69 pages • 2 hours read
The House of the Scorpion
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Book Brief
380
Novel • Fiction
Opium • Future
2002
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
The House of the Scorpion, set in the futuristic country of Opium, follows the life of Matt, a clone of the drug lord El Patrón, as he grapples with his identity and the ethical dilemmas of cloning. Raised in isolation, Matt struggles with acceptance and respect while uncovering sinister plans for his body. He fights against oppressive systems and seeks to dismantle his creator’s empire. The book contains themes of abuse and ethical dilemmas related to cloning.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
96,501 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer is widely acclaimed for its thought-provoking exploration of identity and ethics within a dystopian landscape. Critics praise its compelling characters and suspenseful plot. Some readers, however, find the pacing uneven and the latter parts rushed. Overall, it's regarded as a rich, engaging narrative suitable for both teens and adults.
Who Should Read The House of the Scorpion?
Fans of dystopian and science fiction novels like The Giver and Ender's Game will enjoy The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer. This thought-provoking tale explores themes of identity, ethics, and humanity through the eyes of a young clone in a futuristic society. Ideal for readers aged 12 and up who crave moral complexity and imaginative worlds.
96,501 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
El Patrón
El Patrón
The 140-year-old powerful drug lord and founder of Opium, who created clones to prolong his life and exerts control over his family and empire.
Celia
Celia
Matt's caretaker and cook on El Patrón's estate, who loves Matt as her own son and guides him to develop his moral compass.
Tam Lin
Tam Lin
El Patrón and Matt's bodyguard with a complex past, who supports Matt in making moral choices and surviving in nature.
María Mendoza
María Mendoza
The youngest daughter of Senator Mendoza and Matt's friend, she shows compassion and fights against the mistreatment of clones.
The Keepers
The Keepers
Overseers of the Lost Boys in Aztlán, they oppress and abuse the boys while imposing their belief system, and are challenged by Matt.
Chacho, Fidelito, and Ton-Ton
Chacho, Fidelito, and Ton-Ton
Matt's friends from the plankton factory who support him during their escape and emphasize the value of companionship.
Esperanza Mendoza
Esperanza Mendoza
A determined activist and María's estranged mother, who works to dismantle Opium and broker deals for her cause.
380
Novel • Fiction
Opium • Future
2002
YA
12-18 years
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