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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
dark
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I LOVED the other two books. I almost DNFed this one but pushed myself through in case cause I think I’d keep going with the series. This one was just so heavy handed with the suicide stuff. *trigger warning cause I’ll be talking about it in this review but also, don’t read the book if it’s a trigger* I knew it was going to be included to some extent but ever other sentence was basically: “I’m going to jump, I want to pull the trigger, I don’t have to worry about __ since I’ll be dead, I’m jealous of the corpses in the graveyard, I can’t wait till it’s finally my end day, I’m gonna die on —- day” to the point where it was just repetitive. Like okay we get it. The book could have been hundreds of pages shorter and we’d still get the point.
*SEMI SPOILER I guess?** the whole time felt like Alano was babysitting Paz to keep him alive. The whole “relationship” felt very reminiscent of early 2000s emo culture romanticizing SH and being suicidal. The idea that someone will swoop in and save you with their love. “As long as we stay together, love will keep us alive” is such a toxic red flag. It made me not like them as a “couple” even though they had things they could connect on. Really disappointing since I really loved the other two books. I’d probably still give the next one a chance since the central premise is so interesting.
*SEMI SPOILER I guess?** the whole time felt like Alano was babysitting Paz to keep him alive. The whole “relationship” felt very reminiscent of early 2000s emo culture romanticizing SH and being suicidal. The idea that someone will swoop in and save you with their love. “As long as we stay together, love will keep us alive” is such a toxic red flag. It made me not like them as a “couple” even though they had things they could connect on. Really disappointing since I really loved the other two books. I’d probably still give the next one a chance since the central premise is so interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Minor: Miscarriage
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Definitely my least favorite of the series but still in awe of how intricately A.S. weaves together characters and storylines. it makes me wonder how inter connected I am with people I pass or interact with every day.
This one fell a bit flat for me compared to the other two. It was the characters I think, but he definitely hooks ya at the end to prepare for the next book. I’m sure i’ll give it a read, but i don’t need to scramble for it.
This one fell a bit flat for me compared to the other two. It was the characters I think, but he definitely hooks ya at the end to prepare for the next book. I’m sure i’ll give it a read, but i don’t need to scramble for it.
They are so toxic. Also, being in the womb?!?! The cliffhanger, and the secret not being revealed, this one being double the length yet still not feeling complete? I really enjoyed the first book but this one strayed so far from it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent
Cheesy, overblown, and far, far too long. A thorough, unsentimental edit might've at least made the story more visible in amongst all the verbiage. Disappointing.
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Suicide
"Sometimes it’s sad being so good at acting that loved ones believe I’m okay." - Paz (Pazito)
"We can heal together. No more trying to live our End Days. Let’s promise to live our Begin Days." - Alano
Alano is the heir, and his life has changed a lot in the past 10 years; there is a lot of pressure on him. Paz is still haunted by what happened 10 years ago. Both of them are public figures, and a lot of people have opinions about them, but they didn't judge each other when they got to know each other. They are more than what they did in their past or who their families are. I love that Alano researched ways to help Paz understand his BPD better and to know what he needs/what could trigger him, that made Paz feel seen and understood. Alano always tried to be clear of what he thought to help him calm down, it was so heartwarming to read. They both have (emotional) scars and I think they are a really good match, because there is so much understanding. Alano and Paz spend a few days together, where they have lots of meaningful moments and important conversations. Alano helped Paz with his emotions and to start healing and Paz also helped Alano feel understood and less alone, they never judged each other, I think their connection is beautiful and so meaningful! They've both been through a lot, and they finally found that one person who doesn't judge and just loves every part of them in each other.
"Death-Cast saves Deckers, but it can also ruin survivors."
This book takes place 10 years after the First End Day, and it really shows how the world has changed, different sides of their stories, and consequences of the mistakes that were made all those years ago. This book focuses on both of them struggling with their mental health while also forming a connection and healing together, with ups & downs. It takes place in a time frame of a few days. Alano & Paz have learned a lot about each other. Paz has learned to be kinder to himself and his body; he started to see his life differently and started to open up because he has Alano, who fully supports him and sees all of him. Alano discovered some secrets and allowed Paz to be there for him too.
I'm excited to know what happens next in this series. It is such a beautiful/heartbreaking but interesting concept, and I love that this series is about forming a connection and thinking about what's most important: the people around you & love.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This really really needed another edit. It is unnecessarily long and the writing was just flat. And I really really did not like the codependent relationship between Paz and Alano. “I’ll keeping living if you do” is not anything I want teenagers trying to emulate. It’s possible we’re supposed to feel icky about this relationship or conclude that it’s unhealthy bc they are both mentally ill, but if so, that needed to be explicit in the text. Also found Alano’s mom’s conviction that he was in danger of a psychotic break very odd and out of place. Like what was she basing this on, and was it helpful to reveal to Alano? This turned into a bit of a hate read for me, mostly bc I thought the secret of Death Cast might be revealed. Not sure yet if I’ll read the next book to (hopefully) find out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced