Scythe
Schusterman, N. (2016). Scythe.
New York: Simon & Schuster.
Scythe is set in a
future world where there is no disease and the only way to die is to be
“gleaned” by appointed and trained Scythes. Two teens, Citra and Rowan, have been
selected to become apprentices by Scythe Faraday changing their lives forever.
As they learn the politics and the skills needed to “glean”, a twist at one of
the Conclaves pits the two teens against one another. When their mentor dies
due to an apparent self-gleaning, the pair is split apart. Citra trains with
Scythe Curie, while Rowan goes with Scythe Goddard. Scythes have a set of rules
and standards to live by, however, a new breed is forming, a group of Scythes
that kill because they enjoy killing. Both Citra and Rowan have their beliefs
to do what is right is tested along with their friendship and feelings for each
other.
Scythe is a dystopian
novel that tells what Earth would be like if there was no more disease, death
or crime. The concept of mortality is explored, or rather the lack thereof,
creating a need for “gleaning”. The world is controlled by the Thunderhead that
has actually achieved a form of Utopia, except for the Scythe. Now the Scythes
are divided and some chose the more noble path and some are killing for fun. Citra
and Rowan each tell their side of the story from different points of view. It
is up to them to determine which side of the Scythe battle they will fall on.
The thoughts of other Scythe’s are given through brief journal entries
throughout the book. It is the final journal entry that sets the tone for the
sequel and the possible story of Scythe Lucifer.
Awards
Printz Award Winner (2017)
Book Trailer:
Recommended Reading:
Thunderhead (Arc of a
Scythe) due out February 2018
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