Arc of a Scythe Series by Neal Shusterman -> Restarting July 10th, 2021

[Alaina]

Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own.

[Keri]

So excited to finally be starting Scyth—I’ve been wanting to read this forever and have heard so many good things!!!

[Jammin Jenny]

Me too! But I probably won't start until next week so just hide any specific comments in spoilers please!

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 1-3

(view spoiler)[The plot of this book is such an interesting concept. I'm hoping the two leads aren't gonna be annoying whiny teens who want to rebel against everything, but from what we've seen, I'm guessing they will be.

I like the little snippets in between the chapters with exercepts from a sycthe's diary which give a little exposition. Very interesting and helpful, while not being just info-dumps.

(hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

I definitely will! I’m loving this already and so sucked in!
Ch. 5-(view spoiler)[ I love the journal entries at the start of each chapter! It’s such a great way to explain things and give us more info (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Ch.13 (view spoiler)[ I’m loving this it’s so interesting! I like Citra, Rowan and Faraday and it’s fascinating learning along with the apprentices all the background that goes into becoming and being a Scythe. I’m about to read about the conclave and can’t wait for that either!
I can’t stand the group of Scythes that do the cruel mass gleanings, it’s so much worse :/ (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Part 3/Ch.18
(view spoiler)[ oh noooooo!! Faraday gleaned himself, I suspected it when he said things may change again and then knew it when the pounding on the door happened and he hadn’t been home. :-(
At least Citra gets HS Curie who from journals so far seems okay, but I’m super worried what will happen to Rowan with HS Goddard-he’s a nightmare with no morals at all! :/ (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 4-8

(view spoiler)[I'm loving the world in this book and it just feels so well-crafted and fleshed out. It's like Neal has an answer for all the questions you could think of.

I also really like the idea that if you want to be a scythe and think you could easily glean people, you don't deserve to be a scythe. To be a scythe you have to make heavy decisions and you should never take them not seriously enough as these are people's lives you're playing with.

That being said, I think the scythes we saw in the aeroplane scene will be trouble. They clearly relished in the process of making the people suffer so there's obvious some bad scythes out there. I wonder if Citra and Rowan will take them down and the whole scythe construct altogether.

I've been thinking about how this world would survive if they got rid of the scythes and if humans have already gotten rid of natural death and disease etc, how would we deal with overpopulation? Would people be banned from procreating? Would the Earth eventually die out?

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 9-14

(view spoiler)[Well. That was an interesting turn of events. The winner of the apprenticeship has to glean the loser. That shit's tough.

I think Rowan may be developing a little crush on Citra. I knew going into this book that a romance wpuld happen and some people don't think it worked and the chemistry isn't right, and so far, I think it's a little one-sided. I kinda don't want a romance but I'll have to live with it.

(hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Chapters 15-17

(view spoiler)[Noooooooooooo. Not Scythe Faraday! I can't believe he sacrificed himself for Citra and Rowan :(

Although he has kinda made it worse for them because they're working for monsters now. Greaaat.

(hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Ch.33
(view spoiler)[ OMG OMG OMG SCYTHE FARADAY IS ALIVE!!!!! It is blowing my mind how good and involved this book is! I’m so invested in ALL OF IT! (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Part 5/Ch.37
How have I waited so long to read this?!?!?!
(view spoiler)[ So much is blowing my mind! I was so sad about Volta he was the only semi-human one of Goddard’s scythes :(
But wow how it blew my mind when Rowan killed Goddard!!! So awesome and then the other two as well! And I had been so nervous he was going to kill the tonal curate guy because he felt he had to to keep Goddard appeased. This was SO much better! Wow this writing!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Ashleigh]

Finished

(view spoiler)[Loved loved loved this book. Deffo one of my new faves!

So my favourite characters were definitely Scythe Faraday and Scythe Curie, and the story of their tragic love hurt me. I hope they find a way to get back to each other in the future. Also, what was with Scythe Faraday faking his death?? Plot twist bitch! I'm so happy he wasn't actually murdered.

However, I'm very happy that Scythe Goodard is dead. Fuck that guy. He was such an asshole, and if he was alive in the Age of Mortality, you could tell he would be a serial killer. I'm pleased that he didn't manage to corrupt Rowan so much.

I did hear things about the romance going into it, and people saying it didn't need a romance and the characters had no chemistry. But personally, I don't think there was much of a romance. I think in the second book it will develop into something more, but for me, it felt like they just had feelings for each other and they had this kinship because they were going through the same thing. I don't think I'd be mad if it developed into something more actually.

Overall, new fave for me. Love it. Highly recommend!

(hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

Finished!
(view spoiler)[ wow. This book was just as amazing as everyone said it was!!
Such a cool twist Citra ending up giving Rowan immunity by punching him! So much politics I love it. I’m glad Citra was the one to be chosen for Scythe she will do well and make a difference for sure. And I’m SOOOO happy Rowan is now with Scythe Faraday who hopefully get keep him from going any further into enjoying gleaning, I like him too and want to make sure he stays good. I can’t wait to read the next one! (hide spoiler)]

[Alaina]

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RESTARTING SEPTEMBER 5TH, 2019

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[Vicki]

I’d like to join this buddy read but probably will not start until after the 7th.

[Jammin Jenny]

I am getting ready to read Thunderhead soon...

[Jennifer]

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RESTARTING DECEMBER 9TH, 2019

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[Jammin Jenny]

What book are you all starting with? I need to read books 2 & 3 and would love to join in if you're reading them too.

[Keri]

I need to read 2 and 3 also, so I’d be down for that. I was planning to last time the thread was active but didn’t get time

[Keri]

Haha I went back and can see I read Scythe the first one in this BR thread last year too funny

[Jammin Jenny]

Okay so let's wait and see if anyone needs to read #1. If not, when would you be up for reading #2? I'm good anytime starting after next Friday.

[Ivana - Diary of Difference]

Me and Anna will be reading Scythe on the 9th, and then also read Thunderhead the next Monday (16th).
I think the thread should be up - do you guys want to join us? :)

[Keri]

Yeah I think this is the thread right? I’ll try to join!!

[Keri]

Ok so restarting the 9th is on this so you guys will start with Scythe and Jenny and I will jump in with thunderhead. This thread is a series thread so we can put them all in here as we go. Just be sure to hide spoilers like always :-)

If you are interested in my thoughts on Scythe as you read, scroll up and their at the end of this thread from last round lol.

I’ve been putting the other two off too long!!

[Jammin Jenny]

Sounds good. I'm adding them to my reading list now!

[Anna]

Ooh I've never been part of a buddy read this big! Already started Scythe and really enjoying it so far 😊

Part 1: (view spoiler)[ I feel sucked into the world already! Bit worried like previous readers mentioned about the apprentices getting annoying and teenagery but just the whole concept of scythes is fascinating. Its so easy to read as well that I literally made it through all of part 1 in such a short amount of time! I'm excited (hide spoiler)]

[Keri]

I’m excited too! The only other big ones I’ve e been in were BOTM

[Anna]

I think I've always intended on BOTM and other buddy reads but never panned out because I'm unfortunately a bit of a mood reader and prone to slumps at times, which makes the whole buddy read/scheduled aspect a bit more difficult! Can't see it being an issue with this book though, been a blast so far!

