Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a gripping young adult dystopian novel set in a future where death has been conquered, and society is governed by a group of individuals known as Scythes who are responsible for population control. Two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, are chosen as apprentices to a highly esteemed Scythe, but they must compete against each other to secure the position. As they undergo the rigorous training, they become entangled in a world of corruption, moral dilemmas, and power struggles, forcing them to question their own beliefs and the foundation of their society. The book explores themes of mortality, ethics, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The most compelling aspect, without a doubt, was the brilliantly crafted world-building. Shusterman painted a fascinating and terrifyingly believable vision of a society without death, where the responsibility of taking lives fell on the Scythes. The moral complexities of the Scythes' duty and the choices they had to make kept me hooked from start to finish. Plus, the intense competition and character development of Citra and Rowan had me emotionally invested in their journey. Honestly, the pacing was fantastic, and the plot twists were cleverly executed. It's rare to find a book that keeps you captivated throughout, but Scythe managed to do just that. I would recommend Scythe to anyone who loves thought-provoking dystopian novels with intricate world-building and complex characters. If you enjoy books that dig deep into moral dilemmas, challenge societal norms, and has intense plot twists, then this book is for you.