Characters: 9/10

Shusterman excels at creating memorable characters, even in a short story format. Many of the protagonists and secondary characters in Gleanings are distinct and engaging, with unique personalities and motives. The standout characters lingered in my mind long after their stories ended, and even secondary characters added depth and flavor to the narratives. Despite the anthology nature, the emotional and psychological resonance of most characters was impressive.

Atmosphere/Setting: 9/10

The world of the Arc of a Scythe series is already richly developed, and Gleanings expands on it beautifully. Each story has a distinct atmosphere, and the settings are immersive, whether it’s the chilling chambers of Scythes or glimpses into other parts of this futuristic society. Shusterman’s vivid descriptions brought both the grandeur and darkness of this utopian/dystopian world to life. The energy in the scenes felt palpable, keeping me immersed throughout.

Writing Style: 9/10

Shusterman’s writing is sharp, concise, and full of impactful prose. His ability to blend humor, philosophy, and poignancy is unparalleled. The balance of narration and dialogue worked seamlessly, and his style remained accessible while being thought-provoking. The prose felt natural yet carried emotional weight, and I was consistently impressed by how effortless yet polished the writing was. I’d pick up another of his books without hesitation.

Plot: 9/10

The pacing of the anthology was consistently strong. Each plot offered new insights into the Scythe universe and explored intriguing "what-ifs" that I had wondered about. The twists and moral dilemmas were consistently engaging, and even stories I initially thought might feel predictable ended up surprising me in satisfying ways. The overall collection was unique and added significant depth to the Scythe universe.

Intrigue: 9/10

The anthology format worked perfectly to maintain intrigue, with each story leaving me eager to dive into the next one. Shusterman’s exploration of the Scythe universe’s unanswered questions held my attention throughout. I was consistently intrigued by where each story would lead and found myself eager to see how the different threads of this world would evolve. The narrative consistently held my focus, and I couldn’t put it down.

Logic/Relationships: 9/10

The world-building remained logical and consistent with the rules established in the original trilogy. Relationships, both personal and societal, were compelling and added richness to the stories. I found the characters’ motives clear and their actions aligned with the world’s established principles. The ethical dilemmas and moral gray areas felt organic, and everything in the book fit the story, setting, and motives perfectly.

Enjoyment: 9/10

I thoroughly enjoyed Gleanings. It brought back the intellectual stimulation and moral complexity I loved in the original trilogy while offering fresh and engaging perspectives. Even the few weaker stories were still enjoyable, and the collection as a whole left me feeling deeply satisfied. My enjoyment was consistent throughout, and I found myself wanting even more from this universe.