Thunderhead (Scythe #2) by Neal Shusterman -- Restarting May 20th 2024

[✨Skye✨]

Part 4 (view spoiler)[ Tyger! That was so sad :( He was so hopeful for the future. I can't believe Goddard is back though, but how is it possible? Surely this is something the Thunderhead would be doing/know about. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

It good Skye?

[✨Skye✨]

Can we just appreciate that there's a Scythe Beyoncé? xD

[✨Skye✨]

Maddison wrote: "It good Skye?"

Yes! It's great :D

[✨Skye✨]

Part 5 (view spoiler)[ 7% of a scythe? Citra is such a badass! I actually feel kinda bad for Rand, she seems to have cared for Tyger. (hide spoiler)]

[Maddie]

Awesome!

[✨Skye✨]

Part 6 (view spoiler)[ WHAT. THE. HELL. How did we get to that stage? It was actually painful to read, I was tearing my hair out! How can Marie just die like that? At least there's hope for Citra and Rowan, but oh my god, what just happened? (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

Finally starting this today!!

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Forgot how much I enjoy this world..I like Rowan and Citra's methods for gleaning. Both unorthodox, but for the greater good. I don't remember Rand and her death. Did she die in the Tonist temple with Goddard? Or was it under different circumstances? She's definitely going to use Tyger as a pawn in some kind of plan. Maybe to take down Rowan? And what is Thunderhead up to? It's experimenting with no surveillance in Texas. Wonder how that's going to play out later on. Also, wondering what happened to the love story between Rowan and Citra..did it die? (hide spoiler)]
Part 1

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Greyson is a part of the Thunderhead's bigger plan to save Citra and Curie. This is the Thunderhead's loophole. Love it. I don't know who ordered a hit on them. Constantine or Rand? Someone else? I can't wait to see what he uncovers while living the unsavory life. And what's with Texas? This is going to play out later. What is Tyger's deal? I don't think he's going to become an official scythe. More like Rand's accomplice. But he's falling for the bait, he's such a dumb character. (hide spoiler)]
Part 2

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[So much setting up, so little time. What is Faraday up to with the scythe journals? That librarian is going to be apart of his alliance. I wonder what he's researching. I'm sure it'll play a big important part later on. The AWFul clubs made me LOL. What's with Purity and killing scythes? She's on someone's team, not sure who's. And another random romance thrown into the mix lol so unnecessary but whatevs. Its YA. Poor Greyson getting screwed over in the end. His agent got gleaned by someone anti Citra and Curie. I stilll don't know who the bad guy is TBH. They are portraying Rand as the villian but what if it's like she's turned a new leaf and is now on the good side, and Constantine is actually the bad one? Idk. I'm waiting for a crazy plot twist clearly. And what's with Xenocrates? Is he the real mastermind to all this? He's shady and I don't trust him for a second. I'm pissed that Rowan got caught though. Like really? Since Brahms killed his father, he's somehow involved too. This is all very Star Wars to me a la New World order vs. the Rebels. I wonder how this will all play out.. (hide spoiler)]
Part 3

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Wow! Greyson is coming through!! He's hiding with the Tonists, but his time will come. Does this mean Constantine is actually one of the good guys? I mean I guess I kind of believe it. And Goddard is back?? I hate that guy!! I hated Tyger too, but to do that to make Rowan suffer was sickening. Clearly, he's been the mastermind to this whole plan. He's weak now, but he will get stronger and then it's all over. I think/hope this will have a happy ending and that Rowan will escape. Still waiting on what Faraday has up his sleeve. (hide spoiler)]
Part 4

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Now it's Citra finding a loophole! I think they're going to make their case and *hopefully* defeat the bad guy. Rowan still hostage is killing me. When is gonna do a prison break? I don't know what Faraday and his assistant have up their sleeve. I don't understand how the Land of Nod plays into this. I think Greyson is going to come through big time at the end. Can't wait to see how this all wraps up! (hide spoiler)]
Part 5

