Wow. I am blown away by the views and support I have received over the past month for re-launching this little blog! As of last Thursday, we officially passed 1000 views and today we are nearly at 1200 :)
Thank you! I couldn't have achieved this without my amazing readers and the brilliant cherub fanbase :)
As soon as we pass 1500 views, I will announce how one lucky reader can win themselves a signed copy of Robert Muchamore's new book New Guard (spoilers: I'm on page 270 and it's amazing!)... So keep getting your friends to have a read and keep your eyes peeled this week for full competition details...
Yours (in writing),
Laura x
Monday, 30 May 2016
Sunday, 29 May 2016
CHERUB: Black Friday (Series 2, Book 3 of 5) by Robert Muchamore
"The instructor was six feet tall, in his early twenties with a solid physique. He had blue-green eyes, and blond hair... '...I'm Mr Adams, but I'd prefer it if you call me James'." (page 13)
So, here we are. Review number three this month, with less than a week to go until the official release of New Guard. Black Friday was published in 2013 and I was lucky to get enough birthday money to have a trip to Edinburgh, for their Book Festival, to get my copy signed.
And the money was well spent on this book too! I would've been more than happy with Black Friday being the last ever CHERUB book, due to it's sheer brilliance, and not just because it has the return of James Adams, Campus legend and man of my dreams... ;)
Black Friday is everything Guardian Angel wasn't. It's pacey, with action on every page, full of funny moments but tinged with sadness and serious moments too. All of it is covered, as usual, in Rob's style of let's write something outrageous and see if my editors will let me keep it in. We see the return of James Adams, Bruce Norris, Amy Collins, Lauren, Rat, Kyle, Gabrielle, Kevin Sumner, Jake Parker (and mentions of Bethany Parker) plus so many more. It's interesting to see the reveal of Kerry Chang too and her relationship with James since leaving CHERUB. The best throwback however, has to go to Jane Oxford (Series 1, Book 3: Maximum Security) but I won't spoil that for you - read it for yourself to see why she gets a mention/whole damn chapter!
Black Friday itself flicks between the USA, Kyrgyzstan, CHERUB campus and a top-secret location that I'm not going to spoil for you... (buy the book and read it already!) :P It's one of those books you just can't put down and you want to keep page turning until you realise you've run out of pages and the story is over.
The character references probably won't mean much to newer readers but for any diehard fans since Series 1, all the names mentioned above all have their own little scenarios to bring a smile or a memory to you. It's the perfect tie-it-all-up book. I was surprised but pleased when more CHERUB books were announced though, as I really did want to know more about the characters that left CHERUB from Series 1.
I've talked a lot (rambled probably...) about James and the gang through this review but actually, just as much happens with our newest recruits Ryan and Ning. We also get to know Ryan's brothers and his friends Alfie, Max and Grace more by following their training and life on campus.
A perfect end to the initial trilogy!
Laura's rating: 9.5/10
"On my first ever mission it was Joanna... ...I was only twelve, but I used to hang out with her after school and it felt so perfect. Then there was April. I didn't exactly fall in love with her but she was hot. My fourth mission I spent a summer night sleeping on a rooftop with a chick called Hannah. We watched the sun come up and it was beautiful. And then there's Kerry Chang, who I've kind of loved since I did basic training with her." (page 375)
So, here we are. Review number three this month, with less than a week to go until the official release of New Guard. Black Friday was published in 2013 and I was lucky to get enough birthday money to have a trip to Edinburgh, for their Book Festival, to get my copy signed.
And the money was well spent on this book too! I would've been more than happy with Black Friday being the last ever CHERUB book, due to it's sheer brilliance, and not just because it has the return of James Adams, Campus legend and man of my dreams... ;)
Black Friday is everything Guardian Angel wasn't. It's pacey, with action on every page, full of funny moments but tinged with sadness and serious moments too. All of it is covered, as usual, in Rob's style of let's write something outrageous and see if my editors will let me keep it in. We see the return of James Adams, Bruce Norris, Amy Collins, Lauren, Rat, Kyle, Gabrielle, Kevin Sumner, Jake Parker (and mentions of Bethany Parker) plus so many more. It's interesting to see the reveal of Kerry Chang too and her relationship with James since leaving CHERUB. The best throwback however, has to go to Jane Oxford (Series 1, Book 3: Maximum Security) but I won't spoil that for you - read it for yourself to see why she gets a mention/whole damn chapter!
