A parent might reach for this book when their action-loving teen is ready for more complex, morally gray stories that don't shy away from realism. For young readers who find other adventure series too simplistic, 'The General' offers a gritty and thought-provoking alternative. The story follows teenage CHERUB agent James Adams on a dangerous undercover mission to infiltrate the army of a brutal warlord. It tackles mature themes of loyalty, the ethics of war, and the psychological toll of violence, all within a fast-paced spy thriller. While intense, it's a compelling read for mature teens (13+) that respects their ability to handle difficult questions and provides a high-octane plot that can compete with video games and movies.
Deaths occur during combat situations. They are not overly graphic but are treated realistically.
LanguageMild
Includes some realistic profanity appropriate for the teenage characters and intense situations.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
The premise of using child spies and the actions required for the mission raise ethical questions.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with violence, war, and the phenomenon of child soldiers. The approach is secular and unflinching, portraying the brutality of the situation without being gratuitous. Deaths occur during combat, and the characters face constant peril. The resolution is successful from a mission standpoint but leaves the characters (and reader) with an understanding of the moral and psychological costs of their work. The tone is realistic, not ambiguous or overly hopeful about the nature of conflict.
Ideal Reader
A mature 13 to 16-year-old who devours action movies and tactical video games. This reader is likely bored by traditional fantasy or school stories and wants a book with real-world stakes, grit, and moral complexity. They are not easily frightened by violence and appreciate a fast-paced, plot-driven story that treats them like an adult.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the entire CHERUB series is known for its realism concerning violence, mild language, and some romantic/sexual references (though less so in this particular book). The core premise involves children being placed in extreme danger. It’s best if a parent is comfortable with this level of intensity. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the first book, 'The Recruit', provides helpful context about the CHERUB organization. A parent hears their teen complain that books are 'boring' or 'for little kids'. They notice their child is drawn to intense, action-oriented media and want to find a book that offers a similar thrill but with more substance and character depth. The parent is looking for a gateway from screen-time to a sophisticated reading experience.
Age Experience
A younger reader (12-13) will be captivated by the action, the spy tech, and the 'kids succeeding in an adult world' fantasy. They will see James primarily as a cool, capable hero. An older teen (14-16) is more likely to grapple with the ethical questions: the morality of using child spies, the trauma James endures, and the complex portrayal of the 'enemy' characters, like the warlord's son.
What Makes It Special
While often compared to the Alex Rider series, 'The General' and the CHERUB series are far grittier and more grounded. Unlike the high-tech, slightly fantastical world of Alex Rider, CHERUB presents a world with realistic consequences and deep moral ambiguity. This book's unique angle is its direct engagement with the real-world issue of child soldiers, embedding a serious topic within an accessible, high-octane thriller format.
Read plot summary
CHERUB agents James Adams, his sister Lauren, and others are sent from the UK to the United States for a massive training exercise with the US army, simulating an attack on a terrorist compound. The exercise becomes a real-world briefing for a mission to take down a notorious African warlord operating from a fortified community in Texas. James's task is to befriend the warlord's teenage son, gain his trust, and infiltrate the organization from the inside. The mission forces James to navigate the brutal hierarchy of the warlord's personal army, which includes many child soldiers, and confront the harsh realities of armed conflict firsthand.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
James has to befriend the warlord's son to complete his mission. Did you feel sympathy for the son? How did this relationship make James's job more complicated or morally difficult?
2
The book begins with an elaborate training exercise. In what ways did the training prepare James for the real mission, and what aspects of the real world could the training never truly simulate?
3
CHERUB operates on the principle that children can go where adults can't. After reading about this mission, do you believe the benefits of using kids as spies outweigh the risks and ethical problems?
4
During the mission, James has to act like one of the warlord's soldiers. Was there a point where you felt his actions crossed a line, even though he was undercover?
