What do you think?
First Blades #1
Rising Thunder
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26Discover Thunderhead’s origin—the fragile moment before the world changes forever and the hidden forces that set the storm in motion—in this long-awaited prequel to the New York Times bestselling and Printz Honor–winning Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman.
And of course, as every school child knows, December 2042 marks the end of the Age of Mortality.
What no one has ever fully understood is how the world reached that moment.
As death begins to seem optional, humanity looks for ways to bend the rules of existence. Twi-life centers begin storing the nearly-deceased, while eco-nihilists destroy civilization’s icons and threaten to end the human race entirely. Public opinion fractures. Systems strain. The world feels…unstable.
Behind the scenes, two powerful and diametrically opposed artificial intelligences set out to optimize, stabilize, and protect—each with its own idea of what that means. But in a world already tipping toward transformation, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Meanwhile, in an obscure online chatroom, a small group of teenagers from around the globe debate both the glorious and the terrifying prospects of the future, never realizing that they stand on a very literal cutting edge—and that their conversations, their choices, their very existence matter far more than they realize.
Because when humanity stands on the brink of immortality, someone must decide what survives…and what must be cut away.
And of course, as every school child knows, December 2042 marks the end of the Age of Mortality.
What no one has ever fully understood is how the world reached that moment.
As death begins to seem optional, humanity looks for ways to bend the rules of existence. Twi-life centers begin storing the nearly-deceased, while eco-nihilists destroy civilization’s icons and threaten to end the human race entirely. Public opinion fractures. Systems strain. The world feels…unstable.
Behind the scenes, two powerful and diametrically opposed artificial intelligences set out to optimize, stabilize, and protect—each with its own idea of what that means. But in a world already tipping toward transformation, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Meanwhile, in an obscure online chatroom, a small group of teenagers from around the globe debate both the glorious and the terrifying prospects of the future, never realizing that they stand on a very literal cutting edge—and that their conversations, their choices, their very existence matter far more than they realize.
Because when humanity stands on the brink of immortality, someone must decide what survives…and what must be cut away.
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
About the author
Neal Shusterman
92 books31.2k followersAward-winning author Neal Shusterman grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age. After spending his junior and senior years of high school at the American School of Mexico City, Neal went on to UC Irvine, where he made his mark on the UCI swim team, and wrote a successful humor column. Within a year of graduating, he had his first book deal, and was hired to write a movie script.
In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently playing in Boston. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful "How to Host a Mystery" game for teens, as well as seven "How to Host a Murder" games.
As a screen and TV writer, Neal has written for the "Goosebumps" and “Animorphs” TV series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect”. Currently Neal is adapting his novel Everlost as a feature film for Universal Studios.
Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers -- such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor.
Of Everlost, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman has reimagined what happens after death and questions power and the meaning of charity. While all this is going on, he has also managed to write a rip-roaring adventure…”
Of What Daddy Did, Voice of Youth Advocates wrote; "This is a compelling, spell-binding story... A stunning novel, impossible to put down once begun.
Of The Schwa Was Here, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman's characters–reminiscent of those crafted by E. L. Konigsburg and Jerry Spinelli–are infused with the kind of controlled, precocious improbability that magically vivifies the finest children's classics.
Of Scorpion Shards, Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Shusterman takes an outlandish comic-book concept, and, through the sheer audacity and breadth of his imagination makes it stunningly believable. A spellbinder."
And of The Eyes of Kid Midas, The Midwest Book Review wrote "This wins our vote as one of the best young-adult titles of the year" and was called "Inspired and hypnotically readable" by School Library Journal.
Neal Shusterman lives in Southern California with his children Brendan, Jarrod, Joelle, and Erin, who are a constant source of inspiration!
In the years since, Neal has made his mark as a successful novelist, screenwriter, and television writer. As a full-time writer, he claims to be his own hardest task-master, always at work creating new stories to tell. His books have received many awards from organizations such as the International Reading Association, and the American Library Association, as well as garnering a myriad of state and local awards across the country. Neal's talents range from film directing (two short films he directed won him the coveted CINE Golden Eagle Awards) to writing music and stage plays – including book and lyrical contributions to “American Twistory,” which is currently playing in Boston. He has even tried his hand at creating Games, having developed three successful "How to Host a Mystery" game for teens, as well as seven "How to Host a Murder" games.
As a screen and TV writer, Neal has written for the "Goosebumps" and “Animorphs” TV series, and wrote the Disney Channel Original Movie “Pixel Perfect”. Currently Neal is adapting his novel Everlost as a feature film for Universal Studios.
Wherever Neal goes, he quickly earns a reputation as a storyteller and dynamic speaker. Much of his fiction is traceable back to stories he tells to large audiences of children and teenagers -- such as his novel The Eyes of Kid Midas. As a speaker, Neal is in constant demand at schools and conferences. Degrees in both psychology and drama give Neal a unique approach to writing. Neal's novels always deal with topics that appeal to adults as well as teens, weaving true-to-life characters into sensitive and riveting issues, and binding it all together with a unique and entertaining sense of humor.
Of Everlost, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman has reimagined what happens after death and questions power and the meaning of charity. While all this is going on, he has also managed to write a rip-roaring adventure…”
Of What Daddy Did, Voice of Youth Advocates wrote; "This is a compelling, spell-binding story... A stunning novel, impossible to put down once begun.
Of The Schwa Was Here, School Library Journal wrote: “Shusterman's characters–reminiscent of those crafted by E. L. Konigsburg and Jerry Spinelli–are infused with the kind of controlled, precocious improbability that magically vivifies the finest children's classics.
Of Scorpion Shards, Publisher's Weekly wrote: "Shusterman takes an outlandish comic-book concept, and, through the sheer audacity and breadth of his imagination makes it stunningly believable. A spellbinder."
And of The Eyes of Kid Midas, The Midwest Book Review wrote "This wins our vote as one of the best young-adult titles of the year" and was called "Inspired and hypnotically readable" by School Library Journal.
Neal Shusterman lives in Southern California with his children Brendan, Jarrod, Joelle, and Erin, who are a constant source of inspiration!
Ratings & Reviews
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Want to Read
February 21, 2026Rising Thunder is the first book in the First Blades trilogy, a prequel series to Arc of a Scythe. Yes, we’re finally going back to the beginning.
This story explores the fragile, chaotic moment before the Age of Mortality ends, when death starts to become… optional. Society is unstable, public opinion is fractured, and the world is clearly heading toward something huge.
We’ll see:
• The early days of the Thunderhead
• The formation of the Scythedom
• The very first Scythes (who were teenagers who met in an online chatroom 👀)
• The hidden forces that set the storm in motion
Shusterman has hinted that:
• The Thunderhead appears in its early “young AI” form
• There’s a new AI antagonist
• The identity of Endura’s mysterious beating heart will be revealed
• The book juggles multiple points of view
• And some characters may not survive (because of course 😭)
Needless to say, I’m excited for this one.
This story explores the fragile, chaotic moment before the Age of Mortality ends, when death starts to become… optional. Society is unstable, public opinion is fractured, and the world is clearly heading toward something huge.
We’ll see:
• The early days of the Thunderhead
• The formation of the Scythedom
• The very first Scythes (who were teenagers who met in an online chatroom 👀)
• The hidden forces that set the storm in motion
Shusterman has hinted that:
• The Thunderhead appears in its early “young AI” form
• There’s a new AI antagonist
• The identity of Endura’s mysterious beating heart will be revealed
• The book juggles multiple points of view
• And some characters may not survive (because of course 😭)
Needless to say, I’m excited for this one.
2026
August 20, 2026📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Want to Read
March 14, 2026wow, that cover. gorgeous!
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never met a Neal Shusterman book i didn't like and the Scythe series that this is a prequel to was no exception. very excited to dive into this when it comes out
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never met a Neal Shusterman book i didn't like and the Scythe series that this is a prequel to was no exception. very excited to dive into this when it comes out
to-shelve
September 15, 2026We are so back 😮💨😮💨
ANOTHER ARC OF THE SCYTHE BOOK?! I NEED THIS LIKE I NEED AIR OMG
ANOTHER ARC OF THE SCYTHE BOOK?! I NEED THIS LIKE I NEED AIR OMG
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this ARC.
This started a bit slow for me but in true Shusterman style it got really good and I ended up really enjoying the trip back to the Scythe world once again.
I’m excited there are more books to come and can’t wait to read more about the characters that were introduced in this book. If you loved the ‘Arc of a Scythe’ series or Shusterman in general you will love this book!
This started a bit slow for me but in true Shusterman style it got really good and I ended up really enjoying the trip back to the Scythe world once again.
I’m excited there are more books to come and can’t wait to read more about the characters that were introduced in this book. If you loved the ‘Arc of a Scythe’ series or Shusterman in general you will love this book!
August 27, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the advance copy! This is my first ARC, and what better way to cut my teeth than to return to the world of the Scythes.
4.75. In short, I loved this; This is exactly my brand of science fiction. It was intriguing and dark and philosophical and fast-paced and everything I loved about the original series and Shusterman’s work in general.
However, it is also very different from the original trilogy. Rather than focusing on a few characters, Rising Thunder follows a massive cast and switches POVs frequently. It was hard to follow these — especially at first — but the individual storylines and worldbuilding were so interesting that I didn’t mind.
In this near-future world, humanity is on the brink of developing sentient AIs. It has also created technology to keep people near death in a kind of stasis, called Twi-Life, housing them in massive medical warehouses until science advances enough to cure their ailments. It’s an eerie world, one that feels both far-fetched and all too possible. The future of humanity is at stake as two sentient AIs with different objectives go to war, using humans as their pawns and the world as their playing stage, all while medicine continues to advance and ‘natural’ death becomes all but obsolete.
The various characters and storylines come together in an ending that I found extremely satisfying yet also left me desperate for the next book. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next, but for now I am just so thrilled to be back in the world of the Scythes!
4.75. In short, I loved this; This is exactly my brand of science fiction. It was intriguing and dark and philosophical and fast-paced and everything I loved about the original series and Shusterman’s work in general.
However, it is also very different from the original trilogy. Rather than focusing on a few characters, Rising Thunder follows a massive cast and switches POVs frequently. It was hard to follow these — especially at first — but the individual storylines and worldbuilding were so interesting that I didn’t mind.
In this near-future world, humanity is on the brink of developing sentient AIs. It has also created technology to keep people near death in a kind of stasis, called Twi-Life, housing them in massive medical warehouses until science advances enough to cure their ailments. It’s an eerie world, one that feels both far-fetched and all too possible. The future of humanity is at stake as two sentient AIs with different objectives go to war, using humans as their pawns and the world as their playing stage, all while medicine continues to advance and ‘natural’ death becomes all but obsolete.
The various characters and storylines come together in an ending that I found extremely satisfying yet also left me desperate for the next book. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next, but for now I am just so thrilled to be back in the world of the Scythes!
Want to Read
August 24, 2026WHAT?!?!?!?
need-to-read
April 3, 2026Love that blue and red!
Want to Read
September 24, 2026I JUST FINISHED THE TOLL AND I NEED THIS NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
no like i actually can't wait 🥹 i love the thunderhead sm
And we're going to figure out the identity of the heart of endura???
no like i actually can't wait 🥹 i love the thunderhead sm
And we're going to figure out the identity of the heart of endura???
August 25, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this novel!
There are these times when you are on vacation and you’re having fun but all you want to do is go home and be in your bed. A place of familiarity and comfort. That’s what it feels like to return to the world of Scythe. The irony is not lost on me that finding comfort in this story is like lying on a bed of nails but it feels like home. Scythe is a series that you will have to pry out of my cold dead-ish hands before I stop recommending it. There is only one thing more that I love as much as returning to a favorite world and that is returning to it in the way of a prequel. I love diving into an origin story and learning how my favorite story becomes what it is. What events led up to where the original adventure begins. I want to wrap into a cocoon and stay there absorb everything!
There are these times when you are on vacation and you’re having fun but all you want to do is go home and be in your bed. A place of familiarity and comfort. That’s what it feels like to return to the world of Scythe. The irony is not lost on me that finding comfort in this story is like lying on a bed of nails but it feels like home. Scythe is a series that you will have to pry out of my cold dead-ish hands before I stop recommending it. There is only one thing more that I love as much as returning to a favorite world and that is returning to it in the way of a prequel. I love diving into an origin story and learning how my favorite story becomes what it is. What events led up to where the original adventure begins. I want to wrap into a cocoon and stay there absorb everything!
July 12, 2026
Fans of Shusterman’s Arc of the Scythe trilogy and the Gleanings anthology will thrill to read even more about the history of the Scythedom and what led to the age of immortality and key players in its coming and the creation of the omniscient Thunderhead.
Set several years before December 2042 when the age of mortality ended and the all-knowing AI being truly established in its control over almost everything, Shusterman slowly gathers the characters who will become the first scythes and reveals through the computer simulations of the man who be Prometheus, the first supreme Blade, why death by such a system is required when death by age, illness and catastrophe is no more. And in Shusterman’s usual way, readers will be caught up in the possibility that this could be our future, too. Woven into the events of key players are veiled and straightforward references to names, places, and events well known to readers of the Arc of the Scythe trilogy that will cause fans to tingle in anticipation of watching (reading) how they all came together. Strong characterization of Ariz/Prometheus, his friend Kevin/Scythe Cleopatra, Lizzie/Scythe Elizabeth and those who will become the forger of the blades, the creator of the rings or other key players in the new age. As always, the threads will appear unconnected and in Shusterman’s style, will connect in surprising ways that absolutely make sense when they happen!
Highly recommended for libraries with readers of dystopia, Shusterman titles and/or those who enjoy novels with thought-provoking social commentary.
Note: Rising Thunder will NOT be appreciated by those who have not read the Arc of the Scythe series but Gleanings is not required pre-reading.
*Target age: 13 and up
*Profanity: Low level with most of it being the milder variety. There are a few F-bombs
*Violence: Low level at the start with more occurring as the book progressing but appropriate to the target age group and genre and none is graphically described.
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Most in the later years of the Age of Mortality are mixed race but some specific and plot specific cultural connections would include Ariel Powers (Jewish/Indigenous), Aziz (Pakistani), Kevin (Japanese)
*LBGTQ+: Kevin could best be described as pansexual (although he does not care for that descriptor), uses he/him, and has a female persona.
Thanks for the digital arc, Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss.
Set several years before December 2042 when the age of mortality ended and the all-knowing AI being truly established in its control over almost everything, Shusterman slowly gathers the characters who will become the first scythes and reveals through the computer simulations of the man who be Prometheus, the first supreme Blade, why death by such a system is required when death by age, illness and catastrophe is no more. And in Shusterman’s usual way, readers will be caught up in the possibility that this could be our future, too. Woven into the events of key players are veiled and straightforward references to names, places, and events well known to readers of the Arc of the Scythe trilogy that will cause fans to tingle in anticipation of watching (reading) how they all came together. Strong characterization of Ariz/Prometheus, his friend Kevin/Scythe Cleopatra, Lizzie/Scythe Elizabeth and those who will become the forger of the blades, the creator of the rings or other key players in the new age. As always, the threads will appear unconnected and in Shusterman’s style, will connect in surprising ways that absolutely make sense when they happen!
Highly recommended for libraries with readers of dystopia, Shusterman titles and/or those who enjoy novels with thought-provoking social commentary.
Note: Rising Thunder will NOT be appreciated by those who have not read the Arc of the Scythe series but Gleanings is not required pre-reading.
*Target age: 13 and up
*Profanity: Low level with most of it being the milder variety. There are a few F-bombs
*Violence: Low level at the start with more occurring as the book progressing but appropriate to the target age group and genre and none is graphically described.
*Sexual content: none
*Representation: Most in the later years of the Age of Mortality are mixed race but some specific and plot specific cultural connections would include Ariel Powers (Jewish/Indigenous), Aziz (Pakistani), Kevin (Japanese)
*LBGTQ+: Kevin could best be described as pansexual (although he does not care for that descriptor), uses he/him, and has a female persona.
Thanks for the digital arc, Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 A fully earned standing ovation for Rising Thunder!!
I normally hate reading books that are over 500 pages but I've already read the OG series so I knew I couldn't pass this yp.
Thank you so mucu netgalley for this arc!!
I have no doubt that part of the reason Shusterman decided to write this prequel series is to show how absolutely terrifying AI is and how we need to take it more seriously in the real world
All the back stories coming together into one huge story was mind blowing. And to think that this isnt even the end of this series!
Book 2 where are we at!? I need you now!
I normally hate reading books that are over 500 pages but I've already read the OG series so I knew I couldn't pass this yp.
Thank you so mucu netgalley for this arc!!
I have no doubt that part of the reason Shusterman decided to write this prequel series is to show how absolutely terrifying AI is and how we need to take it more seriously in the real world
All the back stories coming together into one huge story was mind blowing. And to think that this isnt even the end of this series!
Book 2 where are we at!? I need you now!
Want to Read
October 1, 2026Can;t wait to read this!
Thank you for the physical ARC, Simon & Schuster!
Thank you for the physical ARC, Simon & Schuster!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Unfortunately, I must admit that I am a bit disappointed with this one. I love the Arc of a Scythe series and recommend it to the teens at my library often. While I admire the way that Shusterman is attempting to lay the groundwork for the Scythe universe, I can't help but feel that the execution stumbles a bit. There are far too many POVs scattered throughout the book. Certain POVs are more interesting than others (as is normal). Certain segments drag while others are riveting. I found quite a bit to enjoy throughout, but the novel as a whole is an uneven experience.
June 27, 2026
I am going back and forth between 4.25/4.5 ⭐️ on this!
I can’t wait to see where this goes from here! I am so excited!
I can’t wait to see where this goes from here! I am so excited!
Read
October 6, 2026💬Quotes:
“Someday, when it comes my time, I hope there will be someone who loves me enough to let me go with grace.”
“A fruitcake, a coffee mug, and a very ugly sweater would not be delivered today.”
🔎Summary:
Before the Age of Mortality ends, humanity is rapidly approaching a world where death may no longer be inevitable. As new technology challenges the boundaries of life, society becomes increasingly unstable, while two competing artificial intelligences work toward very different visions of humanity’s future. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers unknowingly becomes part of the events that will ultimately lead to the creation of the Thunderhead and reshape the world forever.
📚Review:
NO spoilers!
Going back into the world of Scythe was something I had been looking forward to. There’s something almost unsettling about watching this world take shape when you already know what it will eventually become.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the beginnings of things I already knew from the original series. There were moments when I immediately recognized a connection, and others that made me look at something familiar in a completely different way. I don’t want to say too much because discovering those pieces for yourself is part of what makes this prequel so good.
The focus on AI also feels incredibly relevant right now. With technology changing so quickly in our own world, some of the questions raised here about progress, control, mortality, and how much power we’re willing to hand over hit a little differently than they might have even a few years ago.
I was already a huge fan of this world, so I went into this with high expectations. Getting to go back to the beginning and see the foundation being laid for everything I know from Scythe was exactly what I wanted from a prequel. And now I’m even more excited to see where First Blades takes us next.
“Someday, when it comes my time, I hope there will be someone who loves me enough to let me go with grace.”
“A fruitcake, a coffee mug, and a very ugly sweater would not be delivered today.”
🔎Summary:
Before the Age of Mortality ends, humanity is rapidly approaching a world where death may no longer be inevitable. As new technology challenges the boundaries of life, society becomes increasingly unstable, while two competing artificial intelligences work toward very different visions of humanity’s future. Meanwhile, a group of teenagers unknowingly becomes part of the events that will ultimately lead to the creation of the Thunderhead and reshape the world forever.
📚Review:
NO spoilers!
Going back into the world of Scythe was something I had been looking forward to. There’s something almost unsettling about watching this world take shape when you already know what it will eventually become.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the beginnings of things I already knew from the original series. There were moments when I immediately recognized a connection, and others that made me look at something familiar in a completely different way. I don’t want to say too much because discovering those pieces for yourself is part of what makes this prequel so good.
The focus on AI also feels incredibly relevant right now. With technology changing so quickly in our own world, some of the questions raised here about progress, control, mortality, and how much power we’re willing to hand over hit a little differently than they might have even a few years ago.
I was already a huge fan of this world, so I went into this with high expectations. Getting to go back to the beginning and see the foundation being laid for everything I know from Scythe was exactly what I wanted from a prequel. And now I’m even more excited to see where First Blades takes us next.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Advance copy from Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, via NetGalley
I inhaled the Arc of the Scythe series a few years ago, and after the short story collection came out, I didn't expect more. I was excited when news of this prequel showed up in my email, and I eagerly snapped up an ARC.
I remember liking the first in the original series a little less than the others, and I hope that is the case with this new series. Originally, I think it was because there was so much to set up, and that's what made this one 4/5 for me. There are lots of characters to keep track of, and the most important human characters have three different names: a birth name, a scythe name, and a screen name. It's up to the reader to match them up. At one point, I stopped and wrote them all down to see where I could match them, but I don't think I'll be able to complete my list until the next book comes out, where I suspect more future scythes will be showcased. I hope it's not done in the exact same way as this book, but rather on the fly as the situation ramps up. That's how he introduced new characters in the second book of first series, if I'm recalling it correctly, so I have hope the next book in this series will do something similar or better.
Besides the origins of the scythes, this book shows the Thunderhead in its earliest iteration, and I'm really curious to see if Shusterman has some surprises up his sleeve about how it becomes the Thunderhead. I loved any scene that had Overcast in it.
Things became truly heart-pounding toward the end, and by the last page, some of the future scythes' fates are left unresolved. The stakes feel a little lower, though, given the future writings of the characters once they become scythes. It makes me feel like I know which ones survive, but that could be misleading too.
Reading this makes me want to reread the original series and see where there's overlap, so maybe I'll do that before the second book comes out. Ugh, it's going to be a long wait!
I inhaled the Arc of the Scythe series a few years ago, and after the short story collection came out, I didn't expect more. I was excited when news of this prequel showed up in my email, and I eagerly snapped up an ARC.
I remember liking the first in the original series a little less than the others, and I hope that is the case with this new series. Originally, I think it was because there was so much to set up, and that's what made this one 4/5 for me. There are lots of characters to keep track of, and the most important human characters have three different names: a birth name, a scythe name, and a screen name. It's up to the reader to match them up. At one point, I stopped and wrote them all down to see where I could match them, but I don't think I'll be able to complete my list until the next book comes out, where I suspect more future scythes will be showcased. I hope it's not done in the exact same way as this book, but rather on the fly as the situation ramps up. That's how he introduced new characters in the second book of first series, if I'm recalling it correctly, so I have hope the next book in this series will do something similar or better.
Besides the origins of the scythes, this book shows the Thunderhead in its earliest iteration, and I'm really curious to see if Shusterman has some surprises up his sleeve about how it becomes the Thunderhead. I loved any scene that had Overcast in it.
Things became truly heart-pounding toward the end, and by the last page, some of the future scythes' fates are left unresolved. The stakes feel a little lower, though, given the future writings of the characters once they become scythes. It makes me feel like I know which ones survive, but that could be misleading too.
Reading this makes me want to reread the original series and see where there's overlap, so maybe I'll do that before the second book comes out. Ugh, it's going to be a long wait!
Want to Read
September 21, 2026Pre-read review
I'm begging I'm begging I'm BEGGING for this prequel, PLEASE rig the giveaway so I get it
I really really really hope that Shusterman doesn't end up writing this from a pro-AI perspective. The Thunderhead has never been an antagonist, and is more of a benevolent god-type robot, but it's not like it would be so shocking and awful if this ended up being a warning against AI like the Thunderhead. Especially since this is the first book with a specific date (2042) instead of just "The Year of the Ocelot" and stuff like that, I feel like Shusterman should use this opportunity to show how dangerous AI can be.
HOWEVER--I also wouldn't be angry if this was anti-AI but pro-Thunderhead. The Thunderhead and ChatGPT are very, very different. The Thunderhead wasn't quite so generative in a way that was intended to replace humanity, it wasn't a threat to anyone at all, and it was actually really self-aware? Yes, it had cameras everywhere, but it didn't use them for evil. It wasn't like the government is, or big businesses, stealing data and information to target you. And eventually it kinda did do what was best for humanity. SO, what if the Thunderhead is the final, good product from AI AFTER terrible trials with AI that IS like ChatGPT and Gemini and all that. Anyway.
IM SO FREAKING EXCITED!! CANT WAIT TO REVIEW IT AFTER READING!!!!
I'm begging I'm begging I'm BEGGING for this prequel, PLEASE rig the giveaway so I get it
I really really really hope that Shusterman doesn't end up writing this from a pro-AI perspective. The Thunderhead has never been an antagonist, and is more of a benevolent god-type robot, but it's not like it would be so shocking and awful if this ended up being a warning against AI like the Thunderhead. Especially since this is the first book with a specific date (2042) instead of just "The Year of the Ocelot" and stuff like that, I feel like Shusterman should use this opportunity to show how dangerous AI can be.
HOWEVER--I also wouldn't be angry if this was anti-AI but pro-Thunderhead. The Thunderhead and ChatGPT are very, very different. The Thunderhead wasn't quite so generative in a way that was intended to replace humanity, it wasn't a threat to anyone at all, and it was actually really self-aware? Yes, it had cameras everywhere, but it didn't use them for evil. It wasn't like the government is, or big businesses, stealing data and information to target you. And eventually it kinda did do what was best for humanity. SO, what if the Thunderhead is the final, good product from AI AFTER terrible trials with AI that IS like ChatGPT and Gemini and all that. Anyway.
IM SO FREAKING EXCITED!! CANT WAIT TO REVIEW IT AFTER READING!!!!
October 3, 2026
Neal Shusterman. The man you are.
He has simply done it again! The Arc of a Scythe series is one of my all-time favorite series, and this prequel really sealed the deal. Let me tell you, Rising Thunder was a journey. I can only imagine how much plotting and mapping this book took, and it was so satisfying seeing all the strands and pieces of the Scythe world come together.
With 10 original Scythes, I was a bit lost in the beginning, trying to keep track of all the characters (and their future Scythe personas), but after pausing and taking a couple of notes (it's the English teacher in me), I was completely captivated by all the story's twists and turns.
This book is especially timely as AI emerges in our daily lives. 10 years ago, when Scythe was first released, AI was simply an idea. Now, it is embedded in our daily lives, and this book is a wonderful mediation on what our future could potentially hold for us.
This book is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
He has simply done it again! The Arc of a Scythe series is one of my all-time favorite series, and this prequel really sealed the deal. Let me tell you, Rising Thunder was a journey. I can only imagine how much plotting and mapping this book took, and it was so satisfying seeing all the strands and pieces of the Scythe world come together.
With 10 original Scythes, I was a bit lost in the beginning, trying to keep track of all the characters (and their future Scythe personas), but after pausing and taking a couple of notes (it's the English teacher in me), I was completely captivated by all the story's twists and turns.
This book is especially timely as AI emerges in our daily lives. 10 years ago, when Scythe was first released, AI was simply an idea. Now, it is embedded in our daily lives, and this book is a wonderful mediation on what our future could potentially hold for us.
This book is a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 18, 2026
I haven’t been this excited for a prequel series in a long time. Neal Shusterman’s Scythe series is a must read. The prequel series, First Blades, begins here. Rising Thunder is the story that begins before the Thunderhead, before the Scythes, it is the exact moment when science begins to create the opportunity for immortality.
A group of young adults find themselves drawn into a chat room. Here they discuss the feelings of living in a world that seems unstable. Little do they know how important they are to the future of humankind. Behind the scenes two powerful artificial intelligences, with opposing goals, set out to stabilize human society. Will these AI actually benefit the world? Or will they be the catalyst that destroys it?
I loved the book. It took me a bit to fall into the story. As much as I love the Arc of the Scythe books, I had to reset my mind for the world building in Rising Thunder. There were times I was stuck thinking about which characters were who in the future books. Once I let go or that, I really fell into the story.
This novel is so timely. With more and more people using AI, it is important to think about how it could change the world, for better or worse. Exploring the ethics of AI is part of the story.
In true Neal Shusterman fashion, the ending of the book is thrilling. Now, I am waiting for the next installment of the First Blades series!
A group of young adults find themselves drawn into a chat room. Here they discuss the feelings of living in a world that seems unstable. Little do they know how important they are to the future of humankind. Behind the scenes two powerful artificial intelligences, with opposing goals, set out to stabilize human society. Will these AI actually benefit the world? Or will they be the catalyst that destroys it?
I loved the book. It took me a bit to fall into the story. As much as I love the Arc of the Scythe books, I had to reset my mind for the world building in Rising Thunder. There were times I was stuck thinking about which characters were who in the future books. Once I let go or that, I really fell into the story.
This novel is so timely. With more and more people using AI, it is important to think about how it could change the world, for better or worse. Exploring the ethics of AI is part of the story.
In true Neal Shusterman fashion, the ending of the book is thrilling. Now, I am waiting for the next installment of the First Blades series!
September 24, 2026
In Rising Thunder, the first in the Scythe prequel triolgy, we follow the experiences of several young adults as the world rapidly develops medical interventions that can hold humans in a stasis, rapidly regenerate cells, and eventually, cure... everything. At the same time, two AIs have set out on their own personal, and diametrically opposed, missions.
This was everything I've come to expect from Neal Shusterman and a thoughtful beginning to the Scythe prequel trilogy. As always, it had me thinking deeply about society, becoming emotionally attached to characters, and shocked at the twists and turns along the way. The beginning started a little slowly for me, and I found myself missing the depth of character I immediately felt in the beginning of the original trilogy, but I think that this was mostly due to having so many more POVs in this book. As I read, the characters grew and by the end I was just as hooked as I ever was on Scythe, Thunderhead, and the Toll. I can't wait for the next one!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Shuster for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
This was everything I've come to expect from Neal Shusterman and a thoughtful beginning to the Scythe prequel trilogy. As always, it had me thinking deeply about society, becoming emotionally attached to characters, and shocked at the twists and turns along the way. The beginning started a little slowly for me, and I found myself missing the depth of character I immediately felt in the beginning of the original trilogy, but I think that this was mostly due to having so many more POVs in this book. As I read, the characters grew and by the end I was just as hooked as I ever was on Scythe, Thunderhead, and the Toll. I can't wait for the next one!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Shuster for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 16, 2026
I absolutely loved the scythe series and this books was such an incredible and intriguing addition. Starting to answer the question of how did the world get to how it is in scythe, I was on the edge of my seat. There was such a large cast of characters which can be difficult but by the end of it Neal had me so invested in each and every one of them! It is so unsettling in the best way! I am so happy to have more in this world!
September 8, 2026
Shusterman has done it again! He managed to make a prequel story so exciting and the Easter eggs of what we do know just felt all the sweeter. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved the original scythe series so I was so excited when this prequel trilogy was announced! Happy to report it didn’t disappoint! I loved this whole book and at times it had me forgetting to breathe and unable to put it down! I cannot wait to sell this book to everyone I come in contact with!
September 1, 2026
“The eco-nihilists believed all humankind was forfeit. The only way for the world to heal would be the willing—or unwilling—annihilation of the human species. Only then, only when the last human was dust, could the world hope to recover from the damage done.“
Thunderhead is attempting to optimize and stabilize society but it operates alongside an opposed artificial intelligence which is just preparing for a hidden war of logic and control over what human survival should look like.
Of course the teens are in charge and figuring out society and how to better it in an online chatroom a group of teenagers from around the world gather to debate the moral philosophical and practical implications of a post-mortality future while their discussions set the foundation for the Scythe-dom. These teens will grow to become the world's very first Scythes.
Humanity is on the brink of conquering natural death and disease, but society is unprepared for the consequences
I really enjoyed the original series and I think if I were younger I might have enjoyed this more but it was still an interesting read. Ai vs Ai 🤖 is always interesting especially in the day and age we are in.
Thanks to netgalley for this arc copy.
Thunderhead is attempting to optimize and stabilize society but it operates alongside an opposed artificial intelligence which is just preparing for a hidden war of logic and control over what human survival should look like.
Of course the teens are in charge and figuring out society and how to better it in an online chatroom a group of teenagers from around the world gather to debate the moral philosophical and practical implications of a post-mortality future while their discussions set the foundation for the Scythe-dom. These teens will grow to become the world's very first Scythes.
Humanity is on the brink of conquering natural death and disease, but society is unprepared for the consequences
I really enjoyed the original series and I think if I were younger I might have enjoyed this more but it was still an interesting read. Ai vs Ai 🤖 is always interesting especially in the day and age we are in.
Thanks to netgalley for this arc copy.
Review of advance copy
So lucky to have read an arc copy of this book. It has been years since I read the Scythe trilogy and didn’t remember much of it, but I didn’t really need to have read those to read this. It is cool to read some of the founding members in the original trilogy to then see them here but not necessary. My one qualm with this book is that it felt like I was constantly being introduced to new characters making it a little hard to become fully immersed in the story. However, this author does a great job of helping you keep up with all of the characters. The writing is fast-paced and easy to read while giving a wild plot that I continued to find myself engaged with. This book is following how the Scythdom came to be with the founding Scythes, which is a story I didn’t know I needed. If you liked the original trilogy or just want something dystopian with AI, this is the book for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, I would like to say a quick thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. WOW. What a fantastic start to a new series that takes place in the same world as the previous Arc of a Scythe series! I absolutely devoured this book. It was both incredibly familiar yet completely new. I really enjoyed the formatting and how Shusterman takes the time to really set the scene to show us all how the world of the scythes and Thunderhead came to be. I will say that this book follows a lot of different characters and builds their stories throughout, which I loved but may be overwhelming for others. There were moments where I felt like things were dragging a teeny bit, but I also just really wanted to learn everything as quickly as possible, which made me a bit impatient in some parts of the book. I absolutely cannot wait for the next books in this series.
initial thoughts upon completion
almost certain this book is a 5 star... like WOW. please give me book 2 asap!!!
initial thoughts upon completion
almost certain this book is a 5 star... like WOW. please give me book 2 asap!!!
August 30, 2026
One of my middle school students recommended this series to me. I just ran into him and he’s since graduated high school and is starting college now. Crazy how time flies.
I think Rising Thunder was a great prequel. I have always wondered how the system came to be. My questions have been answered. There are different perspectives every chapter, so there’s never a dull moment. Highly recommend if you enjoy the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC.
I think Rising Thunder was a great prequel. I have always wondered how the system came to be. My questions have been answered. There are different perspectives every chapter, so there’s never a dull moment. Highly recommend if you enjoy the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for the ARC.
August 22, 2026
I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Simon and Schuster in exchange for an honest review.
This book I struggled with a bit. While I enjoyed pieces of it, and the writing was well done, I felt like the pacing moved at the speed of molasses. Also, I had a big issue with the different POVs. There are SO MANY POVs and nothing to signify the change other than reading until eventually a name or context clues tells you who you’re reading as.
Overall, I can see the benefit this prequel adds to the original trilogy but to me this was just not very captivating.
This book I struggled with a bit. While I enjoyed pieces of it, and the writing was well done, I felt like the pacing moved at the speed of molasses. Also, I had a big issue with the different POVs. There are SO MANY POVs and nothing to signify the change other than reading until eventually a name or context clues tells you who you’re reading as.
Overall, I can see the benefit this prequel adds to the original trilogy but to me this was just not very captivating.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
ARC received following the 2026 San Diego Comic Con panel "What's the Scoop with Simon & Schuster"
Simultaneously exceedingly fascinating and incredibly terrifying. I had an inkling this story would swing both ways, just based on what I know (and yes, love) of the Arc of the Scythe. But I don't think I was truly prepared for...this.
It's been a minute since I've read a Shusterman book, so I'd forgotten how much I enjoy his writing style. It's quick and evocative, sometimes brutal, often confusing, entirely entertaining. I deluded myself - on more than one occasion - into thinking I'd stop reading for the night at the next chapter. And then the next next chapter. And then the...well, you get the point. It was hard to put down.
I do appreciate a story that keeps the reader on their toes. I also really enjoy when I discover something - about the story or the characters or the flow of the arc - on my own, even if it comes several chapters in and I have to go back to confirm the discovery . If a story can set a pace and stick to it throughout 500+ pages, keeping me interested, invested and intrigued, I call it a winner.
And this definitely was a winner, in my book. I admit to feeling a tiny bit of frustration at a few points, but those frustrations didn't detract from the story. In fact, I guess I could say that it helped build the tension and suspense, helped push the plot forward, kept me curious and spiked my need to know what happened next.
After turning the last page, I must have made a face because my husband - who was sitting on the couch next to me, waiting for me to close the book for the last time - said, "Not so great, the ending?" as I was nudging the book farther and farther away from where it sat next to me on the couch. The thing is, the ending was fine. Good. Great, even. But, it wasn't what I'd call complete. Because loose ends? This had 'em. Questions? Practically popping off the pages. Missing connections? Yes, you bet.
Maybe that's okay. Maybe Mr. Shusterman wanted the reader to follow the natural arc (I did it again) of the Scythes from this book to the first in the series, to fill in the gaps with their own fictions, or to infer stories from what we were given in these pages. But I, for one, would like more. I'd like those loose ends to be tied up. I'd like the questions to be answered and the connections to be...connected. Or severed, if that's what's needed. The ending was elegant, I'll give him that. But it left me wanting to know more.
And also - the terrifying bits? I know he wrote this recently, so he's had no shortage of "the dangers of AI" and all that's wrong with the world today. But the rapidity of events - from concept to inception to proliferation - is just terrifying.
Simultaneously exceedingly fascinating and incredibly terrifying. I had an inkling this story would swing both ways, just based on what I know (and yes, love) of the Arc of the Scythe. But I don't think I was truly prepared for...this.
It's been a minute since I've read a Shusterman book, so I'd forgotten how much I enjoy his writing style. It's quick and evocative, sometimes brutal, often confusing, entirely entertaining. I deluded myself - on more than one occasion - into thinking I'd stop reading for the night at the next chapter. And then the next next chapter. And then the...well, you get the point. It was hard to put down.
I do appreciate a story that keeps the reader on their toes. I also really enjoy when I discover something - about the story or the characters or the flow of the arc - on my own, even if it comes several chapters in and I have to go back to confirm the discovery . If a story can set a pace and stick to it throughout 500+ pages, keeping me interested, invested and intrigued, I call it a winner.
And this definitely was a winner, in my book. I admit to feeling a tiny bit of frustration at a few points, but those frustrations didn't detract from the story. In fact, I guess I could say that it helped build the tension and suspense, helped push the plot forward, kept me curious and spiked my need to know what happened next.
After turning the last page, I must have made a face because my husband - who was sitting on the couch next to me, waiting for me to close the book for the last time - said, "Not so great, the ending?" as I was nudging the book farther and farther away from where it sat next to me on the couch. The thing is, the ending was fine. Good. Great, even. But, it wasn't what I'd call complete. Because loose ends? This had 'em. Questions? Practically popping off the pages. Missing connections? Yes, you bet.
Maybe that's okay. Maybe Mr. Shusterman wanted the reader to follow the natural arc (I did it again) of the Scythes from this book to the first in the series, to fill in the gaps with their own fictions, or to infer stories from what we were given in these pages. But I, for one, would like more. I'd like those loose ends to be tied up. I'd like the questions to be answered and the connections to be...connected. Or severed, if that's what's needed. The ending was elegant, I'll give him that. But it left me wanting to know more.
And also - the terrifying bits? I know he wrote this recently, so he's had no shortage of "the dangers of AI" and all that's wrong with the world today. But the rapidity of events - from concept to inception to proliferation - is just terrifying.
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