Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1)
I’ll start by saying that I really, really enjoyed this book. The last few books that I’ve read for YA and written reviews for have been mediocre at best and asinine garbage at worst, and it was so refreshing and becoming to read Scythe by Neal Shusterman.
Now, from what I’ve seen and heard, Neal Shusterman is quite a prolific author, with several other bestselling series under his belt and apparently several movie contracts in the works for said novels.
That being said, I have never in my life read anything by him.
I could not tell you why Scythe caught my interest where his other books have failed to do so, but if I were to take a gander I would say it just simply has to deal with timing.
His Arc of A Scythe series is currently ongoing with two books out and the promise of more to come with the third and final installment coming in 2019. It has graced the bestsellers list multiple times and already has a movie deal with Universal Studios according to Mr. Shusterman himself.
That being said, is it worth the hype and attention it has gained and has the author lived up to his rather stringent expectations?
In my humble opinion, yes. Scythe is an invigorating read that blends elements of young adult fiction, dystopian futures, technology, and philosophy into one organized conglomerate that makes you feel, but also makes you think.
Most YA books can deliver on the action, the drama, and the romance, but very few can incite queries on morality, religion, purpose, and faith without appearing redundant, bland, or coming off as having an intentional agenda or preaching. Scythe does all of things things and does it well.
Having never read Shusterman before I was a little bit surprised by his writing style. He often writes in short chapters that are poignant, concise, but also heavy and influential. Most of the chapters switch perspectives between the two main characters, Rowan and Citra, but interspersed throughout are snippet insider information from other characters that are also crucial, whether you know it at the time or not, like Scythe Curie, Esme, or Tyger.
Because of this exchange of perspectives, the story doesn’t feel old or stagnant, but it also doesn't feel shallow. My greatest complaint with perspective switches is that I often connect with one character more than I do other characters and therefore begin to get annoyed when I have to read about other characters and their storylines that I don’t particularly care for compared to the honey bunches of oats that I love and want to read about.
In this case, I did feel a bit shafted on Rowan’s perspective towards the end (and I would have liked to have read more about his time with Scythe Goddard), but I also like Citra and didn’t mind reading what she was doing and accomplishing while Rowan was off killing and having a morality crises as often as I get boba (which is a lot).
So, this book has the incredible insight and power to question the readers who are engaged with the content and to create characters (especially female adolescent characters) that are likable and realistic, but what is it about?
To give a brief background of the novel, the book deals with a dystopian world in which all evils have been eradicated. There is no more disease, poverty, racism, unequal distribution of wealth and power, no corrupt government, and finally, no more death. All the knowledge that is to be learned and explored has been learned and explored. There is nothing else to know, to find, or to invent.
The Thunderhead, a fully conscious sentient being evolved from “the cloud” is the omniscient god that rules over this new world. However, unlike other dystopians (cough cough 1984 and A Brave New World) this so called ruler is completely objective, benevolent, fair, just, and always correct, the cornucopia of all the world’s knowledge come together in one “brain” that exists solely to protect, serve, and care for humanity.
That being said, there is one glaringly obvious issue in a world where no one dies, everyone is immortal, and no one is eradicated though natural means: overpopulation.
The Thunderhead’s ability to care and provide for humanity is only tempered by the resources of the world’s disposal and eventually, too many people will be born and too few people are dying to make it sustainable.
Enter certified and revered killers by the name of scythes. They are apprenticed, educated, and chosen individuals that have killing quotas and abide by their ten commandments (a wry play off the 10 commandments of Christianity).
There is a strict separation of Scythe and State and the Thunderhead holds no jurisdiction over the Sythedom or any of its workings, which is problematic in the fact that scythes are humans capable of killing other humans and vices such as racism, corruption, greed, and revenge that have been erased take root in the only establishment that is still being run by human beings with free will and power.
Citra and Rowan are two teenagers who find themselves, for different reasons, chosen and apprenticed to the same scythe, Scythe Faraday. The book details the journey that Citra and Rowan take as the role of being an apprentice unfolds, as well as their forbidden romantic feelings for each other, and the ever present issue of Can I kill? Should I kill? Is what I am doing right or wrong? What is wrong? Is death wrong? Or is it necessary?
The book poses many moral questions regrading life and death and the intrinsic connection they have to each other and to our purpose as humans as a whole.
The world is unique, the characters are genuine and likable, and the questions posed to the reader make this an enjoyable and thought-provoking novel that will have you immediately leaving your hovel and driving to the closest bookstore to pick up a copy of the sequel, Thunder Head.
Recommendation: If Divergent just didn’t cut it for you and you like well-written novels, your morality being shattered and questioned, and the building of an inherently flawed society, then you will love this slightly strange take of a YA dystopia.
Score: 8/10