[Abby]

Part 1: (view spoiler)[Citra's certainly got some interesting gleaning methods. (hide spoiler)]

Part 2: (view spoiler)[Something tells me that Greyson's mission is going to fail badly. (hide spoiler)]

Part 4: (view spoiler)[Ugh, I thought we were done with Goddard... This is ridiculous that he can be a head on another body. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[So sad that Curie self-gleaned. And it seems like the Thunderhead "blind spot" and Faraday will play a huge part in the next book. (hide spoiler)]

[Jill]

(view spoiler)[Omg, I can't with this ending!! Everyone died, except the bad guys. Booo. I knew Rand would have a sweet spot eventually though. And Rowan and Citra are going to come back. Even though everyone died, who knows if that is even certain because we all thought Goddard died and look at what ended up happening with that. Faraday is going to travel to the Land of Nod and the Thunderhead knows. I wonder what will get uncovered there. And yay for Greyson getting his happy ending. All of that suffering paid off in the end and he's gonna do big important things. I love it. I can't wait for book 3!!! (hide spoiler)]
Part 6/End

[Alex]

I almost forgot it! But I‘m going to start right now.
Happy Reading!

[Ryn]

Yay! I just started listening to it the other day but haven't had much time to focus on it.

To Chapter 12

Can I just say I love Neal Shusterman. Honestly, he's so YA but he's the best of YA. He's like Mercedes Lackey is for fantasy -- she tells the same kinds of stories everyone else does, she just does it so much better than everyone else. She's the quintessential fantasy writer. Shusterman on the other hand tells some of the most unique stories in YA today. And yet they are so very YA. And yet I don't mind at all.

I've always liked Scythe Curie so I'm glad we're spending more time with her, and the glimpses into the consciousness of the Thunderhead are fascinating. Shusterman has done such a good job creating this that at some surface level I keep forgetting it's not real, even though obviously I know it's not. I've finally come around to Citra also, whom I did not like much in the first book. And Greyson I love; he's such a sweetheart. Although (view spoiler)[ I will admit to being quite irritated when the Thunderhead did him dirty. Not really, I know, I know. The whole idea of being an Unsavoury spy is very cool, but I'm still so sad for Greyson. Not because he didn't get in truth what he really wanted but because he'll be so alone. The Thunderhead was parent, friend, companion and now he's just alone. Which sucks. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

I haven‘t had much time to read yesterday either. But now my weekend begins!

(view spoiler)[
So, let‘s see: I‘m just done with chapter 12 too. It took me a bit to get back in this world. I believe it‘s because I read the first book in german and now switched to english. It feels like the author suddenly has a complete different writing style. But I like this one way more.

I completely love Shusterman. He is definitely YA! I feel like when I buy one of his books, I know exactly what I get, but in a good way: I know the book will be really good, YA and about a serious topic (usually death) set in a really special and strange world.

It surprised me a bit that Shusterman introduced a new character but honestly, I should have seen it coming. I always like how he tells a story and than lets new characters join in, that bring a different view with them.

I feel sorry for Greyson too. He has no one left. That‘s really sad. I‘m kind of hoping that he will find new friends in the other main characters.

The Thundehead feels more like a real person to me! So I totally get you! Also I would dig it if the Thunderheads somehow tries to cheer Greyson up with a present or something, showing him he still cares or something. Man, the Thunderhead and Greyson are getting my new favorite pairing!

I also like Scythe Curie, but I really enjoy her and Citra together. They are like a family now, that‘s kind of sweet. Especially since Citra struggles with her new life.

(hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

I do too; I've always liked the way Scythe Curie and Citra interact. After thinking about it a bit, I'm actually a little surprised that she's never had an apprentice before Citra. With the New Order rising and continuing to train Scythes that don't follow the older ways (which I personally prefer if it has to be done at all), I can't really figure out why the older guard Scythes aren't making sure to find and train appropriate people themselves.

