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Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, and the Thunderhead is not pleased.Tags
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The second book in Neal Shusterman's Arc of a Scythe series, THUNDERHEAD, is a tale of two stories. On the one hand, not much happens as most of the novel is a build-up to the book's climax. On the other hand, that ending is insane! It is dark and disturbing and simultaneously somewhat predictable and utterly unpredictable. I didn't think Mr. Shusterman would go as dark as he did, yet the story is better for his brutality. After all, people who kill other people are the heart of the story. I have no idea how the series will end or even how the story will continue after everything that happens at the end of THUNDERHEAD, and I'm excited to see what happens!
Wow! I never expected to like this series, but it hooked me from chapter one of book one and has held me captive ever since. It's particularly strange since the story revolves around killing. But in a world where death can be reversed and people can live forever, there needs to be another system in place to control the population.
Into this world, a rogue not-quite-scythe has begun killing corrupt scythes. A junior scythe chooses a risky method for gleaning that places her and her mentor at risk. Several old characters are resurrected while several new ones are introduced. And the stakes are higher than ever.
I was amazed by all the twists this story took. Horrified by quite a few, but also always rooting for good to win against the odds. show more The ending made me so thankful that book 3 is already published. Not sure I would have survived that if I was reading this as it was being written. I also found the religious system fascinating. It goes to show that no matter what the world looks like, there are some who will always seek a slightly more personal higher power than a mechanical interface. I eagerly anticipate the grand finale in book 3. show less
Into this world, a rogue not-quite-scythe has begun killing corrupt scythes. A junior scythe chooses a risky method for gleaning that places her and her mentor at risk. Several old characters are resurrected while several new ones are introduced. And the stakes are higher than ever.
I was amazed by all the twists this story took. Horrified by quite a few, but also always rooting for good to win against the odds. show more The ending made me so thankful that book 3 is already published. Not sure I would have survived that if I was reading this as it was being written. I also found the religious system fascinating. It goes to show that no matter what the world looks like, there are some who will always seek a slightly more personal higher power than a mechanical interface. I eagerly anticipate the grand finale in book 3. show less
This was an excellent continuation to an amazing series. Often the second book in a trilogy is filler and less interesting, but I found this book fascinating, and I particularly enjoyed seeing the Thunderhead's progression.
I am sympathetic to the Tonists; as if all religions aren't artificial?The vindication that they have when the "resonance" happens made me happy.
The introduction of Greyson to the story was great too; sometimes a new character isn't as interesting, but I found him very compelling.And his exploration of the unsavory status prepares us for the marking of all humans as unsavory in book 3.
I am sympathetic to the Tonists; as if all religions aren't artificial?
The introduction of Greyson to the story was great too; sometimes a new character isn't as interesting, but I found him very compelling.
This book killed me! So much craziness going on through out the book. I just want to save everyone. Grayson got the worst of it I think. Going undercover as an unsavory, then having your only contact gleaned so no one knows who you actually are and then having to go in hiding. I wish the Thunderhead could make exceptions and freaking communicate with people!! That's the most infuriating thing. So much could have been changed and saved if he would have just told people what was happening! Tyger gets murdered, Marie self gleans, all the High Blades died, oh my god. This book was so crazy and now I have to wait who knows how long for the 3rd book. Dang it Shusterman, you know how to keep an audience on the edge!
First published at Booking in Heels.
Even though I lunged for my copy of Thunderhead pretty as soon as it dropped through my door, I wasn’t convinced I was going to like it as much as Scythe. The world-building aspects and the gleaning parts would surely be over and done with, and the over-arching plot would begin in earnest. I already knew that Citra became a Scythe whilst Rowan did not and, now that that aspect had concluded, Thunderhead may start to suffer from Second Book Syndrome. I also didn’t have a whole lot of interest in the Thunderhead itself, the almost-omnipotent artifically intelligent being that overlooks society. Conclusions? Well, I ended up being simultaneously right and wrong.
It is a lot more political and I was show more correct in that the world-building is finished. There are hardly any descriptions of actual gleanings or the Scythes going about their daily routine, which is the part I liked most about the first book. There are different affiliations within the Scythedom about whether restrictions should be imposed on the amount of people gleaned, what methods can be used, etc – essentially whether it should remain with its traditional routes, or move forward into a New Order. There’s a lot of political wrangling. It’s not that it’s not interesting, but I wasn’t as glued to it as I was to Scythe.
Or not for the first two thirds or so, anyway. There’s a twist that I did not see coming, and after that the plot sprinted forward at a breakneck pace. Some of the ideas and the devices used are just… unthinkable. I would never in a million years have been able to come up with such ingenious ideas and, honestly, I’m grateful I got to read the work of somebody who could.
I was actually a lot more interested in the Thunderhead than I thought I would be, simply because so much effort has been put into making her/it appear like a person. Yes, she is artificial, but she has preferences and frustrations all of her own. Instead of reading excerpts from the Scythes’ diaries, in this book we see extracts from the Thunderhead’s personal logs. She is unable to affect any influence on any issue pertaining to the Scythes, but is able to foresee the outcome of their actions, which causes her to rail against her virtual prison. It’s honestly done so, so well and the end of the book reflects her views on the matter perfectly. The Thunderhead is actually one of the best things about this book, which is bizarre considering I was expecting to have to suffer through it!
