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Mad Dogs (Cherub #8)

4.23 of 5 stars 4.23 · rating details · 3,643 ratings · 86 reviews

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes onto the streets.

The police need information fast and James Adam has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all.

Paperback, 394 pages

Published October 1st 2007 by Hodder & Stoughton

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May 07, 2013 Brice Farrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

MI5 isn’t hiding a secret bigger than James Bond and Alex Rider, it’s Cherub. Cherubs are trained professionals, that don’t exist and are aged between ten and seventeen. They were created because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them. For official purposes, these children do not exist.The land on which campus sits was originally a small village surrounded by farmland. In 1940 the British government cleared the area to use the land as an testing range for artillery shells. n early...more

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Dec 16, 2010 Daniel Nosbush added it

Mad Dogs, By Robert Muchamore is the 8th book in the Cherub series. There are 11 books in the series and more coming. In the books before James Adams goes on different missions as part of a secret agency that recruits kids to do difficult missions for M15. M15 is like the FBI in America but these books are based out of the U.K. The reason that CHERUB (the secret agency that James is in) uses kids for their missions is because in drug rings or terrorist groups the leaders don’t ever think that th...more Mad Dogs, By Robert Muchamore is the 8th book in the Cherub series. There are 11 books in the series and more coming. In the books before James Adams goes on different missions as part of a secret agency that recruits kids to do difficult missions for M15. M15 is like the FBI in America but these books are based out of the U.K. The reason that CHERUB (the secret agency that James is in) uses kids for their missions is because in drug rings or terrorist groups the leaders don’t ever think that the kids they may think are “trailer trash” or whatever their identity needs to be for that mission will be highly trained professionals in the art of many different things like karate and intelligence. James is a 2nd dan black belt in Jujitsu. That means he’s really good. In one of the books before Mad Dogs, James goes on a mission to try and infiltrate and end one of the largest drug gangs in Europe. It is called KMG ( Keith Moore Gang). The reason James is pick for this mission is because Keith Moore has a son that is about the age of James. He makes friends with Keith’s son Junior and helps take down KMG. Now the reason that KMG is so important is because in Mad Dogs James joins up with Junior Moore again to take another gang down. But this time it is a gang war and another member of CHERUB is on the other side. The Mad Dogs is the gang James is trying to take down and Michael who is the other CHERUB agent is in the Slasher Boys. They are a Jamaican gang that does everything from selling drugs to robbing banks. There is two other Cherubs on the mission too. Gabrielle, who is Michaels girlfriend is also Jamaican giving her a way into the gang also. But Gabrielle was nearly killed by a rival gang member. The gang that he was in is the other gang in the town. The Runts are just a gang of misfit teens but they are definitely hardcore. Gabrielle got stabbed in the back by a Runt and was withdrawn from the mission for a while. This is when James and the other CHERUB (Bruce Norris) with him join the mission. Their Mission is to take down the Mad Dogs top officials. It will be very hard with the war going on though. When the Slasher Boys are having a very large drug deal and the Mad Dogs and runts hear about it that is when the downfall began. The Mad Dogs “were” planning one taking the drugs and getting out as fast as possible but it didn’t work out that way. The Slasher Boys knew the Mad Dogs were going to try taking it. So they devised a plan. But with no Intel coming from The Runts it was a surprises to everybody when they came running over a hill where the deal was supposed to take place. The Mad Dogs were going to make an explosion in the warehouse the deal was taken place so they would have less police in the airport where the drugs were being shipped by to the warehouse. The Mad Dogs would take the drugs and get out trouble free. It didn’t work out that way… In the end most of the top gang members in the Slasher Boys and Mad Dogs were taken down. Except for one Leader, the leader of the Slasher boys. Major Dee got away at the last moment not to be captured (less)

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Aug 03, 2009 Reggie added it

I am such a spy junkie! I love this author so much!!! This is definitely one of my two favorite spy series.

I really gained insight into how some of the biggest criminal masterminds work. The way James and Bruce infiltrated the Mad Dogs was flawless and obviously well-planned. I couldn't put this book down once I started to read it. All of the pieces fit together and I wasn't able to find any plot holes whatsoever.

The writing. Muchamore's writing is impeccable. He described everything without mak...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Adam rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book had me amazed.This time James Adams is on a mission to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all,Mad Dogs.Junior from Class A is in this mission,And believe it or not junior is still doing coke. Junior gets annoyed because Sasha,the gang leader,is not giving him any jobs to do to earn money.He try's to rob a money change place and is unsucsessful and gets arrested.

