The Toll by Neal Shusterman - ESSENTIAL

The Toll (Arc of the Scythe #3) by Neal Shusterman, 622 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2019. $20

Language: PG (12 swears, 0 ‘f’) ; Mature Content: PG (implied sex); Violence: PG-13 (mass gleanings)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

After the destruction of Endura, Thunderhead declared all humans unsavory, except for Grayson Tolliver. Scythe Goddard has declared himself High Blade of MidMerica, with an eye to taking controlling the entire world.  While Scythes Citra and Rowan may have gone down with Endura, someone is attempting to rescue the vault, which contains all of the diamonds for the Scythe’s rings — and a couple of unexpected passengers. 

Suffice it to say, there are many little threads in the third and final book of the Arc of the Scythes, and Shusterman has woven each of them into a masterful tapestry.  Be ready to read the entire set again, if just to enjoy the artistry at play. There is an interesting gender fluid character among all of the new friends we meet along the way.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS