As a dyslexic I have always been reticent to read books. So when we went on holiday to the most sleepiest place in the world, boredom around the pool forced me to pick up my sons copy of the recruit while he was in the pool. 10 days later here I am finishing divine madness, in what can only be described as a minor miracle. 5 books in 10 days; before this the best I achieved was 4 weeks for the curious incident. Just like the stories before this has gripping chapters (that are not too long, which make you think just another chapter before i turn out the light) that make you eager to know whats next. Unlike before, I did get a little bored in the middle third, but the background to mind control techniques, have really given me an insight into how the shopping channels can sting my wife for so much money!
The book made me laugh in some places as an adult so most 12 year olds should find the 'illumination' of James predicament in the septic tank mildely ammusing.
The book is more detailed in plot than some of the others, but not to heavy that it makes it boring.
My only concern would be some of the languague for younger readers but then again my son is only 10 and has read 1 a day also, and as yet is still polite (at least in earshot!).
What is superb about all the series is that if it can get both dyslexics and 10 year old boys to spend hours reading then that has to be a good thing.
Recomended for children and Male adults who just couldnt stand reading anything but the paper (especially ones that read the paper from the sports page first)......you will be rewarded!