Review: Scythe

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

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Paperback, 435 pages
Published November 28th, 2017 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Narrator: Greg Tremblay

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You can read more of my thoughts about it HERE

MY BOOKBYTES

Oh, Mylanta! This book is amazing. Scythe is a cutting-edge story but it begs the question if humanity had somehow become victorious over death, then why did they still die? Also, people were even afraid of dying at the hands of the Scythes. Why in the hell did the Scythes get that power? Because it seemed like if a person was gleaned, they were dead permanently not just temporarily. Like when someone got run over by a truck or jumped out of a window like Tyger, who died over and over only for kicks just so he could get high off of nanites aka painkillers. I want whatever Tyger was on lol. I hope the next book will offer some answers.

I also understand scythes were used to control the population. Do they choose to call it 'gleaning' instead of murder because they still had a conscience? Some honourable Scythes do have a conscience, and I consider them good. Those that show no signs of one are bad like Scythe Goddard.

If I compare the world I know to that world it felt very much the same where humanity was concerned. It only starts to look strange and unusual when you factor in Scythedom. All the noble and less than essential qualities exist in both worlds apparently. I.e., love, hate, fear. Nobody wants to show scythes any hospitality or kindness. Only out of fear. I imagine we would all be scared of the reaper of souls if it were your soul that was next to die.
That is why I liked Citra. She is a feisty and brave girl in the face of death.
Rowan? He is misunderstood from the get-go, and I kinda like him.
Honourable Scythe Curie and Faraday are Badass hahaha! They both take their job seriously and responsibly

The relationship between Citra and Rowen is promising because they both love each other and I love that! By the end, I love that Rowen becomes a type of Batman. Lol.

"According to the rumour, there is someone out there who is seeking out corrupt, despicable scythes. . . and ending their existence by fire. One thing is certain: He's not an ordained scythe. And yet people have started to call him Scythe Lucifer" - From the gleaning journal of H.S. Anastasia

When a scythe is ordained, by law, they have to keep a journal. In fact, it's commandment number 6.

AUDIOBOOK BONUS BYTES

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Audiobook
Narrated by Greg Tremblay
Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 1
Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins

In a world where sickness and disease have been eliminated, the only way to die is to be randomly killed (“gleaned”) by professional reapers (“scythes”). Citra and Rowan are teenagers who have been selected to be scythe’s apprentices, and—despite wanting nothing to do with the vocation—they must learn the art of killing and come to understand the necessity of what they do. Only one of them will be chosen as a scythe’s apprentice. And when it becomes clear that the winning apprentice’s first task will be to glean the loser, (reminded me of The Hunger Games) Citra and Rowan are pitted against one another in a fight for their lives.

↬I very much liked the idea and concept of this story. I feel it underlines the positive and powerful message from the Bible about death and dying. You know the one? About death being swallowed up in victory? 1 Corinthians 15:54 and that there will be no more suffering or death or sickness and disease? Revelation 21:4 Except without scythes. 

About the Author:

Neal Shusterman is the author of many novels for young adults, including Unwind, which was an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and a Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Readers, Everlost, and Downsiders, which was nominated for twelve state reading awards. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows such as Animorphs and Goosebumps. The father of four children, Neal lives in southern California. 

Website: http://www.storyman.com