**SPOILER ALERT!**

James has sex with Lois,Sasha's daughter.That was before junior got sick of having no jobs to do and robs...more

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Mar 04, 2012 Captainfalcon rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Robert Muchamore writes a series of books, i believe he is not only thinking about how to get the reader’s attention but also how to put the reader in a realistic world. One of his best examples of this trait is in the book Cherub Mission 8: Mad Dogs. This book is the either book in the series and it automatically brings me into the plot like I am an actual character in the book. His words make the scenery seem so vivid as if it were real. James Adams must go undercover to bring peace upon...more When Robert Muchamore writes a series of books, i believe he is not only thinking about how to get the reader’s attention but also how to put the reader in a realistic world. One of his best examples of this trait is in the book Cherub Mission 8: Mad Dogs. This book is the either book in the series and it automatically brings me into the plot like I am an actual character in the book. His words make the scenery seem so vivid as if it were real. James Adams must go undercover to bring peace upon the gang world in Britain. Did I mention he is only 15? This was all made possible by elite force called Cherub. Cherub is a British Intelligence Agency that recruits children ages 10- 17 years of age, and trains them in different areas of focus ( like a boarding school). From fighting to computer hacking, does James Adams have the amount of knowledge to accomplish his tasks?
Out of all of Robert Muchamores traits, I find his characterization to be the best. Throughout the series you learn more about the character, whether it is interior changed or exterior changes to the character he describes it in such a great way. A lot of the description is made possible by his amazing word choice. Since book one you have seen James Adams change not only from his personality but Robert also tells you how his clothing style changes. He does this because James under goes a transformation that happens to kids and teens globally. A lot of the characterization comes from obstacles that have the power to change you drastically, from losing love ones, losing best friends, or just getting into a life changing experience, James gets it all.
One other strength in writing that Robert Muchamore has is his description of the setting or scenery in the book. When James is on the Cherub Campus or staking out a gang in Stockholm, Robert seems to describe the setting with such powerful words that it feels as if you were actually there. Robert uses just the right words at the right times to create a distinctive image in your mind. For example, the first time James Adams stepped on the Cherub campus, the detail was stuck in my mind through the entire series. The setting also undermines a series of changes, which are described perfectly and change the image in my mind without distortion or confusion.
The theme I found lying in this book was astonishing, Challenges are tough, but they make you stronger in the end. I feel like I can apply this to my life, because each day I go through different tasks and some are hard, but I know if I keep pushing I can do well. If I make an error I learn from my mistakes and I move on. James Adams seems like a normal teenager aside from all the spy training he has acquired. He feels the same feelings that I feel at times, and I get to understand how he works it out.
In the end this book is an amazing read for me. I get the type of action I like along with the casual side of the story. I let it apply to my life and it helps me learn. I’d recommend this book to anyone; of course I’d first refer them to the first book first.
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Mar 24, 2011 Nels Paulson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent series. Take the time frame that Harry Potter books write in (he ages from 12-18 over the series) and instead of a world of Fantasy make it a world of Spy craft. This Basically is children being James Bond or Jason Borne and based on each book everything seems fairly realistic. The one thing I appreciated over the entirety of the series is the fact that the characters actually grow and deal with puberty. It adds a layer that makes the series more teen appropriate than the Harry potter...more

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Mar 03, 2011 William rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think this book is really exciting and really hooks you in. Yes James Adam breaks up with Kerry again and goes out with Dana. This book is different from the other Cherub books because Gabrielle actually got stabbed and they talked about all the Cherubs that have died from missions. All Cherubs gathered together for memorial ceremony. The sad part of the book is that Kyle is leaving Cherub to go to university. The really exciting part is when Mr.Large gets drunk and gets fired. Lauren was the...more

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May 31, 2011 Ben rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mad Dogs has a twisted plot about drugs, girls, and friendship. It's a good book judging it by it's cover but if you really read the book you will find that the book itself is really really good. The content of what's with in is great. It starts out strong and jumps to the point. The rising actions are really well planned out for each chapter. But at the end it's disappointing because it's not a very strong ending. Endings are suppose to end out either abrupt or with a happy ending, worst case s...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Shashank Aggarwal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mad Dogs

I have just recently finished the novel Mad Dogs by Robert Muchamore which is the eighth book in the action packed series. Mad Dogs is best for readers who are willing to endure the suspense and exhilaration of this beautifully written novel. This book comprises of different elements that make this book a great read. The author has described the setting excellently. So well, that you can almost imagine yourself there watching the story unfold. Muchamore uses a great variety of vocabulary...more Mad Dogs

I have just recently finished the novel Mad Dogs by Robert Muchamore which is the eighth book in the action packed series. Mad Dogs is best for readers who are willing to endure the suspense and exhilaration of this beautifully written novel. This book comprises of different elements that make this book a great read. The author has described the setting excellently. So well, that you can almost imagine yourself there watching the story unfold. Muchamore uses a great variety of vocabulary that grips the reader and doesn’t let go.

