Title: Genius Squad
Author: Catherine Jinks
First published January 1, 2008
448 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780152059859 (ISBN10: 0152059857)
Rating: 3.87
Overview
After the Axis Institute for World Domination is destroyed and its founder, Dr. Phineas Darkkon, is dead, Cadel Piggott finds himself under constant surveillance to ensure his safety as he prepares to testify against Prosper English. However, nobody seems to want him until the head of Genius Squad offers him a place in their team.
Cadel is intrigued but skeptical about the group’s intentions, especially with GenoME, one of Darkkon’s projects, being investigated. Despite his doubts, Cadel is drawn to Genius Squad’s promise of a real home and all the technology he could ever want.
But as Prosper English escapes from jail, Cadel realizes that he must trust Genius Squad to protect him, even if it means putting his life on the line. Will the Genius Squad be able to keep Cadel safe from Prosper’s wrath?
About the Author
Meet Catherine Jinks, a prolific author from Australia who has written over thirty books for readers of all ages. Her impressive list of awards includes the prestigious Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award, which she has won three times, as well as the Victorian Premier’s Award, the Aurealis Award for Science Fiction, the Australian Ibby Award, and the Davitt Award for Crime Fiction.
Her work has been published in several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Britain, the United States, Germany, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and Thailand.
Born in Brisbane in 1963, Catherine spent her childhood in Papua New Guinea while her father worked as a patrol officer. She later moved to Sydney, where she attended Ku-ring-gai High School, which named its library after her in 2006.
Catherine attended the University of Sydney from 1982 to 1986, where she earned an honours degree in medieval history. She then worked for Westpac Banking Corporation’s staff magazine for about seven years before leaving to pursue full-time writing.
In 1992, she married a Canadian journalist named Peter Dockrill, and the couple briefly lived in Nova Scotia the following year. They returned to Australia in 1994, and Catherine gave birth to their daughter Hannah in 1997.
Since 1998, they’ve been living in Leura, New South Wales, where Catherine has become an avid gardener and a proud owner of two pet rats.
Catherine’s love for writing began at the early age of eight, and she has been writing ever since. Despite her many accomplishments, she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Editoral Review
Genius Squad by Catherine Jinks: A Thrilling Young Adult Adventure
Catherine Jinks Genius Squad is an action-packed and thrilling addition to the young adult genre, published on January 1, 2008. This sequel to Evil Genius is set in a world of high-tech villains and dastardly deeds, with a plucky team of teenage heroes at the center of the story.
Jinks writing style is gripping and fast-paced, with themes of courage, loyalty, and standing up against injustice. The plot follows the members of Genius Squad, a group of teenage prodigies who have been set to task to fight against a world of high-tech villainy.
The team must stop a powerful corporation, Axis Technologies, from developing a devastating superweapon that could destroy entire cities. Jinks expertly sets the stage for her readers, carefully crafting a rich, futuristic world that is both thrilling and frightening.
The characters are well-developed and realistic, with nuanced personalities and unique talents that make them stand out from one another. The protagonist, Cadel Piggott, is a reformed child prodigy who has used his genius intellect to fight against the very people who raised him to become a criminal mastermind.
The other members of Genius Squad each bring their own unique talents to the table, including expert hacking skills, martial arts prowess, and a gift for infiltration. Jinks masterful writing creates a fast-paced story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The plot is well-structured, with expert pacing that never feels rushed or lagging. The twists and turns of the story will leave readers guessing until the very end, with plenty of action, suspense, and drama to keep them engaged.
One of the strengths of Genius Squad is Jinks ability to weave in important themes and ideas into her narrative. Although set in a fictional world, the storys message about fighting against systemic oppression and standing up to powerful forces is relevant in todays society.
The book also highlights the importance of teamwork and encouraging diversity, especially when facing formidable challenges. While there are a few plot points that may be predictable, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.
The uniqueness of the characters and the vivid world-building more than makes up for any minor shortcomings. Readers who enjoyed the series’ first book will find this sequel to be an excellent continuation.
Overall, Genius Squad by Catherine Jinks is a must-read for fans of young adult adventure novels. With its thrilling plot, well-developed characters, and powerful themes, it is sure to entertain and inspire readers of all ages.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 and recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling and engaging read.