They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
They Both Die at the End… Is it contemporary or is it sci-fi? This is the question that plagued me throughout the story. Obviously, it doesn’t matter. The story certainly emanates the intended message of seizing the day and I think that’s the most important thing. But… I found myself constantly distracted by the futuristic approach and this affected my enjoyment of the story.
Death-Cast is calling with the warning of a lifetime – I’m going to die today.
I also battled to connect with the characters whose lives on paper lacked depth, so I didn’t feel the emotional impact of their fate. This is crazy for me as I am probably one of the most sensitive readers, frequently sobbing over characters and ruining the pages of my books.
I turn around to tell Mateo everything but he’s gone.
The Decker element is also repetitive, explained over and over, and detracts from the characters personal stories. I liked the interaction of Mateo and Rufus’s friends throughout the story, but the periphery characters and the way they interweave through their last day seems contrived and, unlike their friends, ultimately didn’t add anything to the story.
And just like that, my last hope is obliterated.
This is my first Adam Silvera read and I am underwhelmed. I gather from the outpouring of love on Social Media that mine is not a popular opinion *ducks*, and I am glad the book is well-loved by most even if it didn’t work out for me. I will definitely try another one of his books. Any recommendations?
It sucks that was the last time I’ll ever dream.
On a positive note; I love the personal note from Adam Silvera preceding the story giving perspective to the book – I wish more authors did this.
…I’m going to die today, and I am more alive now than I was then.
Title: They Both Die at the End
Author: Adam Silvera
Publication Date: 5 September 2017
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Review copy
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On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today. Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure and to live a lifetime in a single day — Abstract from Goodreads.com
The fact that I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book does not influence my policy to write an honest review.
Disclaimer: The quotes appear in my advanced review copy and may not appear in the final version.
Zoe @ Stories on Stage
Aww… I’m sorry to see this was so disappointing. 🙁 I can definitely see where you’re coming from though. Nonetheless, thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thanks Zoe. Have a great weekend!
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight
Aw, I am so sorry you didn’t like this one! I really did, but I also agree that I wasn’t as emotional as I thought I’d be- though I did tear up hahah. I think (and I could be wrong, of course!) that it’s probably set in the not-so-distant future? That was the vibe I got, like it was maybe 15 or 20 years from now. Soon enough that some of the technology remains the same, but long enough for there to be death predictions? Not sure, just my guess! Great review, I hope you do end up liking one of his other books!
Jordan @ The Heart of a Book Blogger
I haven’t read any Adam Silvera novels either, but I’ve heard such great things. I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one!
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thank you Jordan. Happy reading!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Sorry you weren’t a fan of this one. I liked it a lot more than you did, but I can see how the sci-fi/contemporary issue could be confusing and frustrating if you didn’t decide right from the beginning to just accept the premise and suspend disbelief.
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thank you Nicole. Yes my opinion isn’t the popular one and I am so glad you liked it. I’ll tag it for a future reread.
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
Thanks for the honest review of this book. I typically enjoy sci fi but usually when it’s clearly a sci fi book. I’m not sure how I’ll feel about it between a cross between a contemporary and a sci fi. Guess I’ll find out when I read it, lol.
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thank you for popping over. I hope you like it when you get a chance to read it.
Ivyclad Ideas
Oh, I was looking forward to this one. 🙁 Then again, I like a bit of sci-fi, so maybe I’ll like it. I love the format of your review, with the quote sort of weaved around it.
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Thank you! I hope you like the book. Happy reading!
Kimberly Sabatini
Have you read Unwind by Neil Schuesterman? I’m reading that one now (with the boys) but we got super side tracked and I want to finish it. There’s something about this one that reminds me of that one.
Sue @ Crushingcinders
I did read Unwind and liked it. I don’t remember reading the sequels though.
Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
I have this one to get to. It will be my first book by him as well. I do see all the love for this new so I wonder how I will feel. Sorry this wasn’t better for you.
Sue @ Crushingcinders
Hope it works for you. Let me know what you think when you get to it.