The General

The General feels like a large-scale version of the various training exercises we've seen CHERUB agents undergo on campus throughout the series. However, the complete upturning of rules and excitement of stakes between the government and vengeful Kazakov (who is developed much better as a character in this entry) makes this a wildly fun read. The book opens with the Adams siblings each undergoing an interesting mission - James getting caught up in an anarchist group and Lauren leading a team to test security at a new airport location - with both facing unexpected twists for the characters to overcome. There's also a casino/ blackjack subplot which actually racks up the tension, and unlike other CHERUB books doesn't feel like a messy addition and instead acts as a more personal challenge for James's character. The other agents taken to Nevada and the USA include Lauren, Bethany, Kevin, Jake and Rat, and each are given moments that further cement their characteristics. Additionally, James's relationship life takes a few surprising turns, although I would've liked to see how Dana developed to make the choices she does in this book.