Blockbuster anthology of original evil genius stories by bestselling authors with a maniacal glint in their eye. From Victor Frankenstein to Lex Luthor, from Dr. Moreau to Dr. Doom, readers have long been fascinated by insane plans for world domination and the madmen who devise them. Typically, we see these villains through the eyes of good guys. This anthology, The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination , however, explores the world of mad scientists and evil geniuses―from their own wonderfully twisted point of view. An all-star roster of bestselling authors―including Diana Gabaldon, Daniel Wilson, Austin Grossman, Naomi Novik, and Seanan McGuire…twenty-two great storytellers all told―have produced a fabulous assortment of stories guaranteed to provide readers with hour after hour of high-octane entertainment born of the most megalomaniacal mayhem imaginable. Everybody loves villains. They're bad; they always stir the pot; they're much more fun than the good guys, even if we want to see the good guys win. Their fiendish schemes, maniacal laughter, and limitless ambition are legendary, but what lies behind those crazy eyes and wicked grins? How―and why―do they commit these nefarious deeds? And why are they so set on taking over the world? If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions, you're in luck: It's finally time for the madmen's side of the story. "Veteran anthology editor Adams succeeds again with these frequently lighthearted tales of villains and mad scientists trying to take over the world and get the better of the more appreciated good guys. [...] Adams's entertaining story introductions set the stage for villains to find their own definitions and identities." - Publishers Weekly "A no-holds-barred collection. ... Brilliant ... insightful ... demonstrate[s] the seductive power of the 'bad guy.' [...] In addition to the overall excellence of the stories, fans of superhero fiction should enjoy the variety of interpretations of the terms 'mad scientist,' 'super villain,' and 'evil genius.'" - Library Journal , starred review "By turns hilarious, heartbreaking and wonderfully wacky, this anthology is a genuine triumph. ... Every single one of these tales ... is nothing short of stellar. This isn't just a 'must-buy,' it's a 'must buy for every sci-fi fan you know.'" - Romantic Times, named a "Top Pick" of the month "A collection of utterly fantastic shorts... It is a rare event when one can say they equally enjoyed each short as much as each other, in an anthology. Generally there are one or two that don't quite capture the reader's interest, yet with this anthology each was a winner. ... Easily my favorite anthology I have ever read." - Shades of Sentience John Joseph Adams, called "the reigning king of the anthology world" by Barnes & Noble, is the bestselling editor of many anthologies, such as OZ REIMAGINED, EPIC, OTHER WORLDS THAN THESE, ARMORED, UNDER THE MOONS OF MARS: NEW ADVENTURES ON BARSOOM, LIGHTSPEED: YEAR ONE, BRAVE NEW WORLDS, WASTELANDS, THE LIVING DEAD, THE LIVING DEAD 2, BY BLOOD WE LIVE, FEDERATIONS, THE IMPROBABLE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, and THE WAY OF THE WIZARD. He is a four-time finalist for the Hugo Award and the World Fantasy Award. He is also the editor and publisher of LIGHTSPEED and NIGHTMARE, and is the co-host of Wired.com's THE GEEK'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY podcast. Forthcoming anthologies include WASTELANDS 2 (Night Shade Books, 2013) and ROBOT UPRISINGS (Doubleday, 2014). Find him online at johnjosephadams.com and on Twitter @JohnJosephAdams. The Mad Scientist's Guide to World Domination Original Short Fiction for the Modern Evil Genius By John Joseph Adams Tor Books Copyright © 2013 John Joseph Adams All right reserved. ISBN: 9780765326454   CATEGORY: Secret Identity Management Variables RULE 967.2b: Managing Your Love Life Is No Easier for Geniuses SOURCE: Professor Incognito, Instigator of Martian Rule VIA: Austin Grossman Our first journey into the realms of madness looks reasonable enough. How crazy can an itemized list really be? Well, in this story, a simple list of Professor Incognito’s apologies reads like the confession of a remarkably evil genius. Professor Incognito likes to live the lifestyle of any classic supervillain. He’s got secret rooms and hologram projectors, midnight costume changes, and plans for sentient tigers. There’s just one barrier lying between him and perfect happiness: his fiancée. Is there any way to explain to her that beneath his mild-mannered façade as a physics professor, he’s got the skills to take over the galaxy? Is there any way to reconcile a relationship built on lies? And should he wear his costume to their next couple’s counseling appointment? Beneath the humor, this tale asks a more chilling question: What role do secrets play in our relationships—and do we really want to know everything about our partners? It doesn’t take a genius—evil or otherwise—to fear