The Killing (CHERUB)

by Robert Muchamore

As I said in an earlier review, I'm really surprised James anger issues aren't addressed more thoroughly. He clearly needs counselling to deal with these. I'm not sure he actually understands that what he does to Andy is wrong. Like he does but he really doesn't. But I'm not sure all his friends blanking him and the corresponding whinging send the right message that it was wrong. In addition to that the following scene rubs me the wrong way.

‘So, James,’ Millie smirked, covering her mouth as though she didn’t want Zara to hear. ‘As one CHERUB to another, how’d you end up on cleaning detail?’ ‘I got in a fight,’ James said awkwardly. Zara smiled. ‘Well that’s not exactly true, is it James?’ ‘I dunno, isn’t it?’ ‘Get this,’ Zara grinned as she pointed at James. ‘The silly muppet got himself dumped by his girlfriend. So he storms out and thumps the first person he sees: a little scrap of an eleven-year-old kid.’ Millie put her hands over her mouth. ‘Oh my god,’ she smiled. ‘James, how could you? And you’re so sweet with Joshua.’ James felt awkward and dumb, even though he realised Millie was trying to be nice. ‘So, like I said,’ Zara interrupted, ‘young James has some very good mission experience, but right now he’s down in the dumps. His friends have all given him the boot. He’s lost his summer holiday and the only way he’ll get out of cleaning duty is if I send him on a mission.’

Muchamore, Robert. CHERUB: The Killing: Book 4 (CHERUB Series) (pp. 95-96). Hachette Children's Group. Kindle Edition.

It doesn't seem like Zara appreciates the seriousness of what James did. Indeed it appears as if she sympathises - and I really don't think she should as the adult in the scenario. Furthermore, getting him out of the appropriate punishment he's been given enforces this message that it's okay. Lauren hitting Large was at least understandable. This wasn't. You can't just go around hitting anyone you want. Why on earth is Lauren's punishment so much harder and James isn't?

Disregarding that - I also don't understand the attraction to Kerry anyway. She's immature and annoying and prone to violence. I don't find they have any chemistry and I find them both painful.

The mission itself was okay. In addition to James attitude towards women, this book adds Dave's. Both of them are pigs. Women aren't objects available only for men's satisfaction. And it kind of seems like that's the message this book sends. Women are people. Human beings with thoughts and feelings.

This all being said - I actually do enjoy this series. I have to ignore a lot of the sexist crap but the plots are always interesting and action packed.