Cherub is a an organization that turns orphans into highly skilled agents. The plot revolves around two major drug dealing gangs in the turf war surrounding the collapse of KMG (Class A Second Book) Gabrielle O'Brien and Michael Hendry are sent to infiltrate the infamous 'Slasher Boys', led by a man who calls himself Major Dee. Later on Gabrielle is stabbed badly in the stomach and back and is sent back to campus. Michael Hendry still stays. Meanwhile back at campus, James Adams and Dana 16 years old, are helping on the last few days of Basic Training as instructors.

Once Gabrielle recovers, James and Bruce are sent back to finish what she started. They are sent to infiltrate the group known as the Mad Dogs. James uses his past relationship with Junior Moore to make infiltrating the gang much more simplistic. He is soon accepted into the gang and given a major role. An older gang member, Wheels, takes him on a hotel robbery, where they bind and gag the two room occupants. Wheels and James take out of their bank account and steal their car. However, James being given a high role annoys Junior, who Sasha Thompson, the Mad Dogs leader, is trying to protect. Junior then gets sent to jail for an armed robbery and is sentenced for 6 years in a juvenile prison.

My two favorite scenes include the armed robbery and the basic training compound. The armed robbery was very detailed and contained real intensity. Muchamore uses key points that signify how wealthy those occupants were.

The basic training compound was a very intriguing and exhilarating scene. The scene comprises of twelve young recruits suffering through the excruciating few days of basic training. James Adams, along with fellow training instructors are teaching the reaming twelve how to survive in the wild. Robert uses great vocabulary that describe the setting of this beautifully written scene.

“Punchy, humorous and whats more, you’ll completely wish it was true”. This is what is written on the front cover and yes, it is utterly true.

Shashank

7JuC

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May 06, 2013 Felix rated it 5 of 5 stars

MAD DOGS BEWARE OF SPOILERS

I found this series through one of my friends he has been supplying me the books this is the 8th book on the series and it was really good it had just the right amount of humor,just the right amount of violence and a good amount to.

This book is a book i have read last year so im not sure if it counts but if it did it would be under the category of "a book with a male main character".Because it kind of says it but James is a boy In the story.It revolves around how he...more

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Feb 21, 2013 Pawnee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: yo, reading-logs

category=a book with a male main character
the cherub series is on child secret services who try and infiltrate gangs and major drug dealers to try and send them to jail.

I really enjoyed reading mad dogs because it had good characters that suited the story and had a really good plot/climax which made me keen to read the next book in the series.

the character i most like was James the main character in the series because he is courageous and nothing stops him when he is on a mission

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Jan 03, 2013 Conrad rated it 4 of 5 stars

This eight book in the cherub series was very suspenseful because it introduced old characters that you feared would come back because they were so bad. The author wrote the book very well because he used the characters to connect with you and even feel bad for the bad people. This book tied in with the second book the dealer. This made it very good because both plots work together. I didn't give it a fifth star because it wasn't very realistic with the events that took place. For example a teen...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Alexandra Logan rated it 5 of 5 stars

A Cherub agent is critically injured in action sparking an ethical review and increased manpower to a mission to infiltrate gang crime in London. James is asked to ingratiate himself with an old friend to get on the inside. Mission is partly successful.

The next exciting instalment in the Cherub series provides a more in depth look at some of the characters and their moral stance. An interesting look at gang culture and teenage crime.

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May 24, 2012 Hayden Schott rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book, Mad dogs is number eight of the Cherub series. This book may not be the best book in the series, but it is still very good. It has many genres including, drama, action, comedy and spy. At times, it was boring and slow, but whenever it wasn't, it was fast paced and exciting. Like many spy books, there was a some slowness at the beginning, then it turns into a page turner for some time, it gets even slower than the beginning, and finally, there's the climax. I enjoy this kind of plot lin...more

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Feb 17, 2012 Immi is currently reading it

Shelves: crime

The British underworld is controlled by gangs. When two of them start a turf war, violence explodes on to the streets.
The police need information fast, and James Adams has the contacts to infiltrate the most dangerous gang of all.
He works for CHERUB.
Cherubs are trained professionals, aged between ten and seventeen. They exist because criminals never suspect that kids are spying on them.