Black Friday itself flicks between the USA, Kyrgyzstan, CHERUB campus and a top-secret location that I'm not going to spoil for you... (buy the book and read it already!) :P It's one of those books you just can't put down and you want to keep page turning until you realise you've run out of pages and the story is over.
The character references probably won't mean much to newer readers but for any diehard fans since Series 1, all the names mentioned above all have their own little scenarios to bring a smile or a memory to you. It's the perfect tie-it-all-up book. I was surprised but pleased when more CHERUB books were announced though, as I really did want to know more about the characters that left CHERUB from Series 1.
I've talked a lot (rambled probably...) about James and the gang through this review but actually, just as much happens with our newest recruits Ryan and Ning. We also get to know Ryan's brothers and his friends Alfie, Max and Grace more by following their training and life on campus.
A perfect end to the initial trilogy!
Laura's rating: 9.5/10
"On my first ever mission it was Joanna... ...I was only twelve, but I used to hang out with her after school and it felt so perfect. Then there was April. I didn't exactly fall in love with her but she was hot. My fourth mission I spent a summer night sleeping on a rooftop with a chick called Hannah. We watched the sun come up and it was beautiful. And then there's Kerry Chang, who I've kind of loved since I did basic training with her." (page 375)
Sunday, 22 May 2016
CHERUB: Guardian Angel (Series 2, Book 2 of 5) by Robert Muchamore
"Twelve kids had started basic training back in December, but four quitters, two cracked bones, a badly sprained ankle, a chest infection and an asthma attack meant only three were left as the sun came up on the course's hundredth and final day." (page 1)
As you'll be aware from my last post, 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. The countdown to the release of New Guard seems to be going so fast! Guardian Angel was first released in 2012. I was very lucky to get hold of a first edition, having been out of the UK at the point of public release. My flight landed back in London on the day of a signing at Forbidden Planet and I decided to race across London to go, having not eaten, slept or showered for over 12 hours. I looked dreadful but it was great to get my copy of Guardian Angel and the graphic novel of The Recruit signed (shown below).
Right, now to the review then. I hate to say this, but from the new series, this is my least favourite book. It's not very often that I sit on the fence for so long about whether or not I like a book, but this really made me wonder until the last few chapters. It's very unfortunate as I am obviously a super-fan of Robert Muchamore and his writing exploits, but this felt like a bit of a placement book for the first part of it.
On the plus side, there's a lot of character development throughout this book. We get a much clearer picture of the personalities, motivations and challenges for Ryan, Ning and Ethan. Ryan turns a full 180 from his disgrace on his first mission, through girl trouble on campus, to being a 'James'-style hero. We see Ning gain confidence from basic training to her first big mission. Ethan goes through a crazy transformation from Californian kid to Kyrgyzstan misfit to *SPOILERS* kidnapped to Africa, to rescued by his Guardian Angels.
The action finally starts kicking in from about half way through and it doesn't disappoint! There's fights in London, fights in Kyrgyzstan, fights in Africa and chaos in America when the TFU/CIA computer servers crash at the time they're most needed. And boy, what an ending! This book truly is a slow-burner. The ending is gripping and gets you excited for part 3: Black Friday. This is still a vital book to read in the series to understand everybody's relationships to each other and how the Aramov clan will implode.
Laura's rating: 6.8/10
"If you're not my guardian angel then I don't know what the hell you are." (page 306)
As you'll be aware from my last post, 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. The countdown to the release of New Guard seems to be going so fast! Guardian Angel was first released in 2012. I was very lucky to get hold of a first edition, having been out of the UK at the point of public release. My flight landed back in London on the day of a signing at Forbidden Planet and I decided to race across London to go, having not eaten, slept or showered for over 12 hours. I looked dreadful but it was great to get my copy of Guardian Angel and the graphic novel of The Recruit signed (shown below).
Right, now to the review then. I hate to say this, but from the new series, this is my least favourite book. It's not very often that I sit on the fence for so long about whether or not I like a book, but this really made me wonder until the last few chapters. It's very unfortunate as I am obviously a super-fan of Robert Muchamore and his writing exploits, but this felt like a bit of a placement book for the first part of it.
On the plus side, there's a lot of character development throughout this book. We get a much clearer picture of the personalities, motivations and challenges for Ryan, Ning and Ethan. Ryan turns a full 180 from his disgrace on his first mission, through girl trouble on campus, to being a 'James'-style hero. We see Ning gain confidence from basic training to her first big mission. Ethan goes through a crazy transformation from Californian kid to Kyrgyzstan misfit to *SPOILERS* kidnapped to Africa, to rescued by his Guardian Angels.
