readingwithwrin
Written on Nov 16, 2017
In a near-future New York City where a service alerts people on the day they will die, teenagers Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio meet using the Last Friend app and are faced with the challenge of living a lifetime on their End Day.
- ISBN13 9780062457790
- Publish Date 5 September 2017
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
- Imprint Collins
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 384
- Language English
Reviews
writehollydavis
Written on Oct 9, 2017
ccbookwitch
Written on Sep 11, 2017
All of the emotional investment in the book also relied on the concept of these two characters both being destined to die. However, even with that, I didn't really care much about either character. Neither Rufus nor Mateo were very well-developed, though out of the two Rufus was definitely more interesting with more layers. Mateo was sort of the opposite of Rufus, but that meant that he was very bland. He spends most of the book trying to convince himself to take risks on his last day alive because he's never taken risks before.
I also didn't like the third-person chapters from other characters. For the most part, they weren't even about characters connected to the main story, and the chapters that were from the POV of the story's secondary characters gave too much away too soon. On the note of pacing, Adam Silvera once again did his thing where he puts most of the action at the last 15% or so of the book, which, this time, was the romance. I knew there would probably be some romance because it's Adam Silvera and it's YA, but I really didn't buy it. They're just so different and only have this "deep" connection because they're both dying on the same day. They really didn't have much in common or have much chemistry, and the romance was inherently insta-lovey, which automatically turned me off.
Basically, I just found this story from the plot to the characters to be really bland. The pacing was off, and the world-building wasn't really that unique. Despite that, I do think a lot of contemporary teens would be very into this book, so I'll still probably recommend that my library buys it. I think this is largely a case of me having read a lot of YA and thus not finding it very unique, and also the author relying too heavily on the main concept of the world to make the story emotional, and it ended up feeling fake and forced.
I know I'm a black sheep where this book is concerned because the rest of the YA world is obsessed with it, but it simply wasn't for me. I was not impressed, yet again, by Adam Silvera, and I don't think I'll be giving him another chance after this one.
justine_manzano
Written on Aug 22, 2017
Chelsea
Written on Aug 21, 2017
LIKES
- While a sad story (it's called They Both Die at the End, come on), it's still a really happy one filled with love and hope.
- This book made me feel a lot of things and that's an important part of any book. Mostly I feel like I should be brave and really live my life (which sounds totally cheesy but it's still an important feeling I think).
- I also really loved the diverse cast of this novel. And the author did it so effortlessly (which is how any book should be written).
- It's so hard to say all the things I liked about this book. The characters were both very different which made a great duo for this kind of story.
- The plot was pretty straightforward but you were left wondering when/if these two were going to die (along with a couple side characters). I loved how the side characters were somewhat involved with each other. There was also not much that was predictable about They Both Die at the End which gives it an extra star really because that's a hard quality to come by in books these days.
DISLIKES
- I can honestly say there wasn't much I disliked about this book. My only complaint was that I found the very beginning (first 3-4 chapters) were kind of slow. Possible just because I'm used to a lot of action.
shannonmiz
Written on Jul 12, 2017
4.5*
This book gave me all the feels. I've enjoyed Adam's books in the past, but this one has that extra special "something"- that indescribable factor that just makes a book resonate with the reader.
Maybe it's the characters, Mateo and Rufus. These guys were just so damn human. And to make them seem so relatable on such an extraordinary day is quite a feat. They're both flawed, and these flaws, they aren't going to be overcome in the course of a day. Because that isn't possible, not for any of us.
Maybe it's the messages- and I won't be talking about them, but know that they'll touch you. This is the kind of book that will make you consider your own every day life, your own choices. What would happen if you received a call from Death Cast? Have you lived your best life?
Maybe it's the friendships, the love, the relationships, the family. All of these personal stories weave together in ways that have profound meaning to the characters, and they have to choose how to navigate their relationships with the knowledge that there will be no tomorrow.
Maybe it's the emotions. I teared up, absolutely. But I was more surprised at how much I didn't sob. Because I was busy feeling other things, like amusement at the story, like happiness at their relationships. It wasn't a 300+ page sobfest, it was much, much more than that.
Bottom Line: Whatever the reason, this book is one I hands-down recommend to everyone. Fabulous writing, gorgeously human characters, and an incredibly thought provoking plot make this a book you won't want to miss.
*Copy provided for review
Kelly
Written on Jun 28, 2017
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.
Stephanie
Written on Jun 11, 2017