DNF at 12%.

I have owned this particular book for more than ten years. Just recently, I made up my mind to finally give it a proper read. However, right from the start, I found myself extremely bored with it. So much so that I simply couldn't bring myself to continue. I even tried listening to the audiobook version, hoping that it might somehow capture my interest. But alas, I could not become engaged with the story or the characters in the slightest. As I listened and saw that there was still over nine hours remaining of the audiobook, all I felt was a sense of dread at the thought of having to endure sitting through it all. That was the moment when I knew without a doubt that it was time to put it aside. Sadly, this book just wasn't meant for me.

It's quite disappointing really, considering how long I've had it. But sometimes, no matter how much we might want to like a book, it just doesn't click. And that's okay. There are so many other wonderful books out there waiting to be discovered. Maybe I'll have better luck with the next one.

This review contains a minor spoiler - but only for the first few chapters.

I have always intended to read this as it is an award-winning young adult dystopian novel. After finally getting around to it, I was not disappointed. It reads smoothly and provides food for thought. I really liked the way the book depicted the moral development of the main character, who is a clone. The book is an easy choice for junior high school students as there is no inappropriate language or sex, yet it is edgy enough to maintain the interest of a reluctant reader. However, if I may nitpick - I thought the plot structure was slightly lacking. The climax just didn't feel very climactic to me and the ending seemed abrupt. There were many small climaxes along the way, but not really one overall, which I would have expected from this type of novel.

Perhaps this is a personal preference, but I felt that the story could have benefited from a more drawn-out and impactful climax. Nevertheless, the book still has many strengths, such as its engaging characters and thought-provoking themes. It is definitely worth a read for fans of dystopian fiction or those interested in exploring moral and ethical issues.

Overall, I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It is an enjoyable and engaging read that will leave you thinking long after you have finished it.

I'm going to admit that initially, I wasn't in the least bit excited to read this. In the beginning, my thoughts were along the lines of "Oh, I knew I wouldn't like this." However, as the story progressed and the author took us through Matt's struggles, I found myself becoming intrigued. I had this burning desire to know what would happen next.

Although I'm not really a science fiction type of person, I have to say that I kind of liked this book. One of the aspects that I really enjoyed was each character's development. It was fascinating to see how they matured or changed throughout the story. Their growth added depth and complexity to the narrative.

However, I have to admit that I didn't like the ending. It was a little bit depressing and left me with a sense of disappointment. After getting so invested in the characters and their journey, I was hoping for a more uplifting conclusion. Nevertheless, despite the ending, I still think that this book has its merits and is worth reading.

The book was truly excellent.

People kept asking me to explain it, but there is so much going on simultaneously.

A plethora of unexpected things occurred.

At times, it might be a bit challenging to follow, yet not for any of you.

It is filled with numerous twists and turns.

Honestly, it'll probably infuriate some of you, but it is enjoyable to read.

The story unfolds in a complex and engaging manner, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

The unexpected events add to the excitement and make it a thrilling read.

Even though it might have its confusing moments, the overall experience is well worth it.

So, don't be deterred by the initial difficulties; just keep reading and you'll be rewarded with a great story.

Matt is a boy who was "harvested" as a clone.

At first, I didn't have a great liking for the book. It seemed rather slow in certain parts. For instance, when he was confined to the locked room for four months due to Rosa.

However, things changed when Matt met the original Matteo Alcran, also known as Èl Patron. That was the moment when I truly began to like the book. With Èl Patron, Matt felt like a real person. All the servants and the rest of the Alcran family had to show respect to him. This part really stood out for me. Because as far back as Matt could remember, he had either been treated like an animal or, from his perspective, like a prisoner locked in Celia's house.

Overall, I thought this book was fairly good. But if given the choice, I wouldn't choose to read it again. It had its interesting moments, but it didn't have that lasting appeal for me to pick it up a second time.

This is a terrifying science fiction near-future novel of the "if this goes on" variety.

It presents a disturbing vision of what could happen if certain trends and events continue unchecked.

The story is filled with vivid descriptions and thought-provoking ideas that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

If you choose this book for your book club, it is sure to spark lively discussions and passionate debates.

Voices will be raised as members share their opinions and interpretations of the novel's themes and messages.

Whether you are a fan of science fiction or simply looking for a gripping and engaging read, this novel is definitely worth checking out.

