Thunderhead

by Neal Shusterman

First published 2018

Rowan has vanished into the shadows, becoming a whispered legend across the continent. He moves through cities like a ghost, targeting corrupt scythes and eliminating them in brutal trials. People speak his name in hushed tones, never knowing where he might strike next. Meanwhile, Citra serves as Scythe Anastasia, bringing mercy to her gleanings and fighting against the brutal new order taking hold of the Scythedom. Her compassionate methods draw fierce opposition from those who prefer the old ways. Death threats follow her, and powerful enemies question every choice she makes. Above it all, the Thunderhead watches but cannot act. Ancient laws prevent it from meddling in Scythe affairs, even as corruption spreads through their ranks. The AI observes the growing chaos with mounting concern, bound by rules it cannot break. Two former friends now walk separate paths toward the same goal, but their methods could not be more different. As the perfect world begins to crack, the question remains whether change will come through Citra's mercy or Rowan's violence.

Genres: science-fiction, dystopia, adventure, action

Vibes: dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, unreliable-narrator

Setting: Scythedom

Period: future

536 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster

Content warnings: death, graphic-violence, murder

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