Beginning of part 2 to end of Chapter 16: (view spoiler)[ man, I am racing through this book. It reminds me of all the YA fantasy dystopia books I blitzed through a few years back - anything from The Hunger Games, to Divergent, to The Selection. I forgot what it was like to want to turn the pages so quickly and get so heavily gripped by the setting. Things got so intense in the aeroplane chapter with the not so good scythes, and I am really looking forward to seeing what happens next. My only slight gripe (and this is more of a nit pick which I can see going away) is the romance developing between Citra and Rowan. It feels a little tagged on and slightly forced but, if fleshed out a bit better, I can see it working as a romance which isn't just inserted in to suit the assumed tastes of a YA audience - again I'm thinking back to Divergent, Matched, Graceling, Cinder, all of which had a central romance going on which got old pretty fast (although me back in the day loved it 😂) (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 17 to end of Chapter 23: (view spoiler)[ I'm just looking at the time stamps to my previous posts here and oh my word I am shocked at the progress I'm making in such a short time. I am really enjoying this book, and I am really hoping there's more to HS Goddard than meets the eye because he does intrigue but am worried he's going to be a bit of a one note villain! Worried for Rowan too, and didn't catch on to the fact that one would have to glean the other as has been mentioned - I thought that was only if they were both under one mentor? I think I missed something here oops (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 24 to end of Chapter 31: (view spoiler)[ holy moly this book is so addictive, I literally have something due tomorrow and I can't get myself to ignore this book! The romance is definitely its weak point - it really doesn't need to be there and may be the reason why it ends up being more of a 4 star book, but nevertheless, the rest of this world is fab and engrossing and I can't wait to see what happens next. Really hoping Rowan doesn't end up completely on the dark side, and the sentience of the Thunderhead is really cool to see. I miss HS Faraday though, sorta hoping he makes a comeback since we never first hand see him die?? (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 32: (view spoiler)[ hell yeah I knew he wasn't dead - this always happens, unless they die right in front of you, like on the page, it hasn't happened. yayyayayayayay (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 33 to 36: (view spoiler)[ call me a cynic but I don't think Goddard and his cronies are dead, even with all the fire and beheading Rowan just did, part of me feels like he's going to come back somehow and I am scared for the moment that happens aaaah (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Finished (honestly can't believe I've already finished it and gotta wait a week to find out what happens next hahaha, couldn't have read this while it was being published, would have made me go insane with waiting!): (view spoiler)[ Look, this would be a 5 star book if it wasn't for the bloody romance that makes not very much sense. They've barely spent time with each other, and it felt unrequited to the point that I, in my head, I was thinking of Love in the Time of Cholera and the love Florentino Ariza has for Fermina Daza as an escalated version of Rowan and Citra. Bugged me, in a book that otherwise had all the hallmarks of a novel I really really enjoyed. I'd say a 4.5 for now (which I'll be rounding down to a 4 when officially rating it) but I think it has scope to be a 5 if Shusterman improves and develops the romance, and the sequels don't feel too drawn out - which is exactly the reason I haven't finished an actual series in years (the closest I got was V. E. Schwab's Darker Shade of Magic series, and I still haven't read that final book), here's hoping Shusterman changes that for me. (hide spoiler)]

[Jammin Jenny]

Yes I loved book 1 so I am hoping the rest of the trilogy will work out well!

[Ivana - Diary of Difference]

Finished reading Scythe for the second time, and I read it in like two evenings. I just couldn't put it down. I loved it so much, and maybe even a bit more than before. This book is just so good!

(view spoiler)[I love Citra and Rowan, and I also love Scythe Faraday. The way he teaches them to be scythes is precious and honest. I really loved that aspect, as further along in the book we discover how some scythes don't really stick to the rules they are supposed to follow. I mean, scythes should not want to glean, but they should be honored to do so. They should never enjoy what they are doing.

I loved the Conclaves, and it made me want to become a part of their meetings. It has such a spooky but nice vibe to it :) The secret society of scythes...

I loved the mystery and the plot twist it ends with. I am curious to see what Thunderhead will be about.

(hide spoiler)]

[Celia]

Can I plan on joining at Thunderhead in a few days?

[Ivana - Diary of Difference]

Celia wrote: "Can I plan on joining at Thunderhead in a few days?"

Yesss - please join us! :) We are starting on Monday.

[Celia]

I don't think I'm actually going to be able to get a copy until January so I will join the BR then if it is still up.

[Jammin Jenny]

Are you still planning on reading Thunderhead in January Celia? If so, we could start or re-start this thread then if it isn't active at the time. I've been meaning to read that and book #3 soon but just haven't found the time.

[Anna]

I'm going to be reading thunderhead in the next few days, just gotten behind with other books Ive been reading so this thread should still be up in Jan 😊

[Celia]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Are you still planning on reading Thunderhead in January Celia? If so, we could start or re-start this thread then if it isn't active at the time. I've been meaning to read that and book #3 soon bu..."