The action finally starts kicking in from about half way through and it doesn't disappoint! There's fights in London, fights in Kyrgyzstan, fights in Africa and chaos in America when the TFU/CIA computer servers crash at the time they're most needed. And boy, what an ending! This book truly is a slow-burner. The ending is gripping and gets you excited for part 3: Black Friday. This is still a vital book to read in the series to understand everybody's relationships to each other and how the Aramov clan will implode.
Laura's rating: 6.8/10
"If you're not my guardian angel then I don't know what the hell you are." (page 306)
Monday, 9 May 2016
CHERUB: People's Republic (Series 2, Book 1 of 5) by Robert Muchamore
"His grandparents were a Syrian, a German, an Irishman and a Pakistani...
...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)
...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)
Monday, 23 September 2013
Writing...
Oh my gods!
I've just had the most enormous kick up the arse to get back into writing! After having an in-depth discussion with Sophie McKenzie and Robert Muchamore and their publicists/editors a couple of weeks ago and deciding that yes, it's finally time for me to head back to college to 'hone my skills', I am here. In a creative writing class. About freaking time right?!
I've clearly been neglecting this blog for far too long and just 30 minutes into this class, I can feel my inner inspiration unblocking and thoughts that just want to leap out of me on to a page. Reading some of my old writing again has made me really want to re-evaluate it and work harder to create a more interesting and readable blog. I've learnt so much in such a short space of time already and I can't wait to share some new ideas and musings with you all.
It's all a bit incredible really, my journey back to here. I started this blog when I was actually too depressed to even post anything! I slowly started posting bits and pieces last year inbetween trying to keep busy to take my mind off of my life. Sadly, it made my posts suffer and I only managed to spit out one review, which reading back now, is possibly one of the most horrendous pieces of writing that has ever left my body via pen/pencil/whatever...
Still I think the time has now come for me to get back on that horse! So ahoy for now and I'll be back...
Laura-Jane
(09/09/2013)
I've just had the most enormous kick up the arse to get back into writing! After having an in-depth discussion with Sophie McKenzie and Robert Muchamore and their publicists/editors a couple of weeks ago and deciding that yes, it's finally time for me to head back to college to 'hone my skills', I am here. In a creative writing class. About freaking time right?!
I've clearly been neglecting this blog for far too long and just 30 minutes into this class, I can feel my inner inspiration unblocking and thoughts that just want to leap out of me on to a page. Reading some of my old writing again has made me really want to re-evaluate it and work harder to create a more interesting and readable blog. I've learnt so much in such a short space of time already and I can't wait to share some new ideas and musings with you all.
It's all a bit incredible really, my journey back to here. I started this blog when I was actually too depressed to even post anything! I slowly started posting bits and pieces last year inbetween trying to keep busy to take my mind off of my life. Sadly, it made my posts suffer and I only managed to spit out one review, which reading back now, is possibly one of the most horrendous pieces of writing that has ever left my body via pen/pencil/whatever...
Still I think the time has now come for me to get back on that horse! So ahoy for now and I'll be back...
Laura-Jane
(09/09/2013)
Monday, 21 January 2013
Happy New Year! (far too late...) :P
Well, this feels far more neglected than I thought it would be over the Christmas and New Year period... Happy Holidays to everybody reading though! I am currently still working on that second review, but I'm now trying to fit it around a full time job, redecorating our building site of a house, rehearsals for a show (to be performed in April), general story writing and anything else that life decides to throw at me along the way! (Not necessarily excluding finding time to travel to see my boyfriend and celebrating many of my friends 21st birthdays, as they're mostly due around now!) Whew! Sorry for that outburst, I think I needed it... :P
I'll be back soon! :)
Happy Reading!
Laura-Jane xx
I'll be back soon! :)
Happy Reading!
Laura-Jane xx
Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Exciting feedback!
After moving house recently, I am still stuggling to find the books I want to review. There's just a sea of cardboard boxes full of books on top of my wardrobe, which a) I can barely reach and b) don't want to cause an avalanche of books by moving one box! (Sorry guys, I promise I'll try to do another review soon!)
My exciting feedback is actually the reason for this post. At the weekend I received a message from a published author who gave great feedback on my blog! I was very overwhelmed, having not written much on here, to receive such a positive message. I am very keen to read his books and hopefully will be able to give them fantastic reviews on here in the new year...