A very well-written and extremely dark story描绘了一个反乌托邦的未来，在那里富人制造自己的克隆人作为器官捐赠者。

马特就是这样一个克隆人，不过，与其他克隆人不同的是，他被允许保留自己的智力。他在一个140多岁的毒枭的房子里长大，周围是各种精神变态者和僵尸：被剥削用作奴隶劳动的人类。

这本书从马特6岁开始到他十几岁逃脱，发现外面的世界有很多自己的问题（即共产主义失控），有很多事情发生。

我非常喜欢这本书。我对它的一个批评是节奏。它没有任何动力让你读到最后。它只是马特从A点到B点再到C点等等生活的记录。而且马特所经历的事情非常黑暗。如果你不介意关于虐待儿童的描述，或者我强烈建议你不要拿起这本书。

7.6

This is an extremely challenging book for me to review in a traditional sense. There is so much happening within its pages, and it is simultaneously both really good and really... off.

I believe that ultimately, this book should have cut most of what occurred in the sections prior to "Old Age." Perhaps? Some of the information there is relevant, mainly in setting a foundation for the truly badass Celia. However, for the most part, it just feels very disconnected. And establishing Celia could have been achieved in other ways, so it's difficult to suggest preserving that just for the sake of her character establishment. "Middle Age" does also establish the very beginning of Tam Lin's relationship with Matt, but again, it could very well be accomplished outside of that section, within the framework of what happened in "Old Age."

Because those first two sections are a rather rocky start. It's strange to say that there is simultaneously no establishment of the worldbuilding and yet just a lot of dull facts about it, but somehow that is the case. I think it's because the reader is told a lot of things but doesn't really see them in action, so none of it feels real until Matt begins to truly live. And I can't entirely excuse the disconnection due to Matt's sheltered lifestyle either, because the narrative feels dull in showing his life, which is still rather interesting in part because he is so sheltered. It would also have been a great opportunity to set up his relationship with El Patron better, to help the reader feel more closely when that situation comes crashing down.

Even so, the book has a really rich world, and I'm all for a Mexican-influenced dystopian novel.

But where it stumbles in establishing the worldbuilding, this book excels in its characters. Celia is, once again, a force to be reckoned with. Tam Lin is just... well, it's no surprise that he is my favorite character. And Matt. He is so real, and the way his entire growth and personality progress is truly fascinating to observe, consider, and contemplate. I'm extremely intrigued by how the sequel might unfold, because there are still so many options for the next most natural progression of Matt's character, and I'm here for either general direction.

Even if I'm still seething about that one little hiccup (not involving Matt) right at the end.

I truly liked the thought-provoking questions that this book poses regarding life and what is considered socially acceptable in the face of scientific and medical advancements.

The author does an excellent job of presenting these complex issues in a way that makes the reader stop and think.

Even though the main character has his flaws, which are quite evident throughout the story, I found myself rooting for him from start to finish.

I was constantly hoping for a positive outcome for him, despite his mistakes and shortcomings.

The story has a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the fate of the characters.

It makes you question your own beliefs and values when it comes to scientific and medical progress and how it impacts our lives and society as a whole.

This book is definitely worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good story that also makes you think deeply about important issues.

The theme presented in this book is truly thought-provoking.

It makes us realize that simply desiring something does not necessarily imply that it is beneficial for us.

Often, we find ourselves longing for certain things, be it material possessions, success, or relationships.

However, upon closer examination, we may discover that what we initially wanted might not bring us the happiness or fulfillment we expected.

This theme serves as a reminder that we should be more discerning in our desires and consider the potential consequences before pursuing them.

It encourages us to look beyond the surface and evaluate whether what we want aligns with our true values and well-being.

By doing so, we can make more informed decisions and avoid being misled by our unexamined desires.

In conclusion, the theme in this book offers valuable insights into the nature of desire and the importance of critical thinking.

It challenges us to reevaluate our wants and make choices that are truly in our best interests.

Most of you are aware that I'm not a fan of fantasy, scifi, or dystopian genres.

And yet, I absolutely adored this book! So, that truly has to signify something!

Ya ampyun... I was thinking that this would be like other Farmer books such as "The Sea of Troll". However, it turns out... Duh, what to say? It's like a combination of Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and Gaiman's books, seasoned with Haddon's humor. Clearly, it's not as great as Marquez's (this book is in the young adult genre). But what's the term? The charm is there. One thing is for sure, this book will enter my list of the 100 best novels. *Scratches head thinking, which book will be at the top of the 100 list*

It belongs to the type of book that is deceiving. The cover picture is just a black widow with a black background and there are decorations of various award medals. If it weren't for this row of medal pictures, it seems that I wouldn't even look at this book :-p. "Don't judge the book by its cover" :D.

No wonder it has dug up many prestigious awards such as: - National Book Award - Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book - Newbery Medal Honor Book (hehe.. every Newbery winner's book I surely like :-p) - ALA Notable Book of the Year - etc. (Just ask Aunt Wiki or Mr. Know-It-All, Grandpa Gugel).