Calling all #CloneClub members! How are you holding up since the Season 2 finale of Orphan Black? I bet you’re still jamming to the catchy tune from that epic clone dance scene. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably checked yourself into Clonehab and are shaking life a leaf desperately wanting your weekly dose of awesomeness. Whether Cosima is on the brink of death or making crazy science with Dr. Cormier, the introduction of a transgender clone, Helena’s recapture, or the shocking reveal (SPOILER ALERT AHEAD) that there is a whole secret operation of male clones (shockingly not played by Tatiana Maslany—or are they?), this break can’t be easy.
My mind continues to reel from that shocking cliffhanger and I’m plagued with so many questions that I need answered—and fast: Will we lose our beloved Cosima? Will Rachel recover from her father offing himself in front of her? And how about the revelation that Sarah is actually the defective clone? To calm my nerves and keep me from overanalyzing and speculating about the fate of Tatiana Maslany, Tatiana Maslany, and all the other Tatiana Maslanys, I’ve compiled a list of books that give me similar #CloneClub feels while we await Season 3. Be sure to check them out. They should take the edge off.
Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
This fast-paced thriller will have you hooked until the end—and in just one sitting! Bethany Cole is a seemingly average teenage girl but things start to spiral out of control after she overhears her parents talking about “Elizabeth.” Without answering any of her questions about this mystery girl Bethany’s parents dump her on her aunt’s doorstep—and things start getting weird! She’s now in a town full of people who look at her like she has two heads—or perhaps a look alike? The end of the book reveals one final twist that is brilliant and unexpected. Who is Elizabeth and what does she have to do with Bethany? You’ll have to read it to find out. 
The Clone Codes by Patricia C. McKissack
If the title didn’t grab your attention, just wait until you hear the premise of this book! The year is 2170 and cyborgs and clones are fighting—they’re not fighting for the latest iPhone (that’s probably implanted in humans’ brains at this point)—they’re fighting for freedom. The future is bleak for these groups; following the Cyborg Wars clones and cyborgs are being treated no better than slaves. The Clone Codes, the first in a series, is a new spin on the rise and fall of humanity and the fact that despite technological advances humans just haven’t learned from their mistakes—yet.
Patent to Kill by April Christofferson
Now to switch it up from the obvious clone-inspired themes, we have to mention this book. Any fan of the show knows that Orphan Black deals with DNA, how these sister-clones have had their DNA patented and the thin moral and ethical line big walked by their corporate owners. This book embodies a similar premise. It follows Dr. Jake Scully who is finding it hard to cope with the fact that his crooked employer, Genchrom, is killing people to harvest unique properties of their DNA. In a race to blow the whistle on the company’s criminal activities (much like members of the DYAD in Orphan Black), he risks everything—including his life and the lives of his family.
So whether you’re looking to solve a mystery in Double Identity, curious about the future (and civil liberties) of clones in The Clone Codes, or are just generally intrigued by the real life issues of DNA patents that are highlighted in Patent to Kill, BookTrib has all the good stuff to help you get your Orphan Black fix until next season. Until then, see you all at the next #CloneClub meeting—at Seestra brother’s apartment!
