Arc of a Scythe Books in Order

Neal Shusterman's young-adult science-fiction trilogy set in a future where humanity has conquered death and a guild of Scythes is tasked with the grim duty of culling the population. The series follows two teenage apprentices as they navigate the deadly politics and moral weight of becoming professional reapers under the watchful AI known as the Thunderhead.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of Scythe

    Scythe

    2016 · Neal Shusterman

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and disease through an all-knowing AI, the only way people still die is at the hands of Scythes,…

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  2. Cover of Thunderhead

    Thunderhead

    2018 · Neal Shusterman

    A year after the events that upended the Scythedom, the godlike AI known as the Thunderhead watches over a perfect world but is forbidden from…

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  3. Cover of The Toll

    The Toll

    2019 · Neal Shusterman

    In the aftermath of catastrophe, the world reels as the corrupted Scythedom seizes control and the Thunderhead, betrayed, falls silent toward…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Arc of a Scythe books in?

Publication order — Publisher Simon & Schuster and readers widely recommend reading the trilogy in publication order Start with “Scythe.”

How many books are in the Arc of a Scythe series?

We list 3 books by Neal Shusterman , published between 2016–2019.

Where can I buy the Arc of a Scythe books?

Each title above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.