The Toll

I have long adored the series "Arc of a Scythe." I found the dystopian topic both intriguing and realistic, if not in a sort of extravagant way. It's less the technology that I considered realistic--though it very well could be, given the rate at which technology is evolving--and more the human philopsophies that emerged as a result of said technologies.Not only was the subject matter throughout the series engaging, it was also introspective. So many dystopian novels are simply that; a dystopian novel. Giving the reader a look into a pessimistic future, and ways the characters break out of it, but without the build-up to it all. The Toll lays out the foundation for its setting better than even its predecessors, with the additions of the glimpses into the mysteries behind it all. I particularly enjoyed the development of the Thunderhead and how it developed its own self separate from what humanity created it to be, especially in regards to its connection with Greyson. It was a relationship that was unexpected, yet in my opinion couldn't have been better executed.I adore all the characters that have been painstakingly developed over the course of the trilogy, and I am especially fond of how Neal Shusterman decided to conclude their stories. The endings are so fitting that they're almost bittersweet, but I've always been a sucker for a happy ending, so I can't complain. My personal favorite was the conclusion of Citra and Rowan, as those final lines were nothing short of tear-jerking. The sacrifices both of them have made far surpass being simply words on a page; they comprise a story of love that quite literally takes precedence over constaints such as time or death. I could think of no better ending to their story.Of course, the book itself was wonderfully written, as has been a constant throughout the series. The settings are inexplicably suitable to every scene, the dialogue is realistic and enjoyable to read, the characters are relatable and dynamic, and the plot is exceptional. One would have to wonder, after the events of "Thunderhead," what further advancements could occur in this dystopian world, but Shusterman managed to develop the story just enough so it was breath-taking without being absurd or excessive. I applaud his skill in doing so, as I was originally skeptical as to how it could possibly be improved upon. Evidently, I was impressed with the end result.Though, of course, I would recommend re-reading the first two books to better transition into this one, I myself didn't find it necessary. Shusterman provides so much exposition that, despite my not having read "Scythe" or "Thunderhead" for about two years and a year respectively, I quickly was absorbed back into the world laid out before me with little to no difficulty in reconnecting to the characters or plot as a whole. That's a skill not many authors have.In conclusion, I would definitely recommend the "Arc of a Scythe" series as a whole, but "The Toll" in and of itself is exceptional. I'd like to thank Shusterman for publishing these novels and allowing me--and so many others--to take a glimpse into this world. I loved every minute of it. Hopefully the sheer length of this review is enough to convince anyone who read it that this book, and series, is worth the read. I rest my case.

CALL OUT TO NEAL SHUSTERMAN!!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR EFFORT AND TIME YOU PUT INTO THIS! IT WAS AN AMAZING READ!!!I LOVE this book so much! If this was in a top 10 list, I would rate it number 2. (After Harry Potter of course) This series was so great in many ways. The world building was awesome and the story was very cool. The characters went through some wild development, the world that Citra and Rowan are in is completely different than ours, and the relationships between all of the characters is very interesting to read about. Neal Shusterman is an incredible author with wonderful taste, good lengthy books, interesting plots, and characters that you would die to save. I loved reading about the plot, and piecing together the clues that were given. I feel that this is a book I would highly recommend to anybody with an interest in adventure, romance, mystery, and more.However, I am very sad to say that there was one F-bomb. Throughout this entire series, the only swear words were the H-word and the S-word, and they appeared very little throughout the book. I was very disappointed that I was led to a false state of security, thinking that I had scored a great book with only a few swear words, and then to find out that he couldn't end the series without one F-bomb. UGHHH!!!Anyway, besides from that, HIGHLY recommend this book, and wish that Neal Shusterman would write more!

