This one is my surprise read of 2023 so far! In a Young Adult book, I never expected to have so many morality-shaking questions dig into my brain and seeking for answers.
The prose was simple to follow, but by no means plain. Every step of the way, I ask myself a question about this world, and somewhere in the story the author solves my question. While some books place all of the world building at the start of the story, the world-building here flows smoothly through every chapter, so I was able to visualize the world as the story went on.
Our main characters Citra and Rowan do NOT want to be scythes, yet were elected to become one. Other characters like Scythe Faraday, Curie, Goddard and Volta are well developed and relatable. While there is romance, it wasn't an overbearing plot tool as well. And the organizations in the story (mainly the Scythedom, Tone Cults andthe Thunderhead) have ambiguous motives and actions, which keeps you wondering who the antagonists of the story really are.
Some of my issues come from minor plot points, such as when every scythe doesn't want to be one, somehow Citra and Rowan seem more eager to be one by the end? And also, the conclusion where Rowan simply walks off the scythe building when the scythedom argues over his fate, and he still escapes? I kinda find it hard to believe. Also, I can't remember if Nimbus agents were earlier introduced in the story? Their sudden appearance felt so uncalled for.
I was expecting a slower read, but did not expect something fast paced with world building and thought-provoking questions at every corner. It took me 4 days to finish this book too, when I usually finish one this length in 2 weeks. Do give this series a try if you want something different from the standard YA-filled tropes! And also, this book is part of a series with 3 books, so you'll be in for a ride.