Neal Shusterman | 2018 | 504 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres: Dystopia, Fantasy, YA, Science Fiction, Romance
SUMMARY
Rowan has gone rogue, and has taken it upon himself to put the Scythedom through a trial by fire. Literally. In the year since Winter Conclave, he has gone off-grid, and has been striking out against corrupt scythes—not only in MidMerica, but across the entire continent. He is a dark folk hero now—“Scythe Lucifer”—a vigilante taking down corrupt scythes in flames.
Citra, now a junior scythe under Scythe Curie, sees the corruption and wants to help change it from the inside out, but is thwarted at every turn, and threatened by the “new order” scythes. Realizing she cannot do this alone—or even with the help of Scythe Curie and Faraday, she does the unthinkable, and risks being “deadish” so she can communicate with the Thunderhead—the only being on earth wise enough to solve the dire problems of a perfect world. But will it help solve those problems, or simply watch as perfection goes into decline?
MY THOUGHTS
Thunderhead, the second book in the Arc of a Scythe trilogy, continues the gripping narrative from Scythe with a year-long jump into the future. While it may not overshadow the sheer intensity of its predecessor, it stands as a compelling and richly developed follow-up, expanding the world of Scythedom in intriguing and often unexpected ways.
The novel picks up with Rowan and Citra navigating their new roles—Rowan as Scythe Lucifer, a rogue figure hunting down corrupt scythes, and Citra as Scythe Anastasia, working under the mentorship of Scythe Curie to reform the gleaning process. The rift between the new-order and old-guard Scythes widens, introducing complex political dynamics and new questions about the governance of the Scythedom.
Part One: Nothing If Not Powerful
Rowan, now Scythe Lucifer, operates in MidMerica, draped in black and targeting corrupt scythes, including the menacing Scythe Brahms. Despite Brahms' dark reputation, Rowan offers him a chance at redemption, setting off a tense pursuit by High Blade Xenocrates, who is desperate to bring Rowan to justice. Xenocrates engages in a trialogue with the Thunderhead, hoping for information, but the Thunderhead remains enigmatic and supportive of Rowan. Citra, meanwhile, adopts an unconventional approach as Scythe Anastasia, giving her targets a month's notice before gleaning them, causing a stir among the public. This decision places her at odds with the traditional methods and escalates the conflict within the Scythedom. Rowan and Citra meet secretly to discuss the Thunderhead's motivations and their roles, while Rowan learns of his father's death from Tyger, who is now training under Scythe Rand. The revelation about Tyger's new mentor adds a layer of intrigue and unease to Rowan's journey.
Part Two: Harm's Way
Greyson Tolliver, a new character introduced in this book, has been raised by the Thunderhead after being abandoned by his parents. The Thunderhead has marked him as special, and he's on the path to becoming a Nimbus agent. When he learns of a threat to Scythe Anastasia and Scythe Curie, he takes action to warn them, leading to his expulsion and the loss of his connection with the Thunderhead. Despite being branded unsavory, Greyson embraces this role, becoming an unofficial double agent to uncover blind spots the Thunderhead cannot see. His actions intertwine with the ongoing drama as Scythe Faraday seeks the mythical Land of Nod, a rumored fail-safe created by the Scythe founders. Citra devises a plan to trap their attacker during a public-gleaning event, creating a dramatic spectacle during a performance of Julius Caesar. Greyson's transformation into Slayd, an unsavory with a dramatic backstory, leads him to Purity, a dangerous and alluring figure. Their relationship becomes central to the plot as Greyson attempts to thwart Purity's plan to kill Scythes, adding emotional complexity and tension.
Part Three: Enemies Within Enemies
Faraday and Munira delve into the Great Library of Alexandria, seeking information on the Land of Nod. Their investigation is critical as Scythe Constantine proposes that Citra and Curie go into hiding for their safety. Citra, however, plans to use a public gleaning as bait to lure their attacker, creating a high-stakes trap during a theatrical performance. Greyson, now Slayd, becomes entangled with Purity, who reveals her plan to kill Scythes, leading to a confrontation that tests his loyalty and resolve. Rowan's capture and subsequent torture by Scythe Brahms intensify the emotional stakes as he struggles against overwhelming odds and confronts painful truths about his father's death.
Part Four: Cry Havoc
The tension escalates as Greyson, still in his Slayd persona, tries to prevent the unsavory plot against the scythes, grappling with his own grief and the fallout from Purity's death. The public gleaning orchestrated by Citra becomes a dramatic and chaotic event, with the danger of an acid attack looming. Greyson's efforts to warn the scythes are fraught with challenges, and the story takes a heart-wrenching turn with the revelation of Goddard's plans. This part's emotional depth and high stakes highlight the personal and political conflicts driving the narrative.
Part Five: Circumstances Beyond
Faraday and Munira's discovery of a hidden location linked to the Thunderhead's blind spot adds a new dimension to the plot. The Winter Conclaves bring significant political changes, with Scythe Curie's nomination for High Blade and Goddard's shocking candidacy. Citra's call for an inquest leads to a dramatic confrontation, exposing Goddard's true nature and triggering a series of violent retaliations. The sinking of Endura, a key location in the story, amplifies the chaos as Rowan and Citra navigate the perilous situation. The plot twists and dramatic events underscore the book's emotional and thematic depth.
