Evil Genius

This book wasn't what I expected, but I loved it nonetheless. Based on the summary, I went into it expecting a comedy. I'm not saying that the book didn't make me laugh twice (and only twice), but I would definitely say that it was much more interesting than funny.

The way that the author explores how alienated a child genius might feel, and what the mentality of manipulative, "evil" people could be is wonderfully profound and thought-provoking. I've read a few series with child geniuses (such as Someday Angeline and Artemis Fowl, which I adore), but this one is easily the best at describing the mentality of the child in detail.

On the downside, while this book greatly stimulated my mind, it didn't do much for me emotionally. I rarely felt amused by, angry at, or sympathy for the characters.

I would recommend this book to people that like to analyse things from a psychological standpoint. Perhaps someone that likes murder mystery novels since this delves into "evil" minds of people that applaud chaos and destruction, and there is a great deal of unexpected plot twists towards the end. If you need to emotionally connect, however, this book isn't for you.

Genius Squad

The sequel was much more amusing than the first, and more likeable characters were newly introduced and/or elaborated upon from the prior installment. For example, Sonya (the skilled mathematician with cerebral palsy) is seen more frequently. I admire the author for giving one of her main characters this disease.

However, this book was not as thrilling or suspenseful as Evil Genius. Both books have their good points, and I am not certain which one I like better. I give them both 4/5 stars.

Genius Wars

It has not been published yet, but I am very excited to read it!

Cadel is convinced that Prosper is going to attempt to have him killed, but I suspect that Prosper has genuine – albeit twisted - affection for Cadel (even though Prosper is a psychopath! lol ) because of who Cadel is and because the boy is a reflection of himself by being his “crowning achievement,” and naturally Prosper loves/respects himself more than anyone. Analysing Prosper’s and Cadel’s unconventional, and more-than-slightly warped, parent-child relationship is fascinating to me and I’m eager to see how the ending of this trilogy will play out!