I really enjoy discovering new books and am happy to accept recommendations, even if they come directly from the author!
Hopefully will be back with a review next time!
Happy reading...
Laura-Jane xx
My exciting feedback is actually the reason for this post. At the weekend I received a message from a published author who gave great feedback on my blog! I was very overwhelmed, having not written much on here, to receive such a positive message. I am very keen to read his books and hopefully will be able to give them fantastic reviews on here in the new year...
I really enjoy discovering new books and am happy to accept recommendations, even if they come directly from the author!
Hopefully will be back with a review next time!
Happy reading...
Laura-Jane xx
Thursday, 8 November 2012
Another quick note... :)
So this again isn't a review, but I wanted to share this with you all anyway! A huge thank you to everyone who has been reading my blog, the views have shot through the roof and I'm very grateful. Thank you for all the positive feedback too - you know who you are! :)
The main reason for this comment though, is just to say that after missing the release date of One Shot Kill (Henderson's Boys 6) by Robert Muchamore and missing his signing in East Anglia (gutted!), I managed to get hold of a pristine 1st edition copy a week late! :) After finishing it in a couple of hours last night I can safely say it possibly beats The Prisoner (HB5) as my favourite in the series. So impressed (as always) by the fantastic storylines - did not see the twists coming! - and really impressed with how much Rob's writing style has improved since his first book... I will forever be a fan!
READ IT!!! You'll regret it if you don't...
I'll be back with my 2nd review shortly (fingers crossed!) so stay tuned!
Happy reading!
Laura-Jane xx
The main reason for this comment though, is just to say that after missing the release date of One Shot Kill (Henderson's Boys 6) by Robert Muchamore and missing his signing in East Anglia (gutted!), I managed to get hold of a pristine 1st edition copy a week late! :) After finishing it in a couple of hours last night I can safely say it possibly beats The Prisoner (HB5) as my favourite in the series. So impressed (as always) by the fantastic storylines - did not see the twists coming! - and really impressed with how much Rob's writing style has improved since his first book... I will forever be a fan!
READ IT!!! You'll regret it if you don't...
I'll be back with my 2nd review shortly (fingers crossed!) so stay tuned!
Happy reading!
Laura-Jane xx
Friday, 26 October 2012
CHERUB: The Recruit (Series 1, Book 1 of 12) by Robert Muchamore
So I started writing this review in July, but as always, life got in the way... I've also added edit notes and re-written this many times. Hope it's been worth the wait!
"CHERUB has a fifty-year tradition of mayhem and destruction" (page 122)
My copy of this book is an early edition, as only the first three books in the series were published at the time. I remember getting it signed 'TO LAURA' in June 2005. I own the 7th edition of this book however, I couldn't locate it at the time of reading/writing, therefore this review is based upon the 40th edition book which my dad will shortly be receiving for Father's Day (EDIT: He received it, was pleased but still hasn't read it!). I promise I will try to refrain from giving away too many spoilers for those who haven't read the book, although with 325 pages (including the epilogue, which is quite lengthy for a first novel) it'll be hard to keep all the juicy stories to myself...
CHERUB is an organisation of British child spies. Now many of you will instantly think of Alex Rider books (by Anthony Horowitz), but I'll warn you now, there is no comparison. CHERUB blows it away without the need for silly gadgets and the CHERUB kids even go to the toilet! It's as realistic as a fiction book for children/teenagers/young adults can be - I've seen just about every age at various signings!
Characters:
The book opens with "James Choke hated Combined Science", which makes him instantly likeable as the lead character. Everybody hates at least one school subject when you're a kid, so it gives you an instant connection to him. We are introduced early on to his half-sister Lauren, who is only ever called his sister. They clearly share a close bond over their mutual hatred of her father however, Lauren seems to have inherited a mean streak from him as "...she was looking forward to seeing James suffer" later on in the book.
The character of James is developed slowly at an enjoyable pace throughout the book. We learn that he is smart, shown by excelling at mathematics and his novel ways of hiding money, and also trying to be as classy as an eleven year old can be by picking his favourite football player as his new name - I'm sure every kid has thought about having a celebrity name once or twice! It is a captivating journey of self-discovery he undertakes as he navigates friendships, punishments and first love, all in a very short space of time. (EDIT: Seriously?! I wrote this?!!)
