If you’re a fan of thrilling spy novels, heart-pounding action, and relatable teen characters, the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore is a must-read. This bestselling young adult series follows the adventures of teenage agents working for a secret British intelligence agency called CHERUB. With 17 main books and a prequel series, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement—but where do you start? In this guide, we’ll break down the Cherub books in order, share why this series is so addictive, and give you tips to dive into the world of undercover teen spies.
What is the Cherub Series About?
The Cherub series revolves around a group of orphaned or abandoned teens recruited by CHERUB, a covert organization that trains kids to become skilled spies. Why kids? Because no one suspects a teenager of being a secret agent! From infiltrating criminal organizations to stopping terrorist plots, these young agents tackle high-stakes missions while balancing school, friendships, and growing up. Packed with action, humor, and heart, the series has captivated readers worldwide since its debut in 2004.
List Of Cherub Books in Order Of Release
| Release Year | Title | Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Recruit | Main Series (Book 1) | Introduces James Adams |
| 2004 | Class A (The Dealer) | Main Series (Book 2) | US title: The Dealer |
| 2005 | Maximum Security | Main Series (Book 3) | |
| 2005 | The Killing | Main Series (Book 4) | |
| 2006 | Divine Madness | Main Series (Book 5) | |
| 2006 | Man vs. Beast | Main Series (Book 6) | |
| 2007 | The Fall | Main Series (Book 7) | |
| 2007 | Mad Dogs | Main Series (Book 8) | |
| 2008 | The Sleepwalker | Main Series (Book 9) | |
| 2008 | Dark Sun | Aramov Series | Novella, set between Books 9 and 10 |
| 2008 | The General | Main Series (Book 10) | |
| 2009 | Brigands M.C. | Main Series (Book 11) | |
| 2010 | Shadow Wave | Main Series (Book 12) | James’ final mission |
| 2011 | The Dealer | Aramov Series | Prequel, focuses on CHERUB’s origins |
| 2011 | People’s Republic | Main Series (Book 13) | Introduces Ryan Sharma |
| 2012 | Guardian Angel | Main Series (Book 14) | |
| 2013 | Black Friday | Main Series (Book 15) | |
| 2014 | Lone Wolf | Main Series (Book 16) | |
| 2016 | New Guard | Main Series (Book 17) | Final book in the main series |
Cherub Books in Order: Main Series
To fully enjoy the Cherub series, it’s best to read the books in publication order, as the storylines and character arcs build on each other. Below is the complete list of the main Cherub series (Books 1–17):
- The Recruit (2004)
Meet James Adams, a rebellious 11-year-old who gets recruited by CHERUB after a tragic family event. His first mission? Infiltrate a hippie commune to uncover a terrorist plot. This book sets the stage for the series’ fast-paced action and moral dilemmas.
Why read it? It’s the perfect introduction to James and the CHERUB world. - Class A (2004) (US Title: The Dealer)
James goes undercover in a drug-dealing gang in London. The stakes are higher, and the danger is real.
Why read it? Gritty, intense, and full of twists, it’s a fan favorite. - Maximum Security (2005)
James is sent to an Arizona prison to befriend a criminal’s son and gather intel.
Why read it? The high-security prison setting adds a thrilling edge. - The Killing (2005)
A small-time crook’s sudden wealth raises suspicions, and James investigates a possible link to organized crime.
Why read it? A slower burn with a satisfying payoff. - Divine Madness (2006)
James and his team infiltrate a cult in Australia with ties to eco-terrorism.
Why read it? Exotic settings and psychological intrigue make this a standout. - Man vs. Beast (2006)
The agents tackle animal rights extremists planning violent attacks.
Why read it? It dives into ethical debates while keeping the action intense. - The Fall (2007)
James faces challenges in Russia, while his sister Lauren takes on her own mission.
Why read it? A deeper look into the siblings’ bond and personal growth. - Mad Dogs (2007)
Rival gangs spark chaos in London, and James is caught in the middle.
Why read it? High-octane gang warfare keeps you glued to the pages. - The Sleepwalker (2008)
Lauren investigates a plane crash that might not be an accident.
Why read it? A gripping mystery with a focus on Lauren’s skills. - The General (2008)
James and his team stage a fake riot to test military strategies, but things spiral out of control.
Why read it? A wild mix of strategy and chaos. - Brigands M.C. (2009)
James infiltrates a dangerous motorcycle gang.
Why read it? Gritty and intense, it’s a deep dive into the criminal underworld. - Shadow Wave (2010)
James’ final mission takes him to Malaysia, where he faces tough choices.
Why read it? A bittersweet conclusion to James’ CHERUB journey. - People’s Republic (2011)
Meet Ryan Sharma, a new CHERUB agent, as he tackles a mission in China.
Why read it? A fresh start with new characters and high stakes. - Guardian Angel (2012)
Ryan’s mission continues in Russia, blending family drama with espionage.
Why read it? Emotional depth and intense action make it a page-turner. - Black Friday (2013)
Ryan faces a terrorist threat that hits close to home.
Why read it? Heart-pounding suspense and global stakes. - Lone Wolf (2014)
A drug smuggling ring puts Ryan and his team to the test.
Why read it? A thrilling continuation of Ryan’s story. - New Guard (2016)
The final book brings back James, Ryan, and others for one last mission to stop a terrorist attack.
Why read it? A satisfying series finale with all your favorite characters.
Cherub: Aramov Series (Prequel Books)
Before diving into the main series, some fans enjoy the Aramov prequel series, which focuses on the origins of CHERUB and its early missions. These can be read before or after the main series:
- Dark Sun (2008)
A novella set between The Sleepwalker and The General, focusing on a short but intense mission.
Why read it? Perfect for fans wanting extra CHERUB content. - The Dealer (2011)
A prequel exploring the early days of CHERUB’s founder, Charles Henderson.
Why read it? Great for fans curious about CHERUB’s history.
Tips for Reading the Cherub Series
- Start with The Recruit: It introduces the world and main characters. Reading in publication order ensures you follow the character development and plot arcs.
- Prequels are optional: The Aramov series adds context but isn’t essential to enjoy the main books.
- Expect mature themes: The series tackles drugs, violence, and ethical dilemmas, making it ideal for teens and adults who enjoy gritty stories.
- Check for omnibus editions: Some books are bundled together, which can save money and make binge-reading easier.
Why Readers Love the Cherub Series
The Cherub series stands out for its unique blend of realistic characters, high-stakes missions, and relatable teen struggles. Fans on platforms like X praise its fast-paced plots and the way it balances action with humor and heart. Whether you’re into spy thrillers like Alex Rider or shows like Mission: Impossible, Cherub delivers non-stop excitement with a youthful twist.
Where to Find Cherub Books
You can grab the Cherub books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. E-books and audiobooks are also widely available on platforms like Kindle, Audible, and Kobo. Check your local library for free copies or digital loans!
Final Thoughts
The Cherub series is a thrilling ride that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. By following the Cherub books in order listed above, you’ll experience the full scope of James, Ryan, and their fellow agents’ daring adventures. Ready to join the CHERUB team? Start with The Recruit and get ready for a wild ride!
Have you read the Cherub series yet, or are you just starting? Let us know your favorite book or mission in the comments below!
