If you’re a fan of action-packed young adult fiction, Robert Muchamore’s books are likely on your radar. Known for his gripping CHERUB, Henderson’s Boys, Robin Hood, and Rock War series, Muchamore has captured the hearts of readers worldwide with his fast-paced plots, relatable characters, and thrilling spy adventures. But with multiple series and standalone novels, where do you start? This guide provides a complete, reader-friendly list of Robert Muchamore’s books in order, along with insights to help you dive into his exciting world.
Whether you’re new to Muchamore’s work or a longtime fan looking to revisit his stories, this SEO-friendly blog post will help you navigate his bibliography while keeping you hooked with engaging details. Let’s explore!
Who Is Robert Muchamore?
Robert Muchamore, born in London in 1971, is a bestselling British author celebrated for his young adult spy novels. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a private investigator, which likely inspired the gritty realism in his stories. His breakthrough came with the CHERUB series, sparked by his nephew’s complaint about the lack of exciting books for teens. Since then, Muchamore has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, earning awards like the Red House Children’s Book Award for The Recruit in 2005.
His books blend high-stakes action, emotional depth, and relatable teen protagonists, making them perfect for readers aged 10-17 and adults who love a good thriller. Below, we’ve organized his books by series and publication order, with tips on how to read them for maximum enjoyment.
List of Robert Muchamore Books in Order of Release Date

Below is a complete list of Robert Muchamore’s books, organized by release date in a table format. This includes his CHERUB, Henderson’s Boys, Robin Hood, Rock War series, standalone novels, and novellas.
| Release Date | Title | Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2004 | The Recruit | CHERUB Series 1 | First book in the CHERUB series |
| November 2004 | Class A | CHERUB Series 1 | Also published as The Dealer in the US |
| April 2005 | Maximum Security | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| October 2005 | The Killing | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| April 2006 | Divine Madness | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| October 2006 | Man vs Beast | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| March 2007 | The Fall | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| October 2007 | Mad Dogs | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| March 2008 | Dark Sun | CHERUB | World Book Day novella |
| April 2008 | The Sleepwalker | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| October 2008 | The General | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| February 2009 | The Escape | Henderson’s Boys | Prequel to CHERUB series |
| June 2009 | Eagle Day | Henderson’s Boys | |
| September 2009 | Brigands M.C. | CHERUB Series 1 | |
| January 2010 | Secret Army | Henderson’s Boys | |
| October 2010 | Shadow Wave | CHERUB Series 1 | Final book of CHERUB Series 1 |
| February 2011 | Grey Wolves | Henderson’s Boys | |
| August 2011 | People’s Republic | CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) | First book of CHERUB Series 2 |
| February 2012 | The Prisoner | Henderson’s Boys | |
| August 2012 | Guardian Angel | CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) | |
| November 2012 | One Shot Kill | Henderson’s Boys | |
| February 2013 | Scorched Earth | Henderson’s Boys | Final book of Henderson’s Boys series |
| September 2013 | Black Friday | CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) | |
| February 2014 | The Audition | Rock War | World Book Day novella |
| February 2014 | Rock War | Rock War | First book of Rock War series |
| August 2014 | Lone Wolf | CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) | |
| February 2015 | Boot Camp | Rock War | |
| April 2016 | Gone Wild | Rock War | |
| June 2016 | New Guard | CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) | Final book of CHERUB series |
| February 2017 | Crash Landing | Rock War | Final book of Rock War series |
| September 2018 | Killer T | Standalone | |
| July 2019 | Arctic Zoo | Standalone | |
| April 2020 | Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows | Robin Hood | First book of Robin Hood series |
| January 2021 | Piracy, Paintballs & Zebras | Robin Hood | |
| July 2021 | Jet Skis, Swamps & Smugglers | Robin Hood | |
| February 2022 | Drones, Dams & Destruction | Robin Hood | |
| August 2022 | Ransoms, Raids & Revenge | Robin Hood | |
| February 2023 | Bandits, Dirt Bikes & Trash | Robin Hood | |
| August 2023 | Prisons, Parties & Powerboats | Robin Hood | |
| February 2024 | Ballots, Blasts & Betrayal | Robin Hood | |
| August 2024 | Fury, Fire & Frost | Robin Hood | Latest book in the Robin Hood series |
Notes:
- The table lists all published works by Robert Muchamore as of August 2, 2025.
