-30-

by Clinton W. Waters

It's Greg's birthday. His 30th birthday. The birthday that will determine the rest of his life. At midnight, there is the chance Greg will simply cease to exist. With that in mind, he has hired Joe, an Ephemera, to accompany him on what might be his last day on earth. What starts as a rented relationship soon becomes more complicated. Is it possible to fall in love in less than 24 hours? Is there a point if one of them might not be alive at midnight? Greg can only be certain of one thing: the clock is ticking.

-30- is a gay romance short read (estimated at 2 hours or less), great for a single session read.

Genres: Fantasy, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Romance, Novella, Fiction, LGBT

70 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 19, 2021

About the author

Born and raised in Bowling Green, KY, Clinton W. Waters holds a degree in Creative Writing from W.K.U. Their work has been featured in university publications from W.K.U. and the University of Regensburg. They are the lead writer for Ionic Comics and their webcomic Variants.

Reviews

[vrstal · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews

Edited: 5/17

I came back to edit because now I don't have a cry headache and can actually think words.

A friend recommended this to me because it was thought-provoking for them, and I was intrigued. I knew it had a romantic subplot (in general, I read only MM romance), and I was intrigued by the concept and admittedly, it's length.

Waters' writing is really well done. Not only do they know how to excellent pace a novella and use the pages they've put down, but they also have evocative writing. Through the first half I didn't feel like I was touching on emotional beats, but as we got along further, suddenly all the emotions came! There is also some sci-fi worldbuilding in here that was woven within the narrative, so nothing felt like an infodump. Despite it's futuristic and fictional premise, there was a lot of that rang true to life now: thoughts about technology, memories, and grief.

I cried a lot in this story. Having known the pain of loss, personally, and also the way that desiring death during those dark moments, and how complex that can be too. The mixture Greg had with thinking of taking his own life, or relief there might be should he not actually make it -- well. It felt close to home.

I was also reminded of a song, Try to Remember, Forget, that I felt resonated with this novella.

Overall, I highly recommend this book! Bring tissues and some tylenol.

[thosemeddlingkids · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobbing

[Jenny (Nyxie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book if your tear ducts need some exercise.

Tags: not a romance; some kind of future, I don’t even know it’s just ducking emotional so be prepared but also go read it.

[Bizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

At midnight on your 30th birthday, there’s a chance you’ll cease to exist. This book follows Greg through what might be the last day of his life, which he spends with a companion he’s hired to be his boyfriend for the day. This is one of those books where your experiences play a huge role in how you interpret the story and how it makes you feel, because the author avoids leading the reader to any conclusions.

I saw this as a commentary on how our society treats younger people as disposable and discounts the contributions and opinions of the young unless they’re following in the footsteps of those more established. It also made me think about how difficult it can be to determine the depth of our relationship with others, how community is increasingly difficult to establish, and how the value of our lives is unknowable and unquantifiable.

This book strongly evoked the feeling of coming out of a period of acute depression and into a period where both positive and negative feelings are more intense and even happiness can be sharp and painful. Despite (or maybe because of) that, I ultimately found this book to be hopeful.

I’m impressed with how vivid Greg’s world was and how much the author got out of this premise in only 70 pages. Highly recommended to anyone who enjoys speculative fiction.

[Shelba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure this one would work for me, I was a bit wary of just how sci-fi it would be. In the end, it could have been a full blown space opera and I probably would have enjoyed it, as the writing was very compelling.

There were a few parts that I could have done with less of (the museum, the arcade thingy, the theatre… mainly as I just didn’t for the time spent describing those settings, and just wanted every word of this short book to be focused on the people, not the places.

I both loved and hated the ending. I think it was perfect, but also mildly infuriating.

[X]

DNF @ 15%. Nbd, just not getting into it.

[Tyrannosaurus regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow was THIS a surprise! I grabbed it because it was new and the title caught my eye and it was the right length to finish before I fell asleep. I was not expecting such an incredible, thoughtful, powerful piece of work.

30 is an age where a lot of us experience a kind of existential dread. It's a milestone that has always at least partly signified the end of something, a transition from youth to full adulthood. This book makes that existential crisis a real, concrete thing: when you turn 30, your life either ends or moves on, and it's a 50/50 crapshoot. This could have been a one-note concept, but the book explores how it affects a whole society, from history to business to family to entertainment and more, and primarily how it affects a person on the cusp of turning 30. And the ending is...I was trying to figure out how it could possibly end, and the way it did was perfect. I have never been that breathless about where a story was going before.

And let's talk about that title! In a former life, I worked as a typesetter for several newspapers and journals, which is the only reason I know that "-30-" is what is used to indicate "the end" of a submitted piece. I'm not even sure if it's still in use anymore; even when I was in the field, it was largely only used by longtime contributors and press releases and not by the average article. So yes. Brilliant.

