Book Review Scythe (1) (Arc of a Scythe)

In a future where humanity has conquered death, two teenagers are selected to become scythes—the only individuals permitted to permanently end lives in this carefully controlled society. This Printz Honor-winning novel explores the profound moral weight of this responsibility as the protagonists grapple with the ethics of their grim apprenticeship. The chilling premise forces readers to confront difficult questions about mortality, justice, and what it means to truly live.

Shusterman's dystopian world-building shines in this thought-provoking series starter, creating a society free from natural death yet burdened by its own solution to overpopulation. Young adult readers drawn to complex ethical dilemmas and intricate futuristic societies will find themselves deeply engaged with the characters' journeys. The novel's exploration of power, corruption, and compassion makes it particularly compelling for teens ready to move beyond simpler dystopian stories toward more philosophical territory.