Although James takes the lead role in this book, we are introduced to an overwhelming amount of extra characters too. Kyle is his happy-go-lucky friend, as long as everything is clean and tidy and doesn't smell like James' dirty socks! He seems like a trickster at first by playing a practical joke on James, but he redeems himself for lying about CHERUB by helping James get revenge on another care kid. He also proves his best friend credentials by defending James in a fight. Kyle is slightly older than James and although they seem to be total opposites, they seem very suited to being great friends.
Kerry is James' training partner at CHERUB. We see a huge range of emotions from her throughout the training experience, which is what you would expect from an eleven year old girl anyway, without the added pressure of training! She starts off by bossing James around, which he isn't used to but understands when he realises she can help him. This trait is made likeable however, by also making Kerry vulnerable and desperate when she asks James to help her in return. Kerry's character is a challenge for James as she is everything he's not and she's good at everything. This frustrates him, especially when she's a drama queen - screams when landing on her knee, then says "...no worse than usual" - but his character learns to adapt to her challenges throughout the book.
I'm gonna leave it there for the characters because they will definitely be mentioned again in later book reviews.
Plots and Themes:
There is a steady introduction into James' school and family life, and information is revealed slowly to leave the reader wanting more. James' sister Lauren appears as an unsympathetic character often, yet helps out eventually. This turns into a theme and key trait of her character throughout the books.
(EDIT: This seems to be getting long, a bit boring and far too formal, so hopefully I can make the end of this review a bit more exciting!)
Although you are aware that you are reading a book, you'll never feel as if the plot is farfetched. It feels very realistic throughout. There are many transitions of surroundings throughout the early chapters, which keeps the pace. James gets raced between school, the park, his home, his estate, a care home, a new school and many other places. By half way through you feel nearly as lost as James does!
Many chapters of the book were heavily editied or removed to fit the graphic novel. This was to maintain pace and fit the key story points in. Once of these was from the London mission. Editors initially wanted to remove this classic scene, where Bruce pees on the piano in a swimming pool, from the original story of The Recruit too! Thankfully it was kept when lots of kids complained that it was their favourite part of the book. If you don't read it for any other reason, let this be the part that persuades you to try it, as it is hilariously childish and fun!
I do find the Training section has a difficult to follow pace. We jump from day 1 to 26 to 29 in a relatively short space of time, then we suddenly arrive at the last 3 days out of 100, which we get chapters and chapters on. It seems strange to review this because it seems to just fit the writing style and feel of the book! The huge mission briefing half way through the book is very interesting the first time you read it, however after many re-reads, it can feel like it's dragging a little. It's also very formal which is a complete change from the child-like grammar and occasional swear word which entertains us the rest of the time.
One mistake I spotted had been corrected in the 37th edition was on page 250. Scargill's name was mis-spelled as Scragill in my edition! I wasn't sure if this was a play on the speech or a typo, but from the correction I'm guessing at typo... I also wasn't sure that people in real life could make friends so quickly with the weird kids James has to, but maybe that's just my personal opinion.
Overall I think it's an interesting story. The narrative shows good character development and although there is a clear focus on male perspective, the book appeals to both genders and a huge range of ages. A firm favourite with CHERUB fans and a deserving winner of the Older Readers category of the Red House Children's Book Awards 2005.
Laura's rating: 8/10
"It was beautiful" (page 322)
"CHERUB has a fifty-year tradition of mayhem and destruction" (page 122)
My copy of this book is an early edition, as only the first three books in the series were published at the time. I remember getting it signed 'TO LAURA' in June 2005. I own the 7th edition of this book however, I couldn't locate it at the time of reading/writing, therefore this review is based upon the 40th edition book which my dad will shortly be receiving for Father's Day (EDIT: He received it, was pleased but still hasn't read it!). I promise I will try to refrain from giving away too many spoilers for those who haven't read the book, although with 325 pages (including the epilogue, which is quite lengthy for a first novel) it'll be hard to keep all the juicy stories to myself...
CHERUB is an organisation of British child spies. Now many of you will instantly think of Alex Rider books (by Anthony Horowitz), but I'll warn you now, there is no comparison. CHERUB blows it away without the need for silly gadgets and the CHERUB kids even go to the toilet! It's as realistic as a fiction book for children/teenagers/young adults can be - I've seen just about every age at various signings!
Characters:
The book opens with "James Choke hated Combined Science", which makes him instantly likeable as the lead character. Everybody hates at least one school subject when you're a kid, so it gives you an instant connection to him. We are introduced early on to his half-sister Lauren, who is only ever called his sister. They clearly share a close bond over their mutual hatred of her father however, Lauren seems to have inherited a mean streak from him as "...she was looking forward to seeing James suffer" later on in the book.
