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Henderson's Boys #4
Grey Wolves
APRIL 1941
With no European allies, Britain has to ship fuel, weapons and more than half of its food across the Atlantic from Canada and the United States. But slow moving cargo vessels make easy prey for packs of German submarines.
Henderson and a team of young agents must go undercover to sabotage German U-Boat operations. If they dont succeed, the British people face starvation.
With no European allies, Britain has to ship fuel, weapons and more than half of its food across the Atlantic from Canada and the United States. But slow moving cargo vessels make easy prey for packs of German submarines.
Henderson and a team of young agents must go undercover to sabotage German U-Boat operations. If they dont succeed, the British people face starvation.
448 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2011
184 people are currently reading
1165 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 69 reviews
January 7, 2015
Like how this book gets straight into the action! An easy read with lots happening! Marked it down a star as there are a couple of crude parts that I didn't think needed to be included.
February 15, 2021
Have had to stop reading this with my 12 year old son as the sexism and treatment of women is truly revolting. I'd picked this up in the first 2 books of the series but attempted to justify it as a sign of the times, but in this book, Robert Muchamore takes it unnecessarily far. I agree with some other reader comments that it risks skewing young boys' perceptions of normal behaviour and attitudes towards women. Having only read a third I can't comment on the book as a whole but plot-wise didn't feel I was missing out on anything amazing by not reading the rest. I henceforth intend to put aside Robert Muchamore in favour of less Harvey Weinstein-esque writers.
Read
May 3, 2018i did not like the part when he died, it was very anti climactic and i knew it was going to happen anyway. i think if they used some short sentences it would really help add a sense of suspense
February 7, 2018
TW: sexual assault
I got given this book maybe 4 or 5 years ago. With that fact and the nature of the blurb, I therefore came to it expecting an easy read suitable for younger teens, however with a generally interesting and accessible plot. It did not deliver.
For the life of me, I can't work out the target audience of this book. To clarify, I don't mean that this has a wide and varied target audience, I mean that the components making up this book seem rushed, mismatched, and illogical and, as such, unsuited to any specific audience.
For example, I have no issues with swearing, but it has already been used so unnecessarily and excessively that I've found myself rolling my eyes. With the simplistic sentences and 13 year old main character, and most importantly the contexts they, and other ill fitted jokes, were used in, I couldn't work out what the author was even attempting to achieve with these completely out of place comments?
~ They set off after Marc had eaten and taken a shit
~ "I could pick that cheap lock with my penis," Marc said contemptuously.
To me, expressions such as these have been used to in order to demonstrate Marc as being blunt and well-exposed to adult situations and language (he's rough and ready) however it feels extremely forced and increases my frustration - I find myself wondering why the author is putting effort into this rather than any other multitude of things. It almost began to feel like he was going to throw in a "lol rAndom XD" comment every time the reader might be getting bored.
At times this book is suggested as being a case of serious espionage and, as readers, we are informed of how experienced and intelligent Henderson is, as well as how elite Marc is for his age. Once they reach their first serious situation though, we are told that "Marc stifled a laugh", which does nothing but contradict what was previously spelt out for us. It appears to neither be a predominantly serious spy book, nor a lighthearted one, but equally it is not a balanced combination of the two.
"Please," Delphine sobbed, as she writhed desperately. "I don't want to die. I might even be able to help you."
Henderson laughed. "Not one of the deadly ones, sweetie! It'll just put you under for three of four hours."
Firsly, I don't even have a vague clue of Henderson's age which is frankly not that helpful when I'm trying to imagine scenes. But secondly, back to the scene at hand, this whole interaction seems entirely condescending and leaves me feeling as though the pair's attitudes to women probably aren't considerably better than that of the man who'd been with her prior.
This is the beginning of a crucial mission, yet they don't seem professional, they don't seem polished. Maybe that's part of the fun of it for some people, however that's personally not the case for me. I love a story that encompasses both humour, and a serious plot, but this isn't one of those stories - it all feels somewhat muddled and mismatched.
Another irk of mine is the badly thought out movements/descriptions of environments. By the 2nd chapter, I'd already come across this faulty section:
"You want me to come over there?" Gerhardt bellowed , but he turned back towards the pill-box. His heart was set on sex rather than violence.
The shooting game had run out of steam and one of the officers shouted, "More drink!" to cheers from colleagues, who followed him to the house.
