, I think. Rufus and Mateo seem so different, and I'm curious to see how they evolve through this.

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    1. Even though the synopsis prepares you for what's to come, it was incredibly emotional Verushka and so beautiful written.

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  4. OMG this book sounds so good! And I already like Rufas! So much diversity! Love it! Awesome review as usual girl! :) ♡
    Haniya
    booknauthors.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks Haniya, it's really lovely. I loved how it also explores the narratives of the passing characters that cross the paths of Rivas and Mateo. Such a wonderful aspect to include.

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  5. I haven't read anything by Silvera yet, because all his books seem so morbid or seem to not have HEAs, and you know how I feel about those.
    This one sounds so interesting and so powerful though. I have a feeling I'd love Mateo and Rufas. I'll check it out from the library!
    Beautiful review, Kelly!

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    1. Thanks sweetheart. This is my second Adam Silvera novel and he's such a prolific author. I expected this one to be incredibly poignant as well but it wasn't the case surprisingly. I loved the underlying message of living life without abandon. It was beautiful.

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  6. Ah this sounds like such a good book! Often Last Days are the best times to explore the human condition and with such vivid characters I'm sure the book would have been powerful.

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    1. I was surprised how emotional yet joyful it was. Mateo and Rufas are two characters that will not only endear readers but inspire.

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  7. I AM SO EXCITED TO READ THIS! I read History Is All You Left Me and absolutely loved it and this seems like such an incredible and moving read I CANNOT WAIT! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this Kelly!

    xx Anisha @ Sprinkled Pages

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    1. I loved History Is All You Left Me but enjoyed this one even more Anisha. Even though it sounds a little morbid, it's so lovely and hopeful. Reminding readers to live life to the absolute fullest.

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  8. Oh gosh, I have such a writer crush on Adam. I loved both of his other books and I NEED THIS ONE IN MY LIFE. I really wanted it at ALA but they were all out or something. Well, it comes out fairly soon, so I guess it's not all bad. I'm so glad to see you loved this one though! It sounds absolutely amazing.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. It's his best release to date Lauren and I can't wait to see what you think of it. I downloaded my copy from Netgalley through the Australian publisher. It's still available if you wanted to request. It's magnificent.

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  9. Wow, this sounds wonderful. I was expecting something more cheeky because of the title.

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    1. It truly is Christy and so wonderfully written. He's become one of my favourite authors.

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  10. huh, a little confusing. is it an absolute thing when you are told you are going to die?

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    1. Pretty much. It's unheard of that anyone survives their death forecast but you just never know. You'll have to read it to find out.

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  11. I've heard nothing but great things about this book and just Adam Silvera in general, so I am so glad you enjoyed this so much as well! It sounds like such a great story. Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3

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    1. Thank you so much Zoe. He's such a prolific author and it's magnificent! I can't wait to see what you think of it.

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  12. I've seen this book everywhere but I had no idea what it was about. This sounds amazing!

    For What It's Worth

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    1. It is Karen! It's been one of my favourites so far this year and urge everyone to pick up a copy after it's released. It's magnificent.

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  13. I really enjoyed this book too! <3 Great review! I'll be posting a review of this one closer to its release date. Will probably buy a copy of this one too!

    Cass @ Words on Paper

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    1. Same same! I'll be preordering a physical copy to be able to read again and again. It was just so lovely and I loved the wonderful messages of living each day as though it may be your last. So glad you enjoyed it too!

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  14. BAH I NEED THIS NOOOOWWW. I was so excited when I heard Silvera's next book was going to be called They Both Die At The End ;)
    I have previously contemplated the idea of having to know when you're going to die, but only getting a 24 hour notice?? That's brutal. I really liked History Is All You Left Me, and I hope I'll like this one as well if not more! I'M SO EXCITED OMG.

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    1. I really enjoyed History is All You Left me too but this one is another level. It sounds morbid but it's really lovely and carries such a positive message of living in the moment. I can't wait to see what you think of it!

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  15. Glad to see this was a top notch read! I'm definitely intrigued by the contemporary sci-fi fusion. I really need to get to this soon! Great review, Kelly!

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    1. Thanks Cyn. It really was magnificent and nothing could have prepared me for how emotional it was. Truly spectacular.

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  16. I kind of really want this book but can't seem to be able to obtain the ARC grah grrr! Everyone seems to be absolutely loving this one.

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    1. I was lucky enough to have autoapproval on Netgalley Evelina but perhaps try your luck with the booksfortrade hashtag on Twitter? Might be worth checking Netgalley too or perhaps emailing the publicity department. Good luck on your search Evelina and hope you can snag a copy soon!

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  17. I'm so glad you loved this one, that makes me so excited for it. I love the US cover, it's so so beautiful! <3
    Megan @ http://www.wanderingsofabookbird.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. I prefer the US cover a little more to this one too Megan but still a lovely read nonetheless. Really looking forward to seeing what you think of it too!

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