Scythe

Written by Neal Shusterman

Book #1 in the Arc of a Scythe series

In a world without death, two teens must learn to kill or risk their own lives.

4.3 Goodreads · 443,935 ratings

464 pages· 101,371 words· Est. 9.5 hour read· 830L

$25.85Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a utopia where death is conquered, Citra and Rowan are thrust into a grim apprenticeship. As Scythe apprentices, they must master the art of taking life to control the population. But in a world where failure means losing their own lives, can they navigate the moral complexities of their new roles? As they delve deeper, they uncover the dark truths behind their seemingly perfect society. Will they conform to the system or challenge it? Discover the chilling stakes in this gripping tale of life, death, and the cost of perfection.

From the publisher

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.