Captain Gerhardt seemed pleased with himself as he turned back towards the girl in the pill-box. "Now, let's sort you out, eh?"
Am I wrong here, or did they just have Captain Gerhardt turning back towards the pill-box twice?? He never stopped turning around?? And the structure of the second sentence implies the first one was never made? Or did they just really want to hammer home how much he was looking forward to r*ping this girl, by repeating almost the exact same sentence? Who knows. I understand that errors can be made, but to be as careless as to miss this in the SECOND chapter just doesn't bode well for me.
I also have no clue as to why Henderson gives Marc "high energy" chocolate and condensed milk, which is specifically described as being "an extremely rare luxury" for his first meal while on their mission. Why would they eat rare, rationed food,?. And no, the author throwing in that it's "high energy chocolate" doesn't brush it under the carpet and suddenly make it all logical. I'm assuming we're expected to presume and believe that out of the equipment and necessities they brought across, this was one of them?
~ She looked stunning in bright red lipstick and a well-fitted Wren's uniform.
~ As Boo awaited her turn with the baby, Henderson walked behind his desk with one eye on the pile in his in-tray and the other on Boo's slender waist and pert bottom.
I'm just…wow. I have absolutely no issues with immoral characters, but this is the chief espionage man here, the main good guy. I'm fine with character complexes etc. but from what I can see, this isn't here to add depth to the story, and he isn't an evil man pretending to be good and this is simply hinting at that, this is just…another unnecessary thing. He has seen Boo grow up from a young child/teenager. She is still a teenager. He still works with young children and teenagers. This adds nothing to the scene and, as far as I'm aware, it adds nothing to the plot. It just seems a bit off really.
Moving away from that, the situations they have so far found themselves in have also provided me with no excitement or willingness to see the outcome. They have all felt quite drab, despite the author's clear attempts to make them seem 'cool' and 'suave', and have also been easily and very coincidentally solvable. I just don't care for the characters, and I don't care for the plot. I can't carry on with it. I've had to DNF it.
(For perspective, I rarely DNF a book. And when I do, it's usually a tough decision. I didn't particularly have that issue this time.)
I understand that this is a pretty slating review, however this was just my honest opinion and the thoughts that I had running through my head while reading. I also understand that if I had started at the beginning of this series, then maybe I would have more of an understanding and liking of the characters and their back stories. After my complete lack of enjoyment during the first few chapters, I will say that it did look like it was beginning to settle down. I presume that, for some people, what I saw as a lack of genre or target audience is what they saw as the introduction of a new and interesting area of reading - this review is not intended to argue with those people, I respect our differences.
I got given this book maybe 4 or 5 years ago. With that fact and the nature of the blurb, I therefore came to it expecting an easy read suitable for younger teens, however with a generally interesting and accessible plot. It did not deliver.
For the life of me, I can't work out the target audience of this book. To clarify, I don't mean that this has a wide and varied target audience, I mean that the components making up this book seem rushed, mismatched, and illogical and, as such, unsuited to any specific audience.
For example, I have no issues with swearing, but it has already been used so unnecessarily and excessively that I've found myself rolling my eyes. With the simplistic sentences and 13 year old main character, and most importantly the contexts they, and other ill fitted jokes, were used in, I couldn't work out what the author was even attempting to achieve with these completely out of place comments?
~ They set off after Marc had eaten and taken a shit
~ "I could pick that cheap lock with my penis," Marc said contemptuously.
To me, expressions such as these have been used to in order to demonstrate Marc as being blunt and well-exposed to adult situations and language (he's rough and ready) however it feels extremely forced and increases my frustration - I find myself wondering why the author is putting effort into this rather than any other multitude of things. It almost began to feel like he was going to throw in a "lol rAndom XD" comment every time the reader might be getting bored.
At times this book is suggested as being a case of serious espionage and, as readers, we are informed of how experienced and intelligent Henderson is, as well as how elite Marc is for his age. Once they reach their first serious situation though, we are told that "Marc stifled a laugh", which does nothing but contradict what was previously spelt out for us. It appears to neither be a predominantly serious spy book, nor a lighthearted one, but equally it is not a balanced combination of the two.
"Please," Delphine sobbed, as she writhed desperately. "I don't want to die. I might even be able to help you."
Henderson laughed. "Not one of the deadly ones, sweetie! It'll just put you under for three of four hours."
