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, … 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.more
This is another story that was so hyped up in my circle that I was doubtful. Once again I was proven wrong. This was a really interesting story of a world where people are tasked with controlling the human population. What these teens had to go through to get to the final test was pure craziness. I truly enjoyed all the twists and turns of this story.
FAV series ofc <33
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I gave this novel four and a half stars!
There are certain times after reading a stellar book where you simply have to slap your forehead and say “Have I been living under a rock?”
This was one of those times.
I’ve had this book on my TBR for ages, but kept putting it off because I’d never read anything by this author. Man am I glad I didn’t wait any longer!
Scythe is a YA Dystopian novel about two teens thrust into an impossible situation. They must compete for the most undesirable job in the world, a Scythe. Death doesn’t exist anymore, not in the natural sense. Scythes keep the world population from booming out of control, carefully selecting their victims on statistics and other parameters. But with Rowan and Citra both hating the idea, who will come out on top?
I was bookmatized, I tell you! This novel was amazing for so many reasons.
First and foremost the concept and plot was easily the strongest element for me. I love dystopian themes, and this one knocked it out of the park. In Scythe, we enter a world where everyone is essentially immortal with Reaper-like individuals killing the unfortunate ones to keep the population from growing out of control.
We get so much information about this world, all of it well-placed and extremely entertaining. It was hard to put this book down between chapters because I wanted to know everything. I was totally hooked.
The writing was expertly handled in YA style. It flowed so well, I don’t think I’ve read a book this year that can rival it. Whoever the editor is for Neal Shusterman deserves a raise, haha!
The characters were great, and in many different shades. Citra and Rowan are unwittingly thrown into this circumstance, and their reactions make sense. But it’s where they go from there that really captivated me. But just as important were the Scythes. Faraday, Curie, Goddard, the High Blade. Each had their own ideals that they stuck to that painted each of them in a different light, and I enjoyed all of the different viewpoints we got to see.
Which leads into my next point. This book had heart, a conscience, morality. It asked big questions and really got me thinking. I wasn’t expecting that and it was quite the amazing surprise.
If I had to pick at anything, I would say small parts could drag a smidgen, but I honestly didn’t care much. This book had everything I wanted and more, and I can’t wait to not only finish this series, but read other works by this author.
Inspirational, truly inspirational.
What a great concept: an order of grim reapers sent to “glean” a seemingly utopian society. The word building is fresh and original, the characters were dynamic, well-written, and likable. The story was great. Call me a fan of this story- I can’t wait to read the rest.
Scythe changed my life. Neal Shusterman’s worldbuilding and fantastic, breakneck pacing enthralled me. I hadn’t been so invested in a series since I read The Hunger Games as a teen. The romance subplot made me feel so many feelings, but the heavy, main plot is what truly drives this story – and my imagination.
Amazing!
This book is a work of art. It is thought provoking and puts the ideas of life and death in a light I had never thought of before. You feel for the characters every step of their journey. I laughed and cried all within the space of five pages. 10/10 would recommend to anybody and everybody.
In my experience to this book if you really hate science but like interesting stuff and adventurous you should read this book and you will regret not liking science!!!!
I really liked this book because it gives a different outlook on what life could be like in the future which is more positive but yet worse than what it usually is
Another Brilliant Series that Teeters the Lines… I am in love with this book, with the characters and all the twists. Shusterman is one of my favorites and his ability to take death and question its foundation is remarkable, done in such a way that it leaves one wondering if such a world could exist. His characters are round, colorful, quirky, and dynamic. His world building is possible enough to touch yet fantastic enough to remove fear of its existence. I’ve already started book two in this series and bought book three. 5 stars, only because I can’t go any higher.
for someone that reads a lot this was refreshing to read something new.
This story is very well written.I found this a very thought provoking book. It was a good read and I would recommend it.
I started reading this book because my daughter brought it along on vacation and I had nothing else to read. I ended up reading it in just a few days and I’m looking forward to reading the remainder of the trilogy. It’s for young adults but I think older adults would enjoy it too. I’m 39.
I frankly can’t say enough about not only this book but the entire series. I have a serious book hangover from reading this series and have loved the fascinating world the Neal Schusterman has built. I want more. I want to know what happens next, even though I believe the story is technically at an end. I loved every minute. If you want a unique world, great characters, and heart-wrenching storytelling, check out this series.
One of my favorite books.
I listened to this story through Audible. It was really good. It is pretty violent and dark, but in a way that is handled very well. It was interesting how the characters developed. The trials they went through. The growth and the changes were well done. The characters were a good balance and the story was a good pace.
What are the options for population control if humans have eradicated mortality? Who decides who is gleaned; an interesting word for eliminated, taken out, or killed. In this provocative read, Scythes can appear at anytime to “glean” a person. No explanation required. When two teenagers are given the opportunity to train under Scythe Farraday, this not so implausible reality reveals that even a world without disease and decay still has pain and suffering.
LOVED this story. I read this for a book club I joined last year and just, wow! Shusterman has exceptional control of the words he pens. A highly recommended read.
This was a fun and entertaining dystopian novel. The author creates and interesting future premise that creates great opportunities for the characters. Ultimately, I was slightly put off by the fact that I could see no logical way to get the dystopian future they predicate, but I was able to ‘suspend belief’ enough to enjoy the ride.