Shusterman - Thunderhead -Scythe Book 2 [Mar 3, 2018]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Kind of short notice but the library just bought the ebook and I ended up first on the list and have no choice but to check it out right away or go to the bottom 20 something people down.

CP is likely in, hopefully others.

[C.P.]

Yes, might be a few days later starting, but I'm in.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Mind if we move this to the 2018 new releases folder?

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Niki Hawkes wrote: "Mind if we move this to the 2018 new releases folder?"

Nope. Didn't realize there was one. With the GR 100 folder limit I was just trying not to use up folders.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

C.P. wrote: "Yes, might be a few days later starting, but I'm in."

Awesome! Thanks for the flexibility.

[Niki Hawkes, I made it past GOTM... barely]

Scott wrote: "Niki Hawkes wrote: "Mind if we move this to the 2018 new releases folder?"

Nope. Didn't realize there was one. With the GR 100 folder limit I was just trying not to use up folders."

That makes sense. That new folder was created with space-saving in mind too, but I kind of like the hype it builds for the new stuff.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Niki Hawkes wrote: "That makes sense. That new folder was created with space-saving in mind too, but I kind of like the hype it builds for the new stuff. ."
..."

Makes sense.

[C.P.]

This came available sooner than expected, so I should be starting today.

[C.P.]

Just finished part one. I'm really liking this one. I like how thought provoking Shusterman's books always are.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

I'm through part one as well. The first book was so good but I marked it down because of some plot holes. Better able to ignore them this time around I'm enjoying this even more. I like where the author has positioned Rowan, Citra and now Greyson.

[C.P.]

Just finished part two. (view spoiler)[I had forgotten that Scythe Rand was supposed to be dead...how did she survive and what is her plan with Tyger? Nothing good, obviously. And I'm interested to see where Greyson's story goes. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Just finished part three. (view spoiler)[Is Brahms working with Rand? This doesn't look good for Rowan. And Purity is insane. (hide spoiler)]

I like all of the sections from the Thunderhead, they always have something interesting within them and hints for the next chapter.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

C.P. wrote: "Just finished part two. [spoilers removed]"

I think (view spoiler)[She's going to pit him against Rowan. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Scott wrote: "C.P. wrote: "Just finished part two. [spoilers removed]"

I think [spoilers removed]"

Definitely.

[C.P.]

Through part 4. (view spoiler)[That was horrible. How is he going to get rid of Goddard this time? How is he going to get away from Goddard? (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

C.P. wrote: "Just finished part three. [spoilers removed]

I like all of the sections from the Thunderhead, they always have something interesting within them and hints for the next chapter."

(view spoiler)[Brahms is definitely connected with Rand and Purity. Interesting that it's deep enough to take out Trexler. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Scott wrote: "C.P. wrote: "Just finished part three. [spoilers removed]

I like all of the sections from the Thunderhead, they always have something interesting within them and hints for the next chapter."

[spo..."

Yes, it's definitely a deep plot.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

C.P. wrote: "Through part 4. [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I was a bit annoyed they brought Goddard back. I kind of get it opens up a lot of story lines but bringing back Rand was enough of an eye roller. Now we have Goddard in a Ted Williams state revived. (hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Scott wrote: "C.P. wrote: "Through part 4. [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I can understand that. While I think that Shusterman can do some cool things with it, I do think it's going a little too far. There are other ways he could have brought in drama. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

Through part 5

(view spoiler)[I kept thinking why didn't the new Scythes just build a computer system to compete with the Thunderhead?

Cutting off his head and sewing Goddard's back on was an interesting twist. I also liked the Thunderhead figuring that Scythes wanting to maintain control killed his extraterrestrial projects like Goddard killed his tech.

Goddard much also know the Tonists hold a piece of this puzzle. The tuning fork and their tones must complete a puzzle.

Rowan's escape........I'm actually leaning towards something unexpected like Xenocrates letting him go.