Firsly, I don't even have a vague clue of Henderson's age which is frankly not that helpful when I'm trying to imagine scenes. But secondly, back to the scene at hand, this whole interaction seems entirely condescending and leaves me feeling as though the pair's attitudes to women probably aren't considerably better than that of the man who'd been with her prior.
This is the beginning of a crucial mission, yet they don't seem professional, they don't seem polished. Maybe that's part of the fun of it for some people, however that's personally not the case for me. I love a story that encompasses both humour, and a serious plot, but this isn't one of those stories - it all feels somewhat muddled and mismatched.
Another irk of mine is the badly thought out movements/descriptions of environments. By the 2nd chapter, I'd already come across this faulty section:
"You want me to come over there?" Gerhardt bellowed , but he turned back towards the pill-box. His heart was set on sex rather than violence.
The shooting game had run out of steam and one of the officers shouted, "More drink!" to cheers from colleagues, who followed him to the house.
Captain Gerhardt seemed pleased with himself as he turned back towards the girl in the pill-box. "Now, let's sort you out, eh?"
Am I wrong here, or did they just have Captain Gerhardt turning back towards the pill-box twice?? He never stopped turning around?? And the structure of the second sentence implies the first one was never made? Or did they just really want to hammer home how much he was looking forward to r*ping this girl, by repeating almost the exact same sentence? Who knows. I understand that errors can be made, but to be as careless as to miss this in the SECOND chapter just doesn't bode well for me.
I also have no clue as to why Henderson gives Marc "high energy" chocolate and condensed milk, which is specifically described as being "an extremely rare luxury" for his first meal while on their mission. Why would they eat rare, rationed food,?. And no, the author throwing in that it's "high energy chocolate" doesn't brush it under the carpet and suddenly make it all logical. I'm assuming we're expected to presume and believe that out of the equipment and necessities they brought across, this was one of them?
~ She looked stunning in bright red lipstick and a well-fitted Wren's uniform.
~ As Boo awaited her turn with the baby, Henderson walked behind his desk with one eye on the pile in his in-tray and the other on Boo's slender waist and pert bottom.
I'm just…wow. I have absolutely no issues with immoral characters, but this is the chief espionage man here, the main good guy. I'm fine with character complexes etc. but from what I can see, this isn't here to add depth to the story, and he isn't an evil man pretending to be good and this is simply hinting at that, this is just…another unnecessary thing. He has seen Boo grow up from a young child/teenager. She is still a teenager. He still works with young children and teenagers. This adds nothing to the scene and, as far as I'm aware, it adds nothing to the plot. It just seems a bit off really.
Moving away from that, the situations they have so far found themselves in have also provided me with no excitement or willingness to see the outcome. They have all felt quite drab, despite the author's clear attempts to make them seem 'cool' and 'suave', and have also been easily and very coincidentally solvable. I just don't care for the characters, and I don't care for the plot. I can't carry on with it. I've had to DNF it.
(For perspective, I rarely DNF a book. And when I do, it's usually a tough decision. I didn't particularly have that issue this time.)
I understand that this is a pretty slating review, however this was just my honest opinion and the thoughts that I had running through my head while reading. I also understand that if I had started at the beginning of this series, then maybe I would have more of an understanding and liking of the characters and their back stories. After my complete lack of enjoyment during the first few chapters, I will say that it did look like it was beginning to settle down. I presume that, for some people, what I saw as a lack of genre or target audience is what they saw as the introduction of a new and interesting area of reading - this review is not intended to argue with those people, I respect our differences.
May 17, 2016
As all other books in this series I have enjoyed this one to.
June 27, 2021
A quick, fun read, but with enough issues that I can't give it a five star rating.
The main issue remains the same as the others in the series - it doesn't feel authentic for the time and place it's set. There is a lot of modern slang, but thrown in occasionally is enough contemporary language that shows the author's intention to make it fit to the period. If it was all modern, it could be argued that the book is written to be an updated interpretation, but with these old-fashioned inserts the modern terms stick out as anachronisms. The attitudes of the characters also seem more modern than you would expect, which results in an odd feel throughout the book, as nothing quite fits.
There's also a few minor issues in the edition that I had such as grammar or spelling mistakes, which may not be entirely the author's fault, but are noticeable enough that I never felt fully immersed in the book. Similarly, there were also a couple of things that didn't make sense to me, which caused the same issue. One such instance was a passage mentioning the diesel tanks were an explosion risk - I may be wrong here, but as far as I am aware, diesel doesn't explode unless under the extremely high pressure of an engine or similar environment, and certainly not by being shot. It was jarring enough to make me stop reading and Google, which seemed to confirm my suspicions, but I know I may be wrong.
