Thunderhead

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Publisher
Varies, see individual formats and editions
Publication Date
2018.
Language
English

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Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe from New York Times bestseller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe—it does not like what it sees. A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent. As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change. Will the Thunderhead intervene? Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?

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ISBN
9781442472464
9781442472457
9781442472471

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Also in this Series

  • Scythe (Arc of a scythe Volume 1) Cover
  • Thunderhead (Arc of a scythe Volume 2) Cover
  • The toll (Arc of a scythe Volume 3) Cover
  • Gleanings: stories from Arc of a Scythe (Arc of a scythe Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Both of these compelling science fiction series center on thought-provoking conversations about life, death, and the nature of humanity and are set in a world driven by artificial intelligence. -- Stephen Ashley
Although Brotherband is fantasy fiction and Arc of a Scythe is a dystopian science fiction, each series features apprentice teens who are being trained as elite guardians in a brutal world. Both are heavy on detailed world building and pulse-pounding action. -- Lindsey Dunn
These high-stakes series have extensive world building and thrilling, fast-paced plots. Both deal with big questions: class inequality and gender-based oppression (Girls) and totalitarianism and life-or-death ethics (Scythe). -- Hannah Gomez
Featuring Indigenous citizens targeted for their rare ability to dream (Marrow Thieves) and appointed American reapers who possess the sole power to target and kill others (Scythe), these gripping series offer a dystopian reimagining of the United States. -- Basia Wilson
Each thought-provoking series is set in a corrupt alternate version of America, where teens are taken from their families and trained to be lethal. In each, the characters must wrestle with their own complicated emotions about killing. -- Autumn Winters
These thought-provoking science fiction series are set in a utopian society with dark secrets and follow youth who challenge the status quo. Scythe follows two teens, while Giver features different protagonists in each volume. -- Stephen Ashley
Well-intentioned efforts to restore humankind's memory capacity (Memory Index) and effectively control a utopian society's growing population (Scythe) become increasingly contentious throughout these thought-provoking dystopian fiction series. -- Basia Wilson
Teens living in a futuristic society run by a powerful computer must navigate clashes between different factions of people to uncover surprising truths about their seemingly utopian world. -- Stephen Ashley
Though Death Note is a fantasy manga and Arc of a Scythe is a dystopian series told in prose, both explore complex morality and follow teens who wield power over life and death. -- Stephen Ashley
These intricately world-built dystopian series both focus on teens forced to kill (Arc of a Scythe) or sacrifice themselves (Cerulean Duology) who uncover shocking truths about the societies in which they live. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "teenagers," "dystopias," and "teenage girls."
These series have the appeal factors multiple perspectives, and they have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "teenagers," "post-apocalypse," and "dystopias."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "corruption," "teenagers," and "dystopias."
These series have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "post-apocalypse" and "dystopias."
These series have the genre "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "corruption," "teenagers," and "dystopias."
These series have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "science fiction"; and the subjects "teenagers," "dystopias," and "near future."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
NoveList recommends "Prisoners of Peace" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Marrow thieves novels" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Brotherband chronicles" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Good luck girls" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Giver quartet" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
Death note. Vol. 1, boredom - Oba, Tsugumi
NoveList recommends "Death note" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Hybrid" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Nubia" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
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NoveList recommends "Proxy" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Hunger Games" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
The Cerulean - Ewing, Amy
NoveList recommends "Cerulean duology" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Memory index" for fans of "Arc of a scythe". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Neal Shusterman and Scott Westerfeld tackle serious issues in their books for teens, often blending genres that include fantasy, science fiction, and horror. The complex plots are thought-provoking, well-paced, and contain fully realized multifaceted teenage characters. -- Bria Judkins
Both Neal Shusterman and Sarah Gailey write creepy speculative stories that combine surprising, sometimes offbeat elements into cohesive and complex narratives that are frequently suspenseful and star authentic characters. Both write for teens, but Gailey's work also appeals to adults, while Shusterman has titles for younger readers. -- Stephen Ashley
In their science fiction stories for tweens and teens, both Neal Shusterman and William Sleator are known for compelling, mind-bending plots that will leave readers questioning the world around them. Both authors frequently veer into the world of horror -- sometimes completely creepily and sometimes more darkly humorous. -- Stephen Ashley
These authors' works have the appeal factors disturbing, and they have the genres "dystopian fiction" and "gateway fantasy"; the subjects "dystopias," "space colonies," and "near future"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak and creepy, and they have the genre "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "dystopias," "soul," and "revolutionaries."
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These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak, disturbing, and multiple perspectives, and they have the genre "dystopian fiction"; and the subjects "dystopias," "fugitives," and "population control."
These authors' works have the appeal factors bleak and multiple perspectives, and they have the subjects "teenagers," "survival," and "sixteen-year-old girls."
These authors' works have the genre "science fiction"; and the subjects "teenagers," "teenage boys," and "supernatural."
These authors' works have the appeal factors disturbing, and they have the subjects "supernatural," "sixteen-year-old girls," and "paranormal phenomena"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These authors' works have the genre "dystopian fiction"; the subjects "teenagers," "dystopias," and "soul"; and characters that are "flawed characters."
These authors' works have the genre "paranormal romances"; the subjects "supernatural," "soul," and "sixteen-year-old girls"; and characters that are "well-developed characters" and "complex characters."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