Greyson still has an end role in this. Interesting where it goes from here.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Scott wrote: "Through part 5"

(view spoiler)[The Goddard/Tyger thing reminded me of Shusterman's Unwind books. So disturbing. And it doesn't seem like anyone even questions where he got the body, which seems a little odd.

I'm really interested to see how Greyson plays into it all now. I feel so sad for the kid. (hide spoiler)]

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

I'm done. Some of this was so awesome and other things so frustrating.

Part 6 spoilers.

(view spoiler)[
The good: Marie self-gleaming, BUT, I have a feeling he'll save her which even though I like her character it's a cop out move if I'm right. Goddard pushing in the high Scythes was entertaining. High Scythe Xenocrates will return for sure. Loved the ending for Greyson, Rowan and Citra. All great cliffhangers. Loved the Tonist and Thunderhead tie-ins.

The bad: There's no way Goddard buys Rand's BS about Rowan's escape. The hearing was so simplistic it was stupid. We don't hear from Faraday at all near the end. I couldn't get over why the Scythe's wouldn't have a mini Thunderhead, better security and more failsafe measures for their floating fortress. The entire sink the fortress thing was bothersome to me even though it produced some good scenes.
(hide spoiler)]

[C.P.]

Scott wrote: "I'm done. Some of this was so awesome and other things so frustrating.

Part 6 spoilers."

I pretty much agree with all of your thoughts. While reading (view spoiler)[I was like, there is no way all of these people are that stupid to let everything fall apart like this. Seriously.

I really liked where Rowan, Citra, and Greyson ended here. (hide spoiler)]

I'm very interested to see where he takes us in the third one.

[Scott , Karsa Orlong]

C.P. wrote: "Part 6 spoilers."

Agreed, it was far too simplistic and yet the characters are compelling enough to leave me wanting more.

[Zaara]

First of all...😍😍😍 cover...is my new phone wp...how badass that they actually included the oldfashioned scythes!




General:
I like how the world is gradually broadening and getting more layered. In the first book it was pretty much MidMerica...
Felt the term "GrandSlayers" and "City of Endura" is a bit too bombastic in comicbook ways but this is a tiny quibble...really enjoying it so far.

[Zaara]

Log for Parts 3 & 4

CH 15
(view spoiler)[
👍 really great scene when (view spoiler)[ Faraday completely flabbergasted (the night librarian) Munira at their initial meeting... (hide spoiler)] he really SEES people, no?
+ I always enjoy (view spoiler)[library scene (hide spoiler)] settings.
And tho this is YA, Lannister, I dunno that the very young/naiïve will properly appreciate the 😂 *kick* in this sentence:
“You always have a choice,” he said, which was a half-truth if ever there was one.”
(hide spoiler)]

Also I dunno why I'm still "spoilering" stuff when we two are the only ones left & everybody alraedy moved to The Toll...😂
Ah well...JIC anybody else revives the old threads for a solo/duo read, like us.

16
(view spoiler)[
“They were merely pawns being moved by a much more capable hand. The hand of someone who was shrewd and careful enough to avoid detection—not just by the scythedom, but by the Thunderhead, as well.”
:O who could becunning enough to trick the TH? I dont completely dismiss Rand (purely bcuz of the nuances of her choice of surname) but so far she only seems a mid-level "goon" char so I wonder who recruited her now...and why she hasn't gone for revemge yet.
(hide spoiler)]

Greyson (chapter:early twenties/nonplot):
“Was the Thunderhead ashamed of him?
He would invent conversations in his mind to quell such fears.”