Despite these issues, as a story, it's still fun, and my overall reception is positive. From reading the main series as a kid, I enjoyed the action, the fast pace, and what felt like the adult reality of violence that they contained. Its the same here, and I think if I was younger - which is the target audience, to be fair - I would have loved this. Its got all the same combination, and even a little bit of sex too, which I'm sure teenage me would've loved. There's less focus on the characters themselves as opposed to the story, but that's what I expected and it doesn't feel like anything is really missing in what the book delivers.
It kept me entertained now, and I'm sure will do the same to YA readers. Pretty much what you want from this sort of series, but I still think there is room for improvement.
The main issue remains the same as the others in the series - it doesn't feel authentic for the time and place it's set. There is a lot of modern slang, but thrown in occasionally is enough contemporary language that shows the author's intention to make it fit to the period. If it was all modern, it could be argued that the book is written to be an updated interpretation, but with these old-fashioned inserts the modern terms stick out as anachronisms. The attitudes of the characters also seem more modern than you would expect, which results in an odd feel throughout the book, as nothing quite fits.
There's also a few minor issues in the edition that I had such as grammar or spelling mistakes, which may not be entirely the author's fault, but are noticeable enough that I never felt fully immersed in the book. Similarly, there were also a couple of things that didn't make sense to me, which caused the same issue. One such instance was a passage mentioning the diesel tanks were an explosion risk - I may be wrong here, but as far as I am aware, diesel doesn't explode unless under the extremely high pressure of an engine or similar environment, and certainly not by being shot. It was jarring enough to make me stop reading and Google, which seemed to confirm my suspicions, but I know I may be wrong.
Despite these issues, as a story, it's still fun, and my overall reception is positive. From reading the main series as a kid, I enjoyed the action, the fast pace, and what felt like the adult reality of violence that they contained. Its the same here, and I think if I was younger - which is the target audience, to be fair - I would have loved this. Its got all the same combination, and even a little bit of sex too, which I'm sure teenage me would've loved. There's less focus on the characters themselves as opposed to the story, but that's what I expected and it doesn't feel like anything is really missing in what the book delivers.
It kept me entertained now, and I'm sure will do the same to YA readers. Pretty much what you want from this sort of series, but I still think there is room for improvement.
October 28, 2017
I said in one of my other reviews of this series about the ability of a woman to overcome her weaknesses to kick ass. And that is definitely true in these books - but the attitude of men in Henderson's Boys and the Cherub series is appalling. While some degree of disregard for women's feelings and pushing for sex is realistic, the extent that these men do is not only disgusting but wrong. And it's wrong on many levels. Not just because it does paint all men with the same brush - and the fact is not all men are alike to this extent - but also because it sets a bad example and precedent for males reading this series. Sure, the females mostly fight back - but they also shouldn't have to. Being treated like crap or being pushed into sex or being talked about with such casual disregard is wrong. PT is a disgusting pig. James Adams is a disgusting pig. A couple of incidents would be reasonable to include - because sexual harassment and assault is a reality for many women. But every male/female interaction is a bit much. More importantly, by not teaching boundaries and having men respect those boundaries, we're essentially saying this behaviour is okay. And I'm not sure that the interactions and reactions of the characters to these incidents accurately or realistically conveys the seriousness and reprehensible nature of these actions.
As such, I didn't like this book anywhere near as much as the others in the series. Plus there wasn't as much Rosie or Marc or Paul in this book and as they're my favourites this one felt lacking. I'm also concerned about Rosie and Henderson - Henderson is a lecherous pig and it's like I keep waiting for him to decide Rosie is old enough to pursue - he went after Boo quickly enough.
As such, I didn't like this book anywhere near as much as the others in the series. Plus there wasn't as much Rosie or Marc or Paul in this book and as they're my favourites this one felt lacking. I'm also concerned about Rosie and Henderson - Henderson is a lecherous pig and it's like I keep waiting for him to decide Rosie is old enough to pursue - he went after Boo quickly enough.
January 16, 2022
To be honest, this is probably a 3 star book. 3.5, tops. But I'm rather fond of the series, and I know that the algorithm is a harsh mistress, so I'm bumping it up a notch.
