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

medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

definitely a slow-burn, considering that the novel is set over the course of one day and that it is the last day of both of the MC's lives. i really disliked TBDATE at first: i found it boring and thought the main characters were annoying. in the beginning/middle, it really felt like the author was trying to convince the readers that mateo was a Really Good Person™️ which just came off as grating because he doesn't really do anything that is unusually noble/altruistic. i was particularly irritated by the scene in which mateo (after initially refusing then changing his mind) gives $20 to a homeless man. this scene concludes with mateo reflecting that, "Much like Rufus can't expect me to be instantly brave, I can't expect him to be instantly generous." YOU CONSIDER GIVING AWAY $20 THAT YOU WON'T USE BECAUSE YOU'RE DYING IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS TO BE A BIG ACT OF GENEROSITY??? maybe if it was framed as mateo becoming a ~better person~ in his last moments of life i'd be more appreciative of the scene, but as is it just felt like the purpose of the scene was to showcase mateo's True Kind and Generous Nature. irritating af.

it definitely picked up in the last 100 pages, which is why i give this 3 stars. the characters got less annoying, the plot got less boring, and i actually felt somewhat invested in what was going on.
i don't really believe that anyone can fall in love in one day, but i'm willing to let it slide in this case because it's their last day alive, which i can imagine triggering big emotions.


didn't completely dislike it but probably wouldn't recommend 
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