The character of James is developed slowly at an enjoyable pace throughout the book. We learn that he is smart, shown by excelling at mathematics and his novel ways of hiding money, and also trying to be as classy as an eleven year old can be by picking his favourite football player as his new name - I'm sure every kid has thought about having a celebrity name once or twice! It is a captivating journey of self-discovery he undertakes as he navigates friendships, punishments and first love, all in a very short space of time. (EDIT: Seriously?! I wrote this?!!)
Although James takes the lead role in this book, we are introduced to an overwhelming amount of extra characters too. Kyle is his happy-go-lucky friend, as long as everything is clean and tidy and doesn't smell like James' dirty socks! He seems like a trickster at first by playing a practical joke on James, but he redeems himself for lying about CHERUB by helping James get revenge on another care kid. He also proves his best friend credentials by defending James in a fight. Kyle is slightly older than James and although they seem to be total opposites, they seem very suited to being great friends.
Kerry is James' training partner at CHERUB. We see a huge range of emotions from her throughout the training experience, which is what you would expect from an eleven year old girl anyway, without the added pressure of training! She starts off by bossing James around, which he isn't used to but understands when he realises she can help him. This trait is made likeable however, by also making Kerry vulnerable and desperate when she asks James to help her in return. Kerry's character is a challenge for James as she is everything he's not and she's good at everything. This frustrates him, especially when she's a drama queen - screams when landing on her knee, then says "...no worse than usual" - but his character learns to adapt to her challenges throughout the book.
I'm gonna leave it there for the characters because they will definitely be mentioned again in later book reviews.
Plots and Themes:
There is a steady introduction into James' school and family life, and information is revealed slowly to leave the reader wanting more. James' sister Lauren appears as an unsympathetic character often, yet helps out eventually. This turns into a theme and key trait of her character throughout the books.
(EDIT: This seems to be getting long, a bit boring and far too formal, so hopefully I can make the end of this review a bit more exciting!)
Although you are aware that you are reading a book, you'll never feel as if the plot is farfetched. It feels very realistic throughout. There are many transitions of surroundings throughout the early chapters, which keeps the pace. James gets raced between school, the park, his home, his estate, a care home, a new school and many other places. By half way through you feel nearly as lost as James does!
Many chapters of the book were heavily editied or removed to fit the graphic novel. This was to maintain pace and fit the key story points in. Once of these was from the London mission. Editors initially wanted to remove this classic scene, where Bruce pees on the piano in a swimming pool, from the original story of The Recruit too! Thankfully it was kept when lots of kids complained that it was their favourite part of the book. If you don't read it for any other reason, let this be the part that persuades you to try it, as it is hilariously childish and fun!
I do find the Training section has a difficult to follow pace. We jump from day 1 to 26 to 29 in a relatively short space of time, then we suddenly arrive at the last 3 days out of 100, which we get chapters and chapters on. It seems strange to review this because it seems to just fit the writing style and feel of the book! The huge mission briefing half way through the book is very interesting the first time you read it, however after many re-reads, it can feel like it's dragging a little. It's also very formal which is a complete change from the child-like grammar and occasional swear word which entertains us the rest of the time.
One mistake I spotted had been corrected in the 37th edition was on page 250. Scargill's name was mis-spelled as Scragill in my edition! I wasn't sure if this was a play on the speech or a typo, but from the correction I'm guessing at typo... I also wasn't sure that people in real life could make friends so quickly with the weird kids James has to, but maybe that's just my personal opinion.
Overall I think it's an interesting story. The narrative shows good character development and although there is a clear focus on male perspective, the book appeals to both genders and a huge range of ages. A firm favourite with CHERUB fans and a deserving winner of the Older Readers category of the Red House Children's Book Awards 2005.
Laura's rating: 8/10
"It was beautiful" (page 322)
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Not quite a review yet...!
Ok, so this is actually my interview for cherubcampus.com, but it's helping me refresh my writing skills ready for my reviews! :P (and due to me being away for a while, I figured posting something quickly would be a good idea!)
■Hello Laura-Jane, could you introduce yourself?
Hi guys, my name is Laura-Jane Harvey and I've just turned 20. I'm from East Anglia, but everyone thinks that's abroad, so I say I'm from Hull, because that's where I study at University. I love reading and have just started a book review blog.