- Two unpublished novels, Home and Little Criminals, are not included. Home is available online but was deemed too violent for publication, and Little Criminals remains unreleased.
- Reading in publication order is recommended for CHERUB, Henderson’s Boys, Robin Hood, and Rock War series to follow character arcs and storylines.
CHERUB Series: The Heart of Muchamore’s Work

The CHERUB series is Muchamore’s most famous work, following a secret British organization that trains orphaned teens (aged 10-17) as undercover spies. These young agents slip under the radar to infiltrate criminal organizations, delivering heart-pounding missions and emotional character arcs. The series is split into two parts: CHERUB Series 1 and CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov), with a World Book Day novella included.
CHERUB Series 1 (Publication Order)
- The Recruit (2004)
Meet James Adams, a troubled 12-year-old offered a fresh start at CHERUB. His first mission involves infiltrating a group of eco-terrorists. Winner of the Red House Children’s Book Award, this book sets the tone with its mix of action and heart.
Why read it? Perfect for fans of spy thrillers like Alex Rider or James Bond but with a unique teen perspective. - Class A (2004)
James goes undercover to take down a drug cartel. The stakes are higher, and the danger is real.
Why read it? Gritty realism and intense action keep you glued to the pages. - Maximum Security (2005)
James is sent to a high-security prison to gather intel on a dangerous inmate.
Why read it? A claustrophobic setting amps up the tension. - The Killing (2005)
James investigates a cult suspected of planning a terrorist attack.
Why read it? A chilling look at manipulation and undercover work. - Divine Madness (2006)
James and his team tackle a mysterious cult brainwashing its members.
Why read it? Combines psychological intrigue with high-octane action. - Man vs Beast (2006)
The team takes on animal rights extremists, exploring ethical dilemmas.
Why read it? Thought-provoking themes paired with thrilling missions. - The Fall (2007)
James faces personal and professional challenges during a mission in Russia.
Why read it? A deeper dive into James’s growth as a character. - Mad Dogs (2007)
A gang war puts James in the crosshairs of danger.
Why read it? Raw, gritty, and action-packed. - The Sleepwalker (2008)
A plane crash raises suspicions, and CHERUB agents investigate.
Why read it? A slower burn with a satisfying payoff. - The General (2008)
James and his team stage a fake riot to test security systems.
Why read it? A clever twist on the spy genre. - Brigands M.C. (2009)
James infiltrates a biker gang in this high-stakes mission.
Why read it? Perfect for readers who love gritty crime stories. - Shadow Wave (2010)
James’s final mission as a CHERUB agent forces him to choose between loyalty and friendship.
Why read it? A bittersweet, action-packed finale to Series 1.
CHERUB Series 2 (Aramov) (Publication Order)
This sequel series introduces new agents like Ryan Sharma while bringing back familiar faces like Lauren Adams. It focuses on the Aramov Clan, a criminal organization.
- People’s Republic (2011)
Ryan Sharma’s first mission takes him to Kyrgyzstan, while Fu Ning, a Chinese girl, flees her boarding school.
Why read it? A fresh cast and global stakes kick off the series. - Guardian Angel (2012)
Ryan saves Ethan’s life, deepening their bond amidst dangerous missions.
Why read it? Emotional depth and high-stakes action. - Black Friday (2013)
Ryan’s mission takes him to a tropical island devastated by a tsunami.
Why read it? A mix of natural disaster and espionage. - Lone Wolf (2014)
Fay, a teen in a Secure Training Centre, teams up with CHERUB to take down a drug ring.
