Toll

Neal Shusterman

Book 3 in Arc of a Scythe trilogy

The conclusion, following Scythe and Thunderhead. Scythes Lucifer and Anastasia are stuck in a vault at the bottom of the ocean after the sinking of Scythe capital Endura. New Order sociopath Goddard has taken over the Scythedom. Simultaneously, Thunderhead has designated everyone unsavory (and therefore unavailable for communication) save one, who becomes Toll (effectively a cult leader). While the first two installments were interesting as an AI-coming-of-age story, here we have a separation of church and state, burgeoning fascist state story. The development of Thunderhead takes a back seat (although still pivotal) role. I wonder if the story was always planned this way, or if Shusterman is writing to be relevant in 2019 U.S. The reason I have to wonder is because it is not obvious. The story works, and does not feel put on. It is part of this continuous character development. I like the pacifist nods, but also recognize that it is really pretty "just war pacifism". I like the struggle with mortality and meaning. I love that this is a quality trilogy (not just strong 1 & 3) and Shusterman maintains his strength of fascinating worlds that speak to important social topics.

4 stars (out of 4)