■How long have you been reading CHERUB? How did you discover the series?
I have been reading CHERUB since the start of 2005. I discovered the series because I was a judge for the Red House Children's Book Award, and The Recruit was shortlisted in 2005. I was hesitant to read it at first because it looked like such a boys book, but I loved it instantly and voted for it to win, which it did. I was also at the Award Ceremony the same year to see it win the award in the Older Readers category. At the time, there were only the first three books published, so I bought them all and got them signed.
■What do you like about the series?
Where do I start?! I think the characters are very realistic both due to their likeability and their flaws. The first book wasn't the most well-written piece of literature, but I have enjoyed following Rob's writing develop and think he has created some amazing and inspiring series of books. I'm very impressed that they have connected with such a large audience all over the world! I also like that none of the plots seem too far-fetched or forced, which helps all three of his series flow smoothly. I love reading about relationships from the male perspective too, as some female teenage fiction can get too soppy and far too idealistic!
■How devoted are you to CHERUB?
I honestly don't think I could be more devoted! I own every book (as many as possible are 1st editions!), they are all signed, I have many posters and badges from signings, own a signed copy of The Recruit audiobook and have tons of signed photographs and t-shirts! In February 2012, I also won a goody bag for being 2 hours early to a signing and therefore 1st in the queue - won a cool CHERUB hat and playing cards and other awesome things. I also have a tattoo of the CHERUB logo on my leg, but more on that later...
■Do you think you could live like a CHERUB agent?
I think I would enjoy basic training as I enjoy bootcamp style attempts to get fit, but I almost certainly wouldn't last the whole 100 days though... I also think missions would be really hard as I would probably get nervous and forget my own name! I also tend to injure myself a lot because I'm really clumsy, so I'd most likely spend my entire CHERUB career at the Medical Unit.
■So you have a CHERUB tattoo right? Why that choice? How did Robert react?
Yes, I do! It's on my right leg, just above my ankle. My best friend wanted to race me to see who got a tattoo first and I won because I got mine done the day after our conversation! He still doesn't have one... I wanted something really important to me and something that wouldn't change - a tattoo is for life, not just for Christmas! It hurt a lot, so I wouldn't recommend it. I chose the CHERUB logo because those books had been in my life since 2005. They were a huge part of my teenage years and I know my life would've been very boring without them! Rob initially thought it was fake when I showed him at a signing. He told me he was impressed by my commitment however, the best response came from his publisher who took a photo and tweeted it instantly! My leg tends to become famous around signings, as everybody asks for pictures! I'm hoping to have the Henderson's Boys logo put on my left leg before the series ends next year.
■Have you already met Robert Muchamore? If so, what did you think of him?
As you have probably worked out, I have already met Rob! The first time was back in 2005, at the Book Award Ceremony I previously mentioned. His books sold well that day and I got all three of the first books signed. He visited my school in 2006, for the launch of Man v Beast. It was great to hear about why he started writing CHERUB. He recognised me from the first signing because I had brought along a picture to get signed! We met again in 2008, where unfortunately I didn't bring a picture, so I was therefore unrecognised. Due to the fact that I wasn't wearing a pink dress like the first time we met and had cut my hair, Rob managed to mistake me for a boy! Bluewater shopping centre were the hosts of the Shadow Wave tour 2010 and the People's Republic tour 2011, both of which I attended. The People's Republic tour is where my tattoo was first revealed. In February 2012, I finally attended a Henderson's Boys signing for The Prisoner, where I met some of the lovely people from the CHERUB forums and campuscherub.com. It was great that Rob had started recognising me and knew me as female! I also attended the top-secret reading of his Jet project in May and was pleased to be able to give campuscherub.com all the gossip first. He's really friendly and happy to sign practically anything, so I enjoy going to signings. It's always great to meet other fans too!
■And finally, what is your favourite moment/quote in the CHERUB series?
My favourite quote comes from The Sleepwalker, which isn't my favourite book! I don't currently have it with me but the quote would be the insults Jake McEwan shouts when he rounds up the black shirts for a training exercise. I think it's impossible to choose a favourite moment because all of the books are fantastic, but because The Recruit is the first one I ever read, it has to be the ending with James and his friends in the campus dining hall.
Sorry for such a huge reply. Thank you for having me campuscherub.com and happy reading guys!
Laura-Jane xx
■Hello Laura-Jane, could you introduce yourself?
