This book takes a different approach from previous ones. Instead of a long mission taking most of the book, we have a short one and then most of the story takes place in the Cherub campus. James almost dies in a mission in Russia that goes wrong and then it looks like he might be expelled from Cherub.

I really appreciated the time we get to spend here in the Cherub campus. Missions are exciting and dangerous, but the going-ons at the campus are a lot of fun and, as usual, there is always something important happening, so there's never any time to get bored. Besides, James' love life never fails to entertain.

There was also a subplot with Lauren on a short solo mission.

Some comments, between spoiler tags:

The relationship between James and Lauren is very nice. They have very different personalities and they are always bickering and teasing each other, but they really love each other. Perhaps in this book we see it better than anywhere else.

So we finally find out what James needed to do to finally get his black shirt: saving the life of the Cherub director's husband

In another writer's hands, that story from Mr. Pike about how slimy Ewart had been a kid would mean that Ewart was a bad apple, but interestingly it was just a red herring here. It was strange that Mr. Pike would give James his security card... he sure bears a grudge even after 15 years

So... James and Dana. I don't know. His relationship with Kerry was stagnant, and she was not very supportive here when he needed his friends most, but it doesn't seem like he has much in common with Dana beyond the physical attraction. Dana was great in this book, though. ( )

Once again, the whole Kerry/James relationship was annoying and stupid. I love Dana so seeing more of her is always a bonus. Lauren had some dumb moments in this one - Dana and James were having an affair and ran away? Why spread rumours? . I enjoyed her mission to undercover the human trafficking ring. She's very resourceful. ( )

Lors de la chute de l'empire soviétique, Denis Obidin a fait main basse sur l'industrie aéronautique russe. Aujourd'hui confronté à des difficultés financières, il s'apprête à vendre son arsenal à des groupes terroristes. James est envoyé en Russie pour infiltrer le clan Obidin. Il ignore encore que cette mission va le conduire au bord de l'abîme...

I recomend this series to every person i know.
"punchy exiting glamouras and what more you'll compleatly wish it was true" the sunday express ( )

I really enjoyed this undercover story. ( )