Grey Wolves is exactly what it says on the label - YA pulp adventure. It's not elevated or post-modern, it's a PG-13 Boys Own war story, filled with action and espionage. If that sounds like your thing, great. If it doesn't, keep walking, because Grey Wolves (or the CHERUB/Henderson's Boys series as a whole) doesn't have anything else to offer.
Are there highlights worth noting? Sure! Not only is it well-done pulp, Muchamore does a lot of things very well. He highlights the brutal, random, deeply cruel nature of war in an effective way, he highlights the multicultural nature of the anti-Nazi effort in a way that a lot of others would miss, and combines a modern view of things like sex, class, and abuse without blunting historical reality.
Grey Wolves is exactly what it says on the label - YA pulp adventure. It's not elevated or post-modern, it's a PG-13 Boys Own war story, filled with action and espionage. If that sounds like your thing, great. If it doesn't, keep walking, because Grey Wolves (or the CHERUB/Henderson's Boys series as a whole) doesn't have anything else to offer.
Are there highlights worth noting? Sure! Not only is it well-done pulp, Muchamore does a lot of things very well. He highlights the brutal, random, deeply cruel nature of war in an effective way, he highlights the multicultural nature of the anti-Nazi effort in a way that a lot of others would miss, and combines a modern view of things like sex, class, and abuse without blunting historical reality.
April 18, 2022
This was a gift and not what I would usually have chosen to read. I don't think I'm in the intended audience (which based on the cover/ marketing clues and some of the story decisions, I guess is mostly boys and aged 11-14, or thereabouts). It was fun in some ways - fast-paced, action-packed - but by the end it got me down: the senseless waste of human life, the disappearance of the most sympathetic character from the second half of the book, and the lack of much inner life in most of the characters. So I rate it a three personally. Good to read something very different to usual, though!
Read
December 3, 2019A group of young agents have to stop Germany from sabotaging the English ships from giving the England troops food, but slow-moving cargo vessels make easy prey for packs of German submarines. This book made me think about all the conflict around the world when they blew up the bunker and started a riot (in the book). “be in touch before the end of the day.” but there was no response.
The writer is teaching us that some people want to see the world in their own way because they think everyone would be better in their way.
The writer is teaching us that some people want to see the world in their own way because they think everyone would be better in their way.
September 29, 2022
Grey Wolves is a book set in World War II when German E-Boats Precariously prowled the English channel. With Britain starving a brave unit of kids must take on the dangers of Nazi Europe. My favourite character is Marc Kilgour because he is brave, tough and one of the main characters in the story. My favourite part is when Marc takes a German E-Boat from the German's hands alongside Henderson.
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.
September 20, 2019
It was a good book which i enjoyed reading
February 4, 2020
Prende me ao livro ansioso por ler o proximo
September 9, 2020
Average
April 8, 2021
You are constantly 🤯🤯🤯🤯 reading this
December 9, 2021
Still not as good as Eagle Day, but just as exciting as the others!
I loved the ending! So far this is the most hyped I’ve been for the next book in the series!!
I loved the ending! So far this is the most hyped I’ve been for the next book in the series!!
read-children
August 20, 2024Rec: Luke / Mum, Format : Paperback, From: Luke
February 4, 2025
This book can be a bit too crude for a YA novel but overall it’s very action packed. I would argue a lot of this artists work are more aimed at adults than children.
September 2, 2025
Got a teensy bit bored...
June 6, 2021
A forgettable installment in the series, Grey Wolves decides to do away with any form of opener and chucks you straight into the action. Thinking about it, it doesn't really have an ending either, it is just non-stop action. Very brutal action too, two thirds of the chapters will feature Nazis being murdered by ten year olds.
Anyway, rather forgettable, I can't really remember what happened and I just read it, high body count, and Muchamore's sexualisation of young teenagers reaches really worrying heights at some points.
Anyway, rather forgettable, I can't really remember what happened and I just read it, high body count, and Muchamore's sexualisation of young teenagers reaches really worrying heights at some points.
March 13, 2013
Originally posted on ThirstforFiction.com
After spending several months in Britain training to be spies, Henderson’s espionage group is ready to embark on a multi-month mission in occupied France. Their mission: to seek out ways of disrupting the German U-Boat (submarine) programme, a venture that is slowly pushing Britain back from their command of the oceans. It’s dangerous but necassary, particularly now as the German forces renew their clash with Britain. The sabotage has to be discreet, otherwise there will be consequences. But just how discreet can the six kids make it? All hell shall be unleashed…
Another classic Muchamore novel, Grey Wolves returns back to occupied France after Secret Army, the previous novel, which was largely based in Britain. Looking over my review of Secret Army, I was glad that (at last) we’d get to see more of wartime Britain. With reading Grey Wolves, I’m glad that we get to see more of France in one long, suspenseful mission.
