...Sounds like the first line of a bad joke." (page 4)
I'm reviewing Series 2 of CHERUB in the run-up to the release of the last CHERUB book (EVER), at the beginning of June 2016. People's Republic was first released in 2011 and I managed to get my hands on a first edition and get it signed in the same year, in the launch tour at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
I have to be honest, I'd not read this book for over a year, due to the release dates of the books being so far apart (1 year between each). The first time, I didn't really take to the new characters because I was still in love with James Adams from Series 1, but re-reading this book last week, as the series comes to an end, has made me so happy. I had forgotten how quickly you are drawn into the action with the fast-paced writing and intriguing and varied storylines. Although nobody could ever replace James Adams in the hearts of diehard CHERUB fans (i.e. me!), Ryan is an instantly likeable protagonist.
Robert Muchamore's use of humour, as shown by the quote at the start of this review, introduces Ryan's ethnicity in a fun and unusual manner, which makes a refreshing change from blonde-haired, blue-eyed James. It also means that the missions in Series 2 will potentially take place in countries where James couldn't work without standing out.
The opening chapters reveal Ryan's thirst for trouble, attitude towards punishments and his ease and comfort at being a CHERUB agent. He seems to have the same appetite for fun, bad decisions and mayhem that caused a whole generation of youngsters to identify with James back in 2004 onwards. There are so many comparisons that could be drawn between James and Ryan, for those who have read Series 1, which helps Ryan's likeability and his viability as the leading man of Series 2. I think what is important to remember if you are reading Series 2 after Series 1, or as a standalone series, is that the differences that Ryan has, is what keeps you gripped throughout the new story, especially with some of the pranks and [*spoilers*] mission hiccups that come to light.
Ning's introduction is explosive. She is everything I wanted to be when I was her age. She's a well built tomboy who is fearless and determined to survive and succeed, with rock star dreams and a rock star personality. She goes through hell and back during the course of the story and you deeply care for her wellbeing by the end.
The storyline is great. We're taken between mission details and life and death situations in the real world. The contrast between Ryan and Ning's situations adds tension and drama to a story that chops and changes and leaves you wanting to finish the whole book in one go. I hate to use such a cliché but it is a real page turner, full of action and excitement. Robert Muchamore has really taken his writing to a new level since The Recruit was released in 2004. He's perfected the art of a fast-paced action novel with fun, childishness, romance and near-death situations all thrown in for good measure. Well done on a great start to Series 2!
Laura's rating: 7.5/10
"...you saved my life twice, so you're my guardian angel..." (page 401)
Yet again, another excellent critique which is brilliantly written. xx
ReplyDelete