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dariusmortee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A very complicated, well written story.
I didn’t give this one 5 stars because I did think the first part of the book could’ve been written quicker. It kinda dragged until half way and then it picked up. I will for sure recommend this book and series to people!
I didn’t give this one 5 stars because I did think the first part of the book could’ve been written quicker. It kinda dragged until half way and then it picked up. I will for sure recommend this book and series to people!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
cepbreed's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I am in awe. I really thought this book was on track to be the worst in the series, but I couldn't have been further from correct. In fact I enjoyed it the most out of all three. The story is long and convoluted yet every single thing happens for a reason. Each little detail is brought back and explained in a way that makes Neal Shusterman seem like a human on another level of existence. The mind he has to weave all of these details together is amazing. The ending filled my heart. I had grown to love each character so much I wanted the best for each of them. I am so glad he gave his creations the ending they deserved. Such a masterful balance of world-building, character arcs, and romance. Never was there a moment where I felt bored even when details were introduced that we wouldn't be able to comprehend for another 20 chapters or more. I was particularly moved by the cutting off of the Thunderhead. It was such a beautiful and melancholy moment. I never thought I could have grown so fond of an AI. Also, I am so glad to see Scythe Rand, who I despised, come into her own in a way that did not compromise her character. She is cold and calculating yet her act to fix the mistake that was her killing Tyger and bringing Goddard to life made me love her.
Ranking of the books: The Toll, Scythe, Thunderhead
Song:
Ranking of the books: The Toll, Scythe, Thunderhead
Song:
- Glory and Gore - Lorde
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Torture, and Medical content
Minor: Sexual content and War
paracosim's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Transphobia
lisa_m's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a book that is so different to anything else I've ever read. It took me a while to get through it and I was a bit bored in the middle but the ending was amazing.
I am definitely going to keep think about this book and especially the ending for some time!
I wish I could give this book 5 stars but I was pretty bored in the middle (mostly because of all the politics but I get that that was necessary for the story..)
One thing Neal Shusterman is amazing at it writing endings. Every book in this series made me want to keep reading in the end. If only the whole books were as captivating as the last 150 pages!
I definitely liked the series and as I said the ending was unexpected and the best it could have been. I'm generally not a sci-fi fan though so I think if you are you will probably like these books even more than me.
I am definitely going to keep think about this book and especially the ending for some time!
I wish I could give this book 5 stars but I was pretty bored in the middle (mostly because of all the politics but I get that that was necessary for the story..)
One thing Neal Shusterman is amazing at it writing endings. Every book in this series made me want to keep reading in the end. If only the whole books were as captivating as the last 150 pages!
I definitely liked the series and as I said the ending was unexpected and the best it could have been. I'm generally not a sci-fi fan though so I think if you are you will probably like these books even more than me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and War
ozshark's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This is a truly amazing series - "All rejoice!"
As with all of Neal Shusterman's books that I have read so far, it is thought provoking as well as compelling reading. I found the time jumps in the early part of the story disconcerting and confusing, maybe partially because I was reading this via audiobook rather than a physical book. I think this volume was the most philosophical of the three, as Shusterman considers what it is to be human, and what it means to have a purpose. We even get an insight into Goddard's mind and a glimpse at the justification he gives to himself for his actions. He appears to genuinely believe he is doing the right thing, and not just for his own selfish gain.
The Toll focuses much more on the Tonists than the previous two volumes, and we see Shusterman's contempt for organised religion shining through. The way we see various Tonists respond to, distort and analyse the "teachings" of the Toll is a justified barb at some aspects of organised religion, but leaves no room for genuine response to truth.
Other issues are raised along the way. Through Goddard, he also pokes fun at despotic leaders...
“We're exploring the possibility of building a wall to stem the exodus."
"Don't be ridiculous," Goddard said. "Only idiots build walls.”
The corruption of wealth, power and greed. Pride. Gender and whether it is important. Euthansaia. I don't agree with all Shusterman's conclusions, but I appreciate their inclusion in the story
As with all of Neal Shusterman's books that I have read so far, it is thought provoking as well as compelling reading. I found the time jumps in the early part of the story disconcerting and confusing, maybe partially because I was reading this via audiobook rather than a physical book. I think this volume was the most philosophical of the three, as Shusterman considers what it is to be human, and what it means to have a purpose. We even get an insight into Goddard's mind and a glimpse at the justification he gives to himself for his actions. He appears to genuinely believe he is doing the right thing, and not just for his own selfish gain.