[Alex]

I thought about that too! It doesn‘t make a lot of sense but I actually see this in real life too: A lot of older people just don‘t like anything new...
When it comes to the gleaning itself I‘m pretty divided. On the oneside I like Curie‘s way because the victims don‘t have time to fear but on the otherside they can‘t say their goodbyes...

[Ryn]

to Chapter 26

May I just say that Scythe Curie and the whole (view spoiler)[ "May the Fork Be with You," was one of the funnier things I've read recently and it's a good thing I was stopped when I heard it in the car because I laughed myself silly. Not that the rest of her story about the Tonists was funny, but that was a great moment.

Onward. So Greyson is really in a mess, poor boy and I wish he'd get a grip on himself when it comes to Purity. With Traxler gone, I'm not really sure how he's going to move forward. I am, of course, hoping for a happy ending for him, and I think he deserves one -- he's given up his whole life and future over this. I can't believe Rowan was careless enough to get caught and I'm wondering if Scythe Rand is really the one after Citra and Marie or if there's another story brewing here.

I did like the scene between Rowan and Xenocrites. Rowan's the answer they can't authorize themselves but that they really need and Xenocrites knows it. (hide spoiler)] Can't wait to see how this goes.

[Ryn]

I do kind of like Anastasia's method, but it is a lot of work. I like Marie's way of having the families to dinner, and it's unexpected, but at least she's quick and painless about it. If it were me, I'd almost rather it be that way perhaps than to have to sit and anticipate it for a month straight....

[Alex]

I actually wanted to post here yesterday, but I literally fel asleep with my tablet in my hand...

Okay, I‘m now on chapter 28:

(view spoiler)[
In between I was a little bit confused about the many different plots going on but now they finally add up. Shusterman really thought this story through.

I hated Citra a bit because she turned Greyson away after the incident at the theater. I mean he saved her life, no thanks? And why didn‘t she ask him anything like do you now who planned this? She just assumed that he knows nothing...

I felt sorry for Greyson too. First he had a life than everything gots taken away and now he starts feeling like he has a life again and maybe found love, but at the end he has nothing left again. Besides he is in so much trouble, although he saved Citra‘s life twice and basically he never did anything wrong... I really hope he get‘s a happy end too.

How could Rowan be so stupid? I can‘t believe he was so easily knocked out...

And I‘m not so sure about Rand. I wouldn‘t be surprised if Shusterman just wants us to take a false lead... Goddard is probably still alive or something.

I also enjoyed the whole conversation between Rowan and Xeno... (that name is way too hard). Obviously they all know that the Scythe-System has some issues. Maybe in the end, Rowan can even get a position as somekind of Scythe-Police? I‘m still hopeing for a happy end for everyone.

(hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

That's what they really need.. a Scythe police! Or at least better controls for when a Scythe steps over the line -- I noticed in the first book that the "discipline" system for Scythes was kind of stupid. If you abuse that power, they should have the ability to take it away from you.

And yeah, I thought Citra was pretty (view spoiler)[ harsh on Greyson. At least she hooked him up somewhere safe... even if the Tonists are a little nuts. I just can't with the licking up disease water. Seriously. Can't. It is so gross. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Ok, since I‘m stupid I read the rest of the book yesterday although I had to get up super early...

(view spoiler)[
The water is so disgusting, that‘s gonna be really gross...

So, the book ended with a major cliffhanger and I don‘t know what to do with myself right now. It‘s just, there are so many open questions!

I saw the whole Goddard thing coming but I never thought that he would use Tyger‘s body! I even felt a tiny bit sorry for Scythe Rand because she definitely like Tyger, but well she sill killed him...

After the inquest I thought, that was pretty uneventful for Shusterman and than suddenly such a chaos!

I don‘t get why Marie locked Rowan and Citra up. I mean sure, they have a chance on being found and revived but why did she leave? There was no better place for her? Or did she have a plan and jusr wanted to make sure that Rowan couldn‘t dissapear again?

