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Henderson's Boys #7
Scorched Earth
Summer, 1944.
As Allied soldiers prepare to land in France, Marc and his friends must destroy a battalion of German tanks that could halt the invasion in its tracks.
The tide of war has turned against the Nazis, but desperation has made them more brutal than ever.
Henderson's Boys' final mission will be their most dangerous. With food and weapons in short supply, survival is the biggest challenge of all.
As Allied soldiers prepare to land in France, Marc and his friends must destroy a battalion of German tanks that could halt the invasion in its tracks.
The tide of war has turned against the Nazis, but desperation has made them more brutal than ever.
Henderson's Boys' final mission will be their most dangerous. With food and weapons in short supply, survival is the biggest challenge of all.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2013
124 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Robert Muchamore
148 books1,910 followersRobert 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 and Charlie Higson. We owe much of the hunger games sucess to authors such as Robert.
Robert was inspired to create the CHERUB series by his nephew after he complained about the lack of anything for them to read. CHERUB: The Recruit was Robert's first book and won the Red House Children's Book Award 2005 in the Older Readers Category.
Following the last book in the CHERUB series, it was revealed that a trilogy would be released starting from August 2011 that will focus on a new set of CHERUB agents centred upon Ryan Sharma and also involve an sixteen year old Lauren Adams. The first book will be called People's Republic.
Check out the Hendersons Boys series. Henderson's Boys is a series of young adult spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore. The series follows Charles Henderson, the creator of the fictitious CHERUB organisation.
CHERUB is currently being made into a TV series.
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 and Charlie Higson. We owe much of the hunger games sucess to authors such as Robert.
Robert was inspired to create the CHERUB series by his nephew after he complained about the lack of anything for them to read. CHERUB: The Recruit was Robert's first book and won the Red House Children's Book Award 2005 in the Older Readers Category.
Following the last book in the CHERUB series, it was revealed that a trilogy would be released starting from August 2011 that will focus on a new set of CHERUB agents centred upon Ryan Sharma and also involve an sixteen year old Lauren Adams. The first book will be called People's Republic.
Check out the Hendersons Boys series. Henderson's Boys is a series of young adult spy novels written by English author Robert Muchamore. The series follows Charles Henderson, the creator of the fictitious CHERUB organisation.
CHERUB is currently being made into a TV series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 10, 2016
I was lucky to get a ‘galleys’ copy of this, my company does work for Robert Muchamore.
This is another hit, a great novel, with plenty of action and suspense. Robert Muchamore ads his normal style of humor, may not be good for under 14, some of it is pretty graphic.
This is another hit, a great novel, with plenty of action and suspense. Robert Muchamore ads his normal style of humor, may not be good for under 14, some of it is pretty graphic.
November 14, 2022
A poor end to the Henderson's Boys series. This book is patchy and without a sense of overall direction - it feels like two separate (and equally sub-par) stories smashed together. Whilst it retains the violence and gore from the earlier books (perhaps increasing on it), it fails to achieve the grittiness and hardship of WWII rebellion. The characters feel like they are enjoying a jolly holiday whilst going round killing Nazis, whereas the earlier books put an emphasis on the secrecy and fear that shrouded all operations in Nazi-controlled France.
Another criticism is that Scorched Earth and the other later books in the series, had a growing dependency on explosives and 'blowing up' the enemy. I'm not sure how much dynamite and plastic explosives they got through during this book, but I imagine it must have been growing on trees during this period.
The novel ends suddenly, with not much closure given to the various characters we have come to know throughout the series. The epilogue is by far the best part, as it does its best to wrap up the various character arcs, as well as rectify some glaring differences between these books and the 'History of Cherub' timelines in the early Cherub books. Overall a poor end, 2 stars.
Another criticism is that Scorched Earth and the other later books in the series, had a growing dependency on explosives and 'blowing up' the enemy. I'm not sure how much dynamite and plastic explosives they got through during this book, but I imagine it must have been growing on trees during this period.
