The Scorpion Rules - Erin Bow - Prisoners of Peace #1

The Scorpion Rules
Prisoners of Peace #1
Erin Bow
Margaret K. McElderry Books an imprint of
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 9781481442718

I have enjoyed all of the Erin Bow books that I have read but this one completely blew me away. It is amazing. Of the 112 books I have read since the beginning of the year it is the best. It has left a lasting imprint. I found myself for days after reading the book thinking about it. When I read it I was unaware that it was a first book in a series and desperately wanted to know what would happen next.

Set in the future when climate change has ravished the planet, and control of resources is of utmost importance. The UN and most of the world's weapons are under the control of an AI - Talis. In order to mitigate major wars for there to be personal consequences of going to war the ancient practice of Hostage exchange. The children of rulers are sequestered in Precepture's in isolated around the globe. There they are taught history, philosophy, sciences and everyday could be their last if their nation goes to war.

This is the story of Greta who was been in the Precepture since she was 8, and for 10 years has been the ideal student and hostage. And Elian Palnik who has just arrived and is as rebellious and headstrong as Greta is passive and submissive. But something sparks between the two as Greta witnesses Elian's arrival in chains. Both of them interact extensively with The Abbott a human who uploaded to his current form as another AI and leader of their school. And of course Talis, you will never forget Talis he is sassy, smart, sarcastic and very passionate. He will do what it takes to keep as many humans alive as possible even wiping out nations. He might be a little crazy but he gets the job done.

This story has incredible characters. You will find that the twists and turns in the story get you thinking and wondering. It will leave its mark on you as it does all the children of peace. As I stated it is one of the best books I have read this year and I am desperate to read more of the story. But it stand very strong on its own. Give it a chance and likely you will be hooked.

Extremely well done!

Books By Erin Bow:
Plain Kate
Sorrow's Knot

Prisoners of Peace:
The Scorpion Rules 
The Swan Riders

As Erin Noteboom:
Ghost Maps: Poems for Carl Hruska
Seal up the Thunder
The Mongoose Diaries