Evil Genius :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

It takes an evil genius to 100% follow all the sub-plots

2008-07-23
Cadel is a certified genius who doesn't worry about little things like morals. He also has zero social skills. Read about his adventures through school and finally university, although this university is a bit different. The Axis Institute is essentially in place to train super-villains. What happens when Cadel starts to develop a conscience? This is probably my least favorite of books I've read recently, although to be fair, I've been reading rather brilliant books. I still liked it; I just didn't love it. The plot is intricate and, at times, hard to follow. Cadel manages to be a sympathetic character, despite his evil tendencies. Many of the other characters are completely unlikable, and not in a good villain way (i.e., Voldemort, Darth Vader, etc.), with motives, but just evil or worse, indifferent, for no reason. If you like science and unusual characters, I recommend this book. Otherwise, do with it as you like.

The Compulsive Reader's Reviews

2008-06-26
Cadel Piggot has been visiting Dr. Thadeus Roth since he was seven years old and had been caught hacking into credit card comany files. His adoptive parents, terrified of his intelligence and innocence, forbade him to touch computers and hauled him right off to the psychologist.
But it's not long before Thadeus is not only letting him use his computer, but is also facilitating a relationship between Cadel and Dr. Darkkon, an imprisoned criminal mastermind who claims to be Cadel's father.

As Cadel grows older, expanding his talents and often "testing" them, he finds himself at Axis Institute, a school founded by his father where evil schemes and rule breaking is encouraged (as long you don't get caught). But he also meets Kay-Lee. It's her friendship that opens his eyes to what's really happening, and makes him face the ultimate question: Has Cadel's whole life been just another one of his father's schemes?

A little slow towards the beginning, and some times a bit too fast when it comes to number theory and computer technology, but ultimately a book that doesn't require a remarkable genius of any kind to enjoy.

Really, really good

2008-06-18
*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Well, this book was basically amazing. I had no prior knowledge of it - it was just a recommendation from a good friend. I saw it on the shelves of a book store, and bought it, because I knew my friend told me it was good.

And oh baby, it was.

So many plot twists and turns, character changes, and about three different climaxes. Maybe more. I lost track after the second one.

But the characters are so well written. My heart instantly went out to Cadel Piggot, a boy who is too smart for his own good, and seen from society as a "freak child." So his adoptive parents brought him to a therapist, Thaddeus Roth. Thaddeus is charming, and right away I trusted him to be a good character. Thaddeus Roth ran an academy for overly-intelligent kids, as a place for them to feel at home. But you soon find out that the school is not at all what it seems. In actuality, it is a college for world domination, funded by Cadel's father, Phineas Darkkon.

But as soon as Cadel enrolls at the Axis Institute for World Domination, things go horribly awry. Unexplainable deaths, hackers, attacks... the entire book keeps you on the edge of your seat. There were umpteen nights where I was kept awake by the sudden happenings and climaxes.

Great read, and best of all...

there's a sequel!

Great Read, but Parents Should Be Leary!

2008-06-03
First and formost, I really liked this book in the end. I would say it started a bit slow, but it really picked up at the end. There were enough twists and turns to keep you from putting it down. Grant it some were telegraphed, but by in large, most were unexpected. Most of the characters were well developed. This is a definite must read. However...

I really think this book should stay out of most Tweeners hands. There is suggestive subject matter, and there is a some amount of profanity used. Is it excessive? I would say no, but if you are letting a ten to twelve year old read this b/c they are advanced, be warned!

Review

2008-05-19
I really enjoyed reading this book. There were surprises on every page. I think this book was very well written and specific about what the writer was writing about. I didn't want to put this book down it was so good! This book is appropriate for anyone reading it. There is a lot of action which keeps you wanting to read more! I give this book a 10 out of 10!

Addicting!

2008-05-08

Cadel Piggott has a genius IQ and a fascination with systems of all kinds. At seven, he was illegally hacking into computers. Now he’s fourteen and studying for his World Domination degree, taking classes like embezzlement, forgery, and infiltration at the institute founded by criminal mastermind Dr. Phineas Darkkon. Although Cadel may be advanced beyond his years, at heart he’s a lonely kid. When he falls for the mysterious and brilliant Kay-Lee, he begins to question the moral implications of his studies. But is it too late to stop Dr. Darkkon from carrying out his evil plot?

Includes an interview with the author and a teaser to the next book in the trilogy, Genius Squad.

(04/02/2007)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

2008-01-05
Cadel Piggot has been visiting Dr. Thadeus Roth since he was seven years old and had been caught hacking into credit card company files. His adoptive parents, terrified of his intelligence and innocence, forbade him to touch computers and hauled him right off to the psychologist.

But it's not long before Thadeus is not only letting him use his computer, but is also facilitating a relationship between Cadel and Dr. Darkkon, an imprisoned criminal mastermind who claims to be Cadel's father.

As Cadel grows older, expanding his talents and often "testing" them, he finds himself at the Axis Institute, a school founded by his father where evil schemes and rule-breaking are encouraged (as long you don't get caught). But he also meets Kay-Lee. It's her friendship that opens his eyes to what's really happening, and makes him face the ultimate question: Has Cadel's whole life been just another one of his father's schemes?

A little slow towards the beginning, and sometimes a bit too fast when it comes to number theory and computer technology, this is ultimately a book that doesn't require a remarkable genius of any kind to understand.

Reviewed by: The Compulsive Reader

Smart Fun

2007-10-25
This is a well written, unique story, and it is even "smart." It has weight, depth, and levity. To follow along and witness the development of Cadel is both fun and somehow relatable. The story moves along with well crafted turns that keep the reader awaiting the next. A good read for both YA and "old" adults with a bit of life still in them.

must they curse?

2007-08-28
Join Cadel the elite hacker in this fast paced adventure story. He moves through grades like a jackrabbit and never quite fits in so his "parents" send him to what they think is a college but really is a breeding ground for evil genius. Join Cadel as he faces all sorts of things like murder, hacking and even...dressing up like a girl?

I liked the book but it had a little too much cursing --- be advised

I would recommend this book to teens and adults that like the idea of evil geniuses

A more realistic Artemis Fowl

2007-08-08
Don't get me wrong. I love Artemis Fowl. But this travels some of the same territory with a more realistic worldview, more bald-faced action and stiffer consequences. Very exciting!

I love the character of Cadel with his unformed morality and lonely, loyal heart. It's a long book with lots of twisting in the plots, like a great roller coaster ride, but the main attraction to me was seeing how Cadel grows and becomes a whole person. I look forward to seeing where he goes next!