Al final mueren los dos

Adam Silvera

  • First published 2014
  • 352 pages
  • Spanish
On September 5th, a little after midnight, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio both receive a call from Death-Cast, a company with the ability to predict a person's death. The news is blunt: they will die sometime within the next twenty-four hours. Complete strangers, the two teenage boys find themselves alone and facing their final day. Seeking a connection, they both download the Last Friend app, which brings them together for one last, great adventure—an attempt to live an entire lifetime in a single day. The story follows Mateo and Rufus as they navigate New York City, confronting their pasts, their fears, and what it truly means to be alive. It is a devastating yet uplifting exploration of how two people's lives can change over the course of one unforgettable day. This novel does not ask if you can cheat death, but instead poses a more profound question: what would you do if you knew you only had one day left to live?
3.75
914K ratings across the web
6 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
The book is widely lauded for its unique and thought-provoking speculative premise, which explores themes of living versus dying and making the importance of making the most of one's time. Many readers found it to be a deeply emotional and personal experience, prompting introspection about their own fears and anxieties regarding mortality and compelling them to confront profound questions about life. The author's writing style is frequently praised for its balance of depth and humor, including a talent for dark comedy. The main characters, a gay Puerto-Rican and a bisexual Cuban-American, are highlighted for their relatable flaws, authentic voices, and the strong, complementary connection they form. Additionally, the narrative’s use of multiple perspectives, including seemingly minor characters, was often appreciated for enriching the world-building and demonstrating the interconnectedness of lives. However, some readers found the book's pacing to be slow, describing certain sections as dragging or feeling like filler, which diminished the overall emotional impact for them. A recurring criticism concerns the central romantic relationship, with some reviewers finding the "insta-love" unconvincing and lacking sufficient build-up or chemistry given the short timeframe. The writing style also drew mixed reactions, with some describing it as clichéd, repetitive, or featuring unnatural dialogue. While the core concept was celebrated, a segment of the audience felt that the world-building, specifically the mechanics of the central speculative element, lacked sufficient explanation. Furthermore, the numerous side character perspectives, while praised by some, were seen by others as distracting and ultimately contributing little to the main narrative. Despite these varied opinions, the book generally stands out for its powerful emotional resonance and its ability to spark profound reflections on life, death, and the importance of living authentically. It is particularly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven speculative fiction, stories with strong LGBTQ+ representation, and narratives that delve into philosophical questions about human existence. Those who enjoy a deep emotional journey and are open to contemplating their own mortality will likely find this book a moving and impactful read. However, readers seeking fast-paced plots, extensive world-building details, or a more conventionally developed romance might find it less engaging.

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This edition
Puck, 2022
ISBN
9789874132017
Language
Spanish
Original edition Originally published in 2014 · Spanish · URANO - COL

Other editions (87)