The characters in The Toll are deeply memorable and well-developed. I found it easy to differentiate and care about each of them. The protagonists, particularly Citra (Anastasia), Rowan, and Greyson, evolve significantly, and their arcs were emotionally compelling. Even secondary characters like Jerico and the Thunderhead itself added critical layers of depth. Relationships felt authentic, and the stakes for the characters kept me engaged throughout.

The world of the Scythedom and the Thunderhead was immersive and vividly portrayed. I could easily picture the floating cities, Scythe conclaves, and desolate landscapes. Shusterman struck a great balance between dystopian and utopian elements, making the setting feel both plausible and unique. The atmosphere, particularly during moments of high tension, was gripping and added to the story’s immersive nature.

Neal Shusterman’s prose felt fluid, engaging, and accessible. His blend of philosophical musings with fast-paced action came across as effortless. The interludes featuring the Thunderhead’s thoughts were particularly thought-provoking and well-written. Dialogue flowed naturally and felt authentic to the characters. While some moments leaned into exposition, I found the writing style to be highly enjoyable and effective overall.

The plot of The Toll was ambitious, weaving together multiple timelines, perspectives, and storylines. I thought the pacing was excellent, and the complexity enhanced the experience. Shusterman’s reveals were satisfying, and the twists felt both surprising and earned. The conclusion to the series was compelling and resolved most plot threads while leaving plenty to think about. The balance of philosophical themes and action was masterful.

I found The Toll hard to put down. The stakes felt high, and the narrative kept me guessing about what would happen next. The alternating viewpoints and cliffhangers at the end of chapters maintained a strong sense of momentum. The mystery surrounding the characters’ fates and the Thunderhead’s evolving role kept me completely hooked and excited to keep reading.

The characters’ motives and actions felt clear and aligned with their development throughout the series. The world-building was intricate and cohesive, and I didn’t find any inconsistencies with the rules of the Thunderhead or the Scythedom. The philosophical weight of the story fit the narrative’s tone perfectly. Relationships, particularly those between Citra and Rowan or Greyson and the Thunderhead, felt authentic and emotionally resonant.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Toll and felt it was a worthy conclusion to the Arc of a Scythe series. The blend of character development, high stakes, and philosophical exploration made it a standout in the dystopian genre. The book delivered a consistently enjoyable and thought-provoking experience from beginning to end.