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A review by khauthor
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed Scythe so I had to continue the series with this one.
This book is excellent. It touches on so many different themes while expanding the world of the Scythedom to the international stage.
Politics, religion, death (of course), and the question of ethical artificial intelligence are big topics throughout and Shusterman explores them exceedingly well through his characters and scenarios.
The question of the role a sentient artificial intelligence would play in the functioning of human society is the one I found most fascinating. Currently in 2022, while AI certainly does impact our lives, it is fairly benign. But what would happen if it became aware and had a part to play on every decision big and small you made? What if the AI became a version of God? Of course the book doesn't answer this explicitly, but it explores this thought deeply in the book.
One of my only complaints about this book, is that it is less character focused than the first. The story moves along noticeably faster. As a result both the characters and readers have less time to ponder some of the weighty issues the book deals with.
This is understandable, as it is a sequel, but I enjoyed the first book's more introspective pace slightly better.
That being said, this book is a must read if you read and enjoyed the first. The world is bigger, the scenarios are darker, and the stakes are higher. It's everything from the first book and more. I look forward to reading the final entry in the series soon.
This book is excellent. It touches on so many different themes while expanding the world of the Scythedom to the international stage.
Politics, religion, death (of course), and the question of ethical artificial intelligence are big topics throughout and Shusterman explores them exceedingly well through his characters and scenarios.
The question of the role a sentient artificial intelligence would play in the functioning of human society is the one I found most fascinating. Currently in 2022, while AI certainly does impact our lives, it is fairly benign. But what would happen if it became aware and had a part to play on every decision big and small you made? What if the AI became a version of God? Of course the book doesn't answer this explicitly, but it explores this thought deeply in the book.
One of my only complaints about this book, is that it is less character focused than the first. The story moves along noticeably faster. As a result both the characters and readers have less time to ponder some of the weighty issues the book deals with.
This is understandable, as it is a sequel, but I enjoyed the first book's more introspective pace slightly better.
That being said, this book is a must read if you read and enjoyed the first. The world is bigger, the scenarios are darker, and the stakes are higher. It's everything from the first book and more. I look forward to reading the final entry in the series soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Death, and Murder