Audible Book Review: Thunderhead Arc of a Scythe by Neal Shusterman

This series has me fully engaged.
Thunderhead
Arc of a Scythe
By: Neal Shusterman
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay

Series: Arc of a Scythe, Book 2
Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins
Unabridged Audiobook
Release date: 01-09-18
Language: English
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genre: Dystopian, Futuristic, Sci-Fi, Teen and Young Adult
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.75; Narration 4.75.

Publisher's Summary
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 from New York Times best seller Neal Shusterman, author of the Unwind dystology.
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?
©2018 Neal Shusterman (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Review:
At the conclusion of book one, Scythe, Rowan and Citra were set against each other at the Scythe conclave to select one new member. Through an unexpected move, Citra is initiated as a true Scythe and Rowan went underground. Rowan takes a secret and different path to fight the corruption that is growing in the Scythedom. The Scythedom are the elite bringers of death who help maintain what should be a very peaceful society. But there is a heavy division between old and new factions of the Scythe. The old guard respects the weight of their task and serves with humility. However, there is a growing number of newer Scythes who are corrupt, brutal, and evil. This new faction is pushing to take control and rule for their own pleasure and gratification.

Grayson Tolliver is a good, quiet civilian, pretty much nondescript and of no particular notice. The Thunderhead, the AI that manages Earth, has noticed Grayson and has been his best friend for years. Now the Thunderhead has a plan to use Grayson even if it means trauma to the young man when it appears that the Thunderhead abandons him. Grayson gets unexpectedly drawn into Citra’s circle. While other Scythe’s suspect Grayson of attacks, Citra knows that isn’t true, but she can do little to protect Grayson when he is marked as an Unsavory.

Meanwhile, Scythe Farraday is off hunting for the secret to bring the Scythedom back into control. He finds a surprising bright ally hidden in a faraway museum and they race against time trying to save the world as they have known it.

Throughout the struggles of the humans, the Thunderhead is observing and commenting in the background. Although the Thunderhead may take actions that impact citizens at large, it is not allowed to interfere with the Scythedom, no matter how much it is distressed by the growing corruption.

I was completely drawn into this second book. There are surprises in the Scythes that rise to take action and it hurt my heart as situations turn against the primary characters. The final chapters of this volume have the supporters of good at the mercy of the evil.

I totally enjoyed having the Thunderhead as an alternating narrator sharing bits of history, wisdom, ponderings and even frustrations. The creativity of the author has me awed. I am excited to go on to book three to see how the conflict is resolved. I recommend this to readers who enjoy strong futuristic, dystopian elements.

Audio Notes: Greg Tremblay’s expert narration had me immersed in this world. Tremblay delivers the work with distinct voices and spot on emotion. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.

Source: 12/16/19 Audible 2nd Settlement Credit. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.