Review of The First to Die at the End (Death-Cast, #0) by Adam Silvera
If you’ve ever picked up an Adam Silvera book, you know you’re in for an emotional rollercoaster. His stories are laden with heartbreak and poignancy, and The First to Die at the End is no exception. In a way, I felt an irresistible pull to this book, not only because it’s a prequel to They Both Die at the End, but also because the premise of Death-Cast—where one’s final moments can be predicted—resonates deeply with our human experience of mortality. With my new journey into BookTube, I felt this would be the perfect book to dive into, both for its emotional weight and its ability to spark genuine discussions.
At the heart of the story are Valentino Prince and Orion Pagan, two characters whose lives intersect in the most bittersweet way possible. Valentino, a young man navigating a new life in New York City after being kicked out by his family, signs up for Death-Cast just moments before receiving the news that he has mere hours to live. Meanwhile, Orion, who has known the threat of early death his entire life due to his heart condition, finds himself inexplicably drawn to Valentino. Their attraction is immediate and electric, but what follows is a heartbreaking exploration of what it means to truly live when time is fleeting.
Silvera’s writing style always has a lyrical quality, and it beautifully enhances the (often crushing) themes of love, grief, and the value of living in the moment. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to savor the fleeting moments Valentino has left while simultaneously feeling the weight of impending loss. I was particularly captivated by lines like, “It’s hard to live when it feels like death is lurking around every corner.” They encapsulate the emotional gravity of this narrative and linger in your mind long after you’ve finished the book.
One of the standout moments for me was Valentino’s interaction with others who either believed so fervently in Death-Cast that they felt his death might be ‘contagious’ or those who offered sympathy but couldn’t truly grasp the weight of his reality. This exploration of societal perceptions of those labeled as ‘Deckers’—people predicted to die—raises profound questions about how we treat one another in times of crisis. The philosophical nuances Silvera introduces add layers of complexity to the narrative, making it much more than just a love story. He invites us to grapple with uncomfortable questions: How would we act differently if we knew our time was limited?
Silvera also does a brilliant job of fleshing out the intimate moments between Valentino and Orion. The joy and sorrow in their short romance pack an emotional punch that leaves readers wishing they could have had more time together. As Valentino states, “I don’t want to go first,” we feel the agony of a young man who’s barely begun to live. Both characters are crafted with depth; Orion’s wisdom contrasts beautifully with Valentino’s youthful hopefulness.
In conclusion, The First to Die at the End is a profoundly affecting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever contemplated life, love, and loss. It may not have struck me with the same intensity as They Both Die at the End, but it certainly packed a punch and made my heart ache in all the best ways. I’d recommend this book to fans of contemporary young adult fiction, especially those who appreciate stories that blend romance with thought-provoking themes. Prepare to feel, to reflect, and perhaps shed a tear or two; Silvera won’t let you walk away unscathed.
As I step back into my reading life, I know I’ll carry Valentino and Orion with me for a long time to come. What a beautiful, tragic way to reflect on the fragility of life. Happy reading!
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