To experience the series as recommended by the author, you should read They Both Die at the End first, followed by its prequel, The First to Die at the End.
Recommended Reading Order
The author, Adam Silvera, advises starting with the original novel, They Both Die at the End, to fully appreciate the series' narrative structure and character development. This approach, though seemingly unconventional as it places the prequel second, allows readers to experience the story's emotional impact as originally intended.
The Chronological vs. Recommended Order
While The First to Die at the End is chronologically set before They Both Die at the End, the author's recommended order prioritizes the intended reading experience over strict timeline adherence.
The Author-Recommended Order:
- Book 1: They Both Die at the End (Original novel)
- Book 2: The First to Die at the End (Prequel)
Why This Specific Order?
Reading They Both Die at the End first introduces readers to the universe and its core concepts without prior knowledge of the events leading up to it. This preserves the original surprise and emotional journey intended by the first book. Following up with The First to Die at the End then enriches the understanding of the world, providing context and background to the events and themes explored in the original novel. It deepens the reader's connection to the series by showing how the system and its consequences came to be.
Series Overview
Here's a quick look at the books in their recommended reading order:
| Reading Order | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | They Both Die at the End | Original |
| 2nd | The First to Die at the End | Prequel |
Tips for Readers
- Embrace the Journey: While reading a prequel after the original might feel counter-intuitive, trusting the author's recommendation ensures a unique and impactful experience.
- Focus on Themes: Both books explore profound themes of life, death, love, and connection, making the chosen reading order a deliberate choice to enhance these explorations.
