Scythe

I can't say enough good things about this book. It is officially one of the best novels I have ever read.

It was charged with emotion from start to finish. The characters were exceptional, well thought-out, deep, and filled with flaws that were relatable. The storyline is unique and rife with the appropriate level of moral and ethical dilemma you hope to see in a Young Adult novel. This book has the ability to guide and direct readers to ask themselves excellent questions.

On a deeper level, there are some incredible style points that you usually are advised to avoid as a writer—which Shusterman does anyway—and he is incomprehensibly successful. For example, he hops between character points of view within the same chapter. He does so with an added hard return between paragraphs but, still, he does it. When he does, it's not forced, or awkward, or confusing. Who gets away with breaking rules like that? Well, Shusterman...I guess.

The one grievance I had was the selection of one character name. It's not a show-stopper but I was bothered by it.