People's Republic by Robert Muchamore

Ryan is a newly qualified Cherub agent and is eager for his first mission, no matter how small it is.  However his first mission wont be small, it will involve a trip halfway round the world to make friends with a boy who has ties to one of the biggest crime syndicates in the world - a mission that seems relatively easy on the surface, but things aren't always what they seem.  Meanwhile, in China Ning is quietly (and not so quietly) rebelling against the expectations of her school and culture, wanting to be anything other than a good, obedient Chinese girl.  When her personal life falls apart Ning finds herself over her head and fighting for her life.  What neither Ning nor Ryan realise is that they are about to get tangled up with a dangerous organisation, a criminal syndicate that is on the verge of splitting as one family member attempts to take control of the family empire - no matter what the cost.

This is the eagerly anticipated new Cherub novel from Robert Muchamore and it is an expolosive and gripping start for a new trilogy.  Starting a new series in such a well known world is always tricky, especially when your former "hero" is not involved in the story, but People's republic is a strong story in it's own right and keeps you wrapped up in the action from start to finish.  While some of the early Cherub books were suitable for 'tweens and younger readers, like the later Cherub books this is one for the teenagers with strong language, and includes storylines referring to the sex slave trade, paedophiles, murder, and other unsavoury passtimes for international criminal syndicates.  The length would also put off some younger readers, but it was just the right length to really carry the weight of introducing the main characters that will no doubt be with us through the last two books in the trilogy.

People's republic is well written and continues to be the most realistic series in the secret agent/spy genre for teenagers.  Alex Rider is amazing but he was always having gadgets and adventures that had a touch of fantasy, and some of the Chris Ryan series are awesome, but they also stretch your ability to suspend belief at times.  Cerub is a world that you can easily see exisiting, and it is that realism that makes it so engaging.  It would be quite something to see the Cherub series turned into a tv series or movie franchise - although not repeating the books, rather moving into new characters and new adventures.  If you have enjoyed the later part of the first Cherub series, then you will enjoy this new book in a brand new series.

If you like this book then try:

• Brigands M.C by Robert Muchamore
• Shadow wave by Robert Muchamore
• Survival by Chris Ryan
• Death run by Jack Higgins and Justin Richards
• Silverfin by Charlie Higson

Reviewed by Brilla