Scythe: Arc of a Scythe, Book 1

Book review by Michael Berry, Common Sense Media
Scythe: Arc of a Scythe, Book 1 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Chilling concept fuels sci-fi thriller about life and death.

Neal Shusterman Science Fiction 2016
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Parents say

age 13+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 63 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

Stands out for and .

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that 2017 Michael J. Printz Honor Book Scythe, by Neal Shusterman, is set in a future where most of the human population is immortal but where a few are chosen to die at the hands of mysterious officials known as "scythes." There are many scenes of violence -- suicides, mass murder, beatings and torture, and intimate killings -- which may upset younger, more sensitive readers. Strong language is limited to under a dozen uses of "hell" and "damn," with one or two instances of "ass." There's an attraction between the two main characters, but they don't act on it.

Community Reviews

jonathanc1870
jonathanc1870 Adult
June 25, 2018
age 13+

Intense Violence, Clever Writing, Fantastic Concepts

This book is a fantastic book with a well-developed world and great story telling. Readers will think deeply about mortality, AI systems, and ethical issues. There is A LOT of violence in this book, with many mass killings. Weapons include flamethrowers, axes, knives, poison pills, and others. Characters are forced into situations where they must kill. One character breaks another's neck. There's little swearing and sexual content.

This title has:

Educational value
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
Angeldovey
Angeldovey Adult
October 4, 2017
age 14+

Great Message...just have to read to the end.

I disagree that this book tells children that killing is ok. Those in the book that took lives in violent ways were the bad guys, and that is very clear. Yes, the book is about the necessity of death. It's not wrong. We need death to survive on this planet and it happens naturally. In this novel, death has been conquered, so overpopulation is a problem. The reputable Scythes take great care in selecting who will die, while making sure not to target any one gender, race or age group. The two main characters struggle throughout this novel with the morality of being a Scythe. This book offers a lot of good talking points for adults with kids. I believe a great deal of learning can occur through the reading and discussion of this novel. If you allow your child to read it, please make sure you discuss it with them.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 9 parent reviews

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

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love science fiction and dystopian novels

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