Scythe

Scythe is a dystopian young adult novel by Neal Shusterman set in a future where humanity has conquered death through the advances of technology. The society is governed by the Thunderhead, an omnipotent AI that manages all aspects of life except for the taking of life, which is the responsibility of Scythes. Scythes are tasked with controlling population growth by selecting individuals to 'glean' or kill. The story follows two teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are chosen to be apprentice Scythes under the tutelage of the honorable Scythe Faraday. Throughout their apprenticeship, they learn about the heavy burden of responsibility that comes with the power to take life, and they grapple with moral and ethical dilemmas associated with their roles. As they navigate the politics and corruption within the Scythedom, Citra and Rowan find themselves at odds with a new order of Scythes who glean with less compassion and restraint. The book explores themes of mortality, justice, and power, and challenges the idea of a perfect, deathless world.