The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera

Publication date: July 2020
LGBTQ+ author? Queer
Series: Death Cast #0 (Read in any order)
Setting: Modern day New York City

In this universe, there is a subscription service called Death-Cast that calls people on their last day alive. We follow what happens on the first day of the company’s launch for several people.

Valentino is a recently out gay young adult who has moved to New York City for a fresh start. His first night in town, he meets Orion and they immediately have a deep connection. Then Death-Cast calls one of them telling them today is their End Day. The two decide to spend the day together.

Even though the title strongly suggests what is going to happen, you’re taken along for the emotional ride with the characters. You hope there has been a mistake and also fear there isn’t. It feels intensely bittersweet the entire time without being sure what the ending will be.

The romance between Valentino and Orion is a slow burn, even though the book is mostly about one day of their lives. It’s beautiful how much intimacy is developed just through hanging out and talking.

This is the prequel to the They Both Die at the End, which I really didn’t care for very much. The First to Die at the End is startlingly similar, but I love this one so much more. I think both characters are way more likeable and tied together in more complicated ways. There is also no reason to read them in the order they were published. If you love YA, closed-door romance I would go right to The First to Die at the End and prepare to have your heart broken in the most beautiful way possible.