Neal Shusterman | 2016 | 435 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, YA, Science Fiction, Romance
SUMMARY
Thou shalt kill.
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.
MY THOUGHTS
Neal Shusterman's Scythe plunges readers into a dystopian future where humanity has eradicated all natural causes of death. With disease, war, and crime vanquished, the world's population is controlled by the Scythes—individuals with the grim duty of 'gleaning' to maintain balance. This thought-provoking premise forms the heart of a narrative that explores profound themes of morality and power.
The story centers on Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, two teenagers from the newly named MidMerica, who are unexpectedly chosen as apprentices to Scythe Faraday. Faraday, a respected and ethical figure within the Scythedom, imparts to Citra and Rowan not only the physical aspects of gleaning but also its moral and emotional complexities. Initially reluctant, both teenagers must navigate the harsh realities of their new roles, learning to balance the cold necessity of their tasks with respect for life.
As Citra and Rowan undergo their apprenticeship, the plot thickens with Scythe Faraday's sudden and mysterious self-gleaning. This leaves the apprentices vulnerable and in a precarious position. Citra is then mentored by Scythe Curie, the "Grande Dame of Death," who embodies a dignified and compassionate approach to gleaning. Under Curie's guidance, Citra continues to respect the sanctity of life while grappling with her responsibilities.
On the other hand, Rowan is apprenticed to Scythe Goddard, a radical and ruthless figure who takes pleasure in gleaning and seeks to transform the Scythedom to embrace his brutal methods. The divergence in their mentors' philosophies exposes Rowan to a more corrupt and violent side of the Scythedom, challenging his ethical convictions.
Shusterman's writing is smooth and well-paced, with a meticulously crafted plot that enhances the story's realism. The numerous twists and turns, including significant plot developments, keep the narrative engaging and unpredictable. While some may find the pacing slow initially, the novel's originality and Shusterman's skillful storytelling shine through, making it a standout in the young adult dystopian genre.
The climax is particularly intense, as only one apprentice can be ordained as a Scythe, and their first task is to glean the other. This chilling twist forces Citra and Rowan to confront their deepest fears and ethical dilemmas, adding a layer of suspense and emotional depth to the narrative. Their struggle against the increasingly corrupt system and their personal feelings about their roles lead to a dramatic and thought-provoking conclusion.
In summary, Scythe is a masterfully crafted novel that defies familiar dystopian tropes and offers a fresh, nuanced exploration of complex themes. Shusterman's ability to blend intricate world-building with compelling character development makes this book memorable. Citra and Rowan's journeys are engaging and thought-provoking, and the novel leaves readers eager to explore the world further in the sequel. This book is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction looking for a fresh take on the genre.
DETAILED CHARACTER OVERVIEW
In “Scythe,” the main characters are Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are central to the story as apprentices to the Scythes.
Citra Terranova: an intelligent and determined teenager who initially resists the idea of becoming a Scythe but gradually accepts the moral teachings of the role with a strong sense of justice. Citra's journey is marked by her growing understanding of the gravity of her responsibilities. Under Scythe Curie's mentorship, she learns to navigate the ethical challenges of gleaning while striving to maintain her integrity.
Rowan Damisch: Presented as a thoughtful yet disillusioned character, Rowan grapples deeply with the moral implications of gleaning. His apprenticeship under Scythe Goddard exposes him to a more brutal and ethically questionable approach to the role. Rowan's struggle is a central element of the narrative as he confronts the darker aspects of the Scythedom and his own ethical boundaries.
Scythe Faraday: A venerable and ethical Scythe who chooses Citra and Rowan as his apprentices. Faraday believes in a compassionate and respectful approach to gleaning, teaching his apprentices to honor the sanctity of life. His unexpected self-gleaning creates a pivotal turning point in the story, setting off a series of events that profoundly impact Citra and Rowan.
Scythe Curie: Known as the "Grande Dame of Death," Curie is an experienced and wise Scythe who becomes Citra's mentor after Faraday's death. Her moral fortitude characterizes her and serves as a guiding light for Citra, helping her navigate the complexities of her new role with dignity and compassion.
Scythe Goddard: The story's antagonist, Goddard, represents a radical faction within Scythedom. He revels in the power and privilege of gleaning and aims to reshape Scythedom to embrace more lenient and cruel methods. Under Goddard's mentorship, Rowan is exposed to the violent and corrupt elements of Scythedom, which tests his ethical convictions.
High Blade Xenocrates: The head of the MidMerica region's Scythes, Xenocrates oversees the Scythes in that area and plays a significant role in the politics and governance of the Scythedom. His influence and decisions impact the overarching dynamics of the Scythedom and the characters' fates.
Themes
Scythe introduces a future where humanity has conquered death, illness, and poverty, allowing individuals to reset their bodies to a younger age and live through physical aging multiple times. With natural death eliminated and population growth unchecked, a global system of "scythes" is established to control the population by choosing who must die.
The novel explores the implications of immortality by comparing this future society to the past "Age of Mortality," highlighting how advancements can lead to a loss of passion, purpose, and other vital aspects of human experience. In this world, the Thunderhead, a sentient and all-knowing entity, replaces traditional politics, overseeing everything from police infractions to population monitoring but with the notable limitation of being unable to intervene directly in the scythe's decisions.
As Citra and Rowan navigate their apprenticeships under Scythe Curie and Scythe Goddard, the novel delves into questions of morality and human nature, examining whether genuine compassion and ethical behavior persist when the stakes are so high and the choices so profound.
WHERE TO READ / BUY
Hardcover: $13.09
Paperback: $7.39
Kindle: $10.99
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