The Survivor Wants to Die at the End (Death-Cast, #2) – A Disappointing Journey
Ah, reading new releases is always like diving into a fresh adventure, and I was so excited to open up the pages of The Survivor Wants to Die at the End by Adam Silvera after falling in love with the first two books in the Death-Cast series. I even won a giveaway for this one! But as I settled into the world Silvera created, I found myself feeling more lost than enchanted.
This novel follows 19-year-old Paz, who finds himself grappling with dark thoughts and a turbulent past. The themes of mental health and existential dread are heavy, yet crucial within the narrative. I truly appreciated the ambitious intent to explore such serious topics, but unfortunately, it felt like the execution fell short of hitting those emotional chords I hoped for. Instead of finding the depth, I encountered a mix of melodrama that constantly pulled me out of the story.
One of my initial reactions was a cringe at the writing style. Early on, Paz laments, “If only I wasn’t a killer,” which came off as more laughable than profound, reminiscent of middle school angst rather than the serious reflection I expected. This kind of melodrama colorized much of the dialogue and character development. Whether it was a mother threatening self-harm over a child’s decision or the excessive detail given to even mundane moments, I often found myself rolling my eyes and thinking, “Can we get to the good part, please?”
The pacing? Let’s just say, at 118 pages in, I was still wading through extensive exposition with not much to sink my teeth into, and the overarching cheesiness was overwhelming. Moments meant to be touching felt rushed and unrealistic—like when Alano, who barely knows Paz, declares his love within days. I felt more confused than enchanted; is this insta-love or insta-eye-roll?
Also, most characters, including Paz and his friends, come off as jerks. Alano stood out as a beacon of reason, almost too perfect, responding to Paz’s every impulsivity with sage advice. It reminded me of those perfectly worded solutions you’d expect from a chatbot in a romance story. Alano deserved better than Paz’s chaotic emotional landscape; why not pair him with Rio, who had a richer, more established relationship?
Despite the build-up, I found myself confused by the ending and frustrated with the cliffhanger. After investing so much time in a sprawling narrative, it felt unsatisfying to then be left hanging. Lastly, the weighty scenes that should have invoked tears left me unmoved. I rooted for a cathartic release that never came, leading me to close the book with a sigh of disappointment.
Overall, The Survivor Wants to Die at the End might resonate with readers who enjoy heavy themes layered with cheesiness, but it didn’t quite deliver for me the emotional punch I craved. It’s important to give it a read if you’re a fan of the Death-Cast series, but lower your expectations compared to the first two books. This journey may not be my favorite, but it reminded me of the complex nature of storytelling and how not every narrative hits the mark. Happy reading, fellow book lovers!
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