Evil Genius

Book review by Matt Berman, Common Sense Media
Evil Genius Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 12+

Complex tale of a criminal prodigy is engrossing but dark.

Catherine Jinks Adventure 2007
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 13 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a entertaining book about a child prodigy in training to be a master criminal, the first book in a series of three. Like Artemis Fowl, it has a child criminal genius, codes, and all that -- and while it has some fun details, it's actually a far darker, more complex, multilayered thriller. Cadel is encouraged and manipulated to commit crimes and engage in other bad behavior, and there's a lot of violence, though much of it isn't described in detail. In the end, Cadel eventually develops empathy and becomes suspicious of both his father's and his psychologist's real motives.

Community Reviews

MJB in TC
MJB in TC Adult
November 19, 2010
age 16+

A good read for me, NOT OK for under 16

No Way is this appropriate for 12 a year old. If you think the "bit of swearing' in this book is OK for your 12-15 year old, you need higher standards. I enjoyed the book.

This title has:

Too much swearing
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fdsgsdfgfdggfdfgffdgfs Adult
September 28, 2010
age 2+
love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the best book summary:Cadel Piggot, a boy genius, and his adoptive parents arrive at the psychology office of Thaddeus Roth after a suggestion from the police who really are assigned by Cadel’s real father, an international crime orchestrator named Phineas Darkkon. Thaddeus is actually an agent working for Cadel’s real father. Thaddeus encourages Cadel to do things like causing major delays on freeways. They talk to Phineas (referred to as Dr. Darkkon) via a DNA-wired videophone, which prompts Cadel to want a DNA-wired pocket computer phone (now known as a smartphone). His dad agrees, and Cadel (who made the blueprints for the phone) uses it to start a dating site called Partner Post. But instead of matching people to other people, Cadel simply creates a fake “perfect match” profile every time someone signs up. Thaddeus wants Cadel to go to the Axis Institute for World Domination, but Cadel soon finds that he is under constant surveillance and engineers the downfall of the Institute by causing the breakup of social relationships between the teachers. One of Cadel?s teachers at the Institute falsely believes that Cadel and Thaddeus are going to fire him and kidnaps Cadel. Cadel breaks out by starting a fire with his pillow and mattress, and is rescued by Wilfreda, Thaddeus’ receptionist. He is taken to Thaddeus’ mansion, where Cadel learns that is his real father. Cadel goes to his old house to “get his stuff” but plans a escape. As he escapes, the police get him. They them him that Thaddeus’ real name is Prosper English. Cadel also tells them where the Thaddeus’ mansion is. Cade escapes from the police, but is “rescued” by Wilfreda when he tries to leave in a taxi. The police show up at Thaddeus’ front door and arrest everyone. Cadel is taken into a secret society of people dismantling Dr. Darkkon”s empire but still doesn’t know who his real parents are.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
Educational value
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

At the age of 7, brilliant foster child Cadel Piggot is taken to psychologist Thaddeus Roth, at the suggestion of the police who arrested Cadel for computer hacking. But Dr. Roth seems to encourage Cadel in his antisocial behavior, talking him into figuring out traffic and train systems so that he can disrupt them. Then Dr. Roth reveals that he is really employed by Cadel's father, incarcerated criminal genius Dr. Phineas Darkkon, and arranges conversations between father and son. Finally they create an entire school, The Axis Institute, which secretly teaches advanced criminal skills: forgery, poisoning, embezzlement, disguise, infiltration, and lots more. But nothing is as it seems. As Cadel becomes friendly with a young math genius, students and teachers begin to die, and Cadel becomes suspicious of both his father's and his psychologist's real motives.

Is It Any Good?

At first glance, this may seem like another Artemis Fowl -- child criminal genius, codes, and all that -- but it's actually a far darker, more complex, multilayered story. It lacks the B-movie dialogue, flat characters, fantasy element, wicked humor, and breakneck pacing that were Fowl's trademarks. Instead, it has a series of twists and turns, each of which leads deeper into the web of lies that has been Cadel's entire life.

In some ways this engrossing and exciting novel is a critique of the ways gifted children are parented and taught -- because they are brilliant, adults tend to expect them to be adult in every way long before they are ready. As in King Matt the First by Janusz Korczak, the hero is a child who takes on an adult role without the necessary understanding of the world, with disastrous consequences he can't understand. This is one of those books that readers will race through and enjoy, then go back to really think about it. Even when it's finished, it's hard to put aside.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the word "evil" in the book's title. Is the protagonist actually evil? Can you think of other books that focus on criminal characters? What's fun about reading their stories? Do you always expect them to change their ways? Can you think of any who don't?

  • This book is the first installment in a series of three books. Did you know that when you picked the book up? Is it more fun to read a book knowing that the story continues in future installments? Why do you think writers might be interested in penning a series? Why might a publisher be interested in printing one?

Book Details

  • Author: Catherine Jinks
  • Genre: Adventure
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Harcourt Brace
  • Publication date: April 26, 2007
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 12
  • Number of pages: 486
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

Our Editors Recommend

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