I often hear friends of mine saying that Henderson’s Boys isn’t as good as the original CHERUB ever was- and I’m inclined to disagree with them. After 12 novels, CHERUB was getting incredibly repetitive, and setting a teen-spy novel against the backdrop of the 1940s makes it uniquely different to most teen-spy series. The war-time spin allows for a continuous thread to span throughout the novels, and really helps in bringing them together and making them feel less episodic. Apart from that, it’s a lot more fun to see “proper” and potentially deadly overseas missions ocurring.
Grey Wolves is written in the typical, bare-bones descriptive style of Robert Muchamore. I can’t really complain; his style gets the job done, and pushes forward the action with precision. I don’t expect my spy novels to be written with much artistic language, and Muchamore’s direct style allows him to connect with the reader, especially the teenage reader. After all, I don’t read a spy novel for the prose but for the thrills I’ll get from reading fast-paced, gritty action. continue reading...
After spending several months in Britain training to be spies, Henderson’s espionage group is ready to embark on a multi-month mission in occupied France. Their mission: to seek out ways of disrupting the German U-Boat (submarine) programme, a venture that is slowly pushing Britain back from their command of the oceans. It’s dangerous but necassary, particularly now as the German forces renew their clash with Britain. The sabotage has to be discreet, otherwise there will be consequences. But just how discreet can the six kids make it? All hell shall be unleashed…
Another classic Muchamore novel, Grey Wolves returns back to occupied France after Secret Army, the previous novel, which was largely based in Britain. Looking over my review of Secret Army, I was glad that (at last) we’d get to see more of wartime Britain. With reading Grey Wolves, I’m glad that we get to see more of France in one long, suspenseful mission.
I often hear friends of mine saying that Henderson’s Boys isn’t as good as the original CHERUB ever was- and I’m inclined to disagree with them. After 12 novels, CHERUB was getting incredibly repetitive, and setting a teen-spy novel against the backdrop of the 1940s makes it uniquely different to most teen-spy series. The war-time spin allows for a continuous thread to span throughout the novels, and really helps in bringing them together and making them feel less episodic. Apart from that, it’s a lot more fun to see “proper” and potentially deadly overseas missions ocurring.
Grey Wolves is written in the typical, bare-bones descriptive style of Robert Muchamore. I can’t really complain; his style gets the job done, and pushes forward the action with precision. I don’t expect my spy novels to be written with much artistic language, and Muchamore’s direct style allows him to connect with the reader, especially the teenage reader. After all, I don’t read a spy novel for the prose but for the thrills I’ll get from reading fast-paced, gritty action. continue reading...
March 6, 2014
Grey Wolves konečně dočteno. Vzhledem k počátku semestru a tomu, kolik nám toho naložili hned jak jsme se ve škole po zkouškovém ukázali mi bohužel na čtení zbývalo velice málo času. Vždy jsme přišla domů, učila se na další den a pak jsem byla ráda, když jsem dokázala přečíst 5-6 stránek, než jsem totálně vytuhla. Z toho důvodu se čtení tohoto dílu HB dost protáhlo a proto se mi dost těžko hodnotí. Tím, že jsem četla po malých kouskách, málem jsem už v průběhu čtení zapomínala, co se vlastně na předchozích stránkách stalo. To mě hrozně mrzí, protože kdybych to četla víc uceleně, vsadím se, že dám 5 hvězdiček.
