Genius Squad -- Catherine Jinks

After the fall of Axis Institute and the arrest of Prosper English, fifteen-year-old supergenius (and reformed Evil Genius) Cadel is in limbo.  He's living in a foster home, constantly under police surveillance/protection.  His best friend Sonja is all the way across town in a shabby group home located in a building that isn't remotely appropriate for her needs -- the hallways are far too narrow for her wheelchair, among other issues. 

When the two of them are invited to join a secret organization called Genius Squad, Cadel has his doubts about their motives.  They say they are devoted to bringing down corrupt and dangerous companies, but their strategies are somewhat similar to those taught at Axis Institute.  But joining the Squad means a better living situation for Cadel and Sonja, and so, as far as he's concerned, the benefits outweigh the possible danger.

Oh, hooray.  I was a huge, huge, HUGE fan of Evil Genius, which I felt was strong in every way -- it had excellent character development, it was smart, entertaining, exciting and kept me guessing.  It was also quite dark, which I know was off-putting to some, but I like dark, so that was another positive for me.

While it's strong in those same areas, Genius Squad isn't nearly as dark.  (And so people who were uncomfortable with that aspect of the first book might like this one more.)  Cadel is reformed.  He feels bad about his past, and he doesn't want to be That Guy -- but it is important to remember that he was manipulated and molded for fourteen years, so it's perfectly understandable that he suffers the occasional relapse.

It isn't necessary to read the first book to understand and appreciate this one -- Cadel's situation is explained over the first few chapters.  My opinion is unchanged: this series is a must read for Artemis Fowl fans -- heck, even if you didn't like Artemis Fowl*, give it a try. 

I am SO looking forward to the third installment:  The Genius Wars. 

*Which I didn't.