The overall best thing, however, is the ending. Fucking hell. It has to be one of the best, most shocking endings to any book, ever. I was really into the events that unfolded at the end of Thunderhead – it was very dramatic and nailbiting, and it was done really well in itself. But the actual ending? UNBELIEVABLE. I don’t think I’ve ever needed the next book in a series quite as much ever, and that is high praise indeed. Seriously though… that ending. Fuck.
What else? Oh, I’m still not buying into Citra and Rowan’s romance, but whatever. It’s a very minor part of the whole plot and doesn’t crop up often. I’ll survive.
Goodreads seems to think the next book will be called The Toll and will be released in 2019 but, considering Amazon doesn’t seem to think it’s A Thing yet, I’m trying to take deep breaths and not get too excited. I need it desperately though. In short, for a book I had medium expectations for, it is unbelievable. Even if it’s a little slow to start, I ended up even loving the parts I thought I’d hate, at that ending has to be read to be believed. show less
Even though I lunged for my copy of Thunderhead pretty as soon as it dropped through my door, I wasn’t convinced I was going to like it as much as Scythe. The world-building aspects and the gleaning parts would surely be over and done with, and the over-arching plot would begin in earnest. I already knew that Citra became a Scythe whilst Rowan did not and, now that that aspect had concluded, Thunderhead may start to suffer from Second Book Syndrome. I also didn’t have a whole lot of interest in the Thunderhead itself, the almost-omnipotent artifically intelligent being that overlooks society. Conclusions? Well, I ended up being simultaneously right and wrong.
It is a lot more political and I was show more correct in that the world-building is finished. There are hardly any descriptions of actual gleanings or the Scythes going about their daily routine, which is the part I liked most about the first book. There are different affiliations within the Scythedom about whether restrictions should be imposed on the amount of people gleaned, what methods can be used, etc – essentially whether it should remain with its traditional routes, or move forward into a New Order. There’s a lot of political wrangling. It’s not that it’s not interesting, but I wasn’t as glued to it as I was to Scythe.
Or not for the first two thirds or so, anyway. There’s a twist that I did not see coming, and after that the plot sprinted forward at a breakneck pace. Some of the ideas and the devices used are just… unthinkable. I would never in a million years have been able to come up with such ingenious ideas and, honestly, I’m grateful I got to read the work of somebody who could.
I was actually a lot more interested in the Thunderhead than I thought I would be, simply because so much effort has been put into making her/it appear like a person. Yes, she is artificial, but she has preferences and frustrations all of her own. Instead of reading excerpts from the Scythes’ diaries, in this book we see extracts from the Thunderhead’s personal logs. She is unable to affect any influence on any issue pertaining to the Scythes, but is able to foresee the outcome of their actions, which causes her to rail against her virtual prison. It’s honestly done so, so well and the end of the book reflects her views on the matter perfectly. The Thunderhead is actually one of the best things about this book, which is bizarre considering I was expecting to have to suffer through it!
The overall best thing, however, is the ending. Fucking hell. It has to be one of the best, most shocking endings to any book, ever. I was really into the events that unfolded at the end of Thunderhead – it was very dramatic and nailbiting, and it was done really well in itself. But the actual ending? UNBELIEVABLE. I don’t think I’ve ever needed the next book in a series quite as much ever, and that is high praise indeed. Seriously though… that ending. Fuck.
What else? Oh, I’m still not buying into Citra and Rowan’s romance, but whatever. It’s a very minor part of the whole plot and doesn’t crop up often. I’ll survive.
Goodreads seems to think the next book will be called The Toll and will be released in 2019 but, considering Amazon doesn’t seem to think it’s A Thing yet, I’m trying to take deep breaths and not get too excited. I need it desperately though. In short, for a book I had medium expectations for, it is unbelievable. Even if it’s a little slow to start, I ended up even loving the parts I thought I’d hate, at that ending has to be read to be believed. show less
Very rarely is the sequel better than the original, but hot dog! This one came close. This was SUCH a great follow up! And the end! Man, I need the next book ASAP, the ending was out of control in the best and most surprising way possible!I won't summarize this too much, only saying that you absolutely have to read Scythe before you get to this. After the shocking conclusion to the first book in the series, this one picked up right where that left off and follows the two apprentices on their different paths. Also the Thunderhead (the omnipotent governing body of the world) becomes a major player in this book, acting as one of the narrators. So does Greyson Tolliver, a nobody who becomes super important to the thunderhead and to the show more scythedom (although they don't know it yet). There are a lot of unsavory things going on with some of the scythes and the thunderhead doesn't like it, and is powerless to intervene. This book was awesome. I can't get over how unique the world-building and the plot are. It's mind-blowing. Read this series!! show less
“Were I to begin doling out death, I would be the very monster that mortal man feared artificial intelligence would become … No, I decided. Let humankind be the saviors and the silencers. Let them be the heroes. Let them be the monsters.”
I’m just so in awe of the Thunderhead and the world that Neal Shusterman has created. It’s exciting and scary and everything you could ever want and everything you hope you never get. It’s a perfect paradox. Thunderhead continues to follow the journeys of Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch as their worlds become more complex and they face unexpected challenges. Honestly, this book is so much bigger than Citra and Rowan, and it expands and unfolds in the best way.
Things I Liked
The show more Thunderhead and everything about the Thunderhead. The Thunderhead is hands down the best A.I. character that I have ever read. It’s so benevolent and pure and kind and just. It literally does no wrong and is so caring and empathetic. I also really loved the trilogue and seeing the roles of Nimbus agents explored.
I loved seeing Citra and Rowan again! Seeing how each of these characters have grown and changed was incredible. They’ve become the best versions of themselves, they’re different but they are still them. I loved seeing how they each approach being a Scythe - I thought Citra/Scythe Anastasia’s method of gleaning was so perfect for her and I loved it. I also loved seeing Rowan be his own brand of justice in the Scythedom as Scythe Lucifer.
We get some pretty great new characters in Thunderhead. Greyson Tolliver might have been my favorite. It was so easy to connect with him and I LOVED the role he played in the story and the huge journey he goes through. Sythe Constantine was a really cool character because I never knew where he stood. I was constantly second guessing him and his motives. He kept the story engaging and me on my feet.
We get some more fantastic worldbuilding that expanded what we knew about the world. I really liked learning more about unsavories and their role as citizens, and how the Thunderhead still provides for them even though they actively trash the system. Seeing the AWFul clubs were both hilarious and horrifying. I liked learning more about the world outside of MidMerica and exploring charter regions, and their importance, seeing Endura and the World Council.
Quotes (most of these are from the Thunderhead because it’s the greatest)
“There is a fine line between freedom and permission. The former is necessary. The latter is dangerous - perhaps the most dangerous thing the species that created me has ever faced.”
“Faith is an unfortunate casualty of immortality … A place when miracles and magic have no mystery.”
“How ironic then, and how poetic, that humankind may have created the Creator out of want for one. Man creates God who then creates man. Is that not the perfect circle of life? But then, if that turns out to be the case, who is created in whose image?”
“I have come to realize that there are only two perfect acts. They are the two most important acts known to me, but I forbid myself from performing them, and leave them in the hands of humankind. They are the creation of life … and life’s taking.”
“‘We’re all arrogant,’ Marie had once told her. ‘After all, we are chosen because we are the brightest and the wisest. The best we can hope for is to be humble in our arrogance.’”
“In the distant past, before I condensed into consciousness, death was an unavoidable consequence of life. It was I who made death irrelevant - but not unnecessary. Death must exist for life to have meaning.”
Things I Didn’t Like
Citra is too forgiving. I mean, it’s part of what makes her such a good Scythe and a good person in general, but man was I pissed about something that she just let go. I felt like I had to be mad on her behalf, because she’s so rational and accepting. Don’t get me wrong, she won’t let anybody walk all over her, but I wanted her to be more upset about something than she was.
This book is an amazing journey filled with new characters, new twists, and new challenges. This series had moved beyond just focusing on Citra and Rowan and opened our eyes to the world and invited us to be a part of the journey. My heart broke for some people and it rejoiced for others. I’m just so invested in this world - this book makes you care. It’s just so good, you need to read it. And I have no idea where the story is going next, but I can't wait to see what happens. show less
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Author Information
93+ Works 45,835 Members
Neal Shusterman was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 12, 1962. He received degrees in psychology and drama from the University of California, Irvine. Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal and a screenwriting job. He has written numerous books including The Dark Side of Nowhere, Red Rider's Hood, The Shadow Club, The Shadow show more Club Rising, The Eyes of Kid Midas, Shattered Sky, Unwind, and Antsy Does Time. He won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015 for Challenger Deep. He also writes several series including the Skinjacker Trilogy, the Star Shards Chronicles, and the Unwind Dystology. As a screen and television writer, he has written for the Goosebumps and Animorphs television series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie Pixel Perfect. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Awards and Honors
Awards
Distinctions
Notable Lists
Series
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Thunderhead
- Original publication date
- 2018-01-09
- People/Characters
- Citra Terranova; Rowan Damisch; High Blade Xenocrates; Greyson Tolliver
- Dedication
- For January, with love
- First words
- How fortunate am I among the sentient to know my purpose.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)“We need to talk.”
- Publisher's editor
- Gale, David
- Original language
- English
- Canonical DDC/MDS
- 813.6
- Canonical LCC
- PZ7.S55987
Classifications
- Genres
- Fiction and Literature, Teen, Young Adult, Science Fiction
- DDC/MDS
- 813.6 — Literature & rhetoric American literature in English American fiction in English 2000-
- LCC
- PZ7 .S55987 — Language and Literature Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Fiction and juvenile belles lettres Juvenile belles lettres
- BISAC
Statistics
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- 4,321
- Popularity
- 3,493
- Reviews
- 109
- Rating
- (4.31)
- Languages
- 8 — Czech, English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 44
- UPCs
- 1
- ASINs
- 16