Scythe

Neal Shusterman

Nov 2016 · Arc of a Scythe Book 1 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this eBook

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

Two teens must learn the “art of killing” in this Printz Honor–winning book, the first in a chilling new series from Neal Shusterman, author of the New York Times bestselling Unwind dystology.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery: humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now Scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

Scythe is the first novel of a thrilling new series by National Book Award–winning author Neal Shusterman in which Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.

Ratings and reviews

theres some very obvious things you have to look past to really enjoy this book. but as always Neal writes a story to keep me on the edge of my seat. and even though this book had me roll my eyes a few times, i think ill buy the 2nd one, just to see what happens.

I wouldn't say one of my favorite books I've read but I highly enjoyed it. The plot, setting, ideas, characters, etc were enjoyable and cool. I wish there was added detail to character's looks and other settings but still really good writing.

It was a very well written book, but the plot turned a little dark at some points. Other than that, I loved that there was minimal to no cursing and how the characters developed throughout the story.

About the author

Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Unwind dystology, the Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his series Arc of a Scythe is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows. Neal is the father of four, all of whom are talented writers and artists themselves. Visit Neal at StoryMan.com and Facebook.com/NealShusterman.