Scythe by Neal Shusterman

In 2041, what we currently call "the cloud" morphed into a version of AI called "the Thundercloud" that was able to solve all of the world's problems. Death has been basically eliminated - all manner of illness and injury can be cured, and pain is a thing of the past. Thundercloud stops the effects of global warming, and calculates how to best use the world's resources so that no one goes hungry. It's also made government completely irrelevant. However, to stop overpopulation, people called Scythes have to glean, or permanently kill, random members of the population.

Scythe follows two teens, Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

My Verdict:

The ethical implications of gleaning are pretty huge, and the examination of killing and its purpose are what really makes the book a fun read. I did wonder, though, if there might have been more humane solution.

I also found it odd that the Scythes were the only group of people that operated outside of Thundercloud. Why? Thundercloud literally solved ALL of humanity's/the earth's problems, but this, life and death, one of the arguably most important problems, they left up to humans?

Overall, I enjoyed the book and Shusterman's writing. I give this book 4 stars.