Why read it? A strong female lead and intense undercover work. - New Guard (2016)
The final CHERUB book sees James Adams return for one last mission.
Why read it? A nostalgic wrap-up for longtime fans.
CHERUB Novella
- Dark Sun (2008, World Book Day novella)
A short story introducing new readers to CHERUB’s world of teen spies.
Why read it? A quick, action-packed entry point for new fans.
Reading Tip: Start with The Recruit for the full CHERUB experience. The series builds on character arcs, so reading in publication order is recommended for maximum emotional impact.
Henderson’s Boys Series: The Origins of CHERUB
Set during World War II, the Henderson’s Boys series explores the origins of the CHERUB organization through the eyes of founder Charles Henderson and four young agents: Marc Kilgour, Paul Clarke, Rosie Clarke, and PT Bivott.
Henderson’s Boys (Publication Order)
- The Escape (2009)
In 1940, two British children are hunted by German agents as Charles Henderson forms a secret team.
Why read it? A gripping historical spy thriller. - Eagle Day (2009)
Henderson’s team takes on a mission to disrupt Nazi plans.
Why read it? Perfect for fans of WWII fiction. - Secret Army (2010)
The young agents train for dangerous undercover missions.
Why read it? A mix of training montages and high-stakes action. - Grey Wolves (2011)
The team infiltrates a Nazi submarine base.
Why read it? Intense espionage with historical stakes. - The Prisoner (2012)
Marc Kilgour faces brutal conditions as a prisoner of war.
Why read it? A darker, emotional entry. - One Shot Kill (2012)
A sniper mission tests the team’s skills and loyalty.
Why read it? Action-packed with moral dilemmas. - Scorched Earth (2013)
The final book sees the team fight to disrupt Nazi plans in France.
Why read it? A thrilling conclusion to the prequel series.
Reading Tip: Read Henderson’s Boys after CHERUB if you want context for the organization’s origins, but it stands alone as a historical adventure series.
Robin Hood Series: A Modern Retelling
Muchamore’s Robin Hood series reimagines the classic legend in a gritty, modern setting. Twelve-year-old Robin and his brother Little John fight against corruption in Locksley, a dystopian town ruled by criminal boss Guy Gisborne. Expect high-energy action and tech-savvy heists.
Robin Hood Series (Publication Order)
- Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows (2020)
Robin and Little John are forced into Sherwood Forest after their dad is framed.
Why read it? A fresh, techy take on Robin Hood. - Piracy, Paintballs & Zebras (2021)
Robin and Marion take on corrupt authorities with daring stunts.
Why read it? Fast-paced and full of rebellion. - Jet Skis, Swamps & Smugglers (2021)
The fight continues in a swampy, action-packed adventure.
Why read it? Unique settings and relentless energy. - Drones, Dams & Destruction (2022)
Robin uses drones to battle corruption.
Why read it? Tech-heavy and thrilling. - Ransoms, Raids & Revenge (2022)
The stakes rise as Robin seeks justice.
Why read it? Emotional and action-packed. - Bandits, Dirt Bikes & Trash (2023)
Robin and friends face new challenges in a gritty setting.
Why read it? Perfect for fans of underdog stories. - Prisons, Parties & Powerboats (2023)
Robin’s adventures take him from prisons to high-speed chases.
Why read it? Non-stop action and surprises. - Ballots, Blasts & Betrayal (2024)
Political intrigue and explosive action define this installment.
Why read it? A modern twist on Robin Hood’s legacy. - Fury, Fire & Frost (2024)
The latest book brings intense stakes and fiery action.
Why read it? A must-read for series fans.
Reading Tip: Start with Hacking, Heists & Flaming Arrows and read in order, as the series follows a continuous storyline.
Rock War Series: Music and Drama
The Rock War series follows teens Jay, Summer, and Dylan as they compete in a musical competition. It’s less spy-focused but still packed with Muchamore’s signature drama and character depth.
