Thunderhead - Neal Shusterman

Thunderhead (Arc of a Scythe #2) – Neal Shusterman (2018)

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 Review of Thunderhead

I had to listen to the second in the Arc of the Scythe series as soon as I had finished Scythe! What an AMAZING series! My love/hate relationship with YA is well and truly in the love zone right now!

So a year has passed since the events of the first novel. Citra is now an ordained scythe, working under Scythe Curie, madame of death. Rowan on the other hand has gone off on his own, stalking corrupt scythes and permanently ending them around the world. A target on his head. And the Thunderhead is there, not interfering, but not exactly doing nothing.

From my synopsis you wouldn’t think that there was so much going on in this book, but boy – there is a LOT going on! Romance, intrigue, murder, betrayal, trickery, revenge, murder, violence, friendship, murder and more murder! Oh and a SHARK ATTACK!!!

You will have to start by reading Scythe to have an idea of what is going on, and just like in the first book, the intricate plot web weaves even more complexly to create a totally unique and magical YA tale, that for the most part, doesn’t feel very YA at all!

I got completely lost in this universe. I devoured this audio version, barely stopping to sleep! Listening to it every chance that I had, anxiously awaiting my children to go to sleep so I could put my headphones back in and keep listening! I had it on speaker next to the shower, while I was driving in my car, and every minute I could squeeze in between!

The characters are complex and amazingly entertaining. The writing is absolutely superb!

It had such a unique and intricate plot, the characters are so diverse and I have no idea how he comes up with the scenario’s that he does, but my gosh I’m glad he did!

Did I enjoy the audio version?
I LOVED THE AUDIO VERSION!!!! Both Scythe and Thunderhead were performed by Greg Tremblay and he did such a great job! He was great at all the voices, and created a unique and recognisable voice for each of the characters. I also enjoyed his portrayal of the women in the story. His narration had me HOOKED!

Would I recommend Thunderhead?
YES! As I said, you will need to read Scythe first, this will NOT work as a stand alone, but go and read it! Because you will not regret it! I am formulating my favourites of the year list and this wins both best YA and best series I have read this year!! Absolutely amazing!!

(5 / 5)