Naši mladí hrdinové Marc, PT, Paul, Rosie, Joel a Luc jsou nyní plně vytrénováni a jsou spolu s Hendersonem a Boo vysláni na několikaměsíční misi do okupované Francie, aby sabotovali úmysly Německých ponorek zamezit zásobování Británie. Sotva však dorazí do Francie, jsou rozděleni do několika jednotek a jsou nuceni spolu komunikovat pouze velice omezeně a opatrně, nejlépe pomocí šifrovaných zpráv. Každé z dětí má jinou úlohu. Paul a Rosie zajišťují radiokomunikaci s Británií, ostatní chlapci se pokouší získat práci přímo ve městě. Všudypřítomný strach a neustálé kontroly terorizují nejen mladé špiony, ale i obyčejné obyvatele. Strach z války roste. Gestapo je nelítostné a neváhá nejprve zabíjet a až poté klást otázky. Radiokomunikační tým je nucen velice často měnit místo pobytu, protože signál je pochopitelně velice snadné vystopovat. To se nakonec Němcům skutečně podaří a pro Paula a Rosie se situace komplikuje. Také Marc to nemá snadné, když je zadržen Gestapem. Henderson se však drží plánu a poté, co do Francie dorazí dodávka výbušnin, rozhodne se uskutečnit velice nebezpečenou akci....jak to dopadne? :) Přečtěte si tuhle knížku a uvidíte. Skutečně se mi líbila a těším se na pokračování :)
Naši mladí hrdinové Marc, PT, Paul, Rosie, Joel a Luc jsou nyní plně vytrénováni a jsou spolu s Hendersonem a Boo vysláni na několikaměsíční misi do okupované Francie, aby sabotovali úmysly Německých ponorek zamezit zásobování Británie. Sotva však dorazí do Francie, jsou rozděleni do několika jednotek a jsou nuceni spolu komunikovat pouze velice omezeně a opatrně, nejlépe pomocí šifrovaných zpráv. Každé z dětí má jinou úlohu. Paul a Rosie zajišťují radiokomunikaci s Británií, ostatní chlapci se pokouší získat práci přímo ve městě. Všudypřítomný strach a neustálé kontroly terorizují nejen mladé špiony, ale i obyčejné obyvatele. Strach z války roste. Gestapo je nelítostné a neváhá nejprve zabíjet a až poté klást otázky. Radiokomunikační tým je nucen velice často měnit místo pobytu, protože signál je pochopitelně velice snadné vystopovat. To se nakonec Němcům skutečně podaří a pro Paula a Rosie se situace komplikuje. Také Marc to nemá snadné, když je zadržen Gestapem. Henderson se však drží plánu a poté, co do Francie dorazí dodávka výbušnin, rozhodne se uskutečnit velice nebezpečenou akci....jak to dopadne? :) Přečtěte si tuhle knížku a uvidíte. Skutečně se mi líbila a těším se na pokračování :)
December 30, 2013
This book get back into the action straight away, and talks of a mission are in the mist. They finally are back in Nazi occupied France and this time they are trained. This book keeps up with the action of the first two books had which the previous book lacked.
I still liked Marc as a character he is become more developed. I also felt that Henderson, who I had previous felt that he was dangerous and had no feelings for the people he hurt, became more human like and started to think about what he is doing and the action that it may cause.
Although, I was pleased it was back in France, I felt that we didn't get to see many of the character I would of like to of seen like Rosie and Paul, although they are give a key part in the first book, they are put on the back bench in this book as characters like Marc, Troy and Joel all get more action than they get. They did,however, have one action part but it only lasted a few few chapters and as they were other more important things going on with Marc and Henderson,it still seem a little like it was in the background.
I would of also like more of the bit where they are being tested to see if they are really ready to go on this mission and how they were awoken in the night, but I did enjoy that part of the book. I really liked how once they were into France the book started to get going and was fasted paced again. I would say that what happen near the end of the book took me by surprise and was a twist which I wasn't expecting.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and it was very different to the previous book the Secret Army which I found mildly boring. I really liked the one on one action with the Gestapo was great and exciting. This book is the best book in the Henderson series so far.
I still liked Marc as a character he is become more developed. I also felt that Henderson, who I had previous felt that he was dangerous and had no feelings for the people he hurt, became more human like and started to think about what he is doing and the action that it may cause.
Although, I was pleased it was back in France, I felt that we didn't get to see many of the character I would of like to of seen like Rosie and Paul, although they are give a key part in the first book, they are put on the back bench in this book as characters like Marc, Troy and Joel all get more action than they get. They did,however, have one action part but it only lasted a few few chapters and as they were other more important things going on with Marc and Henderson,it still seem a little like it was in the background.
I would of also like more of the bit where they are being tested to see if they are really ready to go on this mission and how they were awoken in the night, but I did enjoy that part of the book. I really liked how once they were into France the book started to get going and was fasted paced again. I would say that what happen near the end of the book took me by surprise and was a twist which I wasn't expecting.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and it was very different to the previous book the Secret Army which I found mildly boring. I really liked the one on one action with the Gestapo was great and exciting. This book is the best book in the Henderson series so far.