I‘m not really sure what will happen in the next book. Greyson obviously get‘s another task, maybe to find Citra and Rowan? And what will Farady find? Besides they have to bring Goddard down and make sure that Marie will take over as High Blade, if she is still alive...

(hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Ch 26 - 36

I'm not ignoring your comment, but I haven't finished it yet so I don't want to read your final spoiler quite yet ;)

Bah, (view spoiler)[ Goddard. Seriously?! Can't quite with that -- I mean sure he's the megalomaniac quintessential evil but it's a little bit over the top really. I think Shusterman had plenty of problems that needed resolution in the book without stretching credulity quite that far. AND for him to come back and immediately become a threat to RULE EVERYTHING. I'm not quite convinced it would have really gone that way, because seriously the guy's a mutant. Like Frankenstein. And wake up, Rand, of course no one wants restrictions and we all want to do whatever we like but surely you've noticed the guy's raving crazy, right? (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

Ryn wrote: "Ch 26 - 36

I'm not ignoring your comment, but I haven't finished it yet so I don't want to read your final spoiler quite yet ;)

Bah, [spoilers removed]"

Don‘t worry, I will wait until your done :) The following is spoilerfree for you, I just don‘t wanna spoiler everyone else who might read this:

(view spoiler)[ Thinking back now, the book would have been better with a new antagonist. Your completely right, the stretch is too far. I don‘t want to spoiler you, so I‘m not gonna say anything about Goddard, but I really believe the story could (with a few changes) have worked with another person (maybe someone who always supported him) playing the evil one.
(hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Yes, I keep thinking that. While I'm very much in favor of the whole (view spoiler)[ failsafe for the Scythedom, I'm also having a little trouble with the whole Land of Nod concept. I kind of wish Shusterman hadn't used such a children's fantasy poem to go on. But he's not done yet, so I'm trying to withhold final judgment for a bit. (hide spoiler)]

[Alex]

(view spoiler)[
I actually had a bit of trouble with the whole Nod idea too. And later also with the place where the inquest happens (I forgot it‘s name). It just didn‘t really fit in the same world as MidMercia, in my head. I can‘t quite say what exactly it was... (hide spoiler)]

[Ryn]

Ch 36-fin

OH MY GOODNESS WHYYYYYY????

That was INSAAANE!

Okay breath.

AAAARGGGH!

Wow the ending was good. Well, "good." Intense, that works better.

I didn't actually see the (view spoiler)[ Goddard thing coming; it kinda made me mad she brought him back. Although if this is how he's going to do things, it's probably better she did bring him back because we already love to hate him. I honestly thought the inquest would go the other way and he'd turn the Scythedom loose and then Faraday would have to pull the plug. But I guess if that happened there wouldn't be another book.

And yes it still kinda bugs me that he's such an evil mastermind-y villain. That everyone just seems to go along with him, including all the engineers he supposedly chivvied into hacking the island. Which was rather clever, because until that came to light I wasn't really buying that EVERYTHING was malfunctioning.

Man the sinking would make a great movie.

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE. I cannot for the life of me figure out why Marie didn't stay with the kids. They're all going to die anyway so it's not like she's using resources they need to stay alive. What was the purpose of leaving them and gleaning herself, which just NO I really like her and I wanted her around.

The Thunderhead seems to be feeling more and more like caring for humanity is a burden, and that ending, whoa. Can't wait to see the first conversation between Greyson and the Thunderhead -- they have a lot to discuss.

But even though they turned him down mostly on a technicality, I still really can't quite figure out the hold Goddard seems to have on everyone. He's so ridiculously corrupt and yet people just sort of let him get away with it. (hide spoiler)]

I NEED A SEQUEL!

[Abi]

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Reading from the 5th of March 2019

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

[Linaria]

Lara wrote: "Part 1: [spoilers removed]"

I really missed Citra! It's also interesting to see more information about the thunderhead.

[Linaria]

I really love the new nimbus agent.

It's also really interesting to see the differences that Citra and Rowan have in their outlooks on life as a result of their respective educations.

