Scythe

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

In a post-apocalyptic world, teenagers are forced to compete in a deadly annual competition. Katniss Everdeen volunteers to save her sister and becomes a symbol of rebellion against an oppressive government. The novel examines themes of survival, moral choices, and challenging systemic control. Similar to Scythe, it features young protagonists confronting a harsh societal system.

Red Rising

Pierce Brown

In a color-coded society on Mars, a low-ranking Red named Darrow infiltrates the ruling class to overthrow a oppressive system. He undergoes a transformation to challenge the societal hierarchy from within. The novel explores themes of revolution, social stratification, and individual agency. Similar to Scythe, it features a protagonist challenging a seemingly perfect but deeply flawed society.

Divergent

Veronica Roth

In a dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions based on personality traits. Tris Prior discovers she is Divergent, not fitting into any single faction, which makes her dangerous. She must navigate a complex social system while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens her world. Like Scythe, this novel explores a controlled society with young protagonists challenging the established order.

Legend

Marie Lu

In a dystopian future, two teenagers from opposite sides of society—a prodigy and a criminal—become unlikely allies. They uncover government corruption and challenge the system that controls their lives. The novel explores themes of justice, individual choice, and systemic oppression. Like Scythe, it features young characters questioning their society's fundamental rules.

Uglies

Scott Westerfeld

In a world where everyone is transformed to become beautiful at age 16, Tally discovers the dark truth behind the seemingly perfect system. She learns that the transformation comes with hidden psychological manipulation. The novel critiques societal standards and individual freedom. Like Scythe, it examines a controlled society with young protagonists challenging established norms.

The Testing

Joelle Charbonneau

In a post-apocalyptic world, top students are selected for a deadly testing process to become future leaders. Cia Vale must survive a brutal selection that eliminates most candidates. The novel explores themes of survival, individual merit, and systemic manipulation. Similar to Scythe, it features young characters in a high-stakes, controlled environment.

The Selection

Kiera Cass

In a dystopian society divided by a strict caste system, young women compete to marry the prince. America Singer becomes part of the competition but challenges the system's expectations. The novel explores themes of individual choice and societal constraints. Similar to Scythe, it features a young protagonist navigating a controlled social structure.

Matched

Ally Condie

In a society where the government decides everything, including marriage partners, Cassia begins to question the system. She discovers the limitations of her seemingly perfect world and seeks individual choice. The novel explores themes of free will and societal control. Like Scythe, it features a young protagonist challenging a meticulously controlled society.

Delirium

Lauren Oliver

In a world where love is considered a disease and surgically removed, Lena begins to question the system. She discovers the value of emotions and individual choice. The novel explores themes of personal freedom and challenging societal norms. Like Scythe, it features a young protagonist discovering the flaws in a seemingly perfect system.

Article 5

Kristen Simmons

In a dystopian America with strict moral laws, Ember is separated from her mother and must navigate a oppressive system. She challenges the government's control and fights for personal freedom. The novel explores themes of rebellion and individual rights. Similar to Scythe, it features young characters confronting a rigidly controlled society.