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. Citra and Rowan learn that a perfect world comes only with a heavy price.
In Thunderhead (Book 2), Rowan and Citra take opposite stances on the morality of the Scythedom, putting them at odds, in the chilling sequel to the Printz Honor Book Scythe.
The Thunderhead cannot interfere in the affairs of the Scythedom. All it can do is observe—it does not like what it sees.
A year has passed since Rowan had gone off grid. Since then, he has become an urban legend, a vigilante snuffing out corrupt scythes in a trial by fire. His story is told in whispers across the continent.
As Scythe Anastasia, Citra gleans with compassion and openly challenges the ideals of the “new order.” But when her life is threatened and her methods questioned, it becomes clear that not everyone is open to the change.
Will the Thunderhead intervene? Or will it simply watch as this perfect world begins to unravel?
Book 3 of the series. The Toll begins three years after the end of Thunderhead. Citra and Rowan have disappeared and Goddard is working to unify all Scythedoms under his control. He has instituted mass gleanings as a way to get rid of undesirable groups like Tonists as he builds his idea of a perfect society where he is the supreme leader. (Sounds like Nazi Germany doesn't it?)
Is there anyone left who can stop him? "The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder."
- ALA Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
ALA/YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults – Top Ten
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- The Matched Trilogy by Allyson Condi