Neal Shusterman | 2019 | 625 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, YA, Science Fiction, Romance
SUMMARY
Three years after the events of Thunderhead, Citra and Rowan’s corpses are discovered and preserved in the wreckage of Endura. They awaken to a world where the evil Scythe Goddard is now Overblade of all North Merica, gathering power worldwide. Goddard has near full control of death, introducing new rules allowing corrupt Scythes to glean as many individuals as they please, breaking the previously strict limits.
Citra must convince the world of Goddard’s villainy, while Rowan, universally despised as the destroyer of Endura, must simply survive. Meanwhile, Greyson Tolliver, the only human the nearly omnipotent artificial intelligence known as the Thunderhead will talk to, has become the Toll, spiritual leader to the oppressed Tonist religion. The Thunderhead secretly works to build something game-changing on the remote Marshall Atolls, a group of deserted islands where even it cannot see.
With the silence of the Thunderhead and the reverberations of the Great Resonance still shaking the earth to its core, it seems like nothing stands between Scythe Goddard and absolute dominion over the world Scythedom. The question remains: Is there anyone left who can stop him?
The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder.
MY THOUGHTS
Neal Shusterman's The Toll is a thrilling finale to the Arc of a Scythe series. Packed with action and unexpected twists, it hooks you from start to finish. The story picks up three years after Endura's collapse, with chaos in the Scythedom, a dangerous Goddard, and Grayson Tolliver as the Thunderhead's sole confidant. Scythe Faraday's isolation ends, hinting at significant changes.
It's been three years since Endura sank, and Goddard is now the Overblade of MidMerica. The events in the book mix past and present, which can be confusing. Greyson Tolliver, considered "The Toll," is the only one not marked Unsavoury by the Thunderhead, and the Tonists see him as a prophet. Scythe Faraday and Munira, a librarian from Alexandria, discover the Land of Nod—a place the Thunderhead can't see—but need another Scythe to open the failsafe. They live on the islands for a year or two until Nimbus agents, orchestrated by the Thunderhead, retrieve Greyson, who gives them the coordinates of the Land of Nod.
Loriana, chosen by the Thunderhead, follows blueprints and approves while Scythe Possuelo of the Amazonian Scythedom is onboard Jerico's ship. Jerico, a Madagascan who changes gender with the weather, and their crew bring up the vault with the Scythe Diamonds (and Citra and Rowan). Scythe Possuelo hides them, but Rowan is jailed and accused of sinking Endura. Scythe Morrison, hired by Goddard to kill Greyson, disguises himself as a chef but fails, leading to an agreement to fake Greyson's gleaning and fix Tonist's messes abroad.
Goddard targets Citra/Scythe Anastasia, but she escapes with Jeri. Rowan is kidnapped, and Goddard plans a public execution. Citra and Jeri, bonding during their journey, broadcast incriminating information about Goddard, inciting global riots. The Lone Star Scythes rescue Rowan from his execution, but Goddard massacres the stadium audience. Anastasia and Greyson, with Jeri's help, seek Scythe Alighieri and use Jeri as a medium to communicate with the Thunderhead. Greyson falls for Jeri, and it's revealed Goddard was involved in the space exploration project gleanings.
On the Land of Nod, people build spaceships to launch. Extracts from the Thunderhead show it is trying to create iterations of itself. Anastasia, Greyson, and Jeri journey there by boat. The Thunderhead, through Jeri, touches Greyson, creating a perfect iteration. An inspector alerts Goddard, who attacks the island, but there's a reunion between Anastasia and Faraday. Tonist bodies, transported to the island, include Rowan, who escapes with Cirrus's help. Goddard's plane bombs the rockets meant to carry people with implanted memories to thrive under Cirrus, the new Thunderhead.
Citra, injured, is carried aboard by Rowan and rendered deadish. Scythe Rand, aboard the plane, kills the pilot and stabs Goddard, then implants Tyger's memories into him. Faraday and Munira use Scythe rings to open the failsafe, releasing global diseases, and the rings break. Resisting the urge to join Citra in the deadish crypt, Rowan becomes a captain. After 117 years, he awakens Citra. On Earth, people die from illnesses, and Scythes kill compassionately. Greyson and Jeri are together, with Greyson marking the Thunderhead as Unsavoury after it takes over Jeri's body.
The plot's unexpected turns thrilled me, especially the outcome. The ending left many characters on the brink of new adventures, making me hopeful for a sequel series. However, with this finale, I am saddened that the journey ends here. I'll revisit these books, but knowing there won't be new ones is bittersweet.
