Scythe

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

In a dystopian future, teenagers are forced to participate in a deadly competition that challenges societal norms. The story follows Katniss Everdeen as she fights for survival and rebellion against an oppressive government. Like Scythe, it explores themes of mortality, social control, and young people confronting brutal systemic challenges.

Red Rising

Pierce Brown

In a color-coded society on Mars, Darrow, a low-born Red, infiltrates the ruling class to overthrow a brutal hierarchy. The novel explores themes of social stratification, rebellion, and personal transformation. Like Scythe, it features a young protagonist challenging a seemingly immutable system of control.

Unwind

Neal Shusterman

In a world where teenagers can be 'unwound' - their body parts harvested for transplants - three teens fight for survival and challenge the system. Written by the same author as Scythe, the novel shares similar themes of mortality, bodily autonomy, and societal ethics.

The Giver

Lois Lowry

In a seemingly perfect society that has eliminated pain and strife, Jonas is selected to become the Receiver of Memory. He discovers the dark truth behind his community's apparent utopia. The book shares Scythe's philosophical exploration of life, death, and the cost of societal perfection.

Divergent

Veronica Roth

In a post-apocalyptic Chicago, society is divided into factions based on personality traits. Tris Prior discovers she is Divergent, which makes her dangerous to the established order. The novel examines themes of individual choice versus societal expectations, similar to Scythe's exploration of life, death, and human agency.

The 5th Wave

Rick Yancey

Cassie Sullivan fights for survival in a world devastated by alien invasions. The novel explores themes of human resilience, moral complexity, and survival against overwhelming odds. Like Scythe, it features a young protagonist navigating a world where traditional rules no longer apply.

Partials

Dan Wells

In a post-apocalyptic world where humans are nearly extinct and battling synthetic beings called Partials, Kira seeks to save humanity. The book shares Scythe's exploration of complex moral questions about life, survival, and technological intervention.

Legend

Marie Lu

Two teenagers from opposite sides of a dystopian society become entangled in a complex web of conspiracy and rebellion. Day, a criminal, and June, a prodigy, challenge the corrupt government's systems. The book shares Scythe's interest in young protagonists navigating morally complex worlds.

Delirium

Lauren Oliver

In a society where love is considered a disease and must be cured, Lena begins to question the government's control. Her journey of rebellion mirrors the themes in Scythe about challenging established systems and finding individual meaning.

Variant

Robison Wells

Benson Fisher discovers his new boarding school is a complex, controlled environment with dark secrets. The novel explores themes of institutional control and individual rebellion, resonating with Scythe's philosophical examination of societal systems.

Uglies

Scott Westerfeld

In a world where everyone is transformed into a 'pretty' at age 16, Tally uncovers the sinister truth behind the cosmetic surgery. The novel critiques societal standards and individual freedom, echoing Scythe's themes of challenging established systems and questioning moral boundaries.

Article 5

Kristen Simmons

In a militaristic society governed by strict moral articles, Ember fights against a repressive regime. The novel explores themes of resistance, personal freedom, and challenging systemic injustice, similar to the philosophical underpinnings of Scythe.

Matched

Ally Condie

Cassia begins to question the Society's rigid control over personal choices, especially romantic partnerships. When she falls for a boy who doesn't match her assigned partner, she challenges the system's predetermined life paths. The book mirrors Scythe's exploration of individual agency versus societal control.

The Selection

Kiera Cass

America Singer is chosen to compete for the prince's hand in a dystopian society stratified by caste. While more romantic, the novel shares Scythe's interest in challenging societal structures and individual choice within rigid systems.