Thunderhead

Arc of a Scythe

Content Ratings

Mild Romance

Citra and Rowan's romantic feelings develop further; their relationship involves emotional closeness and a kiss; the romance is sweet and present but secondary to the plot's action and philosophical weight.

Moderate Themes

Themes of institutional corruption, the abuse of power over life and death, AI governance and its limitations, and what happens when the systems designed to protect society are captured by bad actors are sustained throughout.

High Violence

Vigilante killings, a large-scale massacre orchestrated by corrupt Scythes, and action sequences involving gleaning are depicted with visceral force; the stakes of the first book are substantially raised.

Synopsis

As Rowan pursues a vigilante campaign against corrupt Scythes and Citra takes on her new responsibilities as a junior Scythe, the benevolent AI that governs all of civilizationâ€”the Thunderheadâ€”reveals that something has gone deeply wrong within the Scythedom. The second book deepens both the romance between its leads and the philosophical scope of the series, raising the stakes considerably. A strong and emotionally satisfying middle volume.