It's cute and also a little sad (because it is frighteningly realistic) how much he cares about the TH. It replaced his real family. In Japan they have these virtual friends (like virtual pets) and romantic partners too, right? That documentary about ppl falling in love with...and committing to (virtual girlfriends/partners) that are bots...and actually feeling real pain/pleasure over such romances...
:/
Altho the TH is certainly really adorable...esp when it SHEEPISHLY admits it ran many algorithms to find whether or not there is a God...AND when it puns...AND when it says it makes it rain when it wants to cry and love...
“I have found no definitive proof beyond an abiding feeling that there is something more—something greater.”
See...I normally fear excessive tech intrusion...that whole Skynet/the Matrix taking over the world thing gives me the night fears, always has, from the time I was a child...esp the War of the Worlds...but this book/series I'm loving the AI...I'm surprised at myself...huh!

End of Part Four:
(view spoiler)[
😮
Oh... Didn't expect...oh...that's sicko...poor kid, with that innocence and bombast...just...just hurry up and get here soon. The TWIST is completely WTF! I mean with the name Rand,..should've...
(hide spoiler)]

Ok Lannister I am gonna wait two days,..only ✌️ for you to catch up because it is really really REALLY hard to stop here and you wont even know how hard unless you get there.

Fave scene in this sectiom: haha Xenocratss in the bathtub...😂😜😂 o Rowan!

[Chris]

Ok, I'll work on this. Somebody has tempted me into Mage's Blood, which has pulled me in another direction ;)

That's actually a rather provocative sounding statement. Hmm.

I also like the worldlayering and Greyson's story so far. Almost to the end of Part 3, and I'll get on it soonly ;)

[Zaara]

Chris wrote: "..."

:)) soonly!!
I LOVE madeup words...from when I was a child...Roald Dahl...
How far have you gotten?? And you are liking it?
Because frankly, I did not find much to dislike..😂
And started liking the Thunderhead's epigraphs as much as Curie's but since I'd also left a TH update on my tracker (where I explained all this) I shall now cease and desist...

[Chris]

End of Part 4.

(view spoiler)[In a way, not surprised that Goddard is back. After Faraday and Rand cheated death, there was a pattern.

But...and it's a big but....the way they did that! Wowwwwww. That was the most Grimdark thing I've read in awhile. (hide spoiler)]

[Zaara]

Ha...you hadn't logged in/posted for a bit. And I was thinking the first thing I'd do was check if you were ok...whether there were anymore storms in your area...btw Lann...I DID see that message you left me...on 😂 Riyria...was it...three months after...I posted for Xmas & got a niiiice reply for Easter...remember thinking then how one of the best things about you and Sha is how unaffected you both are...but the thread got archived before I could reply...

Ohk...I finished this.
Wtf, that ending! No wonder everyone on the thread was unanimously despo for Book 3.

Parts 5 & 6 log
(view spoiler)[
Ch 31: The Trajectory of Yearning...nice opening scene there and good writing.
Ok here's my booklog:

1. And what I love most about the Scythe names are all these hidden plays and riffs, how Schusterman literally brings the char/persona/aura of each famous name into even one throwaway appearance of a random scythe. I can only think of one instance where it appeared staged/gimmicky and that was Scythe Asimov.
Otherwise, I was merrily 😂😄 at all these delicious puns and easter eggs.
Observe:
“Scythe O’Keefe commented that they should just build a tunnel and bring the scythes in underground—and although she meant it to be bitterly facetious, Scythe Carnegie noted it was the first good idea O’Keefe had had in years.”

2. Ok at point (epigraph for ch 33) I have a completely pointless philoso-legislative 😂 question: why do the underscythes also have to selfglean along with a Supreme Blade/Grandslayer? I hope the author gives us a rationale for this lalter bcuz I dont understand this at all.
Sorry, Chris my brain is like this. Its why sometimes I'm so hard to reply to...😂

3.😡😡😡 Scythe Goddard at the comclave...now there goes an attention-seeking SH!TSHOW.
Btw I love how Neal did integrate the real Goddard's boundary-expanding philosophies but in sick, twisted ways with this char.