The Toll focuses much more on the Tonists than the previous two volumes, and we see Shusterman's contempt for organised religion shining through. The way we see various Tonists respond to, distort and analyse the "teachings" of the Toll is a justified barb at some aspects of organised religion, but leaves no room for genuine response to truth.
Other issues are raised along the way. Through Goddard, he also pokes fun at despotic leaders...
“We're exploring the possibility of building a wall to stem the exodus."
"Don't be ridiculous," Goddard said. "Only idiots build walls.”
The corruption of wealth, power and greed. Pride. Gender and whether it is important. Euthansaia. I don't agree with all Shusterman's conclusions, but I appreciate their inclusion in the story
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Violence
bill369's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is the last book from the Scythe series and it is a good one.
The story is finished, therefore my opinion of the characters has changed. I still like Scythe Anastasia and she's my favourite character throughout the series, however in this book I've got a new favourite character and that is Sister Astrid. You see she got it all. She's kind, smart and her faith makes her stand out. I truly enjoyed her character and I love how she tried to make Toll a bigger believer. I truly hope she found happiness and that she will be forever remembered as Mother Astrid.
Since it's a sequel the theme is the same, however, there is room to discuss Toll and Tonism. I am pleased with how the author used Tonism to his advantage and that it wasn't just some random detail about the world, that he created. I believe it is detailed and I appreciate the space it has gotten in the book. Thanks to this we are able to see this „better“ world from many perspectives and I always love to see that. Toll himself is quite likeable and in my opinion, Thunder truly chose the best guy they could find. In the matter of faith part, which is a big deal, especially in this book, I am content. I don't wish for more insight, because I feel I know more than enough and that makes me happy since I don't like not knowing stuff.
My favourite lines are from the last page of the story, page 541. They are between Rowan and Citra, the reason why I chose them is simple. They represent a special, charming moment that is to be remembered. The lines are:“Hey,” she says back, her voice gravelly and rough. “Weren’t we just… running?
Yes, there was something going on, and we were running….”
His smile broadens. Tears fill his eyes. They drop slowly, as if gravity itself has
become less adamant, less demanding.
“When was that?” Citra asks.
“Only a moment ago,” Rowan tells her. “Only a moment ago.”
The ending was well written. From what I've read it seems like everyone had a happy ending in their own way and that makes me feel accomplished. I am glad it ended like this, I can't imagine a better ending.
This is a fantastic book, however, it just isn't a five star. I didn't cry and it all felt more relaxing than tense and I hoped for some tense situations. It's a great book and series, this book in particular is just not a five star.
Also, I would like to add a link to Arc of Scythe fandom Wikipedia, since I think it sums it all up well.
https://arc-of-a-scythe.fandom.com/wiki/Arc_of_a_Scythe_Wiki
The story is finished, therefore my opinion of the characters has changed. I still like Scythe Anastasia and she's my favourite character throughout the series, however in this book I've got a new favourite character and that is Sister Astrid. You see she got it all. She's kind, smart and her faith makes her stand out. I truly enjoyed her character and I love how she tried to make Toll a bigger believer. I truly hope she found happiness and that she will be forever remembered as Mother Astrid.
Since it's a sequel the theme is the same, however, there is room to discuss Toll and Tonism. I am pleased with how the author used Tonism to his advantage and that it wasn't just some random detail about the world, that he created. I believe it is detailed and I appreciate the space it has gotten in the book. Thanks to this we are able to see this „better“ world from many perspectives and I always love to see that. Toll himself is quite likeable and in my opinion, Thunder truly chose the best guy they could find. In the matter of faith part, which is a big deal, especially in this book, I am content. I don't wish for more insight, because I feel I know more than enough and that makes me happy since I don't like not knowing stuff.
My favourite lines are from the last page of the story, page 541. They are between Rowan and Citra, the reason why I chose them is simple. They represent a special, charming moment that is to be remembered. The lines are:
Yes, there was something going on, and we were running….”
His smile broadens. Tears fill his eyes. They drop slowly, as if gravity itself has
become less adamant, less demanding.
“When was that?” Citra asks.
“Only a moment ago,” Rowan tells her. “Only a moment ago.”
The ending was well written. From what I've read it seems like everyone had a happy ending in their own way and that makes me feel accomplished. I am glad it ended like this, I can't imagine a better ending.