Rock War Series (Publication Order)
- Rock War (2014)
Three teens chase fame in a music competition.
Why read it? A fun, drama-filled departure from spies. - Boot Camp (2015)
The competition heats up with intense training and rivalries.
Why read it? Great for fans of music and teen drama. - Gone Wild (2016)
Personal struggles and competition collide.
Why read it? Emotional and gripping. - Crash Landing (2017)
The final book wraps up the band’s journey.
Why read it? A satisfying series conclusion. - The Audition (2014, World Book Day novella)
A short story introducing the Rock War world.
Why read it? A quick taste of the series.
Reading Tip: Read in publication order for the best experience, as character arcs build across the books.
Standalone Novels
Muchamore has also written two standalone novels, both tackling unique themes:
- Killer T (2018)
Set in a near-futuristic Las Vegas, this story follows teens Harry and Charlie in a world of genetic modifications.
Why read it? A thrilling sci-fi twist for Muchamore fans. - Arctic Zoo (2019)
Two teens navigate protest, sexuality, and mental health in very different lives.
Why read it? A thought-provoking, emotional read.
Note: Muchamore wrote two unpublished novels, Home and Little Criminals. Home is available online, set in a fictional African civil war, but was deemed too violent for publication. Little Criminals remains unpublished but may see release in the future.
How to Read Robert Muchamore’s Books: Tips for New Readers
- Start with CHERUB: Begin with The Recruit for an action-packed introduction to Muchamore’s style. It’s his most popular series and a great entry point.
- Follow Publication Order: Each series builds on previous books, so stick to the order listed above for continuity.
- Explore Henderson’s Boys for Historical Context: If you love CHERUB, this prequel series adds depth to the organization’s origins.
- Try Robin Hood for a Modern Twist: Perfect for readers who enjoy tech-savvy, rebellious heroes.
- Don’t Skip Standalones: Killer T and Arctic Zoo showcase Muchamore’s versatility.
- For Younger Readers: The CHERUB and Robin Hood series are ideal for ages 10-17, while Rock War suits music fans.
Why Readers Love Robert Muchamore
Muchamore’s books stand out for their:
- Realistic Characters: Teens like James Adams and Robin Hood face real struggles, from family issues to moral dilemmas.
- Gritty Action: His spy missions and heists are intense but grounded, with consequences that hit hard.
- Relatable Themes: Friendship, loyalty, and growing up resonate with readers of all ages.
- Engaging Writing: Muchamore never talks down to his audience, blending humor, heart, and suspense.
Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise his ability to keep readers hooked, with one reviewer noting, “My sons devoured the CHERUB series, finishing one book and immediately grabbing the next!”
Where to Buy Robert Muchamore’s Books
You can find Muchamore’s books at major retailers like:
- Amazon: Check for eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
- Waterstones: Offers click-and-collect and free UK delivery on orders over £25.
- Books2Door: Great for discounted series bundles, like the CHERUB Series 1 or Robin Hood collections.
Fun Facts About Robert Muchamore
- He was inspired to write CHERUB because his nephew couldn’t find exciting teen books.
- Muchamore loves Arsenal and hates swimming and cows.
- His CHERUB series has been translated into over 20 languages and sold over 15 million copies.
- Before writing, he worked as a private investigator, adding authenticity to his spy stories.
Conclusion: Start Your Robert Muchamore Adventure Today!
Whether you’re drawn to the spy thrills of CHERUB, the historical drama of Henderson’s Boys, the rebellious spirit of Robin Hood, or the musical rivalries of Rock War, Robert Muchamore’s books offer something for every reader. With this guide, you can dive into his world in the right order and discover why millions of fans can’t get enough of his stories.
Which series will you start with? Let us know in the comments, and share your favorite Muchamore moments! For more book recommendations and reading tips, subscribe to our blog or follow us on social media.
Happy reading, and may your adventures with Muchamore’s heroes be as thrilling as their missions!

