Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Scythe summary
Brief summary
Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a thought-provoking dystopian novel set in a world where death has been conquered. It follows two teens who are chosen to be apprentice Scythes, responsible for ethicallygleaning the population to prevent overpopulation.
Table of Contents
Scythe
Summary of key ideas
Exploring a World Without Death
In Scythe by Neal Shusterman, we are introduced to a world where death has been conquered. People can live forever, and the only way to die is to be gleaned by a Scythe. Scythes are individuals who are tasked with the responsibility of 'gleaning' a certain number of people each year to control the population. The story follows two teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are chosen to be apprentices to Scythe Faraday, a respected and honorable Scythe.
As Citra and Rowan begin their apprenticeship, they are exposed to the grim reality of their world. They witness the different methods of gleaning, from the compassionate to the cruel. They also learn about the political and ethical complexities of being a Scythe. Faraday, their mentor, is a proponent of the traditional, humane ways of gleaning, but they also encounter Scythes who take pleasure in their role and use it for personal gain.
Unraveling the Dark Side of Immortality
As the story progresses, Citra and Rowan's perspectives on their world and their roles as future Scythes begin to shift. They start to question the necessity of their existence and the morality of their actions. Their doubts are further fueled when they are pitted against each other in a deadly competition for the Scythedom, a position that only one of them can hold.
Meanwhile, a group of rogue Scythes, known as the New Order, emerges, challenging the established rules and traditions of gleaning. They believe that the current system is flawed and corrupt, and they are willing to use extreme measures to bring about change. Citra and Rowan find themselves caught in the middle of this power struggle, each forced to make difficult choices that will shape the future of their world.
Confronting the Consequences of Immortality
As the plot unfolds, Scythe delves deeper into the consequences of a world without death. It explores the impact of immortality on human behavior, society, and the value of life itself. The story also raises thought-provoking questions about power, morality, and the nature of humanity.
In the climax, Citra and Rowan's paths diverge, and they find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict. Their once-strong bond is tested as they are forced to confront their beliefs and make decisions that will have far-reaching consequences. The novel ends with a shocking twist, setting the stage for the next installment in the series.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Scythe is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of a dystopian world where death has been conquered. Neal Shusterman skillfully weaves together elements of science fiction, ethics, and political intrigue to create a gripping narrative. The characters are well-developed, and their internal struggles add depth to the story. Overall, Scythe is a captivating start to a series that challenges our perceptions of life, death, and the human condition.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Scythe about?
Scythe by Neal Shusterman is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future where death has been conquered and the population is controlled by a group of individuals known as "scythes." The story follows two teenagers, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen to apprentice a scythe and must grapple with the moral complexities of their new role. It delves into themes of mortality, power, and the consequences of playing god.
Scythe Review
Scythe (2016) explores a future where death is conquered, but a group of individuals must take on the task of population control. Here's why this book is a must-read:
- Featuring moral dilemmas that challenge perceptions of life and death, it prompts deep reflection on ethical issues.
- The intricate world-building and imaginative plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats, making it a captivating read from start to finish.
- With its engaging characters and thought-provoking themes, the book seamlessly blends action and philosophical exploration, ensuring a truly unique reading experience.
Who should read Scythe?
- Readers who enjoy thought-provoking dystopian fiction
- People interested in exploring ethical and moral questions
- Those looking for a captivating and imaginative story with unique characters
Categories with Scythe
Book summaries like Scythe
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
33 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Scythe FAQs
What is the main message of Scythe?
The main message of Scythe is a thought-provoking exploration of mortality, ethics, and the consequences of immortality.
How long does it take to read Scythe?
The estimated reading time for Scythe is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is Scythe a good book? Is it worth reading?
Scythe is worth reading for its compelling storyline and deep philosophical questions. A captivating read.
Who is the author of Scythe?
Neal Shusterman is the author of Scythe.
What to read after Scythe?
If you're wondering what to read next after Scythe, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher