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ggcd1981's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Gleanings é uma coleção de contos que se passam no Universo da série Arc of a Scythe. Como toda coleção de contos alguns são melhores do que outros. Entretanto eu li o áudio livro e o autor assim como seu filho, Jarrod, que é co-autor de uma história resolveram narrar alguns dos contos....péssima ideia. A diferença da qualidade da narração entre os narradores profissionais e os autores foi gritante prejudicando bastante meu aproveitamento dos contos. Então como a minha experiência de leitura foi o audiobook dei as notas a seguir levando em consideração a performance do narrador, se a narração tivesse sido profissional as notas de algumas histórias seriam melhores:
No geral o livro é 3 estrelas, algumas histórias foram boas e relevantes, outras poderiam ser retiradas do livro. No geral a experiência de leitura foi comprometida pela performance de narração dos autores.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Genocide, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
booksanna's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
As expected of Neal Shusterman, I was not disappointed when I read this book. Actually I was pleasantly surprised (since I don’t usually read short-stories, because of how I enjoyed the book). At first I thought my attachment to previous characters in the series would make me less excited about this book, but I was proven wrong. I really enjoyed these collections of stories. Some made my mind fill with constant buzz of questions. Others made shocked and in true awe. While others really made me ponder the meaning of life, death, mortality, art, respect, and right to be remembered. All of which the previous books also made me feel. I also loved how we learned a lot more of certain characters backstories especially Scythe Goddard, his backstory made me gasp out loud. It was so cool to see the small event talked about in previous books talked about in depth in this one. Each story was rich and filled with a meaningful messages to comment on aspects of humanity. I especially liked the one about the town with Scythe deniers. So reflective of some people in the current world who refuse to believe something because it is a hoax, and have a closed-mind on an idea until it pertains to their life The different human features of nature made me really question what it is to have control, and what it is to feel complete. I loved all these stories, and my only complaint was that I wish Shusterman had written more. But alas, quality over quantity. I would rather get 10 exceptional stories, than 30 mediocre ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Hate crime, and Injury/Injury detail
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Death
Minor: Body horror
lizzyjean's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a beautiful way to wrap up The Arc of a Scythe universe. This book of short stories answered questions I didn’t even realize I had, and I loved how each had its own mood and own purpose to the Scythedom and world of the Thunderhead. The Arc of a Scythe is my favorite trilogy, and this addition was not disappointing in the slightest.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Suicide, and Torture
Minor: Genocide and Violence
coffeebooksmonster's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal cruelty
voldycat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Gore
Minor: Self harm, Suicide, and Vomit
dannilmp's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A collection of short stories that offer insight into the characters we meet and follow along with in the main Arc of A Sycthe triology. I adored all the short stories on offer in this collection, especially the background and information it gave me into the characters thoughts and actions. This book gave me an even greater appreciation for the main series, and I know the next time I re-read the series I will do so with more knowledge in my mind which I suspect may alter my views on certain characters and events.
While I cannot remember the name of the speicifc short story, I have to say the one with the artist competition was my favourite. It is the one that has stuck with me the most because of the beauty in the cruelness.
While I cannot remember the name of the speicifc short story, I have to say the one with the artist competition was my favourite. It is the one that has stuck with me the most because of the beauty in the cruelness.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Suicide
andra_mihaela_s's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"For years humans lived in a perfect world controlled by scythes...Just Imagine the stories we don't know."
I must say I was very excited to read this collection! ^_^ And the fact that this is a collaboration with other authors...>...>...my intrigue only increased.
We have one poem (written by Joelle Shusterman) and 12 stories inside this amazing instalment.
I think that you'll enjoy reading this one even if you didn't like the the Toll...and dare I say it...even if you didn't finish the trilogy...>.>
Please don't come for me ^_^'.....What I meant is that, in this particular short stories collection, Neal Shusterman builds upon the foundation created already in the original Arc of a Scythe world; he expands on ideas and parts of the world we didn't explore following Citra and Rowan, and also...explained/ gave more information on certain characters, motifs and even offered the reader a glimpse on something they didn't know they needed!(certainly i didn't...>..>)
Let me tell you...it is very frustrating NOT to talk about each story individually, and only content with some vague paragraph in which I basically tell you to read this if the world fascinated you...
Alas..this is the life of a reader...:(((
CW: animal cruelty; different levels of cruelty between humans; violence; grief and suicidal thoughts;
Specifically when it comes to the actual content...not all stories were a hit for me, some were mind-blowing, some were great and fun, others interesting and offered a new perspective I didn't know I needed and the remaining were ok. :)
In order of what I liked best to least:
<b>A Martian Minute</b>....mind-blowning; talks about desire to escape ones life and choose for themselves; filled some undetected to me plot hole; it explains soooo much about this character; loved the nods to the future of these 2; I actually didn't figure it out until halfway through:)))...>..>
<b>A dark curtain rises</b>....mind-blowing; perspective I didn't know I needed; added info for a character that I loved :); talks about new beginnings ^_^
<b>A death of many colours</b>....great and fun!; talks about human nature and the stubbornness that is in our genes; discussion on the importance of beliefs for each human and how far we can take them;
<b>Perchance to glean</b>...great and fun!; discusses the thrill of the chase and how danger modifies our behaviour; loved this part due to it contributing greatly to the world-building! ^_^
<b>Cirri</b>...this one was interesting and invited to contemplation...the events described in here and the perspective especially were moving and well thought-out;
<b>A Mortal Canvas</b>...invoked reflection on art, life and what is precious to us; introspection on what it means to be mortal;
<b>The Persistence of Memory</b>...interesting and a great addition to world-building and view on different philosophies when it comes to scythes; really enjoyed the mood it set;
<b>Formidable</b>...talks about a major turning-point in the world's history through the decision of one young and impulsive scythe; a lovely surprise! I always wanted to know more about this event! ^^
<b>Meet Cute and Die</b> and <b>Never Work with Animals</b> wanted to transmit how flowed people and scythes are and how our past, strength and weaknesses influence the very foundation of our principles;
<b>Unsavory Row</b> added a lot to the world-building and I think was necessary to explain how the unsavories and the system around them work; really enjoyed to find out the secrets behind Apocalyte ^^
<b>Anastasia's Shadow</b> interesting and I think logical and necessary piece of information that takes place around the time between 2nd and 3rd book...I wanted more from this one in terms of ambition from the main character...but I understand why the author chose to portray the shadow as he did;
<b>The First Swing</b>...unfortunately, me and poems do not see eye to eye very often, and this one, although beautiful, got lost in the collection, being among such great stories.
Overall, I highly recommend you try this if you enjoyed the trilogy or if you're intrigued by the world! ^^
Enjoy
I must say I was very excited to read this collection! ^_^ And the fact that this is a collaboration with other authors...>...>...my intrigue only increased.
We have one poem (written by Joelle Shusterman) and 12 stories inside this amazing instalment.
I think that you'll enjoy reading this one even if you didn't like the the Toll...and dare I say it...even if you didn't finish the trilogy...>.>
Please don't come for me ^_^'.....What I meant is that, in this particular short stories collection, Neal Shusterman builds upon the foundation created already in the original Arc of a Scythe world; he expands on ideas and parts of the world we didn't explore following Citra and Rowan, and also...explained/ gave more information on certain characters, motifs and even offered the reader a glimpse on something they didn't know they needed!(certainly i didn't...>..>)
Let me tell you...it is very frustrating NOT to talk about each story individually, and only content with some vague paragraph in which I basically tell you to read this if the world fascinated you...
Alas..this is the life of a reader...:(((
CW: animal cruelty; different levels of cruelty between humans; violence; grief and suicidal thoughts;
Specifically when it comes to the actual content...not all stories were a hit for me, some were mind-blowing, some were great and fun, others interesting and offered a new perspective I didn't know I needed and the remaining were ok. :)
In order of what I liked best to least:
<b>A Martian Minute</b>....mind-blowning; talks about desire to escape ones life and choose for themselves; filled some undetected to me plot hole; it explains soooo much about this character; loved the nods to the future of these 2; I actually didn't figure it out until halfway through:)))...>..>
<b>A dark curtain rises</b>....mind-blowing; perspective I didn't know I needed; added info for a character that I loved :); talks about new beginnings ^_^
<b>A death of many colours</b>....great and fun!; talks about human nature and the stubbornness that is in our genes; discussion on the importance of beliefs for each human and how far we can take them;
<b>Perchance to glean</b>...great and fun!; discusses the thrill of the chase and how danger modifies our behaviour; loved this part due to it contributing greatly to the world-building! ^_^
<b>Cirri</b>...this one was interesting and invited to contemplation...the events described in here and the perspective especially were moving and well thought-out;
<b>A Mortal Canvas</b>...invoked reflection on art, life and what is precious to us; introspection on what it means to be mortal;
<b>The Persistence of Memory</b>...interesting and a great addition to world-building and view on different philosophies when it comes to scythes; really enjoyed the mood it set;
<b>Formidable</b>...talks about a major turning-point in the world's history through the decision of one young and impulsive scythe; a lovely surprise! I always wanted to know more about this event! ^^
<b>Meet Cute and Die</b> and <b>Never Work with Animals</b> wanted to transmit how flowed people and scythes are and how our past, strength and weaknesses influence the very foundation of our principles;
<b>Unsavory Row</b> added a lot to the world-building and I think was necessary to explain how the unsavories and the system around them work; really enjoyed to find out the secrets behind Apocalyte ^^
<b>Anastasia's Shadow</b> interesting and I think logical and necessary piece of information that takes place around the time between 2nd and 3rd book...I wanted more from this one in terms of ambition from the main character...but I understand why the author chose to portray the shadow as he did;
<b>The First Swing</b>...unfortunately, me and poems do not see eye to eye very often, and this one, although beautiful, got lost in the collection, being among such great stories.
Overall, I highly recommend you try this if you enjoyed the trilogy or if you're intrigued by the world! ^^
Enjoy
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Murder, and Gaslighting
kimtazo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
just_a_bibliophile's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Short stories anthologies are always a bit of a hit and miss situation, and Gleanings was no different. I absolutely loved some of these stories, which really allowed me to get back into the Scythe mindset and come across many familiar - and unfamiliar - faces. The stories which gave us a further insight into how others outside of our main characters get by in this world were particularly fascinating, as it's only really touched on briefly within the main trilogy. Some of the stories felt slightly ridiculous, but some of them were explored in such a depth that you wouldn't expect in a short story. I felt like we really got to understand the characters, even those that we'd never came across before, on a great level, and there didn't seem to be any flat characters throughout.
I do think it would have been a *little* better if there'd been more stories about some of the main characters in the series, like Citra and Rowan, who we hardly heard from in any of the stories, and for me, there was just a *few* too many misses in this anthology to absolutely love it. Although some of the others sure did make up for it, I think if there was a couple of stories cut out here and there to include others focusing in on the main characters from the series, I would have enjoyed it a fair bit more. Saying this, there was a ton of stories I adored, particularly those focusing on Scythe Curie before and after the main Scythe series, as well as Goddard's villain backstory.
It wasn't entirely as I'd expected, in positive and less positive ways, but it's undoubtedly worth a read for any Scythe fans wanting to get back into this world.
Rating: 3.5 stars
I do think it would have been a *little* better if there'd been more stories about some of the main characters in the series, like Citra and Rowan, who we hardly heard from in any of the stories, and for me, there was just a *few* too many misses in this anthology to absolutely love it. Although some of the others sure did make up for it, I think if there was a couple of stories cut out here and there to include others focusing in on the main characters from the series, I would have enjoyed it a fair bit more. Saying this, there was a ton of stories I adored, particularly those focusing on Scythe Curie before and after the main Scythe series, as well as Goddard's villain backstory.
It wasn't entirely as I'd expected, in positive and less positive ways, but it's undoubtedly worth a read for any Scythe fans wanting to get back into this world.
Rating: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Death, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Blood