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A review by heckin_hello
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Exactly what you'd expect from a book with this title. In addition to the focus on the two main characters and the relationship they foster, I thought it was an elegant touch to interweave several additional character stories into the larger picture - showing just how accidentally connected we really are.
As far as the two main characters, Mateo and Rufus; I did find Mateo to be particularly frustrating the first half of the book, but that just lent to the charm of him as the story progressed. I would have liked to see a larger focus on Rufus and his growth, personally. It felt like the book was split 75/25 between Mateo's issues and Rufus'.
The short story "The Father Does Not Die at the End" included in the collector's edition was so heartbreaking... and absolutely tied the story off in a perfect way. I would not have considered the story complete without it.
As far as the two main characters, Mateo and Rufus; I did find Mateo to be particularly frustrating the first half of the book, but that just lent to the charm of him as the story progressed. I would have liked to see a larger focus on Rufus and his growth, personally. It felt like the book was split 75/25 between Mateo's issues and Rufus'.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death of parent, Child death, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Mental illness, Death, and Fire/Fire injury