Genius by Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen
Review by Lauren
copy for review, but all opinions are my own
Official Summary: Ted Marx works hard at his career as a quantum physicist. But lately the demands of his job have begun to overwhelm him. Then Ted makes a startling discovery: his wife’s father once knew Einstein and claims that Einstein entrusted to him a final, devastating secretβa secret even more profound and shattering than the work that led to the first atom bombs. If Ted can convince his father-in-law to tell him what Einstein had to say, his job will be safe. But does he dare reveal Einstein’s most dangerous secret to those who might exploit it?
Review: Genius has an interesting premise, as the main character, Ted, is just as the title says. Except his one great breakthrough might be behind him. How do you continue working among other geniuses when they are achieving so much more? Ted worries a lot. He worries about his son who might be growing up a bit too fast. He worries about his daughter who is smart, like him, but just wants to fit in. He worries about his wife, who might be really sick and if he doesn’t keep his job, how can he afford to help her? And finally…he worries about whether he should extract the secret his father-in-law holds; the secret Einstein told him to never tell anyone else.
Despite being years after his death, Einstein plays a large role in this novel. He’s Ted’s idol and someone Ted speaks to in his dreams in order to find the answers for his life. Ted thinks Einstein’s untold theory could rejuvenate his career and keep his family intact, but Einstein eventually shows Ted much more than that.
Genius is a fascinating book and I’m excited to have gotten the chance to read it. I’m not a science person by any means, yet most of what was discussed isn’t terribly difficult to understand. Regardless, the science jargon doesn’t take up much of the book. Genius really is more than the title shows, as Ted ultimately cares about his family and not his job. Will he do whatever it takes to help them, though, or will he find a way to change things without affecting his conscious?
Most of the artwork is fairly muted, with a lot of greys, blues, browns, with a random burst of color, such as red, for certain clothes or items. As this is very much a thinking book, I feel like the color scheme works.
A page from the novel-
As a sciency person, this looks really interesting. Something I'll have to recommend to my physicist hubby π Thanks for the review!
That sounds interesting. I imagine geniuses feel a lot of pressure to perform!
This does sound interesting and I like that fact that Einstein plays a role. ONe I would like to check out sometime
I prefer more colorful graphic novels, but this sounds cool and I know First Second publishes great stuff.
Oh this sounds different. It also sounds like some realistic worries put into the story. Plus, you got to read when it has Einstein dream talking! π Great review!
Hmm seems interesting.
This sounds interesting and well done
I'm not sure if this is one I would like, but it actually sounds pretty fascinating! Glad you enjoyed!
When I saw the title I was thinking, oh, a book about me, the genius! BAHAHAHA.
Looks great and lovely review, Lauren! <33
Reading the summary I felt sure this wasn't the kind of read I'd enjoy and yet your review makes me wonder. Great stuff, thanks for the recommendation.
I don't think I have ever read a graphic novel before, but this one sounds interesting – love the scientific premise. π
I really do like how different this book sounds, I also really like the artwork too. I'm glad that you enjoyed this and thank you for putting this book on my radar! π
Although I enjoy science I first worried that the science in this book would be over my head. Glad to hear it isn't overwhelming. It sounds like a unique book and I enjoyed your review. π
~Jess
Interesting, I've never read a book with a premise like this one! It does sound fascinating! Lauren, you always make me think I should be reading more graphic novels with the reviews you post.