Book Review – Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

Thunderhead, the second novel in the Scythe Arc by Neal Shusterman, picks up from where the first novel left off. Our two main characters, Rowan and Citra, have both parted their ways from each other after they were forced to kill each other at the clave meeting. Rowan has now adopted the moniker of Scythe Lucifer, and is using his knowledge, wit and courage to bring an end to all the disobedient scythes residing throughout MidMerica. Meanwhile, Citra, who has adopted the name Scythe Anastasia and is working alongside her mentor to glean those living throughout MidMerica. However, as the novel progresses, Citra and her mentor Scythe Curie are soon caught up in a dangerous power play between the many scythes in the society. With double-crossings, conspiracies and hidden secrets,      Thunderhead certainly manages to convey a captivating plot and memorable lines.

I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Whether it was the characters, the writing, or the unique delivery of plot and structure, I don’t know. All I know is this–whatever Shusterman does in his preparation for novel-writing is working like clockwork.

Rowan and Citra continue to be thoroughly interesting characters. They have such distinct voices to me that I feel if someone gave me a line from either one of their many dialogue scenes, I would easily be able to pinpoint who had spoken it. Rowan is witty and comical, Citra is determined and introspective. These characters make up the quintessential dynamic duo, and I really did enjoy going along this adventure with them.

As well as this, the chapters of the novel are intertwined with messages from the Thunderhead–the all-seeing omnipotent computer program that controls all aspects of human life, from hospitals to natural disasters. These messages always manage to complement the story in interesting ways, and I always look forward to reading them when a particular chapter comes to close.

I adored this novel, and felt it certainly lived up to the expectations I placed on it. It picked up perfectly from where the first novel left off, and I will certainly be counting down the days for the third installment of the novel, which is due to be released in 2020.

RATINGS:

Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9.5/10
Plot: 10/10

OVERALL: 10/10