Books in Order
Neal Shusterman Books in Order
About Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman (born 1962, Brooklyn, New York) is a prolific YA author whose work is known for its high-concept premises, moral philosophy, and willingness to explore death, society, and ethics with unusual seriousness. His Scythe trilogy — set in a future where disease and aging have been conquered and "Scythes" are the only humans authorized to end lives — won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2019. His earlier Unwind dystology (about a future where parents can "unwind" unwanted teenagers — their bodies harvested for parts — while still alive) remains one of the most disturbing and effective dystopian series in YA. He also writes the Challenger Deep standalone and numerous other series.
New to Shusterman? Start with Scythe — it is his best work and the cleanest entry point. If you want something darker, Unwind is extraordinary.
Arc of a Scythe (Scythe Trilogy)
Full Series →The Thunderhead has solved death. Scythes are the only ones who can end lives — and the system is being corrupted.
Book 1![Scythe]()
Scythe
2016
Start here / National Book Award winnerTwo teens are chosen to apprentice as Scythes — those who legally end lives in a post-mortal world. National Book Award winner.
Get this book →Unwind Dystology
A future USA where abortion is illegal but parents can "unwind" teenagers — harvested alive, their parts transplanted. A brutal and compelling premise.
Book 1![Unwind]()
Unwind
2007
Excellent alternative startThree teens scheduled for unwinding go on the run.
Get this book →Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I read Neal Shusterman books?
Scythe and Unwind are independent series — start with either. Most readers today start with Scythe (2016). The Unwind dystology is older but equally compelling. Each series should be read in its own order.
Is Scythe appropriate for all ages?
Scythe deals with death, murder, and moral philosophy but is not gratuitously violent. It is published as YA and is commonly read by ages 13+. The content gets progressively darker in Books 2 and 3. The premise itself — licensed killing — requires reader maturity.
Is the Scythe trilogy complete?
Yes — the trilogy is complete: Scythe (2016), Thunderhead (2018), The Toll (2019). A live-action TV adaptation has been in development.