Review: "Scythe," by Neal Shusterman

Once again, Neal Shusterman has taken dystopian novels to a new level. In this world, Scythes hold ultimate power. Old age and death are a thing of the past, so it is up to the Scythes to glean people at random. It is meant to keep the population as it was in the past and the Scythes are meant to be the most honorable of all people. Their choices cannot be questioned or reversed - but some Scythes are finding way too much joy in gleaning others. In fact, it would be considered brutal murder in this day and age. Two teens have been chosen to apprentice Scythe Faraday, but only one can become a Scythe after the year long apprenticeship. Citra and Rowan are competitors from the start, but have an admiration and respect for one another that goes beyond becoming a Scythe. They find themselves in the midst of a political power struggle that sends them on separate paths, but they are the key to vanquishing the Scythes who have lost all sense of compassion. Shusterman's world building is top-notch and I am anxious to see what else can happen in this Scythedom.

Mrs. Denney's Rating: ***1/2

#review #horror #murder #dystopian