Book details
The Scorpion Rules: Prisoners of Peace
Description
The world is at peace, said the Utterances. And really, if the odd princess has a hard day, is that too much to ask?
Greta is a duchess and crown princess—and a hostage to peace. This is how the game is played: if you want to rule, you must give one of your children as a hostage. Go to war and your hostage dies.
Greta will be free if she can survive until her eighteenth birthday. Until then she lives in the Precepture school with the daughters and sons of the world’s leaders. Like them, she is taught to obey the machines that control their lives. Like them, she is prepared to die with dignity, if she must. But everything changes when a new hostage arrives. Elián is a boy who refuses to play by the rules, a boy who defies everything Greta has ever been taught. And he opens Greta’s eyes to the brutality of the system they live under—and to her own power.
As Greta and Elián watch their nations tip closer to war, Greta becomes a target in a new kind of game. A game that will end up killing them both—unless she can find a way to break all the rules.
Age
13-14
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
384 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- The Scorpion Rules is a thought-provoking and timely novel that explores the complexities of war, peace, and the cost of human life. It delves into the moral dilemmas of war and the impact it has on individuals and society, making it a great read for anyone interested in political philosophy and ethics.
- The book features a unique and compelling premise, with a future world where children of world leaders are held hostage to prevent war. This creates a sense of urgency and raises questions about the value of human life, making it a thrilling and engaging read.
- Erin Bow's writing is beautiful and engaging, with well-developed characters and a captivating plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Her use of language and imagery brings the world of the story to life, immersing the reader in the world of the Scorpion Rules.
- The Scorpion Rules is a standout in the YA dystopian genre, offering a fresh perspective on a popular theme. It's a book that will make you think, make you question your assumptions, and leave you eager for more. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read, this is the book for you.