The Toll by Neal Shusterman concludes the Arc of a Scythe trilogy with a tantalizing mix of thought-provoking themes and complex character arcs. Readers praised its intricate plot and moral questions, though some found the pacing uneven and the multitude of perspectives challenging. Overall, it’s lauded for its imaginative scope and satisfying resolution.

A reader who savors intricate dystopian worlds, ethical quandaries, and multi-faceted characters will relish The Toll by Neal Shusterman. Comparable to fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Divergent by Veronica Roth, this novel is ideal for those who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and high-stakes adventure.

The Toll by Neal Shusterman follows the journeys of individuals navigating a world where death is controlled by a select group called Scythes. As society grapples with the ethics of mortality and governance, characters face philosophical and moral dilemmas, challenging the established order in unexpected ways. Part of the Arc of a Scythe series.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Challenging / Emotional

- The Toll is the third book in Neal Shusterman's Arc of a Scythe series, completing the trilogy that has been lauded for its thought-provoking exploration of mortality and ethics.
- Neal Shusterman won a Michael L. Printz Honor for the first book in the series, Scythe, which established the success and popularity of the trilogy culminating in The Toll.
- In an interview, Shusterman mentioned that his deep interest in the themes of life, death, and technology in the series stemmed from personal experiences and the ethical questions posed by advances in artificial intelligence and societal structures.

**Greyson Tolliver**  
An everyman hero with nondescript looks and a unique relationship with the AI known as the Thunderhead, who evolves to become a wise and insightful character throughout his journey.

**The Thunderhead**  
A sophisticated artificial intelligence that manages global affairs with a benevolent purpose and begins to explore self-awareness and complex human-like emotions.

**Scythe Robert Goddard**  
An antagonist characterized by his quest for power, whose appearance is notable for his head being grafted onto a younger, muscular body, adding to his instability.

**Citra Terranova/Scythe Anastasia Romanov**  
A compassionate and ethical scythe known for her innovative gleaning method, who grapples with her dual identity and the burdens of being a symbol of hope.

**Rowan Damisch/Scythe Lucifer**  
A protagonist with a large family background, noted for his charisma and determination as he challenges corruption, and is deeply in love with Citra.

**Scythe Michael Faraday**  
A wise mentor figure with a compassionate gleaning style, known for his selfless actions and deep sense of justice.  

**Captain Jerico (Jeri) Soberanis**  
A genderfluid character with numerous skills and a light-hearted nature, who plays a crucial role in salvaging key protagonists.

**Scythe Ayn Rand**  
A morally complex character who has a significant internal conflict due to her past actions, and is one of Goddard's associates in the new order.

**Loriana Barchok**  
A former Nimbus Agent entrusted with significant responsibility, recognized for her leadership and teamwork in establishing a critical project on the Kwajalein Atoll.

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Part 1: “The Lost Island & the Drowned City”

Part 1 The Toll Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Tone, Toll, and Thunder”

Part 2 The Toll Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Year of the Cobra”

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Part 4: “The Only Tool We Can Wield”

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Part 5: “Vessels”

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