An Australian-based cult has been linked with the ec-terrorist group Help Earth (an organisation already linked to to over 200 deaths since it emerged in 2003). CHERUB has been selected to participate in a joint operation with the Australian Secret Intelligent Service (ASIS) to infiltrate the paranoid organisation. Highly dangerous, the mission involves allowing a team of one adult and three children to be recruited into The Survivors, with the aim of having the child agents selected for the cult's elite education program - a school in the remote outback. In addition to the problems of distance, the cult are expert in brain washing techniques, and there are internal power struggles in the lead up to the imminent death of the cult's elderly leader. James, along with his younger sister Lauren, and Aussie cherub Dana Smith are posing as the children of a recently widowed, and apparently wealthy woman (Abigail, an ASIS agent).
Divine Madness has all the elements that made the first three books in the CHERUB series so good - strong characterisation, a fast-paced plot, realistic action (along with actual injury), and attention to detail. The Australian aspect is interesting, primarily from a geographic perspective, and Muchamore has managed to avoid the usual clichés.
I ripped through Divine Madness and eagerly await the fifth in this compelling series. - Alex
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