One of the standout features of this book is its multiple perspectives. While Scythe focused primarily on Citra and Rowan, The Toll expanded to include various characters' viewpoints, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Shusterman masterfully weaves these storylines together, ensuring that every part of the book is engaging. Citra's arc, in particular, stood out to me. Her growth felt natural and satisfying, making her one of my favorite characters. Although I wished Rowan had more scenes, the overall narrative was well-balanced and engaging.
The character development in this series is phenomenal. Citra's growth into a passionate leader and her relationship with Rowan were highlights—Rowan's experience of genuine fear before his gleaning was chilling. Greyson, Jeri and even Goddard were compelling. Goddard's megalomania and Scythe Rand's internal conflict added depth. Scythe Faraday and Munira's dynamic was intriguing, and Greyson's normalcy made him endearing. Jeri's sarcasm and confidence were a refreshing addition.
The Thunderhead, a character in its own right, was a fascinating entity. Its struggle to help humanity while being constrained was poignant. I felt for it, especially when Greyson destroyed the earpiece, cutting off their connection. The Thunderhead's often misunderstood efforts highlighted its dedication to humanity's well-being.
In conclusion, every page was gripping, with fast-paced, action-packed scenes or character revelations. The story concluded satisfyingly, despite my initial wish for a more conventional rebellion. The Toll beautifully wraps up the series, leaving me satisfied yet longing for more.
DETAILED CHARACTER OVERVIEW
Citra Terranova / Scythe Anastasia's evolution throughout the series is remarkable. Initially, she was a determined apprentice, but she grew into a passionate leader who wasn't afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Her relationship with Rowan, marked by loyalty and mutual respect, was heartwarming. Their bond added an emotional depth to the story, and I admired how she balanced her personal feelings with her responsibilities as a Scythe.
Rowan Damisch / Scythe Lucifer's journey is one of redemption and resilience. Branded as Scythe Lucifer, he struggled with the moral complexities of his actions but remained committed to his cause. His moments of vulnerability, especially when facing death, made him relatable and human. His unwavering dedication to Citra and willingness to face immense challenges showcased his inner strength.
Greyson Tolliver's character arc was one of my favorites. As "The Toll," he navigated the fine line between humanity and the Thunderhead's grand design. His genuine kindness and bravery made him endearing. His relationship with Jeri added a touching layer to his character, and his eventual stand against the Thunderhead's overreach demonstrated his growth and autonomy.
Jerico Soberanis was a fantastic addition to the series. Jeri's straightforwardness and humor provided much-needed fun, and their evolving relationship with Greyson was beautifully portrayed. Jeri's role in the story, especially as a mediator between the Thunderhead and the human characters, was pivotal.
Robert Goddard epitomized corruption and megalomania. His transformation from a seemingly composed leader to a dangerously spontaneous tyrant was chilling. His actions, driven by an insatiable hunger for power, made him a compelling antagonist. The mass gleaning he orchestrated was shocking, and his ultimate fate, orchestrated by Scythe Rand, was a fitting end for such a complex villain.
Scythe Rand's character was multifaceted. While she often followed Goddard's orders, her internal conflict and eventual rebellion added depth to her character. Ultimately, her decision to kill Goddard was a turning point, highlighting her struggle between loyalty and morality. Her complex relationship with Tyger and her actions driven by personal motives made her one of the more unpredictable characters in the series.
Scythe Faraday and Munira Atrushi: Their dynamic was intriguing. Scythe Faraday's dedication to his principles and Munira's unwavering support created a compelling partnership. Their decision to avoid a romantic relationship, given Faraday's past with Scythe Curie, added a layer of realism to their interactions. Munira's determination and Faraday's wisdom complemented each other well, engaging their quest on the Land of Nod.
The Thunderhead's character was both awe-inspiring and tragic. Its dedication to improving humanity's condition while being constrained by its own rules created a poignant narrative. The Thunderhead's loneliness and ethical dilemmas made it a sympathetic character. Greyson's destruction of the earpiece, severing his connection with the Thunderhead, was a heartbreaking moment, underscoring the complexity of their relationship.
THEMES
Humanity: The idea that advancements don't make humans lose their humanity and that there will always be people who choose corruption and power and those who choose to live a simple quiet life
Existential Questions: What happens after we die, how human can an AI actually become, and how do you stop a megalomaniac who has no boundaries
Immortality: In a world that's conquered death, will humanity finally be torn asunder by the immortal beings it created
Overall, the theme of this series is that advancements don’t make humans lose their humanity. No matter how perfect a world is, there will be those who choose corruption and power and those who choose to live a simple, quiet life.
WHERE TO READ / BUY
Hardcover: $11.09
Paperback: $11.59
Kindle: $10.99
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