They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Adam Silvera writes a melancholic story about two boys who find out how to live on the day they die. The beauty of growth through true connection is something elegantly shown, as both Mateo and Rufus show each other what they’ve always felt they’ve lacked, drawing out each other’s true nature through simply spending their last day together.

The story is set in a dystopia that is almost identical to the world we live in except for one key difference: Death-Cast, a service that calls people from 12AM to 2AM to let people know they will die within the next 24 hours. Created to ensure that everyone lives out their last day how they choose to, it is now a societal norm. Anyone can receive a call, and everyone will receive one at some point, regardless of how sheltered, or reckless, you’ve been living your life. This is what happens to both Mateo and Rufus. After meeting on an app, the two set off to figure out how to live their last day the way they want.

The story follows a multiple perspective narrative style, showing the perspectives of not just Mateo and Rufus, but many of the other side characters. Each new perspective immediately tells you whether or not the person will die that day, and they all play a role in the outcome of the events, building tension for us readers, and even catching us off guard with what is revealed. Furthermore, each perspective is time-stamped, showing at what point throughout the day that it happened.

If you’re looking for a book that will push you to tears over star-crossed lovers, give this book a read. If you like it, check out the prequel The First to Die at the End! Feel free to share your thoughts on both! I’ll leave you with this:

What would you do if you knew you’d die within 24 hours?

- Leo H.