In the book 'Scythe' by Neal Shusterman, set in a future world where immortality is granted, the story revolves around the concept of Scythes who are tasked with controlling the population by gleaning lives. The plot follows two young apprentices, Citra and Rowan, as they navigate the ethical dilemmas and challenges within Scythedom. The writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, delving into themes of morality, ethics, compassion, and justice within a dystopian society where death is controlled by a select few.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Scythe include themes of death, violence, killing, and discussions around suicide, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
Two teens must learn the "art of killing" in this Printz Honor-winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology.
A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life-and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.
Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe-a role that neither wants. These teens must master the "art" of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.
Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award-winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
Ratings (208)
Incredible (55) | |
Loved It (80) | |
Liked It (44) | |
It Was OK (20) | |
Did Not Like (7) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (465):
Read It (216) | |
Currently Reading (8) | |
Want To Read (195) | |
Did Not Finish (8) | |
Not Interested (38) |
12 comment(s)
It took me a while to get into this one. I’ve read Neal Shusterman before (didn’t connect the dots until Scythe got a little creepy and I was like, “You know what this reminds me of?” but yeah). His delivery is flawless. If you want to read a book where the vague sense of dread and horror slowly builds, read Mr. Shusterman.
This book is creepy, not gonna lie. It's about what basically amounts to publicly-funded executioners in a world where people don’t die naturally. There’s some gore, there are truly devious and sinister villains, and there are major themes surrounding morality and humanity. At its core, this book is very much an exploration of what it means to be human.
Cue the existential crises!
But there’s a very good balance of the weightier questions and plain ol’ action and character development. The world of Scythe is a rich and full one, very well-considered and well-executed. (Heh. Executed. That’s a…really bad pun.) The mentor/character aspect gave me serious Ranger’s Apprentice vibes, which was a nice touch.
My only true issue with the book was the relationship between the main characters. Something about it felt off, almost forced. Maybe I was reading into it too much, I dunno, but the story would have stood fine on its own without any YA romantic side-rambles.
Boring, unrealistic, illogical...
Really enjoyed the concept of this book. Imagination at its finest
I thoroughly enjoyed this intro into Scythdom and anxiously await more. Going in, I'd hoped to be as absorbed in and intrigued by this new world as I was in Neal's
Unwind series and I was. I recommend this to those readers who enjoy the way this author is able to make us think about life and death in new and chilling ways.
But...but why is all the book gone?
Okay, so, lemme get this out of the way first. Do I think the romance was tacked on? Yes and no. I think it entirely plausible that two people who are thrust together and spend months in each other's company with only one other person are completely capable of falling in love with each other. Do I think that maybe it could've used a little build-up? Possibly, but eh. That's not my quibble.
I *loved* this book. So the world is more of a utopia than a dystopia. It's not the surrounding world that matters, it's the Scythedom. And oh, was that detailed. Mmm. Sign me up for some of that. Or maybe not, because I'm pretty sure I can't glean anyone without a severe conscience attack disabling me. But oh...how I loved being in this world.
I actually cried, "No..." when the book ended. And I cried when a certain character self-gleaned, because oh I liked you why did you do that...oh, baby...
And OMG, Rowan becoming badass. Argh. I need the sequel...need it...just inject straight into my veins.
I really enjoyed this one! Read the paperback which is why it took me so long to get through but the story just kept bringing me in!
Excited to get or listen to the second book!
The romance belongs in the trash, but besides that, it’s amazing
I wasn't feeling this book at the start but damn. It got me gripped. It was intense and I loved the concept, the world and the characters. The Scythe 's journals at the end of each chapter was one of my favorites. Their theories, doubts, guilt and just overall thoughts was so interesting to read. It got me out of my reading slump. Can't wait to read more of Neal Shusterman's books
I wasn't feeling this book at the start but damn. It got me gripped. It was intense and I loved the concept, the world and the characters. The Scythe 's journals at the end of each chapter was one of my favorites. Their theories, doubts, guilt and just overall thoughts was so interesting to read. It got me out of my reading slump. Can't wait to read more of Neal Shusterman's books
I'm so glad I finally got around to reading this book! People weren't lying about how good this story is — I can't believe it took so long for me to pick up!
I wish the Goodreads rating system were more precise because I would ideally like to rate Scythe 4.8 stars. It would be a perfect 5-star read if it weren't for the romance (if it can even be called that). Not every story needs a romantic subplot, and in this specific book, I think we could've done without one or at least had one with more development. Deep camaraderie would be more believable than the declaration of love we got at the end of the story.
Everything about the worldbuilding was absolute perfection. It was a realistic (if depressing) exploration of what humanity would do if living in the society Shusterman described. Death is just the other side of the coin, and to conquer it entirely would mean the death of a vital part of the human condition.
Of our two main characters, my favorite was undoubtedly Rowan. Citra developed into someone I truly enjoyed and admired. But there was something about Rowan. He endured and overcame the intense trials he went through (both physical and emotional) and managed to maintain his humanity — though it looked different from where he started. I'm excited to see where his journey leads him in the sequel!
What can you read after
Scythe?
About the Author:
Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Unwind dystology, the Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his latest series, Arc of a Scythe, is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows. Neal is the father of four, all of whom are talented writers and artists themselves. Visit Neal at StoryMan.com and Facebook.com/NealShusterman.
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