The novel ends suddenly, with not much closure given to the various characters we have come to know throughout the series. The epilogue is by far the best part, as it does its best to wrap up the various character arcs, as well as rectify some glaring differences between these books and the 'History of Cherub' timelines in the early Cherub books. Overall a poor end, 2 stars.
June 6, 2014
I was happy with this book, and I did enjoy it. However, I felt it wasn't as good as some of the previous books in the series, and especially not as great as the original CHERUB novels. I felt that the plot was really slow at points, and while I've always admired Robert Muchamore's realism and down-to-earth-ness, with this book, it got a bit too dry. What I really loved about CHERUB was the interactions with the characters and the relationships between them, but we really didn't get as much of that in this book. Thus, a bit disappointing. I thought that the series would be more of a spy, and thats what it started out has, however as the series progressed it turned into a more of a war, which I didn't really like.
May 1, 2018
It was a struggle to finish this book. My heart just wasn't in it. So I was too sad to read the rest with any enthusiasm. My questions were answered in the aftermath. The last quarter was fairly action packed but I just didn't care by that point.
February 26, 2014
Rosie??? What??? Why couldn't PT??? Disappear??? jEEZ. I don't like the ending thing and you know. What the heck. But I am randomly proud of myself for finishing the freaking worst series ever... yay. Strangely happy.
March 4, 2018
When you read this book, you feel like you are reading a story that really happened. Muchamore explores the historic facts around the fictional storyline, like a pro.
November 17, 2017
In the final installment of the Henderson Boys series, Robert Muchamore does not pull his punches. This book is an intense representation of the events of World War Two, told with the usual great skill and expertise that is now expected of Robert. It is emotionally packed, finally addressing issues that readers have found niggling at the back of their minds. It also goes a long way in showing how much our beloved characters have grown and matured over the course of the series.
Of course, the action scenes and high stake situations never cease and this final novel shows a brilliant light at the end of the 5 year rage of war tunnel. It was a completely captivating read, charged and extremely realistic.
In particular, I enjoyed how the summary of every major character's story was included at the end. it was tantamount to gift wrapping a beautiful present with a lovely pink bow. This was a suitable finish to the whirlwind series and it completely deserves to be read.
Of course, the action scenes and high stake situations never cease and this final novel shows a brilliant light at the end of the 5 year rage of war tunnel. It was a completely captivating read, charged and extremely realistic.
In particular, I enjoyed how the summary of every major character's story was included at the end. it was tantamount to gift wrapping a beautiful present with a lovely pink bow. This was a suitable finish to the whirlwind series and it completely deserves to be read.
July 20, 2017
It's strange finishing this series. It wasn't brilliant, but it was pretty good. I really only finished it cause I wanted to know what happened to everyone in the end.
It was good. Not the best in the series. That was probably The Prisoner or one of those other middle books. But hey. Still entertaining as always.
It's weird, cause I started the CHERUB series when I was like 12, finished them at 17. Obviously started Henderson's Boys much later, but despite no longer being the target age, i still definitely enjoyed these books.
It's bizarre to think that I'll probably never read another Robert Muchamore book ever again.
It was good. Not the best in the series. That was probably The Prisoner or one of those other middle books. But hey. Still entertaining as always.
It's weird, cause I started the CHERUB series when I was like 12, finished them at 17. Obviously started Henderson's Boys much later, but despite no longer being the target age, i still definitely enjoyed these books.
It's bizarre to think that I'll probably never read another Robert Muchamore book ever again.
December 2, 2024
This book had a lot of time skips which was quite abrupt.
However, I especially love that Muchamore includes epilogues of what happens to the characters after the books. I was a bit saddened by Henderson and Lucs endings but mostly happy for Marcs. It was also cool to see Mac mentioned!
It was interesting to see how the characters returned to civilised living after being through so much and being a part of such extraordinary things.
However, I especially love that Muchamore includes epilogues of what happens to the characters after the books. I was a bit saddened by Henderson and Lucs endings but mostly happy for Marcs. It was also cool to see Mac mentioned!
It was interesting to see how the characters returned to civilised living after being through so much and being a part of such extraordinary things.
April 28, 2024
This was the hardest read of the series. Not because it was a bad book, but because of the attachments developed between the reader and the character over the previous books was so strong. Robert, your writing deserves more accolades than your shelves can hold. Thank you for bringing me back to reading.
February 4, 2025
A brutal ending. I found reading the epilogue and hearing about how all the characters died very sad. The war evidentially changed them all and that’s why they are a lost generation never the same as the war stripped them of their lives
May 30, 2017
Good final book for the cherub/hendersons boys series
July 22, 2018
good book
September 30, 2019
Is amazing
October 22, 2020
Mal estava a espera do fim
Pensava que morriam todos, mas afinal nao
Pensava que morriam todos, mas afinal nao
December 22, 2020
Liked seeing the origins of cherub, super good book series. Really good characters.
April 14, 2022
I'll leave it at this....the ending tied everything together in a nice little bow and flows nicely into the original CHERUB series.
March 6, 2023
★★★1/2
May 7, 2023
What a series! What phenomenal writing. Such a fitting end to a beautiful heart-wrenching story.
July 30, 2023
This book was absolutely amazing, a follow on from eagle day, it was just as good in my opinion with many more adventures.
February 25, 2024
Henderson boys, another great series that I love. Fantastic story line throughout the series.
Read
February 27, 2025This was a good book. Spoiler: I really wish Rosie didn't die!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
A decent culmination to the series.
October 8, 2025
Was a little bit disappointing for a series ending.
The overall mission and plot felt disjointed and was a little upset the fate of the characters was left to a small epilogue.
The overall mission and plot felt disjointed and was a little upset the fate of the characters was left to a small epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2015
By: Joel Shawgo I rate Scorched Earth by Robert Muchamore a five out of five for a accurate historical fiction story. It is a thriller and an adventure story about a fictional British organization of WW2 that trains children to become espionage agents and sends them behind enemy lines.
Before and a few months after the D-Day landings in Normandy nineteen forty four to work with the French resistance fighters. After an attack by French Nazi symphasiser on an orphanage an agent named Rosie was killed.
They are sent plans to slow down and destroy any broken down or damaged tanks of the 108th Heavy Panzer Battalion until the allies can make it past the beaches and land reinforce the landings. The leader Henderson receives his report while at a Resistance camp and decides to split his group two teams. One team led by himself would advance and take out a fuel depot that was going to be used by the 108th. The second team led by a nineteen year old called PT would do the job of harassing the stragglers and destroying the stragglers and taking out support vehicles.
Before they even set off they come under heavy artillery bombardment and Henderson’s team loses two French resistance members. Team B make it out unharmed and move to a farm where they find one of the artillery pieces nearby and they move to take it out. Where a sixteen year old named Luc takes it out by dropping a grenade down the hatch. Will the teams stop the 108th, or will it destroy the French resistance?
Before and a few months after the D-Day landings in Normandy nineteen forty four to work with the French resistance fighters. After an attack by French Nazi symphasiser on an orphanage an agent named Rosie was killed.
They are sent plans to slow down and destroy any broken down or damaged tanks of the 108th Heavy Panzer Battalion until the allies can make it past the beaches and land reinforce the landings. The leader Henderson receives his report while at a Resistance camp and decides to split his group two teams. One team led by himself would advance and take out a fuel depot that was going to be used by the 108th. The second team led by a nineteen year old called PT would do the job of harassing the stragglers and destroying the stragglers and taking out support vehicles.
Before they even set off they come under heavy artillery bombardment and Henderson’s team loses two French resistance members. Team B make it out unharmed and move to a farm where they find one of the artillery pieces nearby and they move to take it out. Where a sixteen year old named Luc takes it out by dropping a grenade down the hatch. Will the teams stop the 108th, or will it destroy the French resistance?