[Linaria]

Is....(view spoiler)[ the thunderhead going to show its fury by wiping people out? Thats what my brain always thinks will happen in a dystopia (hide spoiler)]

[Linaria]

Also that ending. I can definitely say this book was a lot faster paced than the last!

[Katie_Potatie]

I can't believe I put this off for so long! Already finished part 1!!!

*Spoilers Below*
Part one - Nothing if not powerful
Pages 1 to 70
Let me start off by saying the description of Rowan (aka Scythe Lucifer) is just grade A. I am really enjoying the use of control and description of why he chooses to become Scythe Lucifer. Also, I think the best bit is that he ultimately gives people a choice to turn their shit around. Maybe they went down the wrong track by their apprentice, maybe they are arrogant, whatever the reason Rowan is letting bygones be bygones and tracking change. Such a good character development.
I found the description of the Thunderhead council a bit strange, at first, I wasn’t following, but I do like how sassy the Nimbus was when expressing from the Thunderheads perspective. And of course, the little captures from the Thunderhead itself between each chapter. I am hooked just from reading those excerpts.
And now we get to Citra (aka Scythe Anastasia). What a rollercoaster of a first chapter back in the game… Jebus. I love her style though, but what I think I love more is that no other scythe agrees with her choice of gleaning, that is the Citra we know and love. It is such an interesting concept, and it almost unsettling (with me at least) because it such an honest portrayal from the Mortal age. This is the first time the book has really made me appreciate the time we are given in our own mortality. (well that was dark….).
Shut. The. Front. Door. Scythe Rand.. Just at the end of part one. Things are getting very interesting. I must admit though, I didn’t even realise who Scythe Rand was until the very end of the chapter, just because it has been so long since I read Scythe.

[[[ Frankie ]]]

I’m starting right now!

[Linaria]

I hope you enjoy it
!

[[[ Frankie ]]]

Clephiro (The Book Coven) wrote: "I hope you enjoy it
!"

Thank you! I absolutely LOVED Scythe. ;]

[Zihan]

[[ Frankie ]] wrote: "I’m starting right now!" Starting too!

[Katie_Potatie]

Part two - Harm's Way
Pages 71 to 151

Well holy jebus, this is going to be one hell of a book. I am worried though that Greyson Tolliver (while turning out to be an absolutely stellar addition to the novels) is going to take part in some kind of love triangle between Citra and Rowan. I would be really annoyed if that was the case. Not that I am invested in any romance in general, just really hate love triangles.

Also, can we just take a moment to talk about the Thanksgiving dinner at the Terranova's. What an absolute awkward experience. But it was one of those scenes that was really crucial to the plot. I really like the world building in this installment that separates Scythe and State, it is actually very interesting.

Other than that i really wish i didn't have to sleep AND THEN work because i could easily devour this novel in a night. Hopefully i get the next two parts down tonight :)

[[[ Frankie ]]]

I’m only to chapter 4, but it’s already drawn me in! (view spoiler)[I love how Citra is trying to show compassion in her work like Faraday did. & really, Rowan is trying to do the same, in a way. By giving the bad scythes an opportunity to be better people before killing them. Can’t wait to see how this plays out with the Thunderhead. (hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

Only at Chapter 5, but...

(view spoiler)[I like getting the POV of the Thunderhead at the beginning of the chapters. Honestly, when I think ‘artificial intelligence’, I don’t really think of an AI having emotions or any type of legit conscience whatsoever. I think of it having everything but that. So I think it’s neat to see through its POV that it does, in fact, have feelings & a conscience. Morality, even.
(hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