And all of this in the space of a novella. Not a word was wasted, and not a word more was needed. Everything worked. I am very conservative and sparing with my 5 stars, but by the time I got to the end of this novella, I didn't even have to debate it.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you this made me weep . . . but in a quite cathartic way. It is a near future dystopian sci-fi novella, a day in the life (possibly the LAST day in the life) of Greg. He hires an escort of sorts to spend the day with, and through the course of the day, they maybe fall in love? Or Greg realizes his love for life? It’s a lot about reflecting on the past and philosophizing about what makes a life good or worthwhile and it ends kind of just how you think it might and how it really should. A diverting (and somewhat devastating) thought experiment.

[Mateo Dk · Rating 4 out of 5]

MAN THAT SHIT WAS FUCKED UP

[Lisa KK]

Dnf at 30%. Much too emo for me.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was having one of those nights...insomnia was ruling my world and so I decided to find something on audible to listen to. With luck, I’d nod off in an hour or so.

I came across this book and I was intrigued by the blurb. I had never heard of the author and despite owning over 1500 audible books...I had never heard of the narrator. I clicked on the sample to make sure that the narrator’s voice didn’t come off as nails on a chalkboard ;). Once confirmed, I purchased and hit play.

For the record, I didn’t fall asleep and although I’m a little more tired than usual this morning, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

The highest compliment I could ever give to a work of fiction is this...This book is everything that you ever hope to get out of a fictional story.

It was an experience that flowed like poetry in motion.

Although it’s only May, I already know that this will end up being my favorite book of 2021.

[Kaylee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me forever to read. It's so short but it took about one week... Maybe even more. It was hard to get into even with the interesting premise. I think that's mostly due to Greg's behavior, however. It is understandable, given the circumstances, but makes it very hard to be empathetic towards him with how he reacts to Joe especially. I had to constantly remind myself of how people could react to such a day.

I really liked Joe. Empathized a lot more with him and how it must feel to have one of his clients disappear at midnight... I liked how steadfast he was. How he understood/knew how to read people - his personality here. He seems genuinely interested in Greg's work and company as the day progresses and it seems fitting. Even though this only takes place in less than one day, there are all the feels. As I said, they were rather hard to actually feel because of Greg's personality but, towards the end, they were done extremely well.

There were some really interesting bits about the time in which this takes place. It also implies and even gives "examples" of this phenomenon always taking place. It was really great how it was interwoven and didn't feel bogged down by flashbacks or history.

While it most certainly wasn't needed, it would have been nice to actually have the sex scene instead of the fade-to-black. I only say that because we get such intimacy from Joe and Greg, especially leading up to the act and then it's just cut. Threw me for a loop for a minute too. Maybe it wouldn't have felt that way if there was a clearer break between scenes. Really was a chance for further intimacy during sex that seemed missed. However, the whole "Night" section was truly the most profound.

My absolute favorite part was the ending. It can be interpreted either way and that's fantastic. I love stories that end that way and they're soo rare. Normally they're so cut and dry especially with this kind of romantic feel. Don't expect a HEA or HFN here. It's left to the reader. So in a way, you can...? xD

I would really love more of this world. Would really love more of Joe and getting into his mind. Could be before Greg. Could be in the future. Could be vague. Maybe Greg is alive, maybe he isn't. To continue with the theme. There's a lot to play with and I'd be all over it. Guess it could be about a whole new cast but would definitely prefer otherwise.

Either way, I'll be checking out this author again. At the very least, they have fascinating topics.

P.S. This cover is also super fitting.

[Brittanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting premise but the pacing was a bit slow for me. It's only about 70 pages but felt way longer as I was reading it and I wanted things to pick up a bit more.
It's basically a day-in-the-life story of a very sardonic, lonely man set in a world where on every person's 30th birthday, they either live to see another day or... they don't. No one knows if their 30th is their last. The lore isn't explained, only that this is the way it's always been, and what actually happens to the people who "don't make it" is left very vague but it seems like the entire person just disappears at midnight. Disregard time zones and different cultural beliefs regarding age and birthdays.
Our MC rents a boyfriend for what he assumes is his last day - a common enough practice in this world that it's an entire business known as Ephemera - and they go out on a date. Meanwhile, he's ignoring texts from all his friends and acquaintances and kind of being a bit of a party pooper. Granted, he assumes he's not going to make it and is severely depressed after the loss of his father, boyfriend, and then his sister (who made it, but then died in a car accident).
For a very short story, it's very dense but in a way that it leaves more questions than answers.
Don't expect a HEA or even an ending. This is one of those stories that just ends without closure, leaving the reader frustrated and wanting to know more. Read it for the interesting AU, but be ready to want to throw it across the room at the last sentence.

