What Are The Most Popular McNeal Novel Series Right Now?

I've been diving deep into the bookish side of TikTok lately, and everyone's buzzing about Neal Shusterman's 'Arc of a Scythe' series. It's dystopian but in this mind-bending way where 'scythes' are the only ones allowed to end lives to control population. The first book, 'Scythe', hooks you with its moral dilemmas and unexpected twists. Thunderhead, the AI that runs the world, is such a fascinating character—way more complex than your typical evil robot trope. The third book, 'The Toll', wraps everything up in this epic, heart-wrenching finale that left me staring at the ceiling for hours. Shusterman's writing makes you question everything about humanity, death, and power. If you liked 'The Hunger Games' but wished it had more philosophical depth, this is your next obsession. The fandom art on Tumblr is insane too—people can't stop drawing Rowan and Citra!

As someone who spends way too much time in YA book circles, I can confirm Neal Shusterman's 'Unwind' dystology is having a major resurgence. The premise is wild: in a future where abortion is banned, teens can be 'unwound'—their body parts harvested for transplants. The first book, 'Unwind', follows Connor, Risa, and Lev as they fight to survive. What makes it stand out is how Shusterman tackles heavy themes like bodily autonomy and faith without feeling preachy. The sequels—'UnWholly', 'UnSouled', 'UnDivided'—just escalate the stakes with new POV characters and chilling reveals (that scene with the Admiral’s son still haunts me).

Lately, BookTok’s been obsessed with analyzing the series’ parallels to real-world politics, especially around Roe v. Wade debates. There’s also a graphic novel adaptation that brings the horror of unwinding to visceral life. Compared to 'Arc of a Scythe', this series feels grittier and more urgent—less about a distant future, more like a warning. If you’re into dystopian that doesn’t shy away from brutality (think 'The Maze Runner' but with more social commentary), this is a must-read. Bonus: the audiobooks are narrated by Luke Daniels, who voices Connor’s rage perfectly.

Neal Shusterman’s 'Game of Shadows' duology is criminally underrated but gaining traction among fantasy mystery fans. The first book, 'The Shadow Club', follows a group of kids who form a secret society to play pranks on their rivals—until things spiral into actual danger. It’s like 'Pretty Little Liars' meets 'Lord of the Flies', with Shusterman’s signature talent for making you empathize with morally gray characters. The sequel, 'The Shadow Club Rising', dives deeper into guilt and redemption.

What’s cool is how these older works (originally published in the early 2000s) feel fresh today—themes of online anonymity and bullying are even more relevant now. I stumbled on fan theories that connect 'Game of Shadows' to Shusterman’s newer works (like, what if the Thunderhead evolved from the Shadow Club’s tech?). While not as flashy as his dystopian hits, this series proves he’s always been a master of psychological tension. Perfect for readers who want something shorter but equally thought-provoking.