Adam Silvera’s The First to Die at the End serves as a heart-rending prequel to his acclaimed They Both Die at the End, delving deeper into the emotional intricacies of love, mortality and the power of human connection. Set during the launch of ‘Death-Cast,’ a service that predicts imminent deaths, the story follows two protagonists, Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince, as they navigate their unexpected relationship amidst the looming certainty of mortality.
The narrative is set against the backdrop of the first day ‘Death-Cast’ goes live. Orion, who has lived with a heart condition, constantly faces the shadow of death, while Valentino, fresh to New York and full of hope, is eager to embrace life after escaping a troubled past. When they meet by chance, their bond is instantaneous. However, one of them receives the dreaded ‘Death-Cast’ call, thrusting their connection into a race against time.
Silvera expertly weaves themes of love, fate, and existential anxiety, capturing the fragility and urgency of life. The book explores the idea of living fully even when faced with the inevitable, while also addressing deeper questions about whether knowing the timing of one’s death is a blessing or a curse.
The characters are deeply compelling and relatable. Orion’s vulnerability and Valentino’s optimism create a balance that drives the emotional core of the novel. Their chemistry feels authentic, and their moments of joy and grief resonate deeply with the reader. Silvera also expands the world of They Both Die at the End, introducing new perspectives and shedding light on how ‘Death-Cast’ impacts individuals and society as a whole.
Silvera’s writing is heartfelt and lyrical, seamlessly blending emotional depth with philosophical reflections. His ability to craft vivid, tender moments makes the reader feel intimately connected to the characters’ journeys. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of introspection while maintaining a sense of urgency as the clock ticks down.
Although, while the plot and characters were beautifully crafted, a lot of the figurative language used felt clumsy and made the story tiresome. There were too many metaphors and puns about life and death and hearts. ‘I will guard my life with my life’; ‘all hope flatlined’; ‘it’s heartbreaking’; ‘like my heart is being choked out’; ‘in this life’. It could go on and on; it became almost a BINGO game of when those words would be used.
Rating: 4/5
The First to Die at the End is a beautifully written and emotionally-charged novel that expands on the themes of its predecessor while standing strong as its own story. Adam Silvera masterfully captures the fragility of life and the beauty of love, making this a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and heartfelt storytelling.
