Words on The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer

In the Dope Confederacy, a strip of land between the United States and Aztlán, one very important little boy is making his way into the world. His name is Matt, and he is the clone of the infamous, ruthless lord of the land of Opium, El Patrón. The Patron loves him, because, after all, Matt is a younger version of himself. Even so, Matt is still a clone and is, like all clones, treated like an animal. He's a belonging, not even really a person.

Matt find a friend in the stubborn, fierce Maria, who treats him like the humans he knows he is and the two develop a warm friendship. But Matt has a purpose, and his luxurious home is not quite what it appears. Outsid, mindless slaves called eejits toil in the fields, and Matt may turn out to be no better off than them. Meanwhile, a rebellion against the Patron grow quietly, and the families of Opium are trapped in a bitter, fierce struggle for power.

Matt's journey from a innocent boy to a teen who is, sadly, aware of the evil all around him is sad, but I love how he develops. Maria is spunky and rebellious, and she helps keep Matt's more careful nature in check.

This book was, quite simply unlike anything I've ever read. Despite the bleak setting, you still have humorous and heartwarming moments. The world of Opium is as amazing as it is terrifying, and the idea of drug lords having such a strong grip and so much power is scary, but not all that unrealistic, if you think about it. The book is very thoughful and original, and I can promise that it's a dystopian you won't forget anytime soon! 4/5 stars. There is a sequel I'll read as soon as I can... :)

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