October 26, 2013
I was happy with this book, and I did enjoy it. However, I felt it wasn't as good as some of the previous books in the series, and especially not as great as the original CHERUB novels.
I felt that the plot was really slow at points, and while I've always admired Robert Muchamore's realism and down-to-earth-ness, with this book, it got a bit too dry. What I really loved about CHERUB was the interactions with the characters and the relationships between them, but we really didn't get as much of that in this book. Thus, a bit disappointing.
Rosie's death didn't really upset me as much as it should have- I think Muchamore should have tried for more emotion rather than being super realistic about grief.
The really excellent part, however, was when the Allies came in to liberate the city. It was written very well, the reactions and just everything- the idea that after years of horridness, it was finally over- really got to me and that's when i started crying.
I was not at all happy with the epilogue. I think that Henderson was always too callous about killing, and Luc was a bully, to be sure, but even bullies can grow up and do good in the world.
I felt that the plot was really slow at points, and while I've always admired Robert Muchamore's realism and down-to-earth-ness, with this book, it got a bit too dry. What I really loved about CHERUB was the interactions with the characters and the relationships between them, but we really didn't get as much of that in this book. Thus, a bit disappointing.
Rosie's death didn't really upset me as much as it should have- I think Muchamore should have tried for more emotion rather than being super realistic about grief.
The really excellent part, however, was when the Allies came in to liberate the city. It was written very well, the reactions and just everything- the idea that after years of horridness, it was finally over- really got to me and that's when i started crying.
I was not at all happy with the epilogue. I think that Henderson was always too callous about killing, and Luc was a bully, to be sure, but even bullies can grow up and do good in the world.
July 8, 2013
Finally the United Kingdom and its allies are going to reclaim Paris after the start of World War 2. While the final preparations are made, Henderson and his trained agents are preparing to face their final, dangerous mission. Ordered to destroy the strongest Army tanks that the Germens have and to somehow delay the Germens advance. With one Agent killed, another injured will the CHERUB group be able to help reclaim France?
Scorched Earth is a great conclusion to the Henderson’s Boys series. It easily makes the transition from a great series to a final book and like all Robert Muchamore’s Books, explains the future of each character. I warn readers, make sure you get some sleep. - Ben K
Scorched Earth is a great conclusion to the Henderson’s Boys series. It easily makes the transition from a great series to a final book and like all Robert Muchamore’s Books, explains the future of each character. I warn readers, make sure you get some sleep. - Ben K
August 9, 2016
And it's finally over. I was sad to part ways with these characters. It's been a good number of hours of fun reading together. I liked how at the end the writer included a summary of what happened to the different characters after the war.
All in all, it's been a very fun series to read. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the original CHERUB series, but it's at the same level. One thing I liked about the original series is that there was a sense of real danger and violence, and that is obviously present here too, perhaps to a too large extent. This is set in WWII and, well, it's a war. Expect the good guys to kill a lot.
All in all, it's been a very fun series to read. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the original CHERUB series, but it's at the same level. One thing I liked about the original series is that there was a sense of real danger and violence, and that is obviously present here too, perhaps to a too large extent. This is set in WWII and, well, it's a war. Expect the good guys to kill a lot.
December 10, 2024
Well I finished this series in a bout 5 days (If we dont include me unnecessarily prolonging this book because i didnt want to finish it).
And I realised I forgot just how good Robert Muchamore was ahh I read Cherub I would say 4 years ago? And I never thought I would pick up the prequel because normally I dont like war books but once again that was proven wrong.
AND WOW THE EMOTIONAL HEARTBREAK I GOT IN THIS WAS SEVERE
Yeah to conclude, READ IT.
And I realised I forgot just how good Robert Muchamore was ahh I read Cherub I would say 4 years ago? And I never thought I would pick up the prequel because normally I dont like war books but once again that was proven wrong.
AND WOW THE EMOTIONAL HEARTBREAK I GOT IN THIS WAS SEVERE
Yeah to conclude, READ IT.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews