Scythe
Neal Shusterman, Greg Tremblay
18 min
8 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into a dystopian future where death by natural causes has been eradicated, and the only way to die is to be randomly killed ('gleaned') by professional reapers ('scythes'). Follow two teenagers as they grapple with the moral implications of their new roles as apprentice scythes.
Key points
01The Call of the Scythe
In a world where death has been vanquished, the only means to meet the end is through the hands of a Scythe. These individuals, both revered and feared, bear the heavy responsibility of deciding who lives and who meets their end, a necessary measure to maintain the balance of population. Into this extraordinary reality, two ordinary teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, are unexpectedly drawn by the esteemed Scythe Faraday, chosen to master the grim art of gleaning. Citra, a girl of sharp intellect and quick wit, and Rowan, a boy of deep compassion and introspection, find themselves thrust into a world where they must grapple with the profound implications of their potential future roles. They are schooled in the art of death, taught the "Commandments of Scything", a sacred set of rules that dictate the conduct of all Scythes. They are made to understand the significance of impartiality, compassion, and humanity in their grim duties. However, their training takes a chilling turn when Scythe Faraday, their mentor and guide, is discovered dead under circumstances shrouded in mystery. His untimely demise leaves Citra and Rowan in a precarious position. Bereft of a mentor, they find themselves in a predicament as per the laws of the Scythedom, only one apprentice can be chosen by a Scythe. This implies that they are now rivals, and the one who is not chosen will have to meet their end at the hands of the other. This unforeseen twist forces them to confront their own mortality and the stark realities of their newfound roles.
02The Path of Separation
In the wake of Faraday's demise, Citra and Rowan found themselves adrift on separate currents. Citra was taken under the protective wing of Scythe Curie, a figure of reverence and awe within the Scythedom, often referred to as the 'Grand Dame of Death'. Under the watchful eyes of Curie, Citra was introduced to the profound solemnity and weight of their role. She was taught the delicate art of gleaning, the act of taking life, with a deep sense of compassion and reverence for existence. Curie instilled in her the philosophy that being a Scythe was a burden to bear, not a privilege to flaunt, and that they must always remember the sanctity of the lives they were chosen to end. In stark contrast, Rowan found himself under the harsh tutelage of Scythe Goddard, a Scythe who reveled in his power and saw gleaning as a thrilling game rather than a solemn duty. Goddard was a mentor who indulged in his own cruelty, encouraging Rowan to find joy in the act of killing. He taught Rowan the art of gleaning with a sense of superiority and entitlement, a chilling contrast to the teachings of Scythe Curie. As they navigated their respective apprenticeships, Citra and Rowan were forced to grapple with the moral implications of their roles. They had to confront their own beliefs about life, death, and the power they held as Scythes. The paths they walked were laden with challenges and ethical dilemmas, shaping them into the Scythes they were destined to become. Citra, under the gentle guidance of Curie, began to understand the gravity of her role. She learned to glean with a heavy heart, always remembering the value of the life she was taking. She was taught to see her role as a Scythe as a necessary evil, a burden to bear for the greater good. Rowan, on the other hand, was thrust into a world of power and cruelty under Goddard. He was taught to glean with a sense of entitlement, to take pleasure in the act of killing. He was encouraged to see his role as a Scythe as a privilege, a testament to his superiority. As they navigated their respective paths, Citra and Rowan were forced to confront their own beliefs about life, death, and the power they held as Scythes. They were faced with ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries, shaping them into the Scythes they would eventually become. The paths they tread were fraught with challenges, but they were determined to uphold the sanctity of life, even as they were tasked with ending it.
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03The Dualities of Life and Death
04The Unveiling of Truths
05The Rebellion of the Scythe
06The Conclave and the Consequences
07The Final Test
08Conclusion
About Neal Shusterman, Greg Tremblay
Neal Shusterman is an American author known for his award-winning young adult fiction, including the "Unwind" dystology and "Scythe" series. Greg Tremblay is a renowned audiobook narrator who has lent his voice to numerous titles across various genres, including Shusterman's "Scythe".