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A review by orionmerlin
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Characters: 9/10
The characters in Scythe are memorable, particularly Citra and Rowan, whose contrasting personalities drive the story. The secondary characters, like Scythe Faraday and Scythe Curie, are distinctive and crucial to the narrative, adding depth and stakes. Each character's motives and internal struggles are well-defined, and I found it easy to care about their fates. While some villains felt slightly archetypal, the complexity of the central cast more than compensated for this.
The characters in Scythe are memorable, particularly Citra and Rowan, whose contrasting personalities drive the story. The secondary characters, like Scythe Faraday and Scythe Curie, are distinctive and crucial to the narrative, adding depth and stakes. Each character's motives and internal struggles are well-defined, and I found it easy to care about their fates. While some villains felt slightly archetypal, the complexity of the central cast more than compensated for this.
Atmosphere/Setting: 10/10
The worldbuilding in Scythe is exceptional. I could vividly picture the utopian world where death is eradicated and mortality is governed by the Scythedom. The blend of futuristic technology with ancient moral dilemmas created a gripping atmosphere. From the chilling ceremony of gleanings to the enigmatic Thunderhead, every setting and scene felt palpable and integral to the story.
The worldbuilding in Scythe is exceptional. I could vividly picture the utopian world where death is eradicated and mortality is governed by the Scythedom. The blend of futuristic technology with ancient moral dilemmas created a gripping atmosphere. From the chilling ceremony of gleanings to the enigmatic Thunderhead, every setting and scene felt palpable and integral to the story.
Writing Style: 9/10
Shusterman's prose is clean, accessible, and evocative. The balance between dialogue and narration was effective, and the book became a page-turner for me. The writing flowed effortlessly, and I found the journal excerpts from scythes between chapters added philosophical depth. Shusterman’s ability to weave complex themes into an engaging narrative impressed me, and I’d eagerly pick up another of his books.
Shusterman's prose is clean, accessible, and evocative. The balance between dialogue and narration was effective, and the book became a page-turner for me. The writing flowed effortlessly, and I found the journal excerpts from scythes between chapters added philosophical depth. Shusterman’s ability to weave complex themes into an engaging narrative impressed me, and I’d eagerly pick up another of his books.
Plot: 8.5/10
The plot felt unique and thought-provoking, with a well-paced blend of action, intrigue, and introspection. The moral quandaries and societal critiques elevated the story above typical YA fare. While some sections, particularly the training sequences, dragged slightly, the plot twists and climactic moments kept me invested. The ending was satisfying while leaving room for the sequels to build on.
The plot felt unique and thought-provoking, with a well-paced blend of action, intrigue, and introspection. The moral quandaries and societal critiques elevated the story above typical YA fare. While some sections, particularly the training sequences, dragged slightly, the plot twists and climactic moments kept me invested. The ending was satisfying while leaving room for the sequels to build on.
Intrigue: 9/10
Scythe consistently kept me engaged. The stakes and moral complexity made it hard to put down. Shusterman built tension masterfully, and I found myself constantly wondering how the characters would navigate the ethical minefield of the Scythedom. I was drawn back to the book whenever I put it down.
Scythe consistently kept me engaged. The stakes and moral complexity made it hard to put down. Shusterman built tension masterfully, and I found myself constantly wondering how the characters would navigate the ethical minefield of the Scythedom. I was drawn back to the book whenever I put it down.
Logic/Relationships: 8.5/10
The relationships and character motives felt believable and aligned well with the world’s established rules. The logic of the Scythedom and its traditions was clear, and I didn’t encounter any plot holes. The dynamics between Citra and Rowan, as well as their individual relationships with Scythe Faraday and Scythe Curie, were emotionally compelling. While the worldbuilding leaned on exposition at times, it was effective and added to my understanding of the story.
The relationships and character motives felt believable and aligned well with the world’s established rules. The logic of the Scythedom and its traditions was clear, and I didn’t encounter any plot holes. The dynamics between Citra and Rowan, as well as their individual relationships with Scythe Faraday and Scythe Curie, were emotionally compelling. While the worldbuilding leaned on exposition at times, it was effective and added to my understanding of the story.
Enjoyment: 9/10
I thoroughly enjoyed Scythe. Its blend of action, ethical dilemmas, and character growth kept me hooked, and the pace rarely faltered. It’s a story that has lingered in my mind long after I finished it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Scythe. Its blend of action, ethical dilemmas, and character growth kept me hooked, and the pace rarely faltered. It’s a story that has lingered in my mind long after I finished it.