I cannot recommend this series enough. Brilliant. Touching. Thoughtful. The Arc of a Scythe series is quickly toping my list of books that I think anyone and everyone should read. Thunderhead is set a year after we last saw Citra and Rowan in Scythe and the growing tensions and divided loyalties within the Scythedom have only escalated. Now on the brink of total and devastating revolution, the Scythedom--and perhaps even all of humanity--relies on the actions of two teenagers. Naturally, Shusterman uses this second book to expand the Scythe world and its cast of characters: the titular Thunderhead (the omniscient governing consciousness over society) is given plenty of fresh and fascinating attention. But Thunderhead is in and of itself a deep exploration of not only the perennial question of what it means to be human, but also of some of the biggest and most pressing issues of our time. Ultimately, Shusterman delivers a gripping, page-turner story, yet all the while gives us completely thought-provoking material on the past, present, and future of humanity. Thunderhead is a novel deftly written and one that is utterly absorbing to read.
Poignant. Perfect. My highest recommendation and my deepest implore: read. this. book.
-Kelly
— Kelly
I cannot recommend this series enough. Brilliant. Touching. Thoughtful. The Arc of a Scythe series is quickly topping my list of books that I think anyone and everyone should read. Thunderhead is set a year after we last saw Citra and Rowan in Scythe and the growing tensions and divided loyalties within the Scythedom have only escalated. Now on the brink of total and devastating revolution, the Scythedom--and perhaps even all of humanity--relies on the actions of two teenagers. Naturally, Shusterman uses this second book to expand the Scythe world and its cast of characters: the titular Thunderhead (the omniscient governing consciousness over society) is given plenty of fresh and fascinating attention. But Thunderhead is in and of itself a deep exploration of not only the perennial question of what it means to be human, but also of some of the biggest and most pressing issues of our time. Ultimately, Shusterman delivers a gripping, page-turner story, yet all the while gives us completely thought-provoking material on the past, present, and future of humanity. Thunderhead is a novel deftly written and one that is utterly absorbing to read.
Poignant. Perfect. My highest recommendation and my deepest implore: read. this. book.
“Intelligent and entertaining.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Even better than the first book.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times bestseller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
Humans learn from their mistakes. I cannot. I make no mistakes.
The Thunderhead is the perfect ruler of a perfect world, but it has no control over the scythedom. A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Old foes and new enemies converge, and as corruption within the Scythedom spreads, Rowan and Citra begin to lose hope. Will the Thunderhead intervene?
Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
About the Author
Neal Shusterman is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty award-winning books for children, teens, and adults, including the Unwind dystology, the Skinjacker trilogy, Downsiders, and Challenger Deep, which won the National Book Award. Scythe, the first book in his series Arc of a Scythe is a Michael L. Printz Honor Book. He also writes screenplays for motion pictures and television shows. Neal is the father of four, all of whom are talented writers and artists themselves. Visit Neal at StoryMan.com and Facebook.com/NealShusterman.
Praise For…
"Interweaving heady questions of morality, responsibility, loyalty, and power, Shusterman builds to a devastatingly intense conclusion that sends the characters and larger world into terrifying new territory." — Publishers Weekly *STARRED REVIEW
"Shusterman widens the already impressive scope of his near-future utopia while also keeping a deft finger on the pulse of our own turbulent times. Exceptionally clear-eyed and brutal in its execution." — Booklist, *STARRED REVIEW
"This sequel digs deeper into Shusterman's complex world and complicated characters... relish this intelligent and entertaining blend of dark humor and high death tolls." — Kirkus, *STARRED REVIEW
