The House of the Scorpion is a captivating novel that centers around Matteo Alacran, who happens to be the clone of another Matteo Alacran. The original Matteo Alacran, also known as El Patron, was a power-hungry drug-dealer. He constructed an evil empire populated with eejits, individuals devoid of will.

Due to Matt being a clone, he is constantly treated differently, often for the worse. Trapped within the Alacran estate, a vast mansion filled with people who have a personal aversion to him, Matt's life is far from easy. However, he does manage to make a few friends. There's Celia, a maid in the Alacran estate who treats Matt like her own son. Then there's Tam Lin, one of El Patron's bodyguards, and Maria, a highly emotional girl with a big mouth and an even bigger heart.

Although El Patron is kind to Matt on the surface, he has a devious plan in store for him, which is related to the fact that Patron is over 140 years old.

Finally, a novel truly deserving of five stars! It has been an eternity since I've come across such a gem, so it's quite thrilling. Now, onto my personal take on the book. I adored every single aspect of it. The characters were exquisitely developed, the world was unique and utterly fascinating, and the plot was meticulously thought-out. The world that Farmer crafted seemed to bear a resemblance to Neal Shusterman's Unwind, another excellent novel. Another aspect I relished about this book was that, despite not being a die-hard fan of Sci-fi novels, the prose and dialogue made everything effortlessly digestible for me. I truly cared deeply about the characters, and (embarrassingly) I was on the verge of tears at the end when I discovered a certain character's fate. Therefore, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone I know.

This book truly represents the reason why numerous critics do not hold Young Adult Fiction in high regard as a genre.

It has managed to win three distinct and prestigious awards, yet the writing quality is scarcely passable. It can hardly be considered a work of literature.

The characters lack depth and are rather flat. Although the story has a certain degree of freshness, the plotting is largely foreseeable. The ending is tidy but overly sentimental.

Instead of encountering flashes of outstanding writing, we are presented with instances of clumsy writing and subpar dialogue.

I suspect that it won awards because it poses some interesting inquiries regarding individuality and humanity. However, for the most part, this book does not meet the same standards of good writing as those in the adult fiction market.

Good YA fiction should indeed be held to the same exacting standards to ensure its literary merit and value.

What was the appeal of this book, Goodreads readers? Was it the awful writing?

Perhaps it was the miserable attempt to give this book some cultural value by making all the characters have names like Emilia and Rosa?

No, neither of those.

Perhaps it was the frequent condescending tone throughout?

Don't sign me up.

This book seems to lack any real charm or substance. The writing is subpar, failing to engage the reader on an emotional or intellectual level.

The attempt to add cultural value through character names feels forced and artificial.

And the condescending tone is off-putting and makes it difficult for the reader to connect with the story or the characters.

Overall, this book does not seem to offer anything of value and is not worth the time or effort of reading.

It's a disappointment and one that I would not recommend to others.

I’ve read this remarkable book and its sequel over a week ago. It was truly a challenge for me to pen reviews for both of them as they are so incredibly epic. In fact, I was almost at a loss for words, not knowing where to begin. But let me do my best to convey my thoughts about this incredible masterpiece.

First and foremost, let's talk about the characters. I absolutely adored Matt's character. As I was reading the book, I felt completely connected to him, rooting for this young boy who has been cloned from the most powerful man in a dystopian world where drugs serve as the currency. His resilience is truly beyond admirable. Despite his young age, he has endured so much. He may have had his moments of going 'Lord of the Flies' on us readers, but the way he emerged from it was simply bad-ass, bringing me to tears. This character is just begging to be brought to life on the big screen.

El Patron, on the other hand, I find rather creepy. However, he is such a dynamic character that I would love to see him come alive in a film. I appreciate that even though he is evil, there is still a part of him that remembers the good old days when he wasn't the 'El Patron' everyone knows and wasn't consumed by his self-made power.

Celia, as Matt's caregiver, is probably the one character who is consistently by his side throughout the book. I'm just curious about exactly how old she is, but regardless, she is a great character that serves as a juxtaposition to the evil that surrounds Matt.

Maria, Matt's love interest, is a bit more complicated to explain. She has good intentions, but sometimes her words and actions seem to contradict each other.

Tam Lin is an amazing father figure for Matt. He kind of reminds me of Mister Miyagi in Karate Kid.

Steven and Tom, on the other hand, are rather odd. They weren't given a huge part in the story, but their actions throughout the book effectively made me despise them.

The storyarc from the very beginning is nothing short of exhilarating. It presents a dreadful possibility of what could happen with climate change, the advancement of technology, and the 'powerful folks' claiming lives as if it were their right. It's a terrible concept, but it works so well in the story.

The world-building is almost sensory overload. The author's powerful words make you envision the scenes vividly in your mind as you read.

The pacing was set faster than I expected, which I absolutely loved. There were no unnecessary scenes. Every single scene in this book is pivotal to the development of the characters and the story.

I know I'm gushing all over the place, but this book is just that good. This review is completely spoiler-free, but I'm telling you, it is so worth reading!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

***

01/19/2018

I actually just finished this one a couple of days ago and just completed its sequel this afternoon.

I can't even put into words how perfect it is.

A full review will follow.

3.5 Stars

This was indeed a rather thought-provoking piece, yet at times it was downright creepy. The story managed to engage my mind and make me reflect on various aspects. However, the way I consumed it might have affected my overall perception. I listened to it sporadically rather than reading it quickly. If I had read it in one sitting, I probably would have rated it higher.

The Popsugar 2019 Challenge required me to pick a book with a zodiac sign or astrology term in the title. This particular book fit the bill perfectly. It added an interesting layer to the reading experience, as the astrological elements intertwined with the plot.

Despite its flaws, I still found value in this book. It made me think about the mysteries of the universe and the power of our beliefs. It also had some truly spine-chilling moments that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, it was a decent read that I would recommend to others who enjoy thought-provoking and slightly eerie stories.

A really hit and miss book, with some terrific ideas and terrible plotting.

The main character, Matt, is a clone of the world's biggest drug kingpin, the 140+ year-old El Patron. Matt lives in El Patron's sprawling estate and is hated by most of the residents there, aside from his care-taker Celia and El Patron himself, who is raising Matt for his own sinister reasons. Soon, these reasons are revealed and Matt's only hope is to escape.

This book felt like it should have been at least twice as long. The author, Nancy Farmer, has developed an intriguing world. She extrapolates from the US and Mexico's current problems with drugs, illegal immigration, and pollution, and also addresses ethical and legal issues around cloning. However, as compelling as this world is, it never feels real or adequately developed. She has a ridiculous habit of explaining important aspects of how the world she has created operates at just the time they become pertinent to the plot.

The characters are a mixed bag as well. They're likable and believable except when they're not, and turn from fully-realized creations to cardboard cut-outs whenever they have to do something that advances the story.

This isn't to say that I didn't like the book, necessarily. It was a great coming of age story, and I think that young teenagers will really enjoy the characters and the action. This book also won a whole mess of awards, which admittedly may color my reaction to it. I just wish that more time had been spent developing the characters, the world, and the mess of ideas that were introduced.

November 2020 - I'm extremely excited to be reading this for the third time as part of a tween/teen book club!!

Read on to the end for my updated review on 12/17/20.

What if you were a clone? Are you truly a human? Are you an animal? Do you even possess a soul? All these thought-provoking questions and many more are raised by our protagonist, Matteo Alacran, also known as Matt, in this story set in what could potentially be the not-too-distant future.

Matt is the clone of the original Matteo Alcaran, or El Patron, who is nearly 150 years old. This is the captivating tale of Matt's sheltered yet privileged youth as a member of the powerful Alcaran family. It's fiction at its absolute finest; with a diverse cast of characters, thrilling adventure, elements of romance, and heart-wrenching betrayal, this coming-of-age story truly has it all.

As I reached the conclusion of this story, I was left with two burning questions:

1) Why hasn't this book been adapted into a movie?

2) Is there a sequel*? Why not? This book was published over 10 years ago and it most definitely deserves one. I'm eager to read more about what lies ahead for Matt.

*Good news - A sequel is anticipated later this year!

12/17/20 This one never fails to disappoint. In my humble opinion, it is destined to become a classic.

I'm overjoyed that I've been delving into such remarkable books lately! Prior to this, I had come across the mention of this particular book. Given its age, it's not uncommon to have heard of it, yet I had no inkling of its content. Recently, I chanced upon it at the library and perused the blurb. It piqued my interest, and when I discovered it at an incredibly affordable price in a used bookstore, I didn't hesitate to purchase it.

I'm truly glad I made that decision! I thoroughly relished reading it.

The setting is perhaps my most favored aspect. I adore the fact that it is predominantly set in Mexico. It seems there is a dearth of books with a Mexican backdrop, and it was invigorating to gain a glimpse into their culture, urban legends, and other fascinating elements.

This book is an outstanding work of fantasy. I'm captivated by the eejits, the concept of clones, and every other facet. Although it has a futuristic theme, it doesn't feel that way at all. In fact, it gives the impression that it could be set in the present day.

The characters are equally remarkable. Matt is such a precious child, and I felt an overwhelming sense of sympathy for him throughout the book. His life is marred by tragedy and sorrow. Celia is another character I hold dear as she is so loving. Tam Lin was probably my favorite minor character. The antagonists in this book are masterfully written, as I found myself exasperated with them throughout my reading!