*Starred Review* Shusterman follows up his Printz Honor Book Scythe (2016) with that most difficult of feats: a sequel that surpasses its predecessor. Where the first book focused on the titular scythes tasked with gleaning lives to control populations in a future where death has been vanquished, the second installment delves into the inner workings of the Thunderhead, the sentient cloud that smoothly operates all of society. The plot is straightforward: Rowan, a rogue ex-scythe apprentice, stalks the streets of MidMerica taking the lives of the scythes who have lost sight of their mission and kill for pleasure or personal gain. Citra, once his counterpart, is now the ordained Scythe Anastasia, and as she works to better the system from the inside, her own life may be in danger. But it is the Thunderhead part government and part god, almost all-knowing, and increasingly aware of its own limitations that commands the most attention, and it is pulling strings across the globe. Through the Thunderhead, Shusterman widens the already impressive scope of his near-future utopia while also keeping a deft finger on the pulse of our own turbulent times. Exceptionally clear-eyed and brutal in its execution, this raises even bigger moral questions than its predecessor and, like its predecessor, offers no easy answers. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: There's no doubting Shusterman's talents he's nabbed both a National Book Award and a Printz Honor Book and this sequel to an enthusiastically received series starter is eagerly awaited.--Reagan, Maggie Copyright 2017 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Shusterman cranks up the stakes in this blistering sequel to 2016's Scythe, set on a "post-mortal" future Earth in which easily revived humans are only "deadish" when killed, not permanently dead, except for the few "gleaned" by scythes, who kill to keep population growth under control. The narrative focuses primarily on Citra, who is gaining influence as Scythe Anastasia, and Rowan, who has adopted the mantle of Scythe Lucifer as he furtively gleans amoral scythes. New presences include Greyson Tolliver, an unassuming young man who becomes aware of threats on Scythe Anastasia's life, and the voice of the Thunderhead, the artificial intelligence that manages virtually all aspects of life on Earth. As the political machinations between scythe factions collide, the Thunderhead's dispatches reflect powerfully on its relationship with humanity ("All I can do is watch unblinkingly as my beloved humankind slowly weaves the rope it will use to hang itself"). Interweaving heady questions of morality, responsibility, loyalty, and power, Shusterman builds to a devastatingly intense conclusion that sends the characters and larger world into terrifying new territory. It's difficult to fathom what awaits in the next book. Ages 12-up. Agent: Andrea Brown, Andrea Brown Literary. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 9 Up-A year has passed since the events of Scythe and Scythe Anastasia, once known as Citra Terranova, lives with her mentor, Scythe Marie Curie, and performs her gleanings in relative peace despite causing a rift in the Scythedom by giving her subjects a month to choose how they want to be gleaned, aka killed. Anastasia argues that it is more humane this way which earns her the favor of the "old world" scythes, those who feel they perform their job with dignity and humility rather than with joy and pride, like the "new world" scythes. Still, she cannot escape the tidbits of news surrounding her fellow apprentice Rowan Damisch, who now goes by the name Scythe Lucifer. He is hunting down corrupt scythes as a vigilante who deals death to those whom he feels besmirch the title. Ruling over this world is the Thunderhead, an omniscient artificial intelligence. However, it has no jurisdiction over the Scythedom and therefore has done nothing to stop Rowan. When an old enemy resurfaces, throwing the Scythedom into chaos, and Rowan unable to stem the flow of corruption on his own, the world begins to wonder if the Thunderhead will break its own laws and intervene. Shusterman wields his magic once again in this continuation. The exploration of how the Thunderhead operates and thinks, told through "diary entries," gives the story an extra dimension: how would an all-knowing, all-powerful AI think, and how would it process a flawed humanity? The climax and twist ending will leave fans of the series begging for the next installment. VERDICT A rare sequel that is even better than the first book.-Tyler Hixson, Brooklyn Public Library © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

