In today's world, we expect Death to approach us slowly. There are several causes as to why this happens: hunger, war, old age, etc.. Sometimes even the greatest heroes die. Sometimes the darkest villains will rest eternally. But in this book, humanity has overcome those things. Sickness and the causes of death. We have these grim reapers, preferably known as Scythes, to kill those who need to be killed, to balance the population. Unfortunately the overgrowing population will never balance itself. Being a scythe, you have to choose who to kill... there will be a certain type given to you like: someone who is heroic... or something like that. In this world... they don't call it killing--- no, it's not like that. They call it, "gleaning." This allows the vast majority of the world to be frightened for them. Scythes are chosen. And there are two types of them. Those who are compassionate and those who enjoy being the highest rule (them being scythes) in all humanity has come to know. They have these rings that grant a certain person immunity--- which is pretty cool, but it gives them an advantage over mortals... An immunity will last for one year only, so, yeah. This book is a page-turner, so addicting (in my opinion), and I never know what comes next. The book follows Rowan and Citra, two 16-year-olds who met a certain scythe: Scythe Faraday. Both of them are suddenly invited to an opera house, and the scythe tells them that these two will compete into being scythes. The one who's rejected will be granted immunity and go back to their daily lives. Pretty simple, right? I was having fun in this world, even if, like nothing interesting happened. But, then, I'm introduced to this guy--Goddard--- who's known for enjoying "gleaning" mortals. It basically sounds like murder (Take note: It is). He loves blood, and wants more gleaning. In the first test of all apprentices, Goddard notices Faraday's apprentices. He said it was odd that Faraday had two and Faraday replied that they're competing for the scythe's ring. Okay, so before you ask me what Rowan and Citra thought about being a scythe, I'll tell you that they absolutely hated it and are disgusted into being one. But here's the thing. They have families. And if you were a scythe, your families can't be gleaned, unless you die. Aaaaaaand back to the topic. Their first test occurs in a conclave--- like... a reunion of scythes... or something. I don't know how to explain it. The first test hasn't begun, but when all scythes are meeting, each scythe stands up and recite each person they gleaned (the ones that were honorable enough to be gleaned), and after all of them are done, they all wash their hands. Kind of like a ritual to them, or a tradition--- call it what you will. Goddard suddenly stands up and raises the topic of Faraday's apprentices. I asked myself, "What is he doing..?"
But then I realized that he's this bloodthirsty animal.
"He's... he's gonna make them fight to the death, isn't he..."
And yup. He did. The High Blade (Leader of Scythes, as I like to call him) accepted it... A few days, Citra and Rowan don't talk. They feel awkward, as soon as Faraday leaves for a gleaning. Even if it was awkward... I was wondering what took Faraday so long in the next few pages... The next thing you know--- he gleaned himself. (A scythe gleaning his or herself is just suicide, because they can't bear the pain of taking a person's life, and it feels like a hefty burden to them). Then, after that...
Goddard wishes to have both of Faraday's apprentices. Oh, how I knew he was going to enjoy it. But then a legendary scythe known as Scythe Curie claims one of them: Citra. This is the part where I cried: not only for Faraday but for their separation. Especially as Rowan is officially stuck with Goddard. So, okay, Imma fast forward: The plot slowly becomes a mystery to find out if Faraday was killed (gleaned) or not.
Then after that---- Fast forward. Rowan's character development: Amazing. It may be slow, a good slow, but it was a fast paced book for me. I suggest you read this book---an fantastic read. His character is the one I've seen developed really well, and the writing style just suits it. And it's just in 335 pages?! Wow! And Citra transforms into this surprising woman who I'd never thought she'd become. I only thought of her as a genius and a to-be-a-fantastic scythe. But as we come to an end, before she gleans Rowan (because the winner has to glean the loser), she punches him, where her ring was, because before this (when Goddard was still alive), he broke her neck. Just so she will never forgive him. TO make things easier between them (MY SWEET, CUTE ROWAN). Then someone stands up, before Citra gleans him: "NO! DON'T DO IT! HE HAS IMMUNITY!"
I don't know why but that was unexpected. Guys... this girl is a ge-ni-us. I can't BELIEVE it. This smart little cookie... As she was ordained, she became known as Scythe Anastasia (romanov)--- and in her journal, before book one ends, Rowan becomes a scythe, who isn't ordained, but who swears that he'll glean all the villainous scythes, like how he killed Goddard. (SO BADA$$, GUYS). A little not before I end this: Every scythes's robe is colorful, preventing death as a sign of something dark and dull. But guess what color is Rowan's robe? You guessed it right. This time, I can't wait for the second book (Thunderhead). Because I think Rowan has just become the greatest Grim Reaper to ever live.
