Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
TL;DR: In a world where a service called Death-Cast calls people on the day they will die, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio both receive the call on the same day. They are strangers, but they meet through an app called Last Friend, designed to connect people on their final day. Together, they decide to live a whole life in one day in New York City.
Table of Contents
They Both Die at the End at a Glance
| Author | Adam Silvera |
| First published | 2017 |
| Type | Young adult novel |
| Best for | readers who want an emotional, hopeful story about friendship, love and living fully |
They Both Die at the End is a young adult novel by Adam Silvera, published in 2017. It became a huge best seller years later thanks to BookTok. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes death, grief, violence and fire.
Main Characters
- Mateo Torrez: A cautious, anxious young man.
- Rufus Emeterio: A bold young man who lost his family.
- Lidia: Mateo's best friend.
- The Plutos: Rufus's chosen family of friends.
- Death-Cast: The service that calls people on their last day.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The call
Just after midnight, Mateo receives a Death-Cast call telling him he will die today. He is eighteen and has always been afraid of life, spending most of his time indoors. Rufus also gets the call while beating up his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend. Both have only one day left.
Last Friend
Mateo downloads the Last Friend app and connects with Rufus. They agree to meet. Mateo visits his father, who is in a coma in the hospital, and says goodbye. Rufus is chased by police after his fight. The two begin their last day together, unsure of each other.
Living
Mateo and Rufus explore the city. They visit a virtual travel experience, ride bikes, dance and go to a cemetery. Mateo visits Lidia, his best friend, and her baby. Rufus says goodbye to his friends, the Plutos. Mateo becomes braver, and Rufus becomes more open.
Love
During the day, Mateo and Rufus realize that they are falling in love. They share their fears and dreams. Mateo sings in public for the first time. They kiss and spend their last hours together, grateful for having found each other.
The end
Mateo dies in a fire caused by a faulty stove while Rufus is out briefly. Rufus is devastated. In the final pages, Rufus walks into the city knowing that his own death is near. The title tells readers the ending from the start, but the book is more about how they choose to live.
5 Key Takeaways
- Life is precious.
- Fear can stop us from living fully.
- Friendship and love can grow quickly.
- Every day matters.
- Saying goodbye can be a gift.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- Living bravely means taking risks.
- Time is the most valuable thing we have.
- Love can make even the hardest day beautiful.
Who Should Read They Both Die at the End?
Read They Both Die at the End if you enjoy emotional, character-driven stories and LGBTQ+ romance. It suits teens and adults.
About Adam Silvera
Adam Silvera (born 1990) is an American author from the Bronx. His books include More Happy Than Not, History Is All You Left Me and Infinity Son. He wrote a prequel, The First to Die at the End, in 2022. He has spoken openly about his own mental health, which shapes his writing.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of They Both Die at the End:
- Would you want to know the day you will die?
- How do Mateo and Rufus change each other?
- Why does the title reveal the ending?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether They Both Die at the End is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of They Both Die at the End, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes, but have tissues ready. It is sad but uplifting.
Check price of They Both Die at the End on Amazon
What to Read Next
- The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera: a prequel set in the same world
- Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz: two boys find love
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: a love story facing death
Frequently Asked Questions
What is They Both Die at the End about?
Two strangers who will die that day spend their last day together.
Who wrote it?
Adam Silvera, in 2017.
What is Death-Cast?
A service that tells people they will die that day.
What is Last Friend?
An app that connects people on their last day.
Do they really both die?
Yes, as the title says.
How does Mateo die?
In a fire caused by a faulty stove.
Is there a prequel?
Yes, The First to Die at the End.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 370 pages.
Is it sad?
Yes, but also hopeful.
Is it a romance?
Yes, between Mateo and Rufus.
Is there a TV series?
An adaptation has been in development.
Why do readers love it if they know the ending?
Because the story is about how they live, not whether they die.
Is They Both Die at the End worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want an emotional, hopeful story about friendship, love and living fully. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.