Thunderhead

The Scythe series up until this point has been so incredibly interesting that it feels real! The pacing is a bit slow at times, and I do have trouble picking it up, but just forcing myself to read has paid off so immensely each time!

The characters are well written and interesting, their motives are believable and fun, and this story is heavily character focused with AN AMAZING PLOT.

Let's talk about the plot.

Holy. S#!+.

My general complaint with the first book, despite loving it and burning through it, was that it felt like the major plot points, pinch points, and turning points were mundane for such a grandiose world. I can't think of a better word for what I truly mean, the plot was interesting but unimpressive, it was good but not inspiring, and I wasn't gripping the book reading it. Don't get me wrong, it was SO SATISFYING to read and finish Scythe, and I immediately bought the second book, but it wasn't as flashy or grand as a Gentlemen Bastard book is by comparison.

Thunderhead, though?

From the Act 1 finale, to the Act 2 finale, to the final scene when what seems like every promise and hook the first book makes is delivered AND had me gripping the book, I can say this plot, these characters, and these moments are every bit as grandiose and thrilling as a Scott Lynch plot line. The major difference is that, in my opinion, you can probably see things coming in this book when you wouldn't see them coming in a Scott Lynch book, but that doesn't change the fact that it will have you stunned by the end.

Mild spoilers ahead, but nothing specific. Major spoilers for Game of Thrones though.

SPOILERS AHEAD*

The ending of this book has me torn. I'm devastated for the main characters. I'm devastated for the Old Guard. I'm devastated for the MidMerican Scythedom. Ladies and Gentlemen, this book has me shook. I haven't felt this feeling since chapter 10 of A Game of Thrones book when Bran was casually chucked from a window, or the end of Book 1 when Edward Stark died and it took me 6 months to pick up book 2. Or the red wedding. I'm SHOOK. I hurt for these characters, and much like the Lannister's, I want the culprit to die a most painful death. (Oooh I'm trying not to spoil anything) I don't even want to read the next book if it's going to hurt this much. Ughh.