Book Review: The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
A review of The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera - a suspenseful and heart-wrenching LGBTQIA+ story for young adults.
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The First to Die at the End
By Adam Silvera (2022)
LGBTQ+ Romance/Sci-Fi
For fans of: Sad stories, NYC, LGBTQIA+ relationships, living each day like it’s your last, supportive friends and families, stangers-to-lovers, & sick teenager stories.
B&N Amazon Amazon 2-book box set
Synopsis: What would you do if you knew you were going to die today? In this story, an organization called Death-Cast is launching for the first time to the public. If you sign up for the Death-Cast services, you will receive a call on the day you are going to die as a warning. Two boys are at the Death-Cast launch celebration in Times Square. Orion has lifelong heart problems and is just trying to survive. Valentino is an aspiring model who followed his dreams to New York. The two feel an instant connection to each other, but reality hits hard when one of these boys receives a call from Death-Cast telling them that this is his last day. The two boys go on an epic adventure of the city and grow their connection… But one of them still has to die at the end.
Series: #0 in the Death-Cast series. This book is the prequel to They Both Die at the End by Silvera. The order that you read these books does not matter - the stories each follow a different set of main characters, but you will find familiar characters in both. There is a third book in the series being published this year (2025) called The Survivor Wants to Die at the End.
Romance heat level: 2.5/5 only because there is one quick sex scene, but it does not go in depth or have any vulgar language.
Profanity: One of the characters is quite fond of profanity in this story, so be prepared if you’re sensitive to it!
Quick Thoughts: Oh my heavens, I loved this book so much! The two main characters, Valentino and Orion, are such sweet and kind human beings. I felt very connected to them and invested in their lives - they felt like real people. There are multiple points of view from other characters in this story, and you will see how they are all connected to each other throughout. Not all of them are good people, but most of them are. If you’ve read They Both Die at the End, you will come across some familiar characters!
Can we also talk about this cover art? It is so cool. I love the simple and dark color scheme. Did you spot the skull and the grim reaper?
The setting being in NYC was very fun! The energy of the city comes through in Silvera’s writing. I just visited New York for the first time recently, so it was neat to have a connection to where the story takes place. Orion also introduces the reader to some cool little secrets of the city you may not know about.
The romance in this story is very sweet. I think teens specifically can related to having really strong feelings for someone after only knowing them for a day. While it might not seem realistic, having a deep connection to someone the way these boys do is totally possible, and very romantic. There are some cheesy moments in this story, and I welcomed them all. Why not say and do some silly things on your last day?
Be prepared - this story will gut you. My heart broke clean in half. Tears were shed. Hugs were needed. But do not let that deter you from reading this book! Go into it knowing that you will be sad, whenever you are ready for it, but you will also gain perspective. This story serves as a great reminder that life is precious, and we may never know when our last day will be. Because of this, it’s important to live boldly and love people well.
More thoughts (WITH MANY SPOILERS): I wanted to share a few more of my thoughts about this book, and if you’ve read it, maybe you have some thoughts as well. This is our informal book club discussion! I also just needed to process my thoughts and feelings a little more, because it’s been two weeks and I’m still thinking about this book.
First of all, I knew it would be Valentino getting the call. I felt like the author set us up for that since he just moved to the city that day, trying to launch his modeling career, and had unresolved issues with his parents. I appreciate Silvera trying to trick us right before the big reveal, but I still knew it! Also, Scarlet not being able to get to the city in time was such a gut punch. That poor girl.
I struggled with Valentino’s relationship with his parents. It made me really sad that people in the LGBTQIA+ community are treated this way by their family members, for just being who they are. I’m glad that Valentino got to say what he needed to, but I hate that his parents didn’t seem to have any remorse for how they’ve treated him. I wonder if they experience any regret knowing that this was the last conversation they’ll ever have with their son. Maybe this will spark a change in how they will treat others in the future.
I need to revisit They Both Die at the End and see if Orion makes an appearance… I don’t think he does. But I would love an update on how he is doing! Maybe in the third book? Silvera, please do us a solid and let us know if this sweet boy is okay!
I love/hate how Silvera shows the last thoughts Valentino has, how his consciousness just cuts off. I love it because it feels realistic, and the ending isn’t all wrapped up nicely with a bow. Even though I knew Valentino was going to die, it’s still unpredictable, and I desperately hoped the ending would be different. It added to the sadness and suspense of the story. But I so wanted Orion and Valentino to have their last moments together looking through their photos from the day. I hate that they were robbed of this time together. I hate that Orion never got to say “I love you”. Just… hate it. But the way that Valentino died to protect complete strangers speaks to his heart. And I love that Orion has that heart now.
In Conclusion: These two books in the Death-Cast series moved me. I’ve thought about They Both Die at the End often since I read it a few years ago. I would love to read it again when I am emotionally healed from this book! I’m also really looking forward to reading the third book in the series. I’m ready to meet older Paz & Alano!
Please let me know if you’ve read this book, or plan to read it. Are you a sad book person? I am, and I know there are more of you out there. Please make yourselves known!