Scythe is a fiction book based off of a future Earth where dying of old age, starvation, and sickness doesn't happen. There are enough genetic advances where no-one can die, they can be revived even after a thousand foot fall. People can turn the corner and reset their age. Because of this extended life and the continued procreation, the population on Earth continues to grow. Everything is controlled by a massive computer called the Thunderhead, and because of it efficiency, it can govern everything almost perfectly and can cope with the increased life. In order to attempt and control the population, the scythes were created, they are the only ones that can actually "kill" someone, it is called gleaning. They have specific quotas that they have to reach, for different places, actions, race, time, and everything from "The Age of Mortality." The Thunderhead has no control over the Scythes, they rule themselves and the human nature becomes apparent quickly, with division into parties, corruption, and greed taking the front. This book is about how two apprentices with high morale standards rebel against the corruptions, going above the law to restore the ideals how they should be. Rowan and Citra are chosen by Scythe Faraday for apprenticeship to replace a scythe that committed suicide. Faraday trained them in the art of high morals, how to properly glean (with compassion), and how to stay out of corruption. Faraday dies and because of the unique double apprenticeship, the other scythes said only one can win and whoever does has to kill the other. Citra went to a respectable scythe and continued the same while Rowan was sent to an evil scythe that loved power and killing. He was trained to be ruthless and kill as fast as possible but his morals still guided him and he tried to save as many people as he could from Scythe Goddard (his mentor). Goddard also had control of the High Blade (like a state governor of the scythes) because he had the High Blades illegitimate daughter and was blackmailing him. Rowan finally got sick of it, rebelled and killed Goddard and his followers and returned the High Blades daughter for an exchange in calling off the investigation. He fails the test and Citra wins, but instead of gleaning him, she helps him escape and he becomes a vigilante, taking out corrupt scythe.