Just finished Part One!
(view spoiler)[Holy hecks! I honestly was NOT expecting Rand to choose Tyger as an apprentice! Although that does seem like the obvious choice, now that you think about it. He’s ditzy enough to fall right into the trap Rand is setting for him, trying to turn him into a mini-Goddard & of course, I’m sure she’ll want him to kill Rowan somehow because he’s the only one who can locate Rowan & knows his new fake name. Turning everyone Rowan knows against him & gleaning his family is the only way they know to hurt him since they can’t catch him. That’s honestly what I thought Rand called Tyger there for at first... I thought she was going to glean him... not take him on as an apprentice! DANG. This book is going to be amazing, I can already feel it...
(hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

Finished Part Two!
In response to Potatie’s comments... (view spoiler)[I completely agree about the Thanksgiving dinner with Citra’s family. So awkward. It kind of makes me sad to know she’s had to give up the closeness with her family. I wonder if they’ll ever be close again? Also, wtf with the four-breasted turkey? & making turkeys dream of having great lives so they can make good turkey meat. LOL! Okay, so I literally believed every dystopian aspect of this book, up until the “turkey story”. Haha!!!

I like Greyson. & the Thunderhead trusts him... which is a good thing. I think he’s going to make a great addition to the books. I agree with Potatie, though. I have a feeling there will be some type of romance blossom between Citra & Greyson.

I’m glad Faraday decided to make an appearance. He’s one of my favorite characters so I hope we get to see more of him! Which I have a feeling we will!

What’s the deal with Scythe Rand & Tyger? She’s telling him he’ll get his ring without the trials & tests of the conclave. Hmm. I know she’s got some kind of evil plan up her sleeve & I’m anxious to find out what it is. Obviously it has something to do with Rowan... & I still think she’s going to try to turn Tyger into a mini-Goddard & turn him against Rowan & probably try to get him to kill Rowan. I just wonder if Tyger will let the power go to his head & allow Rand to convince him to do that. Hopefully Tyger is strong enough in the end to tell Rand to “shove it”. I don’t want to see Rowan get hurt!!

Anyway, the story is getting so good! So I’m gonna go back & read some more. I’m starting Part Three right now!
(hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

What do you guys think about (view spoiler)[these AWFul clubs for the unsavories? I think it’s a great aspect of the world building, to be honest. The LokUp club is the most interesting one, in my opinion. I think it’s funny how Greyson thinks to himself that incarceration in the Mortal Age couldn’t have really existed... because how cruel it would be! It made me laugh because I’m thinking, “Man, if he only knew how many millions of people today are ACTUALLY incarcerated all over the world & ACTUALLY have to live that life behind bars.” That it’s no joke. Of course, they’re behind bars due to their own bad actions. But still. I still thought it funny that Greyson had a hard time believing that incarceration actually existed at one point in time.
(hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

Page 202: I found this conversation funny. LOL!

(view spoiler)[Xenocrates did his best to hide his terror, but suspected it beamed through any pretense. “Are you here to end me, Rowan? If so, get it over with, as I abhor waiting.”
“It’s tempting, Your Excellency, but try as I might, I couldn’t find anything in your history that would earn you permanent death. At worst, you deserve a spanking, like they used to give naughty children in the mortal age.”
(hide spoiler)]

[[[ Frankie ]]]

(view spoiler)[Oh, no! Wtf! Agent Traxler has been gleaned? I have an idea who was behind this BS. I feel so bad for Greyson. I feel like he’s totally screwed now. Now there’s no record at all of his previous life, before becoming an unsavory. I can only imagine what he’s feeling right now...
(hide spoiler)]

[Katie_Potatie]

Omg can we just take a moment to deal with this very frustrating but absolutely amazing part of the Thunderhead conscious:

"It detected falsehoods and truths, both spoken and unspoken. Which meant that it knew whether or not Scythe Constantine was sincere in wanting her to remain alive. But as always, when it came to the scythedom it had to remain silent."

Neal Shusterman you talented and frustrating man!

[[[ Frankie ]]]

YES!! I was shocked by that comment from the Thunderhead! Based on that comment, you have to assume Scythe Constantine actually DOES NOT have good intentions for Citra & Curie, right? I had a bad feeling about Constantine from the beginning... & I’m wondering if those instincts aren’t right?!