Death: There’s an App for That

They Both Die at the End is a heart-wrenching story about two young boys. 

Highlighting the lives of Mateo, 18 and Rufus, 17, the story begins when both get a message from Death-cast, an automated program that can predict when a person only has 24 hours left to live. 

Written by Adam Silvera, the young adult author has sold more than 100,000 copies of the book. Silvera connected with his potential readership through BookTok. 

BookTok is a way many people learn about books like They Both Die at the End on the popular TikTok app. The way that Silvera introduced this book through the platform is one of the reasons I learned about the book. Silvera does a great job creating these characters that makes it easy for readers to connect with them. Among his many skills is the author’s ability to pay close attention to the traits characters possess. 

Though shy, anti-social and introverted, Mateo starts questioning his choices and begins to regret not living his life to the fullest.

To deal with his destiny, Mateo decides to download an app with other Deckers. In the novel, Decker is a person who received a Death-cast call. These Deckers are looking for friends to spend their last few hours alive.

Through the app, Mateo meets Rufus, a confident and outgoing person. Rufus encourages Mateo to come out of his shell. The two teens learn from each other and grow. 

The novel brings forth the emotional journey of Mateo and Rufus that, of course, eventually comes to an end.

I recommend reading They Both Die at the End and rate this book 8 out of 10 Spartan Stars.