Hi guys, my name is Laura-Jane Harvey and I've just turned 20. I'm from East Anglia, but everyone thinks that's abroad, so I say I'm from Hull, because that's where I study at University. I love reading and have just started a book review blog.
■How long have you been reading CHERUB? How did you discover the series?
I have been reading CHERUB since the start of 2005. I discovered the series because I was a judge for the Red House Children's Book Award, and The Recruit was shortlisted in 2005. I was hesitant to read it at first because it looked like such a boys book, but I loved it instantly and voted for it to win, which it did. I was also at the Award Ceremony the same year to see it win the award in the Older Readers category. At the time, there were only the first three books published, so I bought them all and got them signed.
■What do you like about the series?
Where do I start?! I think the characters are very realistic both due to their likeability and their flaws. The first book wasn't the most well-written piece of literature, but I have enjoyed following Rob's writing develop and think he has created some amazing and inspiring series of books. I'm very impressed that they have connected with such a large audience all over the world! I also like that none of the plots seem too far-fetched or forced, which helps all three of his series flow smoothly. I love reading about relationships from the male perspective too, as some female teenage fiction can get too soppy and far too idealistic!
■How devoted are you to CHERUB?
I honestly don't think I could be more devoted! I own every book (as many as possible are 1st editions!), they are all signed, I have many posters and badges from signings, own a signed copy of The Recruit audiobook and have tons of signed photographs and t-shirts! In February 2012, I also won a goody bag for being 2 hours early to a signing and therefore 1st in the queue - won a cool CHERUB hat and playing cards and other awesome things. I also have a tattoo of the CHERUB logo on my leg, but more on that later...
■Do you think you could live like a CHERUB agent?
I think I would enjoy basic training as I enjoy bootcamp style attempts to get fit, but I almost certainly wouldn't last the whole 100 days though... I also think missions would be really hard as I would probably get nervous and forget my own name! I also tend to injure myself a lot because I'm really clumsy, so I'd most likely spend my entire CHERUB career at the Medical Unit.
■So you have a CHERUB tattoo right? Why that choice? How did Robert react?
Yes, I do! It's on my right leg, just above my ankle. My best friend wanted to race me to see who got a tattoo first and I won because I got mine done the day after our conversation! He still doesn't have one... I wanted something really important to me and something that wouldn't change - a tattoo is for life, not just for Christmas! It hurt a lot, so I wouldn't recommend it. I chose the CHERUB logo because those books had been in my life since 2005. They were a huge part of my teenage years and I know my life would've been very boring without them! Rob initially thought it was fake when I showed him at a signing. He told me he was impressed by my commitment however, the best response came from his publisher who took a photo and tweeted it instantly! My leg tends to become famous around signings, as everybody asks for pictures! I'm hoping to have the Henderson's Boys logo put on my left leg before the series ends next year.
■Have you already met Robert Muchamore? If so, what did you think of him?
As you have probably worked out, I have already met Rob! The first time was back in 2005, at the Book Award Ceremony I previously mentioned. His books sold well that day and I got all three of the first books signed. He visited my school in 2006, for the launch of Man v Beast. It was great to hear about why he started writing CHERUB. He recognised me from the first signing because I had brought along a picture to get signed! We met again in 2008, where unfortunately I didn't bring a picture, so I was therefore unrecognised. Due to the fact that I wasn't wearing a pink dress like the first time we met and had cut my hair, Rob managed to mistake me for a boy! Bluewater shopping centre were the hosts of the Shadow Wave tour 2010 and the People's Republic tour 2011, both of which I attended. The People's Republic tour is where my tattoo was first revealed. In February 2012, I finally attended a Henderson's Boys signing for The Prisoner, where I met some of the lovely people from the CHERUB forums and campuscherub.com. It was great that Rob had started recognising me and knew me as female! I also attended the top-secret reading of his Jet project in May and was pleased to be able to give campuscherub.com all the gossip first. He's really friendly and happy to sign practically anything, so I enjoy going to signings. It's always great to meet other fans too!
■And finally, what is your favourite moment/quote in the CHERUB series?
My favourite quote comes from The Sleepwalker, which isn't my favourite book! I don't currently have it with me but the quote would be the insults Jake McEwan shouts when he rounds up the black shirts for a training exercise. I think it's impossible to choose a favourite moment because all of the books are fantastic, but because The Recruit is the first one I ever read, it has to be the ending with James and his friends in the campus dining hall.
Sorry for such a huge reply. Thank you for having me campuscherub.com and happy reading guys!
Laura-Jane xx
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