53 pages 1 hour read

The Recruit

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2004

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Book Brief

Robert Muchamore

The Recruit

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

342

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Action & Adventure
Setting

United Kingdom • 2000s

Theme
Perseverance

Fear

Coming of Age
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

660L

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Super Short Summary

The Recruit by Robert Muchamore follows James Choke, later known as James Adams, a troubled teenager who, after his mother's death, is recruited by a secret spy organization while living in a children's home. The novel details James' challenging training and his first mission with CHERUB, a British program that trains young spies. Themes of grief, family instability, and violence are present.

Adventurous

Suspenseful

Gritty

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

40,751 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Recruit by Robert Muchamore offers gripping action and relatable adolescent characters, making it a hit with younger readers. Critics praise the realistic portrayal of teen life and the engaging plot. However, some note that the writing can feel simplistic, possibly limiting its appeal to older audiences. Overall, it's a thrilling start to the CHERUB series.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Recruit?

A reader who would enjoy The Recruit by Robert Muchamore is typically a young adult seeking fast-paced, thrilling spy adventures akin to Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider series or Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls series. This reader enjoys action, intrigue, and relatable teen protagonists navigating high-stakes missions.

4.4

40,751 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

342

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Mystery & Crime Fiction

Horror & Suspense

Action & Adventure
Setting

United Kingdom • 2000s

Theme
Perseverance

Fear

Coming of Age
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

660L

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