The Toll

The Toll is book 3 of the Arc of Scythe series, and what a concluding story it is! The Toll picks up three years after the end of Thunderhead, where Citra and Rowan were sealed into a vault during the sinking of Endura. Due to all the wickedness, deceit and deception The Thunderhead has witnessed, he takes action by deeming everyone 'unsavoury', meaning no one can access him for help except for one person, Grayson Tolliver. Together they must combat the self appointed High Blade, Scythe Goddard, in order to stop his evil domination. There is only one problem; the Thunderhead cannot work against a scythe, it must find a way to guide the un-guideable. How will he achieve this? Meanwhile, Scythe Faraday has been guided to an island that's off grid to the Thunderhead, there he helps to create a new civilisation with some help from old characters from the previous books and some very welcome newcomers. What is the purpose of this new civilisation? What is the Thunderhead planning? Another side plot is the accidental, or not, recovery of Citra and Rowan during a recovery exploration of the wreckage of Endura. They are both revived, but then split up, what will happen to their characters and how will they develop? The Toll will be quite a big read, for some readers (530 pages) but when you get into the plot you will realise why. I did struggle to follow a bit at the beginning as there is so much going on, so many side plots which, thankfully, come together with impact, action and plenty of drama. The author, Neal Shusterman, is a genius in how he weaves each of the characters, old and new, having their paths cross until they finally intertwine. You almost feel like you're watching a puzzle being completed. So wonderfully done, he truly is a master with his writing. This has been an incredible series, any dystopian fan will enjoy the unique concept of this trilogy. The series is suitable for 12+ confident readers. The books would also be suitable for classroom reads / book clubs as there are so many discussions/teaching points that could be expanded. There is also a reading book guide available on the publisher page, if you are interested. The ending, it must get a mention... who would have thought those Scythe rings had another dramatic side to them!?! I have said this previously... this is a must read, get it and enjoy, you will not be disappointed. 530 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+