My only gripe was Ton Ton's dialogue. The author repeatedly inserted random "uh" in the middle of every sentence, and I couldn't fathom what they were supposed to signify. Perhaps it was intended to represent a stutter or something similar, but in any case, it disrupted the flow of the book for me. Fortunately, he doesn't feature prominently in the story, and I'm hopeful that in the second book, this issue will be rectified, making it easier to read and less of a distraction for Ton Ton.

This is such a creative and one-of-a-kind book!

Book Challenge book #37 - A Book Set In The Future

This book, wow. It's kind of a strange one, I guess? I have never delved into a book about clones before, and this is truly unlike anything I've ever read. We were assigned to read this for school, and most of the people in my class decided not to bother. However, I was really intrigued by this book and what it was all about, so I embarked on reading it.

"Nancy Farmer's books are boring." - Chloe's friend, 2017

(I simply ignored her, lol.)

Well, to be completely honest, I did find this book a little bit on the dull side. Dystopian fiction isn't really my cup of tea.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pity for Matt. He's a well-behaved boy with a talent for music, and it was truly agonizing to read about how other people treated him as if he were nothing more than dog crap stuck on the bottom of their shoes.

Also, the eejits (AKA zombies) really freaked me out. It's just so terrifying! The idea of computer chips being installed in people's brains is, ugh, SO WRONG.

I was extremely glad when, finally, Matt managed to find some friends! They always support each other, and it's just so heartwarming to see them being so helpful during times of hardship. (I like Fidelio, Chacho, and Ton-Ton more than María. She treats Matt like a dog rather than an equal, and I find that truly awful. Matt has a crush on María, and I have no clue what he sees in her.)

I have a deep love for Celia and Tam Lin. They treat Matt with love and respect, as if he were a real human being. Celia takes care of Matt as if he were her own child, and Tam Lin considers Matt his friend and often takes him on picnics and teaches him about nature.

I like the ending because it's a happy one (I CANNOT STAND SAD ENDINGS), and everything turns out to be okay after all.

This book is good, but I can't really say that I thoroughly enjoyed it, because THOSE PEOPLE WHO TREAT MATT WITH CRUELTY MADE MY HEART BREAK. Also, there's very little to no humor in the book (serious = boring).

I read this book in high school, and it was only recently that I recalled its name.

At that time, I found it to be an easy and fast read, yet the themes it explored were truly compelling.

The story seemed to flow effortlessly, captivating my attention from the very beginning.

I was completely immersed in its world and couldn't put it down.

Moreover, I had a great passion for discussing this book with my classmates.

We would exchange our thoughts and interpretations, which further deepened my understanding and appreciation of it.

Looking back, I realize that this book had a significant impact on me, not only in terms of entertainment but also in shaping my perspective and激发 my love for literature.

It is a book that I will always remember and cherish.

The House of the Scorpion is a truly unique and captivating read.

\\n  But underneath Matt felt a hollowness. He understood he was only a photograph of a human, and that meat he wasn’t really important. Photographs could lie forgotten in drawers for years. They could be thrown away.\\n

This quote sets the tone for the complex and thought-provoking themes explored in the book.

At first, I found myself somewhat disconnected from the story, perhaps due to the slow pace and the initial unfamiliarity of the world. However, as I delved deeper, I began to appreciate the masterful way in which the author weaves together the familiar and the strange.

The characters in The House of the Scorpion are both intriguing and frustrating. While I wanted to feel more emotionally invested in them, I often found myself at a distance. Nevertheless, their struggles and the difficult choices they face stay with you long after you've finished the book.

The book's central paradox - that Matteo is El Patron - forces you to question the very nature of identity and what it means to be human. How much of who we are is determined by our genetics, and how much by our experiences and choices? These are just some of the profound questions that this book poses.

Overall, The House of the Scorpion is a powerful and unforgettable novel that challenges you to think deeply about the world around us. It may not be an easy read, but it is well worth the effort.

Going into this book, I was not all that excited as I typically don't have a penchant for reading Sci-Fi books.

However, as I commenced reading, I found myself gradually getting reeled in by the author's masterful use of figurative language and the skillful buildup of suspense.

The characters in the story came alive, and I became deeply attached to certain ones. By the end of the book, I had such a strong connection with Tam Lin that I felt as if we were old friends.

This book is truly a great read for anyone who enjoys delving into stories about struggles, setbacks, and the subsequent rewards. House of the Scorpion manages to incorporate a little bit of all of those elements, making it a captivating and engaging read from start to finish.

It offers a unique perspective on various themes and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout the entire journey.

Whether you are a die-hard Sci-Fi fan or someone who is simply looking for an interesting and thought-provoking book, House of the Scorpion is definitely worth checking out.