SCYTHE | THUNDER HEAD (Arc of a Scythe) - Neal Shusterman

1. Scythe

• Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction
• Plot Summary: In the world of "Scythe," people no longer die from natural causes or accidents. Instead, population control is maintained by Scythes—individuals who are authorized to end lives to keep the population in balance. The story follows two teenagers, Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch, who are chosen as apprentices to a Scythe. They are thrust into a rigorous and morally complex training process, and as they navigate their roles, they uncover darker aspects of the Scythe’s society and the political machinations within the organization.

2. Thunderhead

• Genre: Dystopian Science Fiction
• Plot Summary: "Thunderhead" continues the story from "Scythe" and explores the implications of the Thunderhead's expanding role in society. The Thunderhead is a superintelligent AI that governs and manages the world, but it has its limitations when it comes to the Scythedom. The story delves into the consequences of the Thunderhead’s desire for control and the emerging conflicts within the Scythes’ ranks. As the protagonists deal with the fallout from their previous choices, new challenges arise that threaten the delicate balance of their society.