Published in 2013, The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer is a young-adult science fiction novel that follows fourteen-year-old Matteo Alacran (Matt), a clone and reluctant ruler of Opium, as he seeks to stop the illegal drug trade, end human cloning, and rescue enslaved workers called Eejits while avoiding the tyrannical path of his predecessor, El Patron. The book includes topics related to drug trade, human cloning, and enslavement.

The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer continues the story of Matteo Alacrán in a richly created world blending dystopian and science fiction elements. Reviewers praise the compelling plot, intricate world-building, and moral complexities. Criticism centers on pacing issues and less engaging secondary characters. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and imaginative sequel.

Readers captivated by dystopian narratives and adolescent heroism will relish The Lord of Opium by Nancy Farmer. Fans of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games series or Lois Lowry's The Giver will find a compelling blend of adventure, ethical dilemmas, and intricate world-building in this sequel to House of the Scorpion.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging / Emotional

- The Lord of Opium serves as the sequel to Nancy Farmer's acclaimed novel The House of the Scorpion, continuing to explore themes of identity and power.
- Nancy Farmer's inspiration for the book features a blend of futuristic science fiction with present-day issues, offering a unique perspective on bioethics and drug trade.
- The novel has been praised for its complex characters and detailed world-building, which draw readers into a vivid and immersive landscape.

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