Neal Shusterman

Neal Shusterman is an American author of young adult fiction. He is best known for his books 'Unwind' and 'Scythe', which have received critical acclaim and numerous awards. Shusterman's works often explore complex themes and ethical dilemmas, making them popular among both teens and adults.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Scythe

    Arc of a Scythe

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and the world is governed by an advanced AI, the population must be controlled by Scythes—individuals entrusted with the power to take life. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice Scythes and must learn the art of killing, but as they delve into their grim responsibilities, they uncover the corruption within the Scythedom. As they grapple with the morality of their roles and the political machinations of their superiors, they must decide what kind of Scythes they will become and how they will shape the future of their utopian society.

    The 10794th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Challenger Deep

    The novel delves into the mind of a teenager named Caden Bosch, who grapples with the complexities of mental illness. As Caden's reality blurs with his vivid and often surreal hallucinations, readers are taken on a journey that parallels his internal struggle with a fantastical voyage to the deepest point on Earth. Through this dual narrative, the story explores themes of perception, reality, and the challenges of navigating mental health, ultimately offering a poignant and empathetic portrayal of a young person's battle with schizophrenia.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Unwind

    Set in a dystopian future, the story explores a society where unwanted teenagers can be "unwound," a process that disassembles their bodies for organ donation. The narrative follows three teens—Connor, Risa, and Lev—who are on the run to escape this fate. As they navigate a world that views them as expendable, they grapple with questions of identity, survival, and morality. Their journey challenges the societal norms and forces them to confront their own beliefs about life and freedom.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Toll

    In a world where death has been conquered and Scythes are tasked with controlling the population, the story follows the aftermath of a devastating event that has left society in chaos. As the Thunderhead, an all-knowing AI, is rendered silent to all but one individual, various factions vie for power and control. The narrative weaves through the lives of several characters, including Citra and Rowan, as they navigate a landscape filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and the quest for a new order. The book explores themes of mortality, governance, and the human condition, culminating in a gripping conclusion that challenges the very fabric of their world.

  5. 5. Thunderhead

    Arc of a Scythe

    In a world where death has been conquered and society is governed by an all-knowing AI called the Thunderhead, two young apprentices, Citra and Rowan, navigate the complex and morally challenging role of Scythes, who are tasked with controlling the population by gleaning lives. As they grapple with their responsibilities and the political machinations within the Scythedom, they uncover deep-seated corruption and threats to the balance of their world. Meanwhile, the Thunderhead, though unable to intervene in Scythe affairs, watches over humanity and struggles with its own limitations, setting the stage for a profound exploration of free will, ethics, and the nature of a perfect society.

  6. 6. Un Souled

    Book 3 of the Unwind Dystology

    In a dystopian world where the controversial practice of "unwinding" allows parents to retroactively "abort" their teenagers by harvesting their body parts for transplantation, three teens find themselves on the run, each with their own reasons for escaping this grim fate. As they navigate a society that views them as mere commodities, they form an unlikely alliance, challenging the system that seeks to dismantle them. Their journey is fraught with danger and moral dilemmas, forcing them to confront the value of life, identity, and the essence of humanity itself.

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  7. 7. Un Wholly

    Book Two of the Unwind Dystology

    In a dystopian world where unwanted teens are salvaged for their body parts, a group of resilient young individuals fights for survival and freedom. As they navigate a society that devalues their existence, they form unexpected alliances and confront moral dilemmas that challenge their understanding of humanity. With the threat of being "unwound" looming over them, they must outsmart the system and find a way to reclaim their futures, all while grappling with the ethical complexities of their own identities and the choices they must make to stay alive.

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  8. 8. Dry

    In a dystopian near-future California, a catastrophic drought known as the "Tap-Out" leaves the state without water, plunging society into chaos. The story follows Alyssa and her brother Garrett as they navigate the escalating desperation and violence of their community, seeking safety and survival. As resources dwindle and societal norms crumble, they join forces with unlikely allies, each grappling with their own moral dilemmas and instincts for self-preservation. The narrative explores themes of human resilience, the fragility of civilization, and the lengths people will go to when pushed to the brink.

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  9. 9. Siega

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  11. 11. Full Tilt

    A teenage boy finds himself trapped in a sinister, otherworldly amusement park where each chilling attraction forces him to confront his worst fears; to survive and rescue a friend he must face painful truths about himself, make brutal choices, and discover what courage and responsibility really mean as he struggles to escape the nightmarish games.

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