Book Review: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Imagine a world where a person no longer has to fear natural death. No sickness or old age, death is only brough by the Reapers.

A book that makes you think about death about death in an interesting way. Death is a topic that is often explored tragically as opposed to morally in fiction and this book is a great opportunity to explore the idea that those who control death control the power. Rowan and Citra are both relatable and each have deep motivations for becoming a reaper. The action can be violent at times and is definitely recommended for older teen readers.

"The vivid and often violent action unfolds slowly, anchored in complex worldbuilding and propelled by political machinations and existential musings. Scythes’ journal entries accompany Rowan’s and Citra’s dual and dueling narratives, revealing both personal struggles and societal problems. The futuristic post–2042 MidMerican world is both dystopia and utopia, free of fear, unexpected death, and blatant racism—multiracial main characters discuss their diverse ethnic percentages rather than purity—but also lacking creativity, emotion, and purpose. Elegant and elegiac, brooding but imbued with gallows humor, Shusterman’s dark tale thrusts realistic, likable teens into a surreal situation and raises deep philosophic questions. A thoughtful and thrilling story of life, death, and meaning." - Kirkus Review

Book Information

Shusterman, N. (). SCYTHE. Simon & Schuster: New York. ISBN 9781442472433

Series Reading Order:

1. Scythe

2. Thunderhead

3. The Toll

4. Gleanings