March 5, 2015
The book Henderson's Boys Grey Wolves (written by Robert Muchamore) is a book that goes straight into action in World War 2 France after training back in England for several months. I believe this book as more action than the first 3 and is a very good read.
The group of 6 children and Henderson have to sneak back into France and help disrupt the German U-Boats from destroying the conveys of ships giving vital supplies to England
I like how they further developed Mark’s background and personality and gave insight to how he felt about the war. They also developed Henderson, turning from a ruthless cold hearted man who could kill at will into a person who actually thought about his actions and how it could impact others.
However, even though it had more action and was back in France I wish they showed more of Paul and Rosie. They didn’t receive nearly as much attention unlike the first 3 books. However they did get 2-3 chapters of action and the book focused more about the background characters from the other books like tTroy and Joel and gave us more information on there story
I wished they focused on the start too when they did a scouting mission to France as that was only about 2 chapters long and felt rushed to me. I did enjoy how the book picked up the action after though with its close run with the Gestapo while attempting to set up a spy ring. My favourite part of the book however was the plot twist at the ending which I really did not expect.
Overall I liked how they included more action compared to the previous books and developed the background of the characters more however I wished they included more about Paul and Rosie. This book is the best book of the Henderson’s Boys series so far.
I rate this 4 of 5 stars.
The group of 6 children and Henderson have to sneak back into France and help disrupt the German U-Boats from destroying the conveys of ships giving vital supplies to England
I like how they further developed Mark’s background and personality and gave insight to how he felt about the war. They also developed Henderson, turning from a ruthless cold hearted man who could kill at will into a person who actually thought about his actions and how it could impact others.
However, even though it had more action and was back in France I wish they showed more of Paul and Rosie. They didn’t receive nearly as much attention unlike the first 3 books. However they did get 2-3 chapters of action and the book focused more about the background characters from the other books like tTroy and Joel and gave us more information on there story
I wished they focused on the start too when they did a scouting mission to France as that was only about 2 chapters long and felt rushed to me. I did enjoy how the book picked up the action after though with its close run with the Gestapo while attempting to set up a spy ring. My favourite part of the book however was the plot twist at the ending which I really did not expect.
Overall I liked how they included more action compared to the previous books and developed the background of the characters more however I wished they included more about Paul and Rosie. This book is the best book of the Henderson’s Boys series so far.
I rate this 4 of 5 stars.
November 13, 2011
I am still not too sure why I like Robert Muchamore's books, or rather why I keep on reading them. For a series written for young adults he is a little too graphic and coarse and I feel that even as an adult. Personally I'm not too sure who his audience is supposed to be. But nonetheless, I enjoy historical novels, so I continue reading.
Muchamore closes the gap between the Cherub series and Henderson's Boys in this book (finally). It was hinted at in the third book, but well and truly sealed in this one. Henderson's Boys are now firmly confirmed as the intial CHERUB organisation. I like this, as it adds continuity to the series.
On to the book itself. A plus I find with Muchamore is his willingness to put his characters in danger and due to past stories, its not a guarantee for 'everyone' to make it out ok, so the danger feels more real, because the character might actually die. Like the previous books this one is fairly gritty and hard, like war is in reality. And the multiple plots lines were not too convoluted so as to annoy me when they changed characters. How realistic the portrayal of life in occupied France was, I don't know, but it felt genuine and well researched.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book (as much as I ever do) and will probably read the next. But I certainly don't count them as favourites - Muchamore is just a little too 'hard' for me, and his characters so realistic that too many are a little unlovable.
Muchamore closes the gap between the Cherub series and Henderson's Boys in this book (finally). It was hinted at in the third book, but well and truly sealed in this one. Henderson's Boys are now firmly confirmed as the intial CHERUB organisation. I like this, as it adds continuity to the series.
On to the book itself. A plus I find with Muchamore is his willingness to put his characters in danger and due to past stories, its not a guarantee for 'everyone' to make it out ok, so the danger feels more real, because the character might actually die. Like the previous books this one is fairly gritty and hard, like war is in reality. And the multiple plots lines were not too convoluted so as to annoy me when they changed characters. How realistic the portrayal of life in occupied France was, I don't know, but it felt genuine and well researched.
On the whole, I enjoyed the book (as much as I ever do) and will probably read the next. But I certainly don't count them as favourites - Muchamore is just a little too 'hard' for me, and his characters so realistic that too many are a little unlovable.
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