Jan. 14, 2025
By Gabriella Cerreta
Staff Writer
“The First to Die at the End” by Adam Silvera is the prequel to the 2017 young adult novel “They Both Die at the End.” In this powerful text, Silvera takes readers on an emotional journey, exploring life, death and fate while integrating friendship, romance and self-discovery.
The novel is set in New York City, where a service named Death-Cast calls people to inform them that they are going to die within 24 hours. When the two main characters, Orion Pagan and Valentino Prince, receive their calls, they decide to spend their final day together.
The novel is also powerful in its exploration of domestic abuse, grief, homophobia and sexuality.
Orion is thoughtful and somewhat anxious. Struggling with his past and the uncertainty of his future, he registered for Death-Cast because he has a serious heart condition and has been waiting for someone to tell him he is going to die.
Valentino, on the other hand, is impulsive and outgoing, trying to live free of regrets. He moved to New York City and registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident.
Orion and Valentino embark on a spontaneous adventure through the city, exploring their fears, sharing their hopes and bonding in the face of imminent death. Their connection highlights the value of friendship, love and living life to the fullest.
Silvera does an amazing job of making both characters unique and relatable, allowing readers to connect with them. Readers will notice themselves becoming attached to Orion and Valentino and wanting to keep reading the book to see what happens at the end.
As Orion and Valentino alternate points of view in each chapter, readers learn about their experiences and challenges. The structure keeps the plot fresh and provides insights into the characters that could not be communicated through a single perspective.
Another strength of the book is its pacing. Even though it takes place over just 24 hours, the 560-page novel, which is divided chronologically into four sections, never drags, nor does it feel rushed.
The novel is also powerful in its exploration of domestic abuse, grief, homophobia and sexuality. It addresses these topics in a respectful and serious tone.
There is no need to read “They Both Die at the End” before reading “The First to Die at the End,” since it is a prequel and does not include any of the same characters. However, readers who like either of the novels would likely enjoy both of them because the texts share similar themes.
Both novels are meaningful additions to the young adult genre. Engaging and thought-provoking, these books leave readers wanting a third installment of this terrific set.