In this sequel to Scythe, Citra (revived as Scythe Anastasia) and her mentor, Scythe Curie, are the target of assassination attempts. Rowan has gone rogue, fleeing underground and taking the moniker Scythe Lucifer to glean unethical and unworthy scythes. Through excellent storytelling, Shusterman deepens the world-building and raises ethical questions about this society's foundations. He expertly weaves narrative strands together, culminating with the requisite cliffhanger. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Death proves impermanent in this sequel to Scythe (2016).In a world run by the (almost) all-powerful and (almost) omniscient artificial intelligence Thunderhead, only the Honorable Scythes deal permanent death to near-immortal humans. Yet a growing contingent of scythes, feared and flattered by society and operating outside the Thunderhead's control, are proving rather dishonorable. No longer apprentices, 18-year-olds Citra Terranova and Rowan Damisch realize "the scythedom ishigh school with murder" as they watch their fellow scythes jockey for power and prestige. Citra now gleans as Scythe Anastasia, questioning the status quo but also opposing the homicidally enthusiastic "new-order" scythes and their dangerous demagogue. Self-appointed as Scythe Lucifer, Rowan hunts other scythes whom he deems corrupt. Meanwhile, the existentially troubled Thunderhead questions its role as both creation and caretaker of humanity, sworn not to take life but fearing that its utopia will otherwise collapse into dystopia. Nationality and race are minimally mentionedethnic biases and genocide are considered very gaucheyet a population that defies death, aging, sickness, poverty, and war risks becoming bleakly homogenous, alleviated only by "unsavories" and scythes. This sequel digs deeper into Shusterman's complex world and complicated characters, offering political maneuvering, fatal conspiracies, and impending catastrophe via a slowly unfurling plot and startling bursts of action.Fear the reaper(s)but relish this intelligent and entertaining blend of dark humor and high death tolls. (Science fiction. 14-adult) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* Shusterman follows up his Printz Honor Book Scythe (2016) with that most difficult of feats: a sequel that surpasses its predecessor. Where the first book focused on the titular scythes tasked with gleaning lives to control populations in a future where death has been vanquished, the second installment delves into the inner workings of the Thunderhead, the sentient cloud that smoothly operates all of society. The plot is straightforward: Rowan, a rogue ex-scythe apprentice, stalks the streets of MidMerica taking the lives of the scythes who have lost sight of their mission and kill for pleasure or personal gain. Citra, once his counterpart, is now the ordained Scythe Anastasia, and as she works to better the system from the inside, her own life may be in danger. But it is the Thunderhead—part government and part god, almost all-knowing, and increasingly aware of its own limitations—that commands the most attention, and it is pulling strings across the globe. Through the Thunderhead, Shusterman widens the already impressive scope of his near-future utopia while also keeping a deft finger on the pulse of our own turbulent times. Exceptionally clear-eyed and brutal in its execution, this raises even bigger moral questions than its predecessor—and, like its predecessor, offers no easy answers. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: There's no doubting Shusterman's talents—he's nabbed both a National Book Award and a Printz Honor Book—and this sequel to an enthusiastically received series starter is eagerly awaited. Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2017 Booklist Reviews.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Shusterman cranks up the stakes in this blistering sequel to 2016's Scythe, set on a "post-mortal" future Earth in which easily revived humans are only "deadish" when killed, not permanently dead, except for the few "gleaned" by scythes, who kill to keep population growth under control. The narrative focuses primarily on Citra, who is gaining influence as Scythe Anastasia, and Rowan, who has adopted the mantle of Scythe Lucifer as he furtively gleans amoral scythes. New presences include Greyson Tolliver, an unassuming young man who becomes aware of threats on Scythe Anastasia's life, and the voice of the Thunderhead, the artificial intelligence that manages virtually all aspects of life on Earth. As the political machinations between scythe factions collide, the Thunderhead's dispatches reflect powerfully on its relationship with humanity ("All I can do is watch unblinkingly as my beloved humankind slowly weaves the rope it will use to hang itself"). Interweaving heady questions of morality, responsibility, loyalty, and power, Shusterman builds to a devastatingly intense conclusion that sends the characters and larger world into terrifying new territory. It's difficult to fathom what awaits in the next book. Ages 12–up. Agent: Andrea Brown, Andrea Brown Literary. (Jan.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly.

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly.
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School Library Journal Reviews

POPGr 9 Up—A year has passed since the events of Scythe and Scythe Anastasia, once known as Citra Terranova, lives with her mentor, Scythe Marie Curie, and performs her gleanings in relative peace despite causing a rift in the Scythedom by giving her subjects a month to choose how they want to be gleaned, aka killed. Anastasia argues that it is more humane this way which earns her the favor of the "old world" scythes, those who feel they perform their job with dignity and humility rather than with joy and pride, like the "new world" scythes. Still, she cannot escape the tidbits of news surrounding her fellow apprentice Rowan Damisch, who now goes by the name Scythe Lucifer. He is hunting down corrupt scythes as a vigilante who deals death to those whom he feels besmirch the title. Ruling over this world is the Thunderhead, an omniscient artificial intelligence. However, it has no jurisdiction over the Scythedom and therefore has done nothing to stop Rowan. When an old enemy resurfaces, throwing the Scythedom into chaos, and Rowan unable to stem the flow of corruption on his own, the world begins to wonder if the Thunderhead will break its own laws and intervene. Shusterman wields his magic once again in this continuation. The exploration of how the Thunderhead operates and thinks, told through "diary entries," gives the story an extra dimension: how would an all-knowing, all-powerful AI think, and how would it process a flawed humanity? The climax and twist ending will leave fans of the series begging for the next installment. VERDICT A rare sequel that is even better than the first book.—Tyler Hixson, Brooklyn Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal.
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