This is a fantastic book, however, it just isn't a five star. I didn't cry and it all felt more relaxing than tense and I hoped for some tense situations. It's a great book and series, this book in particular is just not a five star.
Also, I would like to add a link to Arc of Scythe fandom Wikipedia, since I think it sums it all up well.
https://arc-of-a-scythe.fandom.com/wiki/Arc_of_a_Scythe_Wiki
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, and Violence
Minor: Body horror, Torture, and Abandonment
elenamarmiroli's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Mi aspettavo di nuovo di più di quanto l'opera ha offerto. Mi sono resa conta che avrei preferito maggior focus su i personaggi di Citra e Rowan, e il loro rapporto. Capisco la scelta di seguire più personaggi, ma non sono mai riuscita a legarmi ad essa come a questi due, eccezione fatta in parte per Scythe Faraday e per il personaggio che in questo volume diventa the Toll .
Inoltre le parti di testo che a volte separano due capitoli non mi hanno convinto quanto quelle presenti nel primo libro.
In più avrei preferito vedere un po' più sviluppata la conclusione dopo che Citra viene riportata in vita nel nuovo pianeta .
Nonostante tutto, la storia ha un suo perché e mi è piaciuta, solo che avrei voluto trovarci qualcosa di più.
Un esempio di ciò che ho apprezzato è come il Thunderhead abbia affrontato il problema posto dai Scythes e le rivelazioni che si scoprono sulle loro azioni passate tramite Citra e Scythe Faraday .
Inoltre le parti di testo che a volte separano due capitoli non mi hanno convinto quanto quelle presenti nel primo libro.
In più avrei preferito vedere un po' più sviluppata la conclusione dopo
Nonostante tutto, la storia ha un suo perché e mi è piaciuta, solo che avrei voluto trovarci qualcosa di più.
Un esempio di ciò che ho apprezzato è
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
thejuliette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Kidnapping, and Murder
ozshark's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a truly amazing series - "All rejoice!"
As with all of Neal Shusterman's books that I have read so far, it is thought provoking as well as compelling reading. I found the time jumps in the early part of the story disconcerting and confusing, maybe partially because I was reading this via audiobook than a physical volume. I think this volume was the most philosophical of the three, as Shusterman considers what it is to be human, and what it means to have a purpose. We even get an insight into Goddard's mind and a glimpse at the justification he gives to himself for his actions. He appears to genuinely believe he is doing the right thing, and not just for his own selfish gain.
The Toll focuses much more on the Tonists than the previous two volumes, and we see Shusterman's contempt for organised religion shining through. The way we see various Tonists respond to, distort and analyse the "teachings" of the Toll is a justified barb at some aspects of organised religion, but leaves no room for genuine response to truth.
Other issues are raised along the way. Through Goddard, he also pokes fun at despotic leaders...
“We're exploring the possibility of building a wall to stem the exodus."
"Don't be ridiculous," Goddard said. "Only idiots build walls.”
The corruption of wealth, power and greed. Pride. Gender and whether it is important. Euthansaia. I don't agree with all Shusterman's conclusions, but I appreciate their inclusion in the story.
As with all of Neal Shusterman's books that I have read so far, it is thought provoking as well as compelling reading. I found the time jumps in the early part of the story disconcerting and confusing, maybe partially because I was reading this via audiobook than a physical volume. I think this volume was the most philosophical of the three, as Shusterman considers what it is to be human, and what it means to have a purpose. We even get an insight into Goddard's mind and a glimpse at the justification he gives to himself for his actions. He appears to genuinely believe he is doing the right thing, and not just for his own selfish gain.
The Toll focuses much more on the Tonists than the previous two volumes, and we see Shusterman's contempt for organised religion shining through. The way we see various Tonists respond to, distort and analyse the "teachings" of the Toll is a justified barb at some aspects of organised religion, but leaves no room for genuine response to truth.
Other issues are raised along the way. Through Goddard, he also pokes fun at despotic leaders...
“We're exploring the possibility of building a wall to stem the exodus."
"Don't be ridiculous," Goddard said. "Only idiots build walls.”
The corruption of wealth, power and greed. Pride. Gender and whether it is important. Euthansaia. I don't agree with all Shusterman's conclusions, but I appreciate their inclusion in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Violence, and Religious bigotry
ok7a's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder