Rating: 5 STARS! Genre: YA/LGBT Standalone/Series: Standalone How I got this book: Bought Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day. 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—to live a lifetime in a single day. They Both Die at the End is one of the first books I've ever read where I literally knew what was going to happen at the end but I still wasn't prepared!!
If you're a big ol' softy like yours truly, be sure to have a box of tissues handy to catch all those bittersweet tears. I love the concept of Death-Cast, as terrifying as it is, that you get notice on the day you're supposed to die (I think a minimum of 24 hours notice would be nice, otherwise that kinda sucks even more), so that you can do things you never thought to do or spend time saying goodbye. No, I would not actually want this service. I think counting down the time until you die is probably worse than not expecting it, but then I guess, for the people you're leaving behind, Death-Cast would be better for them....since it involves death it's pretty much a no-win situation all round. Anyway, I digress. I really, really enjoyed the storytelling in this book, I loved the format and that we are able to connect with Mateo and Rufus through their first person POV chapters whilst also getting snippets from other characters who are all connected to, and impact, Mateo and Rufus's last day. Mateo is sweet, completely innocent and so wrapped in bubble wrap that it's lovely to see him finally break out of his comfort zone thanks to Rufus. Rufus is a bad boy with a soft center who isn't afraid to go after what he wants, is struggling with loss and yet is still willing to make sure Mateo (a complete stranger when they meet) has the best last day of his life. The friendship that blooms between these two characters is real, genuine and beautiful. Together they are sweet, they push each other's limits and they both grow into new people. The whole time reading, and getting to know Mateo and Rufus (and falling for them both), I just wanted to skip to the end and find out what happens...well, how it happens at least. Warning: It was a shock and it really threw me - *tissues at the ready* One thing I love, really love about this book is that their respective sexualities aren't made into a huge deal. It's nice that they're just who they are and that's it. No explanation needed. Throughout this heartbreaking story of friendship, love, missed opportunities, second chances, loss and regret is a positive message that we should all do everything we can to live each day like it's our last. To not be afraid to do the things that scare us, to meet new people, experience new things and above all, live. There's a line in this book that really, really made me laugh. First, a bit of background: Did you know that there's a company that when you die, will turn your ashes into a bio urn, which when planted, grows a tree. I know right!! How amazing is that? Well, when I first saw this a while back I thought it was a great environmentally friendly idea and I will be a tree when I die! Maybe even one day I'll be turned into books which would be surreal. Although, I hope not for a while, we need oxygen guys!! So, back on track, this whole concept is discussed briefly in the books and Rufus (I think) delivers my favourite line, "You can't go around telling people you wanna be a tree and expect them to take you seriously." I guess no one's going to take me seriously from now on! I'm wrapping this review up with a solid 5 bittersweet stars! I can't wait for Adam Silvera's next book with Becky Albertalli - What If It's Us!!
Martin
21/5/2018 15:24:46
Isn't Mateo the personification of a 'heart of gold'?! I'm still bleeding thinking about the book's end 😭😍 21/5/2018 20:07:05
Yes! He's so perfectly sweet and I love Rufus too, he's tough but soft on the inside. 😍 The ending broke me. I can't believe how unprepared I was for it given that this book is one huge spoiler! I just added History is All You Left Me to my TBR and I'm nervous lol
Martin
22/5/2018 18:01:30
I liked HIAYLM even better than They Both Die At The End, though they're both unique in their own way and cannot be compared directly. Let me know what you make of it. One thing is sure: tears are a given thing 23/5/2018 21:21:19
Noooo 😭😭😭 I'll definitely stock up on the tissues before reading! Comments are closed.
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About Kay (She/Her)
Book addict, film mad, music lover, business owner, writer and mum (not necessarily in that order), living in the UK. About Sophie (She/Her)
Sophie loves books (obviously). She has a passion for photography and spotting wildlife, and is interested in anything made with passion and creativity. THIS BLOG IS SPOILER FREE!
Rating system: 5 Stars - AMAZING!! 4.5 Stars - Almost perfect! 4 Stars - I really loved it 3.5 Stars - I liked it alot 3 Stars - I liked it (I don't typically review books that I rate below 3 stars)
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