Foretelling a possible dystopian future, the Scythe features a world of immorality ruled by a sentient, all-knowing AI called the Thunderhead. However, death is still a necessity for humans as a result of the overpopulation on earth, causing humanity to form the scythes—similar to real-life grim reapers. They are chosen from billions of humans to kill anybody they wish—be it mass murder or a public execution—and are not under the control of the Thunderhead. Featuring Citra Terranova, a newly appointed scythe apprentice, she navigates her conscience through a world a murder as she competes for the scythe position against a fellow scythe apprentice she might have to kill.

The Scythe is a heart wrenching story that leaves people wondering if this could possibly happen in the future given Earth’s direction towards AI. The author beautifully characterizes the motives and backstories all plot characters, leaving no plot hole overturned.

What I loved the most was rather than telling the obvious story of overthrowing the ‘tyrannical rule’ of the scythes, we learn the scythes’ story instead. While many people feared the scythes, not all scythes were willing to become one, similar to Citra’s situation. As a scythe, they needed to leave behind their humanity and family and walk a solitary path alone as a murderer. But even through all that, they’re still human. The author cleverly details the inner struggles of many scythes who committed suicide due to their conscience, others who lavished in the power, and finally some who killed with compassion.

Additionally, many political schemes arise in the scythe world as beliefs over mass execution vs. private murder clash. What lengths would humans go through with the power to kill anyone?

Overall, this is one of my favorite dystopian books and I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in dystopian!

The Scythe by Neal Shusterman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Near the end of the school year, my English class read a book called Unwind. Unwind is a well-known dystopian novel among middle schoolers such as myself. Unwind takes place in the United States in the future. In this world, there are many twisted laws. One of these laws includes parents being able to send their kids off to get unwound. This means that the kid will be sent off to get used for their body parts, which basically kills them. This law sets up the entire plot for the book and makes the book a page-turner and an exciting and easy read.

   At the beginning of the book, we get introduced to three kids named Connor, Risa, and Lev who have all been sent to be unwound. These three meet by escaping from Juvey cops while being transported to be unwound. From here they travel to a school where Lev turns in Conner and Risa and simultaneously causes a huge scene where Connor and Risa are able to run away and part ways with Lev. As the book continues we follow the journey of Connor and Risa until they find their way to a sanctuary for unwinds like themselves. We also follow Lev’s complicated journey who also ends up finding himself at the sanctuary with the other two. As the story continues Lev runs away from Connor and Risa, separating the trio again. Soon after, their lives interlink again, which leaves them with some events that help contribute to stopping unwinding.

Unwind is easily one of the best books I’ve ever read. The easy-to-like characters and the suspenseful and breathtaking moments in the book were my favorite parts. Almost every character in the story is very likable and respectable in their own unique way. Some characters are more entertaining than others such as one of the main characters, Connor who is a hothead, which causes many action-packed and engaging events. Some moments that stood out for me include when Conner, Risa, and Lev team up after escaping and when Lev betrays the other two. If you are in middle and even high school and haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend it to you. If you have read the novel I’m sure reading this again will do nothing but good. This book contains many topics such as betrayal and heroic moments that will intrigue kids in middle and high school.

Overall, Unwind is one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. I loved all of it, but if I had to choose which parts of the book were the best I’d pick the descriptive action moments and the likable and fun characters. As you continue to read you’ll be able to imagine the scenes in the story making the book a page-turner. Once you finish the book you’ll be begging for more. I highly recommend this book to anyone even if you’ve read it before.

-Matthew R.

Unwind by Neal Shusterman is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.