Evil Genius by Catherine Jinks

SYNOPSIS:  Cadel Piggott has always been unusual.  At age 7, he has already gotten into legal trouble after hacking into secure computer systems.  His life changes forever, though, when he begins attending therapy, and is told that his father is the evil Phineas Darkkon, who is serving a life term after committing all kinds of crime.  Under his tutelage, Cadel learns to seek revenge on those who hurt him, and to lie, steal, and put himself first.  However, he begins to see that maybe that is not the best way to live his life, after his master plan begins to fall apart.

AUNT SHARON'S TAKE:  I'm surprised I haven't heard more about this book, because it was quite well-written, detailed and imaginative.  I'll admit that it was a bit dry in places, but it was still a well thought-out story.  As far as content goes, there was some bad language, some crude jokes and sexual references, and quite a bit of action violence.  I would recommend it for older readers who like action and mystery.

AUDIENCE:  Young Adults

RATING:  PG13 for Language and References, and Violence

STARS:  2 1/2

BOOKS LIKE THIS:  Artemis Fowl, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children