Scythe

by Neal Shusterman
Scythe cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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Paperback • £8.99 Hardback • £14.99
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Format • £8.54–£14.24
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Technical
  • ID: 1455
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9781442472433
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-11-28
  • Formats: 40
  • Reviews: 4

Set in a future where humanity has achieved immortality, 'Scythe' follows Citra and Rowan, two teens selected by a mysterious organization to train as scythes. These grim reapers are responsible for maintaining population control through voluntary and involuntary culling. As they navigate their new roles, they grapple with the ethical and moral dilemmas of their profession, all while uncovering the dark secrets of their society. The novel explores themes of mortality, power, and the human condition, wrapped in a chilling dystopian narrative. The first in a series, 'Scythe' is a Printz Honor-winning book from the author of the New York Times-bestselling Unwind dystology, promising a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Reviews
Fully Booked · Angela · 2023-01-29
thought-provoking 4.50

Scythe is praised as a great dystopian novel that challenges ideas about justice in an imperfect world. The writing is commended for its quality and depth.

Angela finds Scythe to be a great dystopian novel that effectively challenges our ideas about justice in a world that is perfectly imperfect. She highlights the well-written nature of the book, which explores complex themes and moral dilemmas. The reviewer appreciates the depth and thought-provoking nature of the story, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Scythe is a great dystopian novel that challenges our ideas about justice in a perfectly imperfect world.

    It is a well-written book with ...

    The reviewer appreciates the depth and thought-provoking nature of the story.

Amy Rosenfeldt · Amy · 2021-09-24
profound 5.00

The book is praised for its deep exploration of the human condition through the lens of death. It's considered a perfect score for its profound themes.

Amy Rosenfeldt highly recommends this book, giving it a perfect score of 5/5. They believe nothing explores the human condition better than this book's treatment of death. The themes are profound and thought-provoking, making it a standout read. Amy's enthusiasm for the book is evident, highlighting its unique perspective and deep impact.

Quick quotes

    Nothing better explores the human condition than death.

    Scythe gets a score of 5/5.

    The themes are profound and thought-provoking.

Lizzies Little Book Nook · 2021-08-29
thought-provoking 4.50

The book is a dark and thought-provoking dystopian fiction that combines human nature and machines to create a 'perfect' world. It's a gripping and engaging read that challenges the reader's perceptions of life and death.

This book is a dark and thought-provoking dystopian fiction that combines human nature and machines to create a 'perfect' world. The story follows two teens who become apprentices to a Scythe, learning about the responsibilities and moral grounds held by these people. The exploration of human nature and the consequences of a perfect world is both intriguing and dark, making it a standout in the dystopian genre. The characters are well-developed, and the world-building is rich in detail, creating a compelling narrative that will keep you engaged until the very end. The themes of responsibility and the consequences of immortality are handled with care and depth, making it a gripping and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    A fantastic, intriguing, and at times dark dystopic fiction.

    Combines human nature and machines to create the 'perfect' world.

    The character development is good, the world is rich in detail but not overwhelming.

The Strawberry Post · 2019-11-10
intriguing 4.00

The book is a dystopian thriller set in a future where death has been eradicated, exploring the moral dilemmas of a society that has achieved immortality. It's a gripping and thought-provoking read that challenges the reader's perceptions of life and death.

This dystopian thriller is set in a future where death has been eradicated, and people are now immortal. The story follows two teens who become apprentices to a Scythe, learning about the responsibilities and moral grounds held by these people. The book delves deep into the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise from immortality, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read. The characters are well-developed, and the world-building is rich in detail, creating a compelling narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The exploration of human nature and the consequences of a perfect world is both intriguing and dark, making it a standout in the dystopian genre.

Quick quotes

    A fantastic, intriguing, and at times dark dystopic fiction.

    Combines human nature and machines to create the 'perfect' world.

    The character development is good, the world is rich in detail but not overwhelming.

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