4. Kinda cool Nature/Nurture epi for 36 and also during the scenes with Rand's
awakening conscience...wondered if you'd like those scenes...what you'd think...
Buuut I knew it, HAAAA....💪💪💪
I knew with a name like Rand she couldn't just be a stooge.
Re Rand/Tyger...here's my question: what is the role of innocence in the world, Chris?
Is it only to die, like Tyger did? And in this dying to awaken depravity to a consciousness of its existential extents, as happened with Rand?
Also...😂 tangent...I read Dune recently...loved the book but hated the MC...saw your review...didn't he ever...not even once...piss you off, Lann? I got into such a lather about him...

5. Oh Rowan!! He totally and absolutely reminds me of The Gorilla (my brother)...I call him that cuz he is kinda built on monumental lines...😂😂

6. I LOVE the Thunderhead. Like I told you I have this sentient "machine" Skynet nightmares/fright but this one...is such a big baby I wanna 😘 jezzt...look at how cute he is, Laaaaann...he'll be talking something meta/strategic and of staggering importance like the clues about Aendura...ok...and then suddenly...just like this distracted baby...he'll throw in a totally random stat about the temperature Scythe Curie's coffee...😂😂😂 and actually follow it for awhile...aaaaaww!
And when he says he can't cry so he makes it rain, and then he dims the lights for Greyson...look how much they miss each other and can never tell...ohk...its official...as of the end of this book...I adopt the Thunderhead as my orphan baby.

7. Ending: Cataclysmic and cinematic but with a name like Endura and all those Marvel/DC Wondercity vibes he was throwing at us...what else did we expect?? I hope those two,don't stay down there deadish for fifty thousand years or something. Wouldnt it be 😝 if the system rebooted at the end of those fatal twenty minutes and they immediately floated back to the rescuable sublevels?

I HEREBY END MY MOSTLY FRIVOLOUS LOG WITH A MOMENT OF SOLEMN AND SERIOUS SILENCE FOR SCYTHE CURIE. MY FAVE FEMALE CHAR IN THIS TRILOGY.
YOU WILL BE MISSED, MADAME...😔 (hide spoiler)]

[Chris]

Hey...I've been pretty derailed on reading/listening anything. Not weather, just life stuff..

[Zaara]

Oh absolutely no problem! The holidays are busy for everyone + lots of ppl in the group got a bit deflated/slumpy/burnt out after the tourney ended. Reading should be fin and never a guilt trip, so chill. And I'm sorry if I scared you with my BIG 😂😜 post and "impatience"...I can deffo be patient💪😂, no worries, I'm still here on the thread if you want to chat, Chris. Lots happens/much changes in the last parts, in case you need that as "motivation" to finish up here.

But actuathis actually works out extremely well since I got pulled into Darkdawn and Siobhan (who mentiond she preordered the Toll and asked whether there's a thread...from these subtle, contradictory and insufficient evidence I conclude she may be mildly enthusiastic 😂😂😂 *KICK*) is rightnow in Japan.
So...totally happy to wait for you guys and after DD I think I'll quietly start LHoG 2 to give everyone extra time.
But after that (hope you don't mind, man) I really will have to get to the Toll bcuz I've challenged myself to finish it before year's end.

[Chris]

I should be good and caught up soon. I've only got 4.5 hours left.

[Zaara]

👍

[Chris]

I'll just sum it all up with...

(view spoiler)[Wow! - lame, right? (hide spoiler)]

Dune - (view spoiler)[Oh yes, Paul was a dweeb and annoyed the hell out of me often. I had to cheer for him out of principle (because fuck the Harkonnens lol), but his personality was grating. (hide spoiler)]

[Zaara]

Oh Chris! 😂😂
How do you do it? I wish I had this skill...brevity...its kinda a superpower....💪💪💪

EDIT Dune...yea on everything + FUKK the Harkonnens....

[Chris]

Hehe...sometimes I just have to be brief because I'm still processing and can't put it all in words. Then by the time it wears off, I'm moving to other things (SHINY!)