Shusterman, Neal.  Thunderhead.  S&S, 2018.

Thunderhead follows up Neal Shusterman’s popular futuristic novel, Scythe, which deals with a death-free earth and a unique way to control the human population.

In this second book in the Arc of a Scythe series, Rowan has become a phantom vigilante, Scythe Lucifer, tracking down corrupted scythes in MidMerica and killing them.  Citra, now Scythe Anastasia, is taking her job very seriously, gleaning victims with humane compassion.  She has become quite popular among the junior scythes and is living with her mentor, Scythe Curie.   They are concerned about the attitude that many of the newer scythes have developed—gleaning with glee and wild abandonment, instead of doing their jobs with seriousness and dignity.  Through a newly introduced character, Greyson Tolliver, it is revealed that the lives of Scythes Anastasia and Curie are in mortal danger due to their “old world” views. 

The powerful A.I. Thunderhead is observing everything that is happening on earth, with increasing disappointment, but does nothing to directly interfere with the Scythes.  However, it has its hand in every other aspect of human life across the globe.  In an effort to help earth, and ultimately, the Scythedom, Citra takes her life into her own hands, hoping that she can connect with the only thing that can save the world.

OMG.  This. Book.  I thought that Scythe was exceptional, but the Thunderhead is even better!  How can that even be possible!?

Neal Shusterman has made expanded the Thunderhead into a “living breathing character” by putting its dialogue into diary-like entries, allowing the reader to know how it feels and sees the world.  The characters from Scythe have been fuller developed, and the additional ones add even more depth to the sequel.  The world building of Endura, the Scythe government seat of power, and of The Great Library of Alexandria is outstanding.  Add in the fascinating plot and the surprising twists, and you have what I think is the Novel of the Year, even if it is a sequel.

So…five things.

1.     Brilliant, flowing writing

2.     Likable and vile characters—both remarkably refined

3.     Amazing world building

4.     Shocking plot twists

5.     A cliffhanger ending  (Insert, “Noooooo!” here!)

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I highly, highly recommend Thunderhead to upper middle school, high school, and public libraries and give it five fleur de lis.  I’d give it ten if I could!