A review by orionmerlin
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Characters – 8/10
Mateo and Rufus were compelling protagonists with distinct personalities. Mateo’s transformation from a cautious recluse to someone embracing life felt a little rushed, but I still found his journey engaging. Rufus, while leaning into a familiar tough-but-secretly-softhearted archetype, had depth and emotional weight. The secondary characters, such as Lidia and the Plutos, added richness, though some felt underdeveloped or served more as plot devices than fully realized individuals. While I cared about what happened to Mateo and Rufus, I wasn’t as emotionally invested in all the side characters.
Atmosphere/Setting – 7/10
The concept of Death-Cast was intriguing, but the world-building was somewhat underdeveloped. The novel never fully explained how Death-Cast worked, which left me with more questions than answers. However, the setting of New York City was well described, and I could vividly picture the places Mateo and Rufus visited. Some scenes carried strong emotional weight, while others lacked energy, but overall, the atmosphere effectively reinforced the book’s themes of mortality and seizing the moment.
Writing Style – 8/10
Silvera’s prose was accessible, emotionally resonant, and easy to follow. The alternating perspectives kept the pace moving, though at times Mateo and Rufus’s voices weren’t as distinct as they could have been. The writing balanced narration and dialogue well, though some emotional beats felt slightly overdone. While the book had moments of lyrical beauty, it wasn’t necessarily groundbreaking in style. That said, I would be interested in reading more from Silvera in other genres.
Plot – 8/10
The premise of Death-Cast calling people on their last day was compelling, and the story had several emotionally gripping moments. However, the pacing wasn’t always consistent—some sections felt stretched out while others moved too quickly. The inevitability of death lessened the suspense, and certain plot threads, like Rufus’s conflict with Peck, felt unnecessary. While the ending was impactful, it leaned a little too heavily on tragic irony. Despite these critiques, the story remained engaging and left a lasting impression.
Intrigue – 9/10
The book’s central question—how will Mateo and Rufus die?—kept me engaged throughout. Their journey was meaningful, and the exploration of human connection was powerful. I found myself eager to continue reading, even during slower sections. The emotional investment was high, making the novel hard to put down.
Logic/Relationships – 7/10
The emotional intensity between Mateo and Rufus developed quickly, which made sense given their circumstances, but their romance felt slightly rushed. The rules of Death-Cast were unclear, which sometimes made the premise feel more like a plot device than a fully fleshed-out world. While some character decisions felt inconsistent, the relationships overall were heartfelt and well-executed.
Enjoyment – 8/10
Despite some narrative flaws, I genuinely enjoyed They Both Die at the End. The themes of living fully, embracing risks, and forming deep connections resonated with me. It was an emotional read, and while certain aspects could have been stronger, the novel left a lasting impact. I would recommend it, especially to readers who enjoy character-driven contemporary fiction with speculative elements.