SCYTHE (Arc of a Scythe – Book 1) – Neal Shusterman
Kindle Edition | Published February 1, 2018 | 449 pages
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. – AMAZON
Scythe is all about death. It’s as simple as that. But it’s a from a point of view that’s totally different. The world has ‘progressed’ to such a point that death has been conquered and is now totally controlled by humans themselves. With the advancement to a society so perfectly in control of its own destiny, death is no longer a random event. To be a Scythe is an honor that only a few can ever achieve.
The concept is original and even confronting, but death is a necessity to make sure that everything keeps within balance. I find Shusterman’s concept of death being so controlled is incredibly fascinating. Two teens, Citra and Rowan, catch the eye of a Scythe, which is just what no one wants to do. But instead of becoming more stats of his work, they are given an opportunity that neither ever dreamed of or wanted to receive. They are offered the chance to become apprentices, a journey that tests every part of their being. The revolt that they feel about their involvement with death is up against learning that it justifies the end.
There’s so much internal conflict for Citra and Rowan to deal with. Good vs bad. Right vs wrong. Self vs others. The book shows that the way we are taught is what builds us into what we become. To the world, all Scythes are the same – they have a job to do, they should be respected, and they should be feared. But as readers we learn that just as with any other part of society, there are differences in Scythes. Although they perform the same tasks, they have differing ways to carry them out.
As an observer, you find yourself accepting that death can even be OK, and that it’s how it happens or the things we leave behind that is the real source of our fear. A dignified death bound with compassion is far less scary than one scarred in violence or fear. I know those of you who haven’t read the book may find my comments a little confusing, but I’m trying not to give everything away while presenting the feelings it gave me.
Overall, Scythe is a book that lets readers explore their own feelings about death and imagine how they would cope in a time when society has gained all the power. I have to say that this is my favorite new series since the Hunger Games.
Book 1 of the Arc of the Scythe series is an amazing read that pushes the boundaries and triggers deep thinking. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking read.
New York City has a secret hidden beneath its surface.
If you’re in search of your next read, look no further than this incredible New York City thriller. SUBWAY | PALLIATOPIA is full of unexpected twists, edge-of-your-seat action, and addictive suspense. Hunger Games and Maze Runner fans love it!
Each year, more than 20,000 people go missing in New York City. Of these, 6,500 are runaways and 12,700 are found alive. But 1,400 are never found. What happens to them?
“Readers of The Hunger Games and Scott Westerfeld’s novels will like this YA dystopian. The writing is superb.” – Amazon
Palliatopia is the place you don’t want to be, and the place you can never leave.
They will take your life.
They will take your dreams.
They will take your future.
Look up from your feed … before it’s too late
S.W. Lothian - Author 
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