Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Chilling concept fuels sci-fi thriller about life and death.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say this book evokes strong reactions, with many appreciating its deep themes and moral questions, but they caution that its graphic violence and mature content may be unsuitable for younger readers, particularly those under 14 or 15. Despite its darker elements, some parents highlight its potential for sparking meaningful discussions about life, death, and societal issues, making it a compelling choice for more mature teens or adults.
- mature content
- graphic violence
- thought-provoking themes
- discussion opportunities
- suitable for older readers
Summarized with AI
Based on 99 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a thrilling and thought-provoking read that delves into deep themes such as ethics, mortality, and the necessity of death in a dystopian world, despite its heavy focus on violence. Many readers find it engaging and recommend it for mature audiences or older children, while noting that it has valuable lessons and well-developed characters, though some are critical of the graphic violence and death depicted.
- thought-provoking themes
- graphic violence
- well-developed characters
- recommend for mature readers
- ethical dilemmas
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
As SCYTHE opens, Rowan and Citra have no intention of becoming scythes, favored officials who rule on matters of life and death in a future where disease has been vanquished and death can be easily thwarted. But when they both become students of Scythe Farraday, they begin to question the meaning of life and death. And when they're pitted against each other, they will have to face the possibility of personal extermination, even as they struggle against the machinations of a corrupt band of renegade scythes.
Is It Any Good?
A fresh, rich central conceit is often the first step toward a superior science fiction saga, and this new novel has a winner of a premise. Readers of Scythe will be with Rowan and Citra every step of the way as they prepare for their duties as dealers of death. Author Neal Shusterman tackles big themes but keeps the action running high, with plenty of twists, reversals, and unexpected secrets. This volume delivers a satisfying reading experience, but it also leaves plenty of room for an exciting follow-up.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Scythe portrays a world where death is an infrequent occurrence. How would near immortality change civilization? Would human nature change at all?
How is violence used in Scythe? Is it only used for evil? Do people ever welcome death?
What would it be like to have the power of life and death over someone?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : November 22, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 435
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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