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Scythe

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Neal Shusterman

Scythe

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

449

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mid Merica • Distant Future

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In Neal Shusterman’s Scythe, two teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, are selected to be apprentice scythes in a future society where an advanced AI called the Thunderhead has eradicated death but mandates population control through selected killings performed by Scythes. The story follows their intense training, ethical dilemmas, and complex challenges as they navigate the implications of wielding the power to end lives. This book involves themes of death and violence.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

343,188 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Neal Shusterman's Scythe is praised for its imaginative world-building and thought-provoking themes. Reviewers appreciate its engaging plot and complex characters, though some find the pacing uneven and certain philosophical explorations heavy-handed. Overall, it offers a compelling story that challenges readers to think deeply about life and death.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Scythe?

Fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent will relish Scythe by Neal Shusterman for its gripping blend of dystopian themes and moral quandaries. Ideal readers are young adults and teens who enjoy fast-paced, thought-provoking narratives set in meticulously crafted worlds.

4.3

343,188 ratings

86%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Citra Terranova

Citra is one of the protagonists and point-of-view characters in *Scythe*. She is chosen as an apprentice by Scythe Faraday due to her empathy and headstrong nature, and she navigates her training while falling in love with fellow apprentice Rowan.

Rowan is the other protagonist and point-of-view character in *Scythe*. He becomes Faraday's apprentice after demonstrating compassion during a gleaning and struggles with the moral complexities of his training, especially under the influence of Scythe Goddard.

Scythe Faraday is a wise, compassionate mentor who chooses both Citra and Rowan to be his apprentices. He follows the laws of the scythes closely but is willing to challenge the system when necessary.

Scythe Curie, known as the Grand Dame of Death, becomes Citra's mentor after Faraday's departure. She emphasizes empathy in her work and guides Citra with care.

Goddard is the primary antagonist, a cruel and ostentatious scythe who relishes in killing and seeks to manipulate his pupils into following his ruthless ways.

Book Details
Pages

449

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mid Merica • Distant Future

Publication Year

2016

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13-18 years

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