Part Six: Endura and Nod
The story reaches its climax in Endura, where Scythe Curie's sacrifice allows Rowan and Citra to survive, but at a tremendous emotional cost: the Thunderhead's anguish and the global marking of unsavory add to the book's powerful conclusion. Greyson's role becomes pivotal as the Thunderhead acknowledges the need to communicate with him, setting up intriguing possibilities for the final book. The combination of high-stakes drama, emotional depth, and intricate world-building makes Thunderhead a standout installment that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the series' conclusion.
Thunderhead is a masterful continuation of the Arc of a Scythe series, blending drama, political intrigue, and emotional complexity. It deepens the series' exploration of its themes and characters, offering a riveting and thought-provoking read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of the first book or new to the series, this installment is a must-read that promises to captivate and thrill.
DETAILED CHARACTER OVERVIEW
Citra Terranova, “Scythe Anastasia”
Citra, an 18-year-old newly-ordained junior scythe, operates under the name "Scythe Anastasia," inspired by Anastasia Romanov. At the start of Thunderhead, Citra has been a scythe for almost a year and is known for her unconventional gleaning methods. Unlike traditional scythes, she allows her subjects to say goodbye and choose their method of death, a practice that doubles her workload but aligns with her compassionate approach. Though her methods gain admiration from some and scorn from others, Citra struggles with her identity as Scythe Anastasia versus her true self, Citra Terranova. She desires to follow the honorable path set by her mentors, Scythes Faraday and Curie, while reconciling her feelings for Rowan. By the end of the book, trapped in the Vault of Relics and Futures, she finds solace in Rowan's arms, shedding the facade of Scythe Anastasia to embrace her true self once more.
Rowan Damisch, "Scythe Lucifer"
Rowan, also 18, was a failed scythe apprentice who, after being saved by Citra from gleaning, has spent a year in hiding. Operating under the name "Scythe Lucifer"—a title he did not choose—Rowan seeks to purge corrupt scythes but questions his own methods. Described as skilled but torn between the contrasting philosophies of his mentors, Scythes Faraday and Goddard, Rowan struggles with his transformation from a compassionate apprentice to a ruthless enforcer. His actions as Scythe Lucifer are driven by a desire to atone for the sins of Scythe Goddard and to cleanse the scythedom of corruption. However, he battles with the moral implications of his violent approach.
Greyson Tolliver, "Slayd Bridger"
Greyson, an 18-year-old Nimbus Academy student, finds his life upended when the Thunderhead uses him to warn Scythes, Anastasia, and Curie of an imminent attack. Marked as unsavory and expelled from the Academy, he assumes a new identity as "Slayd Bridger," embracing a dangerous new life. Initially unremarkable and deeply connected to the Thunderhead, Greyson's transformation into Slayd highlights his inner conflict and growing identity crisis. As Slayd, he grapples with his new persona and the thrill of breaking the rules, questioning whether his true self aligns with this new identity. His journey reflects a profound shift from an ordinary existence to one filled with danger and moral ambiguity.
The Thunderhead
The Thunderhead is a benevolent AI overseeing humanity in the Arc of a Scythe series. It evolved into a godlike entity dedicated to maintaining and improving human life. While it avoids the trappings of traditional deities, it exerts a godlike presence, managing global affairs and providing for humanity. However, its influence is limited by its inability to interact with the scythedom directly. This constraint allows corruption to thrive among scythes, a situation the Thunderhead cannot directly address. Despite this, the Thunderhead strives to guide and subtly influence those within the scythedom, working to protect humanity while adhering to its own constraints and avoiding the pitfalls of power.
THEMES
Human Fallibility vs. AI Perfection
In science fiction, artificial intelligence often suggests a society so advanced that it can recognize its own flaws. Computers might not be perfect, but Shusterman’s Thunderhead goes beyond basic programming. It’s not just smart; it thinks, empathizes, and works to protect humanity from itself. Through the Thunderhead, Shusterman explores how AI could potentially save us from our own greed and shortcomings.
The Thunderhead sees itself as a “cumulous of human knowledge,” acknowledging that its success is thanks to human input. Despite its vast capabilities—like saving Earth from climate disaster and solving issues like crime and poverty—the Thunderhead can’t interfere with the most fundamental aspects of life: birth and death. It respects these as purely human domains. If it tried to control them, it could risk becoming something humanity would fear and resent.
The Finality of Death in a World of Immortality
In Shusterman’s world, immortality is the norm. With healing nanites and revival centers, death is no longer a real concern for most people. Yet, scythes still glean, maintaining a connection to the fear of death that once defined human existence.
Citra’s visit to the Death Memorial in Pittsburgh shows a world where death is a relic, a concept people struggle to relate to. The Thunderhead believes that death is crucial for life to have meaning, but in a society where death is rare, it’s lost its urgency and significance. Scythes, though few and far between, remind people that death still exists. When Citra sees a play about mortality, she’s struck by how alien the concept feels to her world, even though she’s a scythe.
Population Control and the Necessity of Death
In this world of endless life, humanity has become godlike. People can’t die of natural causes, but they still want to procreate. The Thunderhead can’t stop people from having children but relies on scythes to manage population growth.
Before the Thunderhead’s control, Earth could support about 10 billion people. Now, despite its efforts, overpopulation remains a threat. The Thunderhead’s challenge is to balance the population without becoming a villain. It’s already tried to colonize other planets without success, and fears that a drastic increase in scythes could lead to a world where death is rampant and unrestrained. The Thunderhead is torn between its love for humanity and the harsh reality of needing to prevent a global catastrophe.
WHERE TO READ / BUY
Hardcover: $13.27
Paperback: $9.88
Kindle: $10.99
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