What Book Franchises Follow Kids Working For Secret Organizations Like CHERUB?

After loving CHERUB's spy school premise, any similar series about child agents and secret training facilities? Especially with undercover missions like those teen sleuth novels.
2026-08-20 23:42:16
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2 Answers

LeoSantos
LeoSantos
My contribution is the 'H.I.V.E.' series by Mark Walden. It stands for Higher Institute of Villainous Education. The twist is the kids are trained to be master criminals, not heroes. The main character, Otto, is kidnapped and enrolled. The structure is identical to a spy school—classes in subterfuge, assassination, and tech—but for the 'other side'. The secret organization is a global villainous syndicate. It's a brilliant inversion of the trope, with all the same team dynamics, missions, and ethical quandaries, just from a villainous perspective.
2026-08-21 16:56:59
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KenWalker
KenWalker
I'd add 'The Dark Hills Divide' by Patrick Carman, the first in the 'Land of Elyon' series. A young girl solves mysteries in a walled city and uncovers a secret society and a larger plot. She operates somewhat alone but with secret allies. It's more classic children's adventure with puzzles, but the feeling of uncovering layers of hidden truth and having a clandestine role in a larger conflict might hit a similar note for some readers, especially if they enjoy the puzzle-solving side.
2026-08-24 04:17:39
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