Scythe
Score Modern
What it's about
Humanity has conquered hunger, disease, war and even death. Now the only way anyone dies is at the hands of Scythes, who are tasked with ending lives to keep the population under control. Teenagers Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a Scythe, a role neither wants, and they must learn the art of killing, knowing that failure could cost them their own lives.
Why it's worth reading
It's one of the most acclaimed young-adult novels of recent years, from a National Book Award-winning author. Its big ideas about death, power and morality appeal to adults as much as teens.
You'll love it if you liked
The Hunger Games, The Giver or Ender's Game
Good to know
It's the first book of the Arc of a Scythe trilogy. It's darker and more thoughtful than many YA dystopias.
Quick answers
Is Scythe worth reading?
Yes. It's one of the most acclaimed young-adult novels of recent years, from a National Book Award-winning author. It ranks #451 of the 2,819 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 79.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Scythe about?
Humanity has conquered hunger, disease, war and even death. Now the only way anyone dies is at the hands of Scythes, who are tasked with ending lives to keep the population under control. Teenagers Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a Scythe, a role neither wants, and they must learn the art of killing, knowing that failure could cost them their own lives.
How long does it take to read Scythe?
About 12 hours (464 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Scythe?
If you liked it, try The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Giver by Lois Lowry or Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
By the numbers
- Readers82 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller67 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Loved by readers.
Where it ranks
- #23 of the 222 young adult books we rank
- #43 of the 313 science fiction books we rank
- #226 of the 1,575 modern books we rank
- #451 of the 2,819 books we rank
Reads as
Thought-provoking, Adventurous, Dark
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The Curse of Chalion
The Goblin Emperor
His Majesty's Dragon
Beggars in Spain
The Speed of Dark
The Windup Girl