Review: Scythe

Title: Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Series: Arc of a Scythe #1
Published: 11/22/2016
Genre: YA Science Fiction > Dystopia
Format: e-book
Length: 448 pages
Rating: 5/5 stars

“Humanity is innocent; humanity is guilty, and both states are undeniably true.”

Goodreads Overview (4.35/5 stars)

Two teens are forced to murder—maybe each other—in the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology.

In a world where disease has been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional reapers (“scythes”). Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythe’s apprentices, and—despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation—they must learn the art of killing and come to understand the necessity of what they do.

Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe’s apprentice. And when it becomes clear that the winning apprentice’s first task will be to glean the loser, Citra and Rowan are pitted against one another in a fight for their lives.

First Thoughts

What would our world truly be like without natural death and government?

Review

Wow, just unbelievably wow. I haven’t read a book that drew me in like this in a long while. I couldn’t put it down. This book will leave you thinking long and hard about our current society and the changes we have gone through and continue to encounter. From the politics to the overall health of the environment, things we are debating on today, the author brings to light many thought provoking situations. I felt like the romance in this novel was well done and completely not insta-love. I was worried when I started that this would become more of a mushy romance vs. a true adventure novel. I was pleasantly surprised. As my first Neal Schusterman book, I am hooked. One of my new favorite books for sure!

Characters

Citra, the main female character, was very strong headed and motivated to be the best at everything. She went through enormous character development in this first novel and I look forward to seeing her change in the second.

Rowan, the main male character, was a middle of the road kid. The “lettuce” of the family that never really stood out or did anything spectacular. Rowan is just walking through life the best he can waiting for the day he may be gleaned.

Moral of the Story/Take-away

The moral of this book is to live your life instead of just making it through it. Take time to enjoy moments with family and friends. Remember that it’s not about what you have in life, but what memories and moments you create.