James Choke is an 11-year-old boy growing up in London with his obese mother and his little sister, Lauren.

When James’s mother dies in a tragic accident, James and Lauren are shipped off to Nebraska House, a children’s home. James thinks his life is ruined, especially when Ron, Lauren’s father, adopts her and leaves James behind

One morning, however, James wakes up in a room where he has never been. On his bed there are fresh clothes for him – trousers and an orange t-shirt with the logo CHERUB on it. And when Mac, chairman of CHERUB, offers him a job, James’s life takes a drastic turn…

‘The Recruit’ is the first book in Robert Muchamore’s series ‘The CHERUB books’.

I really enjoyed this book and I loved the characters, especially Lauren. It’s by far one of my favourite series of books and I would highly recommend them to boys and girls.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended age group: +12

Reviewed by Ellen F, aged 13