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A review by drblockbooks
The Toll by Neal Shusterman
5.0
As I expected, the final book of the ARC OF THE SCYTHE trilogy was very good. The ending … the final words of the book … hit hard. Very emotional. Perfectly crafted.
The book itself, like the second book of the trilogy, seemed to take a while to get going. Once you get to the end, though, you realize everything was part of the puzzle, but while you are reading it, it does plod here and there. I’m not saying I could do better. I’m just saying that is my experience. These books are not thrillers; they are intelligent explorations of a possible human future, and to do that well – as Shusterman does – takes some time.
One thing that truly impressed me was that by the time you reach the last 10-20% of the book, you realize that certain conclusions you’ve reached as a reader were dead wrong. These twists were well done, subtle, and powerful. I’d like to say more, but I fear spoiling the book for those who plan to read it.
Recommended.
The book itself, like the second book of the trilogy, seemed to take a while to get going. Once you get to the end, though, you realize everything was part of the puzzle, but while you are reading it, it does plod here and there. I’m not saying I could do better. I’m just saying that is my experience. These books are not thrillers; they are intelligent explorations of a possible human future, and to do that well – as Shusterman does – takes some time.
One thing that truly impressed me was that by the time you reach the last 10-20% of the book, you realize that certain conclusions you’ve reached as a reader were dead wrong. These twists were well done, subtle, and powerful. I’d like to say more, but I fear spoiling the book for those who plan to read it.
Recommended.