What Would the World Be Like If Death Was Regulated?

The concept of this book had me intrigued as soon as I read the back cover. As the title reveals, this book entertains the idea of appointed people known as 'scythes' to be administers of death in a future free from the clutches of mortality. Main characters Rowan and Citra find themselves wrapped up in the responsibilities of an apprenticeship to one day become these givers of death -- a responsibility that they are initially repulsed by. But, shockingly enough, a repulsion of the position is the first requirement to qualify. All that to say, this story follows these two young apprentices in their endeavors to compete for one available spot in the realm of scythes, known as the Scythedom. Along the way, political corruption, internal turmoil, and forbidden love all spiral to make a thoroughly interesting and well-written story of life pitted against death. There is also a newly released sequel following the events that wrap up this novel.

Some of my favorite quotes from this novel:

​"Hope in the shadow of fear is the world's most powerful motivator."

"I think all young women are cursed with a streak of unrelenting foolishness, and all young men are cursed with a streak of absolute stupidity."

"Without the threat of suffering, we can't experience true joy."

"Human nature is both predictable and mysterious; prone to great and sudden advances, yet still mired in despicable self-interest."

"Death makes the whole world kin. Rowan wondered if a world without death would then make everyone stranger."

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