Author: Adam Silvera

Okay, it kind of sucks having the book spoiled for you in the title, but it really works here. It’s also comforting in knowing nobody will ruin the ending by giving it away.

Imagine having a service that calls you at midnight to tell you this will be your last day on Earth. In the timeline of this story, “Death-cast” is such a service and is always accurate. However, many services have also been offered to those who have been served their notice (they are called “Deckers”). The prominent one in here is an app called “Last Friend,” allowing a decker to connect with someone on their last day.

Although the story centers around just two characters (Mateo and Rufus) who meet each other through the app, Silvera does a tremendous job interweaving many storylines together. There’s nothing forced into this web, nor does it feel like any characters act out of convenience for the author.

He also stays away from the existential question of betraying your own destiny (which subtly plays in the background) in favour of looking at the human condition in the face of death.

How do you face it?

What do you regret?

Is there still a chance for you to grow?

As you connect to the characters as they face these questions, a part of you develops a hope that maybe the title will betray what happens. Then you get to the end.

And I bet you can guess what happens…