[Teresa Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a fast read one that draws you in from the first sentence and keeps you interested in what is coming next this is for you. It takes minor everyday details and puts a futuristic spin on them. “30 “will have you thinking about your younger years and will make you think about your future. This book kept me wanting more until the last whenever I knew there was nothing else to say I still wanted more of the story.
I am excited to see what comes next from this Author

[Danielle Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really cool novella!

It's such an interesting concept, and I think it was executed very well. The last little bit, leading up to midnight, was really tense and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was really nicely done, and I highly recommend the audiobook to anyone who might want to read this! It was a wonderful audiobook-- the narrator was great.

I would have liked to get to know Joe and Greg a little bit more, but on the whole I don't have complaints about this! I would love to read more in this futuristic world-- it's a really cool setting that I bet could lend itself to many interesting stories.

[Sumar Cupp · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story, a day with the possibility of no tomorrow. This book took me on a emotional rollercoaster. I'm crying now, trying to decide what to write in this review. I'll leave it at this, read this novella. It's so worth the heartache.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable characters. Interesting concept. Quick read. Highly recommend.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

For how short it was, this story really did have a big impact on me. It followed the main character on the last day of his life where he might cease to exist at midnight, and it really took me through a range of emotions. There were some funny moments, but there were also some uncomfortably relatable moments of loneliness, like all of your friends flaking on your party or being so lonely that you think about hiring a prostitute just for the company.

Cosmetically, there were some problems like typos and calling characters by name before they were introduced (sex robot store worker Kyle), and it was reminiscent of TJ Klune in that EVERY character has to be queer in some way. However, structurally I liked that mysteries were introduced subtly and resolved slowly- his sister made it past 30 but died in an accident, he doesn’t drink because he missed his last moments with his ex on his party night, etc. And the ending… usually the ambiguity of not resolving the biggest question pisses me off , but this time it really added to the central theme of this book. We don’t know if he lived or died at the last line, but that’s also irrelevant. He lived that one day the best that he could and it didn’t matter if there was one after. Several people in the book technically made it past midnight but didn’t live much longer after that. It echoes my real life feelings that tomorrow is not guaranteed, so the last moments you spend with somebody are not nearly as important as the lifetime of moments before that. Tell people you love them today, not on their deathbed.

Oddly, my problem was that I liked this story but didn’t get enough of it. I didn’t feel like there was proper time to expand on certain points like why they disappear at 30 or what it’s like for people who make it past 30, so I would definitely like to see this story polished and expanded to a full novel.

[OldBird · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving novella telling the tale of a young man's angst at the state of his life written around the premise that upon your 30th birthday there's a 50-50 chance you will cease to exist. Sounds weird, but the alternate reality where the story occurs weaves everything in so deftly that unless you're completely unwilling to suspend disbelief for a second (and if so, why read fiction?) it convinces you that this is the situation our unhappy guy Greg finds himself in.

I think why it works so well is that Greg is an Everyman; he's got all those late 20s/early 30s big life questions that he doesn't feel equipped to answer, job dissatisfaction, relationship problems, mental health issues, family issues... Basically all the issues that our modern life throws at young people and makes them feel they should have it all together. It's a very thoughtful take.

Exploring these alongside through the paranormal/sci-fi element of having just one day left to live in a near-future world allows for more musings on our modern life and where the world is heading. It's pure social commentary sensitively and imaginatively done.

Scenes exist to make a point, but also to sketch out the relationship between Greg and Joe the "Ephemera" (essentially a human companion-for-hire). It's a strange, fleeting thing; it should feel rushed given the timescale of the book is 24 hours but there's something sweet and emotive about it that makes it feel believable in context. It's not hot-n-heavy nor overly forced into the narrative in any way, just two guys who are in that gentle awkward are-they/aren't-they phase with genuine banter and bust ups along the way.

Weird and with plenty of soul searching points to make about our modern life, this one's quite the emotional read.

[Skye Kilaen]

As a romance reader, I would have enjoyed this more if it had not been billed as a romance. The story is about Greg's emotional journey, and there is only a slight hint of a possible real connection between him and Joe late in the book, with a "maybe" from Joe at that time about any future potential. Without a romantic relationship it can't be central to the story and there is no HEA or HFN for the couple, simply an ending with potential, so to me it just doesn't qualify for the genre. It's possible the author intended this as kind of a "how they met" story but given how little screen time that aspect gets, it felt to me like a subplot at best. Books are subjective, though, so it might *feel* more romance-y to someone else and that's quite valid.

As a sci-fi reader, I was intrigued by the worldbuilding, and I'm glad I read this. Though honestly I'm stumped what the ending is supposed to mean. That may be intentional, however, and that's okay.

