A Re-Read of The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
The First to Die at the End
Series: They Both Die at the End #0 (Prequel)
Author: Adam Silvera
Published: October 4, 2022
Hardback: 550 pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: June 16- July 5, 2025
Jessica’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
In this prequel to the bestselling phenomenon They Both Die at the End, two new strangers spend a life-changing day together after Death-Cast first makes their fateful calls. #1 New York Times bestseller!
It’s the night before Death-Cast goes live, and there’s one question on everyone’s mind: Can Death-Cast actually predict when someone will die, or is it just an elaborate hoax?
Orion Pagan has waited years for someone to tell him that he’s going to die. He has a serious heart condition, and he signed up for Death-Cast so he could know what’s coming.
Valentino Prince is restarting his life in New York. He has a long and promising future ahead and he only registered for Death-Cast after his twin sister nearly died in a car accident.
Orion and Valentino cross paths in Times Square and immediately feel a deep connection. But when the first round of End Day calls goes out, their lives are changed forever—one of them receives a call, and the other doesn’t. Though neither boy is certain how the day will end, they know they want to spend it together…even if that means their goodbye will be heartbreaking.
Told with acclaimed author Adam Silvera’s signature bittersweet touch, this story celebrates the lasting impact that people have on each other and proves that life is always worth living to the fullest.
Jessica’s Review:
I first read First to Die at the beginning of 2023 and wanted to read it again since another “Death-Cast” book was released in May (and another will be coming out next year!). I cried again, and can’t really say too much more than I did in my review from then which is here.
I would say to read They Both Die then read First to Die. Though First is a prequel, the reader gets so much more reading the books in order of publication. I really loved seeing the connections between the two books! It gave me all the feelings again!
I knew the cameos with Rufus and Mateo were coming, but I forgot that both Rufus and Mateo each got their own brief chapter pov as well! I loved reading those and even seeing some of their family members making appearances. With one family member have an extremely important presence to this novel.
I know the connections to all the books will continue in The Survivor Wants to Die at the End as the two young men featured are already connected and make appearances in First to Die! And seeing the future connections in First, I already know I am going to be loving this book as well!
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Audiobook Review: My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner
My Next Breath
Author: Jeremy Renner
Narrator: Jeremy Renner
Published: April 29, 2025
Audiobook: 6 hours 35 minutes
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Listened To: June 30- July 3, 2025
Jessica’s Rating: 5 stars
Book Description:
The gripping and inspiring story of acclaimed actor Jeremy Renner’s near-fatal accident, and what he learned about inner strength, endurance and hope as he overcame insurmountable odds to recover, one breath at a time.
Two-time Oscar nominee Jeremy Renner was the second most googled person in 2023… and not for his impressive filmography. His searing portrayals on film ranged from an Iraq-based army bomb technician in The Hurt Locker and a Boston bank robber in The Town to a crooked Camden mayor in American Hustle before he became heir to the Jason Bourne franchise (The Bourne Legacy). Amongst other iconic roles, he also captured hearts as fan-favorite comic book marksman Hawkeye in seven Marvel films.
Yet, his otherworldly success on-screen faded to the periphery when a fourteen-thousand-pound snowcat crushed him on New Year’s Day 2023. Somehow able to keep breathing for more than half an hour, he was subsequently rushed to the ICU, after which he would face multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation.
In this debut memoir, Jeremy writes in blistering detail about his accident and the aftermath. This retelling is not merely a gruesome account of what happened to him; it’s a call to action and a forged companionship between reader and author as Jeremy recounts his recovery journey and reflects on the impact of his suffering. Ultimately, Jeremy’s memoir is a testament to the human spirit and its capacity to endure, evolve, and find purpose in the face of unimaginable adversity. His writing captures the essence of profound transformation, exploring the delicate interplay between vulnerability and strength, despair and hope, redemption and renewal.
Jessica’s Review:
This memoir starts with an essay that Jeremy Renner’s daughter Ava wrote for school. He also admits in his author’s note that he did not want to write this book as he did not want to relive and recount the accident. It seems like Renner should not be alive today, but thankfully he is and we can hear him tell his story of what happened on January 1, 2023; the day of the accident.
I listened to the audiobook that Renner also narrated. You can hear the emotion that occasionally comes through as he narrates, obviously remembering that experience. Renner gives the gritty details of the accident and his fight for survival. The actual 911 call is shared throughout the book. The listener gets to hear this call and amazingly how calm everyone seems to be, all while you can hear Renner moaning and struggling to breathe in the background.
The title of this memoir is very significant as Renner brings up breathing and breath throughout his memoir. The listener also hears how important the love of his family is to him. It was this love that helped him to get through everything that he did.
Renner also gives information on his background and recovery. His recovery was seemingly quick for the devastating damage that happened to his body. I also got a sense of the kind of person that Renner is, and he is one very stubborn person, but that also seemingly helped in his recovery. Renner is non-religious so there is no thanking God or finding God in this memoir. Renner also repeats himself a lot, is very descriptive with his injuries, and does drop the ’f-bomb’ throughout the novel.
My Next Breath may have been a book that Renner did not want to write, but I am glad he did. This is a powerful memoir that shows how much love and determination can help a person to fight for himself and heal.
After listening or reading this book, Google what a snowcat looks like and it will be even more apparent how Renner should not have survived, but is still hear for a reason. This is a powerful five-star memoir.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
NEW Cover Reveal: Love, Lies and Family Ties by Florence Keeling

Today I am helping in the NEW cover reveal for Love, Lies and Family Ties by Florence Keeling. A cover reveal is always exciting to take part in and then when it is a new cover it is even more exciting! We will see what it looks like. This book is out NOW!
A heartwarming, feel good romantic comedy. ‘I absolutely adored this book. It gave me all the feels! A charming read full of warmth and heart.’ ***** Kim the Bookworm
Book Description:
Bea Winters is in desperate need of a fresh start. Being bullied at work is not her idea of fun and she longs to follow her dream of becoming a published author. When an advert appears in her local paper to work in a publishing house in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale, it sounds too good to be true.
She strikes up an instant friendship with gorgeous aspiring author, Eddie Richards and her dashing millionaire boss Scott Summers. But all isn’t as it seems in the sleepy village of Bloomsdale.
How does the local clairvoyant know her name? Who does the little black dog that keeps appearing belong to and why does she keep bumping into the mysterious Charlie?
As she starts to unravel the truth, it seems that everyone in Bea’s life is keeping secrets.
An uplifting romantic comedy that will warm your heart – perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Milly Johnson and Carole Matthews.
Now….. What does the NEW cover look like?????? Keep scrolling to find out!!
Almost there!!!
Here it is:
Buy Your Copy Here:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
About the Author:
I was born in Coventry but now live in Nuneaton. I married the love of my life over 20 years ago and we have two almost grown up children. We share our lives with two mad dogs as well.
Writing is a great passion of mine, that one day I hope to be able to turn into a career but until that day comes, I will continue working in accounts and payroll.
Contact Florence:
X: @KeelingFlorence