Independent film and TV producer Komixx Entertainment has optioned worldwide screen rights to the “Cherub” series of young adult spy novels. The London-based production company, which has offices in L.A. and Australia and studio facilities in Northern England, will develop a drama series based on the 18-book series.

Created by British author Robert Muchamore, the “Cherub” books are a young-adult thriller series, first published in 2004, which have sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and been translated into 25 languages. They follow the undercover missions of a team of teenage secret agents who work for a special division of the British Security Service known as “Cherub,” operating under the radar of adults.

“‘Cherub’ stands alone as an internationally successful and globally loved series,” said Andrew Cole-Bulgin, group chief creative officer and head of film and TV for Komixx Entertainment. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to take on an exciting and gritty thriller series that has already been breaking taboos for young-adult literature, and create a dynamic new drama series for this thrill-seeking generation.”

Muchamore said he had often been approached about dramatizing the series in the past, but felt Komixx had “a unique grasp of the material” which would satisfy hardcore fans as well as draw a new audience.

Komixx’s roster of young-adult productions already includes a feature adaptation of Welsh teen author Beth Reekles’ “The Kissing Booth” for Netflix. The company is also developing a thriller series based on Simon Mayo’s “Itch” books and an adaptation of “The Winter Horses” by Phillip Kerr.

The commissioning agreement for the “Cherub” series was negotiated by Emily Hayward Whitlock at The Artists Partnership in association with Clare Pearson at Eddison Pearson.