Genius Squad -- Catherine Jinks

After the fall of Axis Institute and the arrest of Prosper English, fifteen-year-old supergenius (and reformed Evil Genius) Cadel is in limbo.  He's living in a foster home, constantly under police surveillance/protection.  His best friend Sonja is all the way across town in a shabby group home located in a building that isn't remotely appropriate for her needs -- the hallways are far too narrow for her wheelchair, among other issues. 

When the two of them are invited to join a secret organization called Genius Squad, Cadel has his doubts about their motives.  They say they are devoted to bringing down corrupt and dangerous companies, but their strategies are somewhat similar to those taught at Axis Institute.  But joining the Squad means a better living situation for Cadel and Sonja, and so, as far as he's concerned, the benefits outweigh the possible danger.

Oh, hooray.  I was a huge, huge, HUGE fan of Evil Genius, which I felt was strong in every way -- it had excellent character development, it was smart, entertaining, exciting and kept me guessing.  It was also quite dark, which I know was off-putting to some, but I like dark, so that was another positive for me.

While it's strong in those same areas, Genius Squad isn't nearly as dark.  (And so people who were uncomfortable with that aspect of the first book might like this one more.)  Cadel is reformed.  He feels bad about his past, and he doesn't want to be That Guy -- but it is important to remember that he was manipulated and molded for fourteen years, so it's perfectly understandable that he suffers the occasional relapse.

It isn't necessary to read the first book to understand and appreciate this one -- Cadel's situation is explained over the first few chapters.  My opinion is unchanged: this series is a must read for Artemis Fowl fans -- heck, even if you didn't like Artemis Fowl*, give it a try. 

I am SO looking forward to the third installment:  The Genius Wars. 

*Which I didn't.

Comments

[Brian F.]

I'm about 50 pages into EVIL GENIUS and it's not grabbing me but I'll keep going since you're so enthusiastic about it.

[Leila]

See, you aren't the only one, is the thing. I don't know what's up with that.

[Gwenda]

I think it's got something to do with the odd distance the narrator has from the story. I really wanted to love it but that was a stumbling block for me and so I only managed like -- but I'm happy to give the new one a shot.

[Fuse #8]

Oh, heavens, it is a thousand times better than Artemis Fowl. Glad to see the #2 holds up under scrutiny.

[Em]

I'd never heard of this one so I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review!

I agree I wasn't instantly hooked and I only started getting into it about halfway through the book. The second part of the book is what got me hooked.

[Heather]

This was the worst read ever - it will be the first and last book of Catherine Jinks's that I'll ever read! I read the first chapter because people have raved on about it but all I found in it was a pile of shit! I can't believe she is an author and makes a living from it.

[clay]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^this kidsa a fag

this book was awsome and im doing a book report on it as i type but i find wheree it says it takes place besides in australia

[clear water]

What's wrong with Catherine Jink's books? I didn't like Evil Genius much, but I really like Genius Squad. Can't wait for Genius Wars!

[JD]

this book doesnt take off until the end...
until then its horribly slow

also the book isnt complete without Prosper English, what a character

[Name]

Well.. I would rate Evil Genius A 3ish but Genius Squad.., I'm on page 227 and Oh my god. I can't stop reading. I love it :D Rated 5 :P

[An Onimous]

I love all the books so far! Cant wait for the next installment.

[Ash]

Evil Genius + Genius Squad are my fave books eva! glad to see some one else loves it! If only tim burton would make a movie of it! Thadieus is a chillingly awesome character! bring on Genius Wars