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Dec 07, 2012 Paige rated it 2 of 5 stars

I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. A lot of my (boy) friends said it was an Amazing book, but being a girl I didn't feel entertained. I felt like I would get lost and bored In the book. I found myself skimming a lot and flipping through pages. I would not recommend this to a girl, but I would most definitely recommend it to a boy.

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Sep 25, 2011 Josh well rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cherub-series

Mad dogs are written by Robert Muchamore this book is in the cherub serious of books. This book is about two gangs that are having a war and cherub is trying to stop it. The Salford boys and the mad dogs are the ones having the fight. The mad dog is run by Sasha and the Salford boys were run by Major Dee.

My favourite character is Zara Asker the chairwomen of cherub she was my favourite character because she was kind to Lauren and she was nice to meatball as well.

My favourite part was when Mr la...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Jake Tinsley rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really like this book because it is action packed. It has heaps of war scenes with violence and its also about spies. Its about a spy who has too go undercover in one of the most brutal gangs, and he gets in too heaps of fights and stuff. Its a really a cool book it keeps you reading and it is never dull or boring. I would definetly recommend reading this book.

Jake.

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Jan 05, 2010 Jacob rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a very good book. I recommend it to all the people in our particular grade as the kids are that age. It is the 9th book in the series so I would recommend starting out with the Recruit. It is about kid spies and has a lot of action. All in all I rate this entire series 5 stars.

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Mar 30, 2013 Zach Farrant rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book as it has a sense of danger to children/teenagers , which I am able to relate to , my favorite part of "mad dogs" is when towards the end of the book , there is a lot of tension and it all explodes within fifteen pages of action!!!

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Jan 04, 2013 Will rated it 5 of 5 stars

I would rate this book a 5/5. I would give it a perfect score because I thought it was a very good book. It took place in 2005 and in the United Kingdom. The main characters were Bruce and James. Other important characters were Michael and Gabrielle. Bruce and James went 40 minutes from London to join the gang Mad Dogs. They had to join this gang to find out more information about the gang so they could take the gang down. While they were in this gang Michael and Gabrielle were in the gang Slash...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Cathal Cocoman added it

This book is very intresting an "unputdownable",It is based in England, Cherub is a secret organisation for children whome are secret agents and spies it is a 11-12 book series i would not reccomend this to young or old readers (12-15)

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Sep 13, 2011 Andrew Anastasi rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of the better CHERUB books. Lots of action, including a full-on gang war.

*** SPOILER ***
*** BELOW ***

James loses his virginity and someone on the CHERUB team gets stabbed and almost dies.

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Dec 20, 2012 Jana Babáčková rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: thoughtful

... misclassified as children's literature, perhaps because of first two parts :o) Anyway, I love Cherub books for many reasons that are may not interesting for you, but if nothing else, each book takes a deep look into everyday issues like sects, bikers,drugs, animal rights, terrorism and so on.

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Jun 07, 2011 Bethany rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cherub

This was one of the best books of the season. I loved reading it and see who much Junior M. had changed from the last time James Adams had meet him. I would definently recommend reading this book!

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Feb 12, 2011 Jessica H rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cherub

I think the Cherub series is great. This book is really good I like the main idea/problem (2 gang having a war) and it has lots of violence, Murder and Action. People who like action books would really like Cherub and Mad Dogs.

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Apr 23, 2010 Stephen K rated it 5 of 5 stars

This series is really good and exciting i really enjoyed reading them id recomend them to people who like spys and adventure/action stories!

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Jun 22, 2012 Alison rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, epic

Really exhilarating, action-packed read!! The story is very unique and I really enjoyed it. I just do not like the really disturbing part - really?? at the age of 15??

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Oct 31, 2010 Tyrus rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: cherub

Not the best cherub, but not the worst. Robert Muchamore wrote the story well and it was a good mission idea. But i would have liked more on the pre mission with Gabriell and Michel.

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Feb 05, 2013 Baily rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing as all the other CHERUB books. In every chapter there were new mental and physical decisions to be made but at the same time there were always consequences having to do with the actions as well. Even in the last scene there was action. Overall an existing and good book.

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About Robert Muchamore

Robert Muchamore was born in Islington, London in 1972. He still lives there, and worked as a private investigator up until 2005 and the critically-accepted release of Maximum Security.

The Hunger Games phenomenon is part of the huge YA / Children's book explosion that has grown, thanks to the British Rat pack of YA authors, Anthony Horowitz, Robert Muchamore, Mark A Cooper, Joe Craig and Charlie...more

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Mad Dogs (Cherub #8)

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