The Toll is Neal Shusterman's grand finale to the Arc of a Scythe trilogy! The book will bring about a conclusion to the series at large and while you can say things leave off with a nice sense of finality, I couldn't help but have a question or two at the end that was left unanswered. All in all, the book was an entertaining read, but it wasn't without flaws.When we last left things, Endura was in peril. Scythes and citizens were dying, all while Goddard laughed from above. Citra and Rowan were sealed in a vault by Scythe Curie to save them, and they were frozen inside as the city went under the sea. What now begins is something of a timewarp trip, as we kind of get scattered about over the next three years going to the third year, to back to the first, to the second...it was quite puzzling and had me scratching my head a few times before realizing the chapters weren't quite in sync with one another and the timeline.Throughout this mess of time, we learn that Goddard has spewed his lies to make himself supreme overlord of everything basically. While Scythe Farday and Munira continue to search for the not-so mythical Land of Nod, we also see an excursion being planned with a salvage team to go under the sea to where Endura sank to rescue the treasures within the Scythe vault. Naturally, they find something far more surprising than Scythe treasures.This book was truly a whirlwind of action! I mean, yes, most of it was puzzling in the beginning as time has no meaning, in one moment we're days after the sinking of Endura, the next we're three years into the future then go backwards to a year ago. It was nuts. It was hard to keep up with things honestly with all this happening as there were times I was thinking something that was happening now was contradictory to what happened in the last chapter. Needless to say, we were never given an idea of what time we were in when we started a chapter. Honestly, that could've helped clear a lot of the confusion I had, of course it would have to be said "2 years after Endura" for it to have any meaning since years have obscure names instead of numbers.Upon waking Citra and Rowan learn most of what has been happening in the time that they were gone, and once again they are separated. While Rowan struggles to get back to Citra's side, Citra is trying to stay ahead of Goddard's quest to find and kill her. Goddard now has nearly everything he's ever wanted, but Citra and Rowan are a threat to that and must be eliminated.This book was kind of all over the place what with the differences in time, plus the continuous multiple points of view. It's kind of hard to tell another person what all was happening without getting insanely lost, but as you read along, you can pretty much follow what is happening in the moment. The matter as to when it's happening will take some extra thinking though.I was once again saddened by the separation of Rowan and Citra. These two can't catch a break. The longest amount of time they spent together was the three years they were frozen. That just seems cruel. But there have been instances of crueler things happening to the "couple," so I guess being separated for 90% of the book is the lesser of two evils.The ending was quite eye-opening too. Though I can't help but wonder just what happened to one of the characters. I mean, in a sense, I get it, but also, I don't. Lol. Since I'm trying to avoid spoilers needless to say what gets explained for one character's fate just left me scratching my head a bit as to how that was possible and what not. As far as endings go overall, it wasn't too bad. It's the way I like my series to end, one with hope, so that was a nice aspect.The Toll was a rather decent ending to the Arc of a Scythe trilogy. It was a dystopian series that presented quite the conundrum of what society would be like if death wasn't inevitable and what people would decide to do with all their time and the choices they make. It's a series to get you thinking, while also presenting an entertaining story and some mysterious vibes as well.Overall Rating 4/5 stars

Awesome take on a utopian world that keeps you guessing from start to finish. Very relevant in the era of AI

Really enjoyed this book. I feel so sad that I’ve completed the trilogy because it ended up being one of my favorites. The ending was loooooong ans honestly the whole book could’ve been two books based on the length and how much it covered, but I was so impressed by how everything was tied together.

I really liked this dystopian story. I did not find it predictable. The characters were multi faceted. I’d recommend this to any reader who likes a great story.

One of the best trilogies I’ve ever read, captivating, reflective, everything is so well written and the story amazed me every time

When I first came across the first book on YouTube, I thought, nice concept, let me check it out. But I had heard about negative opinions, so I was really hesitant. But then I thought, screw it, I am going for it no matter what, and I bought all three. And I have never read anything like this before. An ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE. 500/10, in my opinion. It was so mind-bending and good that it sucked me right into its world. I have never felt this way about a book ever. In my opinion, this is equally, or better than the Harry Potter series! And any other series that I have ever read! Absolutely phenomenal. I am sad that it had to end; but good things never last long...that is partially life.

5/5 book. Neal Shusterman outdid himself once again. The story, the emotions, the characters. Everything is perfectly orchestrated into this book and this series.

conforme, malheureusement abîmé par le transport... film plastique arraché, couverture déchirée et enfoncé, favoriser un emballage plus épais