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Cover of Scythe

Dystopian · Young adult

Scythe

by Neal Shusterman

4.2 out of 5, from 1,126 ratings from Hardcover readers

In a world where death has been conquered, scythes are the only people allowed to end lives, to keep the population in check. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentices and find out the job is neither noble nor simple.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2016
Pace
Fast
Length
Medium
Pages
464
Format
Book 1 of 3 in Arc of a Scythe
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you like young-adult stories that take a hard moral question seriously and keep the twists coming.

Skip this if you want a lighthearted read, because the central job of the book is to kill people thoughtfully.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death
  • Violence

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicide
  • Murder
  • Injury/Injury detail
  • Fatphobia2
  • Ableism
  • Child death
  • Fatphobia
  • Gore

Quick answers about Scythe

What is Scythe about?
In a world where death has been conquered, scythes are the only people allowed to end lives, to keep the population in check. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentices and find out the job is neither noble nor simple.
Who should read Scythe?
Read it if you like young-adult stories that take a hard moral question seriously and keep the twists coming. Skip it if you want a lighthearted read, because the central job of the book is to kill people thoughtfully.
How long and how fast is Scythe?
It is a fast-paced, medium read of about 464 pages, first published in 2016.
Does Scythe have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death, Violence.
Can I borrow Scythe for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Scythe; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Scythe?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Giver, The Hunger Games, Brave New World.

Where to get it

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