Scythe (The Arc of a Scythe Book 1)
Scythe (The Arc of a Scythe Book 1)
Scythe, by famous dystopian author Neal Shusterman, is a book about the ethical consequences of death, and human nature when given the power to control it. [No spoilers]
The novel is set in the somewhat far future, when Earth is managed by a hyperintelligent sentient artificial intelligence called the Thunderhead. The Thunderhead manages nearly everything: weather control, complete worldwide surveillance, medical services, worldwide government, etc. In this society, death has been solved. As long as the majority of the body remains, it can be completely reanimated and restored to full functionality within minutes, or days if the injury is especially traumatic. In this society, death is no longer natural, and overpopulation is a severe threat. However, because the Thunderhead has inherent safety protocols, there are some laws it cannot break, and overseeing the death of humans is one. Instead, death is governed by an organization called the Scythedom. Scythes, being the only bringers of permanent death, are treated with extremely high respect, and are among the few with elevated status in this utopian society. The two main characters, Rowan and Citra, are exposed to the daily life of a scythe when they are chosen to become apprentices of one, and learn that not all Scythes are as pure and deserving of the power they are given.
The construct of artificial death is well done for the most part, although there are some holes here and there. In worldbuilding, however, Neal Shusterman has shown his ability to construct and modify the existing world and change it to something that seamlessly fits both modern concepts and his world mechanics. In this way, it is very similar to Unwind, where the worldbuilding is done exceptionally well. The conflict in the plot itself is very interesting, as it is based off a fictional concept but still holds true to basic core messages about human nature. Especially when compared to the Thunderhead and it's governing, the small remnant of human government in the Scythedom is very apparent in its inefficiency, ineffectiveness, and corruption.
5/5, a good book but fits into the series well as well. Would recommend if you enjoy Neal Shusterman or other similar dystopian/utopian books.
-Jonathan
Hi Jonathan, nice review. I also recently read Scythe and the rest of its series and had similar thoughts. I think Shusterman is really able to show the human corruption, inefficiency, etc. of the scythedom in his books, especially because it is such a stark contrast to the rest of the Thunderhead-lead/ruled world. I also found it interesting how in Scythe the AI system ruling the world is not seen as a threat or an issue, rather it is helpful and everyday, and even plays a bit of a larger part later in the series. Thanks so much for the analysis!
ReplyDeleteDystopian books like the Hunger Games are intriguing; they represent a reality that is always looming and can alter our perception of the society we live in today, which combines elements of utopian and dystopian like societies. This book seems like a very raw take on dystopian societies and I'm interested in reading it.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this book when I had read it! I find the concept of immortality.
ReplyDeleteThe book delves into a pretty complex dilemma of immorality vs morality in a place where killing is considered an essential job, and death is only considered an inconvenience—unless you are the one to die, of course.
Nice blog post!
I remember reading this book a while ago and i really liked the way that different characters interacted with the concept of the concept of death in that world. I haven't thought about it in a while, but maybe this review might get me to read the rest of the series!
ReplyDelete