I realized after I finished that only a couple days prior, I had read another book by this author, Invert. Very good dystopian noir, highly recommend it!

[Wide Eyes, Big Ears! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, thoughtful speculative fiction! When people reach midnight on their 30th birthday, 50% of them cease to exist. The story follows Greg on the day of his 30th birthday. He’s been automatically sacked from his job but hopes to be rehired if he survives, he’s throwing himself a farewell birthday party, and he’s hired Joe, an Ephemera, someone who helps keep people company throughout their potential last day. As Greg shuttles back and forth between hope and despair over the day, Joe acts to steady or entertain him and they form a bond. Is it the beginnings of love, misplaced emotion, or is Joe just doing his job? In this novella, Clinton W Waters raises questions about death, love, and meaning as Greg reflects on his life, says his potential goodbyes, and remembers those he’s lost. Given the topic, it’s obviously not a laugh a minute, but I didn’t find it gloomy or depressing, it made me think. Great audio narration by Jeremy Russell, he matched the tone of the book well.

[Kai (CuriousCompass) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy but Worthwhile... This is a dark little novella that actually hit close to home, and I'm sure would do so for anyone grieving in any way. This one is incredibly sad but I truly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more by this author. The concept is unique, the details fascinating but not overtaking the emotional focus. The ending kind of gutted me but it was also beautiful. I desperately want a sequel but it would defeat the entire purpose and emotional thesis of the story. I definitely recommend this novella.

It kinda broke my heart a little, but I also am glad I read it.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

In a society where you have a 50/50 shot of living past your 30th birthday, all priorities get rearranged. This soft sci fi novella fully examines the moral implications of such a world. If you want kids, do you have them before 30? Are any career achievements valid if you’ll just die at 30? Then there’s the matter of 30th birthday parties. Are they somber affairs or end of the world type blowouts?

Waters left no stone unturned when it comes to how we value age. Also, total head canon but my brain construed Joe as Ryan from The OC 😂 which was just kinda fun. There was almost a romantic suspense element to Greg and Joe’s relationship development over the course of the day that Greg hired him.

Beautiful and unsettling (in a good way).

[Katie Over · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It would never make sense. There would be no correlation. No demographic data that skewed one way or the other. No probability model of lifestyle or location that could give him an honest answer. It all amounted to 50-50. A coin that had been spinning mid-air for 30 years.”

Such an intriguing concept! As someone over 30, this novella had me reflecting on how this would’ve affected me if I had been in Greg’s shoes. What an interesting (and somewhat depressing) way to relate to a story.

The author does a wonderful job developing the main character; you can’t help but have a connection with him. And the build-up to midnight had me turning pages non-stop. Very enjoyable read!

[Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very touching story. He was so well written that it brought tears to my eyes. I wish I knew if when the clock struck midnight if he was still there. I want to think. he did not disappear, but it was a good ending just the way it was.

[Anjelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This was an excellent read. It is set in the future and even though it’s a novella the setting is built up nicely. The best novella I have read in a while.

[Farina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting

A beautiful, touching story about life and death. About the way are lives effect those we leave behind but how there is still the chance for joy even when we feel hopeless.

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just want to lie down and cry.

[Justin Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just... wow.

If I could leave it at that, I would, but this beuatiful book deserves SOOO MUCH MORE.

George Carlin once quipped that, if everyone died by their head exploding, but at a seemingly random time, we wouldn't be scared of it. It would merely become a part of life. Something that we know is going to happen but can't stop and simply have to live with. Odd comparison, I know, but I feel that Waters actually did a story with a similar concept. Everyone in the world of -30- knows of what happens at 30 years old, but almost none of them publicly say it and it only vaguely seems to affect the lives of those past the age, but is a looming shadow for those under it. No matter what, it has become a part of the background of their lives.

The author doesn't fully focus on this concept though. The story isn't written as a eulogy or a celebration of life. Merely what one man is going through and the relationship with a stranger that develops. The story honestly is like if someone took A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood and made it into an episode of Black Mirror. Greg's (possible) last day on Earth and the way he experiences things is beautifully captured by Waters. One would think it would be difficult to develop one character enough in such a short space, and impossible for two; however, the author manages to literally shine a light on every minor background character as well.

I won't say anymore for fear of spoiling it. Just know that you take zero risk in buying this book, even if it was $20 it would be well worth the read, as it is one heck of a page turner. Do yourself a favor and read something new and refreshing.

[Molly Koeneman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and dark, I read this book wondering why no one has thought to write a sci-fi about life simply ending at 30 because that's how so many 20-somethings feel. I remember that's how I felt nearing my own thirtieth. This novella is sharp; a snapshot into a world that is judgmental and devastated and too different from the reality in which we live today.