Scythe

Contributed by Eli, gr. 12, June 2019

I was not amazed by this sci-fi novel, which came as a surprise since I had seen many positive reviews, but I do plan to continue the series. The premise is that, hundreds of years from now, humans can only die if they are selected by “scythes” -- people who keep population growth under control. While it is a young adult book, it leans toward the younger end of YA fiction, and definitely focuses more on plot than character development.

 The main reasons I did not love this novel are the overly simple and sometimes repetitive writing, and that the major characters’ feelings and personalities are described instead of shown to the reader. However, it is a strong narrative in its intense action, thought-provoking themes, and realistic conflict (although the villains are exaggerated and I could not always take them seriously). The world-building and pacing are not consistently impressive, but in the best moments -- combined with several well- executed plot developments -- they make for a true page-turner. The author wraps up the primary issues while still leaving questions about the characters’ futures, so the first installment in this series can work as a single story.

I would recommend Scythe to grade 9s and 10s in search of a fast, entertaining tale with minimal romance, but that also tackles moral and philosophical dilemmas. The satirical atmosphere may not appeal to everybody, but could be ideal for people who do not want to become deeply invested in the protagonists. Readers should also be warned of violent elements including self-inflicted injury, and that there are occasionally insulting jokes made about side characters due to their appearance.

Nyxia

Contributed by Eli, gr. 12, June 2019

 

This novel is fast-paced and engaging, but it focuses more on the action and plot twists than on character development or a complex writing style, which may be seen as either a strength or a flaw depending on the reader. Nyxia is a futuristic sci-fi adventure, mostly set on a spaceship and following a group of teenagers who are hired by a wealthy company to take part in a high-stakes competition, the reason for their recruitment unknown. I did not expect the contest to span the entirety of the story and
serve as the main plotline, but I enjoyed watching the narrator strategize while also trying to investigate what his employers have planned for him.
 

The best aspects of this book are the company’s inventive challenges and the technology aboard the spaceship, as well as representation of characters who come from all over the world. However, because it is plot-driven and the teenagers view each other as rivals, I found myself wishing for more interactions and bonds formed between them (though this may become prominent in the rest of the series). The second problem I had while reading is that the narrator’s matter-of-fact tone makes it difficult to figure out why the antagonists are so hateful, how dangerous the competition is intended to be, and what exactly will happen to the contestants who do not win; this causes some inconsistency in the level of tension.
 
I would primarily recommend Nyxia to readers in grades 9-10 who like speculative fiction and are in search of excitement. The novel contains violence and a few romantic scenes, and it reminded me of popular YA books from several years ago, especially the ones that featured a competition - The Hunger Games, Divergent, etc. - but with more emphasis on current issues like prejudice and the struggles of affording medical treatment. I was surprised that the actual sci-fi elements such as aliens are not a huge part of the story, but the ending and the reviews I have seen suggest that they play a larger role in the sequel, so this might appeal to anyone looking for a new series.

 

Book Bites: quick picks

Contributed by Madhi, grade 12 -- June 2018

This science fiction novel feels real and gripping.

The story starts with the arrival of the crew of NASA’s Area 3 mission on Mars. When an intense dust storm hits, Mark is hurt then left for dead.  

What will he do to survive?  Will he survive?