This is a likeable story that has a strong emotional centre. Avi Cantor, of the title, is a trans boy who is suffering from depression when he hears the rumour, spread about his school, that he has six months to live. What works for me here are the characters - primarily Avi. His love interest Ian is a little more thinly drawn, but Avi's own feelings are very well explored, and from the author interview at the back it's clear that Lamb's own experiences are the inspiration. It works. Avi isn't what I'd call a happy character, but he is a believable one.

I find the whole magic subplot far less convincing, though. It doesn't help that deals with demons are one of those things I just have very little interest in generally when it comes to fantasy media. I can't help but think I'd prefer this story with the supernatural bits taken out, and more focus on Avi and Ian and how they use their relationship to navigate the world around them.