I haven't been able to get a copy but I should be able to in January.

[Anna]

Jammin Jenny wrote: "Are you still planning on reading Thunderhead in January Celia? If so, we could start or re-start this thread then if it isn't active at the time. I've been meaning to read that and book #3 soon bu..."
Would it be alright if I joined you two with reading thunderhead and the toll in January? I thought I'd have time this month but ended up reading other books!

[Anna]

Going to start reading Thunderhead a little early just because it's due back at the library in the next couple days! Looking forward to seeing everyone else's thoughts on it though :)

[Anna]

Chapter 1-4: (view spoiler)[ It's been really great to get back into this world, it's not been a particularly long time but I've missed it nevertheless! I love seeing where Citra and Rowan's lives have taken them, and seeing more from the ubiquitous Thunderhead. All I need now is to read more from Faraday and Curie and I'll be happy :)) (hide spoiler)]

also currently in Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[ Can totally relate to the hate for learning to drive, still a struggle (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 5-End of Part 1: (view spoiler)[ I forgot about Goddard's other cronies! I remember the nice one died, and Goddard himself is dead, but there were a couple others and I guess looking back on it, I don't think their fates were actually revealed, intrigued to see where this is going... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 6-10: (view spoiler)[ This book is just as gripping as its predecessor! And with the Thunderhead's thoughts at the end of Chapter 10, I'm starting to see how it has its blind spots. Intrigued to see what will happen with Greyson now that he feels that the only thing on his side, the Thunderhead, has completely turned against him (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 11-12: (view spoiler)[ Ooh, I'm getting suspicious of Traxler and his motivations - I feel like he's exploiting Greyson for his own use but I can't tell for what purpose! (hide spoiler)]

[Ivana - Diary of Difference]

Finished - I loved this book so much!

(view spoiler)[I loved the aspect of the Thunderhead, how it can control everything. How smart it is and in a futuristic world I can actually see this being a thing one day.

I also love how the Thunderhead is unable to do anything about the Scythedom, and it actually feels that inability, in a form of anxiousness and helplessness.

I loved Citra and Rowan, but most of all, I loved Scythe Curie. Her bravery and sacrifice - it was so painful to read that by the end..

Also - I did not expect that plot twist with Goddard, and the whole voting going on. That was some stressful political drama, let me tell you :D

I also didn't expect the big twist in the end as well - it finished in such a powerful way, and I can't wait to read the third book. I know that guy Greyson will play a huge role, and also the Tonists as well.

The Thunderhead seemed so angry at everyone, and it might be getting its revenge soon. (Getting some Terminator vibes, I have to be honest)
(hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 13-22: (view spoiler)[ getting really worried for Grayson but really hoping that Citra and Curie can vouch for him somehow and the Thunderhead is able to protect him from himself somehow (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 23-25: (view spoiler)[ I can't deal with how annoying Tyger is, I literally couldn't care less what happens to him, just get Rowan out of that crazy house gaaaah (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 26-30:. (view spoiler)[ oh boy oh boy oh boy I had a sneaking suspicion that Goddard would be back, but the way he came back was unreal - I have a little sympathy for Tygar, but there is admittedly part of me who's happy we don't have to deal with him any more... I feel like that makes me a terrible person 🙈 (hide spoiler)]

[Anna]

Chapter 31-partway through 32: (view spoiler)[ Just gotta say, I'm cracking up at some of the newbie Scythe names - Beyonce is a personal fave even if I am (shock horror) not the biggest fan, I love that she's made it into this dystopian novel XD) (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 32-partway through 38: (view spoiler)[ oh no I think Goddard has gotten the engineers to mess with the Thunderhead oh shit (hide spoiler)]

Finished - oh my god that was a wild ride, and I've gotta wait 3 weeks for The Toll reservation to come through, it's going to be a long wait 😭😭

[Anna]

I have been waiting for the LONGEST time to get my hands on this book and my reservation has finally come through!! And omg I am already seething at the first couple of pages and it hasn't even started yet haha I'm so psyched for this!

[Jennifer]

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RESTARTING DECEMBER 1ST, 2020

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