Reviewed by HekArtemis on
My favourite part of Arc of the Scythe is the world, which I discuss in some detail in my Scythe review here.
Thunderhead shows us a lot more of the world, some via the thoughts of the Thunderhead itself, some through the various characters. Learning more about the Tonists and what they are allowed to do, and the way that the Thunderhead has created an entire system, an actually irrelevant legal system and process purely to cater the desires of people who feel the need to rebel - wow. No really, wow.
Reading the thoughts of the Thunderhead was, interesting to say the least. At times I would read and empathise, or feel impressed, or whatever. Other times I was wondering if the Thunderhead is a sociopath and humans are only protected by coding preventing the Thunderhead from doing... things. I mean, there isn't anything that really suggests this, but sometimes the thoughts of Thunderhead made me feel a little squidgy. Probably some kind of Terminator fear bias on my part lol. It was great though, this confusion left in me as to what the Thunderhead really felt, questioning just how much it was constrained by its programming, just adds to the story I think.
The story itself was good too, though some parts were a touch frustrating. Poor Grayson, put into that position. The few pages where Rowan reflected on how buff he is was just wtf. Like really? Stupid. But otherwise, it was all compelling, well written, and interesting. The ending though, holy hell, what an ending. Thunderhead, Anastasia, and Rowans ending is one thing, but Marie Curie, Grand Dame of Death, woah. Woah.
Cannot wait for The Toll, though of course I must wait because it's not like I can magically make it arrive right now. If only.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 14 July, 2019: Reviewed