Scythe (novel)

Scythe

Company type	Novel
Industry	Literature
Founded	2016
Founder	Neal Shusterman
Products	Young adult novel

Scythe is a 2016 young adult novel authored by Neal Shusterman, marking the beginning of the Arc of a Scythe series. The narrative unfolds in a future where advanced technology has nearly eradicated death and disease, with Earth overseen by the benevolent artificial intelligence known as the Thunderhead. Population control is maintained by the Scythedom, a human organization responsible for carrying out authorized mortal executions called "gleanings."

A feature film adaptation is currently in development, initially scripted by Sera Gamble and later revised by Gary Dauberman. The novel received recognition as an Honor Book for the Michael L. Printz Award in 2017.

Plot

By 2042, humanity has conquered mortality through sophisticated medical advancements, effectively ending what was known as the Mortal Age. The omnipresent AI called the Thunderhead governs Earth, resolving global challenges such as climate crises and mental health issues. However, it abstains from imposing death, necessitating the establishment of the Scythedom—individuals entrusted with managing population numbers through sanctioned killings.

Two adolescents, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, are selected by Scythe Faraday to become his apprentices. Their training encompasses various gleaning techniques and participation in a regional conclave where their skills are evaluated. Following Faraday’s suicide—intended to free them from their apprenticeship—they are separated: Citra continues her training under Scythe Curie at Fallingwater, while Rowan is placed with Scythe Goddard.

During a later conclave, they face a direct competition; Rowan delivers a fatal blow to Citra, who is subsequently revived, resulting in his disqualification. Afterwards, Citra is implicated in Faraday’s death and goes into hiding in Amazonia, where she discovers Faraday alive. Meanwhile, Rowan struggles with Goddard’s ruthless approach and clandestinely assists those targeted for gleaning to escape before ultimately killing Goddard during an operation involving anti-Scythe cultists.

Their final test requires each to take the life of a family member; both succeed, but Citra is appointed Scythe Anastasia. Her initial task is to glean Rowan; instead, she grants him immunity by transferring his blood into her ring. Rowan then flees to join Faraday.

The epilogue hints at rumors surrounding Scythe Lucifer—a renegade who eliminates corrupt members of the Scythedom—suggesting that Rowan has assumed this identity. Anastasia expresses hope that he will be remembered as one of the virtuous ones.

Main characters

• Scythe Michael Faraday – An honorable figure within the Scythedom who mentors apprentices Citra and Rowan. He is well-respected by the Old Guard and shares a past romantic relationship with Scythe Curie.
• Rowan Damisch – One of the central characters trained initially by Faraday and later by Goddard. He becomes known as Scythe Lucifer, acting as a vigilante gleaner targeting corrupt peers.
• Citra Terranova – The other protagonist trained under Faraday and subsequently Curie. She assumes the title Scythe Anastasia, named after Russian princess Anastasia Romanov.
• Scythe Marie Curie – Referred to as The Grand Dame of Death, she evaluates apprentices during their first Conclave and serves as Citra’s mentor. She was formerly involved romantically with Faraday.
• Scythe Robert Goddard – Known for conducting mass gleanings and living extravagantly. Charismatic yet self-centered, he leads the faction known as the New Order.

Supporting characters

• Scythe Volta - A junior Scythe serving under Goddard, privately troubled by the widespread killings; he performs self-gleanings driven by remorse over the genocidal deeds.
• Scythe Chomsky - Junior Scythe with expertise in flamethrower techniques; advocates for large-scale gleanings.
• Scythe Rand - Devoted follower of Goddard who takes pleasure in the act of killing alongside him.
• Esme - The clandestine daughter of High Blade Xenocrates, exploited by Goddard as leverage to influence Xenocrates.
• High Blade Xenocrates - Occupies the prestigious role of High Blade in MidMerica; father to Esme, whose birth breaches the prohibition against Scythes having offspring.
• Tonists - Members of a sect that opposes the Scythedom and promotes natural death; they are frequent victims of genocidal campaigns orchestrated by Goddard and are deeply loathed by Curie.

Critical reception

Scythe received widespread praise including:

• 2016: Starred evaluations from Booklist, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly
• 2016: Named among the Best Books of 2016 by Kirkus Reviews
• 2017: Awarded the Michael L. Printz Award
• 2018: Honored by the American Library Association (ALA) as an Amazing Audiobook for Young Adults and included in Teen's Top Ten
• 2018: Longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award
• 2019: Chosen for inclusion in Barnes & Noble's Young Adult Book Club
• 2021: Listed in Time magazine's compilation of The 100 Best YA Books of All Time