The MagazineCanada

In this exhilarating continuation to Evil Genius, the story follows Cadel Piggot, a teenage tech prodigy raised from infancy to channel his intellect toward villainy. He waits in a tense orbit of testimony, poised to speak against a fearsome foe who could be his father, a revelation that shadows every decision he makes. The Genius Squad returns, bringing with them a new cast of brightly drawn allies and lanterns of doubt, each member bringing their own code, quirks, and loyalties into a city-wide chess game. The plot advances with razor speed as Cadel navigates a maze of loyalty, family secrets, and the ethical lines he has learned to blur. The book blends sharp wit with gadgetry that feels almost plausible, turning complex schemes into a fast-paced ride through laboratories, schools, and back-alley meetings. Readers are pulled into a world where technology is not merely a tool but a language that can bend trust, shield friendships, or betray them in an instant. Set in a North American skyline of glass towers and buzzing data streams, the narrative makes it easy for readers in Canada and the United States to picture the stakes. The stakes extend beyond personal survival as Cadel confronts choices that could reshape his sense of self and the balance between evil and good. The Genius Squad, with its mix of brains, bravado, and backstories, challenges him and complicates the path toward truth. Allies arrive with unexpected skills, while rivals hide in plain sight, and every encounter pushes Cadel closer to a defining moment. The voice remains tight and modern, with brisk dialogue and moments of brittle humor that cut through danger. The tension never eases as plot twists arrive like shocks of static, reminding readers that power and allegiance can shift as quickly as a byte of data. The material uses high-stakes moments to examine what it means to choose a side when the lines blur and the game seems winnable only if someone is willing to break a few rules. The result is a story that rewards careful readers and impatient ones alike, delivering revelations about family, friendship, and how far a young genius will go when the clock ticks down. Verdict stands in clear terms: A must-read for fans of fast tech thrillers and sharp character work. If you crave another high-octane challenge in this vein, you might also enjoy The Overlord Protocol from the H I V E series by Mark Walden. The two works share a fascination with clever gadgets, tight plotting, and the pull of loyalty under pressure.