Scythe (Arc of a Scythe, #1)

by Neal Shusterman

When it was decided that people needed to die in order to ease the tide of population growth, it was also decided that this must be the responsibility of humans. Bridge repair and urban planning could be handled by the Thunderhead, but taking a life was an act of conscience and consciousness. Since it could not be proven that the Thunderhead had either, the Scythedom was born.

“I feel bad for you,” said Citra. “Even when you’re food shopping, death is hiding right behind the milk.”

Have not a hand in the blade with abandon, Cull from the fold all the brazen and bold, For a dog who just might, Love the bark and the bite, Is a carrion raven, the craven of old.

“Every scythe has his or her method. That happens to be mine. In the Age of Mortality, death would often come with no warning. It is our task to mimic what we’ve stolen from nature—and so that is the face of death I’ve chosen to recreate. My gleanings are always instantaneous and always public, lest people forget what we do, and why we must do it.”