Thunderhead
ISBN13
9781406379532
Review published
14/07/2018
By Reviewer
Linda
Star Rating
By Author / Illustrator
Neal Shusterman
Age range(s)
11+
Review
Wow, book two in the Arc of Scythe series is intense. The author has got the pitch,pace and tone perfect. A definite read for fantasy fans of Hungergames, Maze runner etc.. Thunderhead picks up a year later from the end of Scythe. Rowan has become a legend, dressed in black, he goes across the city at night and gleans Scythes that are corrupt (a batman character!). Citra is now known as Scythe Anastasia and she is now causing disturbances amongst the scythe community for the way that she gleans. However, with the help and support of Scythe Curie, she is making her way in the scythe world. In the background as you read you feel an unrest, something is about to change, oh boy, what a change it's going to be. Thunderhead is the 'big brother' of this future world that follows every individual, except for Scythes. He watches their every move and conversation and makes the necessary decisions that make the world run smoothly. We get to understand more about Thunderhead throughout the book as each chapter ends with a thought from him, which is not just informative but kind of creepy as well. We have lots of returning characters, some very unexpected, and we are also introduced to a new character, Grayson Tolliver, who grows and develops throughout the story and becomes a very important part of the plot. I definitely enjoyed reading how the world of the Scythedom expanded after the conclusion of Scythe. Conflicts deepen, the Scythe divides even further, and there are even more questions introduced on how the Scythedom should be conducted. The ending is amazing, I just wished I could have got a copy of book three in my hands, right away, as I wanted to continue reading; alas I/we have to wait until next year before it hits our shelves. Thunderhead is suitable for 12+ fantasy readers. Confident and non confident readers will enjoy it as the pace, pitch etc is so well done. The books would also be suitable for classroom reads/ book clubs as there are so many discussions/teaching points that could be expanded. There is a reading book guide available on the publisher page, if you are interested. If you haven't already come across Scythe series - get it, read it and enjoy! 528 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian.
