Since 2016, the young adult novel “Scythe,” written by Neal Shusterman, has been flying off the shelves. Many young readers have become infatuated with the futuristic world designed by Shusterman. Scythe takes place in a utopian society that is beginning to fall apart. The world is controlled by a computer system known as the “Thunderbird” and scientists have overcome complications such as disease and death. Consequently, overpopulation quickly ensues and society appoints an elite group of reapers who have the power to kill. Two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, are selected to act as apprentices, but only one can become a scythe. Citra learns from a respectable and humane woman named Scythe Curie, while Rowan tries to remember who he is as his psychopathic mentor attempts to turn him into a weapon. In the end, Citra and Rowan are forced to compete despite their romantic feelings for each other. 

Shusterman eliminates numerous important and entertaining characters too quickly, and the novel’s continuous violence makes it hard to immerse yourself in the romance portion of the novel. Nevertheless, “Scythe” is an entertaining young adult novel with underlying themes of corruption and justice that is worthy of three and a half stars out of five. This novel is worthy of this rating because the author tackles big themes such as compassion, but keeps the reader interested with plot twists and fight scenes. Ultimately, the readers come for the action, but end up staying for the characters and the hardships that they endure.