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TL;DR: In a future where an AI called the Thunderhead has ended disease, war and natural death, the only way people die is by being “gleaned” by Scythes, licensed killers who control the population. Two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, are chosen as apprentices to a respected Scythe. They hate the idea of killing, but they must learn, and only one of them can win the job.
Table of Contents
Scythe at a Glance
| Author | Neal Shusterman |
| First published | 2016 |
| Type | Dystopian novel |
| Best for | readers who want a gripping dystopian story about death, power and morality |
Scythe is the first book in Neal Shusterman's Arc of a Scythe trilogy, published in 2016. It was a Michael L. Printz Honor book. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it.
Content note: Includes killing, violence and mass deaths.
Main Characters
- Citra Terranova: A sharp, principled apprentice.
- Rowan Damisch: A quiet, kind apprentice.
- Scythe Faraday: A wise, honorable Scythe.
- Scythe Goddard: A cruel Scythe who enjoys killing.
- Scythe Curie: A respected senior Scythe.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
A perfect world
Humanity has conquered death. People can be revived after accidents and reset their age. The Thunderhead manages everything, except the Scythedom, which is separate. Scythes must glean a set number of people each year to keep the population under control, following strict commandments, including fairness and mercy.
Apprentices
Scythe Faraday chooses Citra and Rowan because they do not want to kill, which he believes is the mark of a good Scythe. They train in combat, poisons and history. They learn to respect the weight of taking a life. They begin to care for each other, though they know their futures are in conflict.
A new rule
At the Scythe conclave, Scythe Goddard and his allies argue that Scythes should enjoy their work. The conclave rules that one apprentice will be ordained and must then glean the other. Faraday seems to glean himself, ending his life. Citra goes to Scythe Curie, and Rowan to Goddard.
Two paths
With Curie, Citra learns more about honor and discovers that Faraday may still be alive. She is falsely accused of murdering him and must flee. With Goddard, Rowan is forced to take part in mass gleanings. He grows strong and hardened. When Goddard and his friends go too far, Rowan kills them in secret.
The final test
At the conclave, Citra wins the ring. She is supposed to glean Rowan, but she instead hits him and helps him escape. Citra becomes Scythe Anastasia, and Rowan disappears, becoming a vigilante who targets corrupt Scythes. Both are changed and determined to fight for a better Scythedom.
5 Key Takeaways
- Power over life and death must be used carefully.
- Even a perfect world has flaws.
- Morality can be tested by systems.
- Rules can be corrupted by people.
- Love can survive great pressure.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The hardest jobs should be done by those who hate them.
- Every life matters.
- Systems need people who question them.
Who Should Read Scythe?
Read Scythe if you enjoy thought-provoking dystopian stories with action and moral dilemmas. It suits teens and adults.
About Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman (born 1962) is an American author who has won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature for Challenger Deep. His books include the Unwind series, Bruiser and Dry, written with his son Jarrod. The Arc of a Scythe trilogy continues with Thunderhead and The Toll.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Scythe:
- Why does Faraday choose apprentices who hate killing?
- Is the Thunderhead a good ruler?
- How do Citra and Rowan change?
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Scythe is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full story, characters and style, which no short summary can replace.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Scythe, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary between copies.
Should You Read the Book?
Yes. It is gripping and smart, with big ideas.
Check price of Scythe on Amazon
What to Read Next
- Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman: the second Arc of a Scythe book
- The Giver by Lois Lowry: a perfect society with hidden costs
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: young people forced to kill
Related: 15 Books Like Scythe You’ll Love · What Age Is Scythe Appropriate For? A Parent’s Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scythe about?
Two teens train to become Scythes, who must end lives in a world without natural death.
Who wrote it?
Neal Shusterman, in 2016.
What is the Thunderhead?
An AI that governs the world.
What is gleaning?
The killing of people by Scythes to control population.
Who are Citra and Rowan?
Apprentices to Scythe Faraday.
Who is Scythe Goddard?
A cruel Scythe who enjoys gleaning.
Who wins the ring?
Citra.
Is it a series?
Yes, a trilogy.
What age is it for?
Teens and adults.
How long is it?
About 440 pages.
Did it win awards?
Yes, a Printz Honor.
What comes next?
Thunderhead.
Is there a film?
A film adaptation has been in development.
Is Scythe worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a gripping dystopian story about death, power and morality. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.