A new darkness
Joseph Delaney
A new darkness
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Joseph Delaney
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
What if the darkness you thought you knew was only the beginning? Imagine facing new, unseen shadows that test every skill you've learned. Thomas Ward must confront a challenge that could change everything—can he rise to the occasion?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel follows Thomas Ward, an apprentice who has fought alongside his master and now encounters a new and formidable challenge. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of courage, growth, and the supernatural in an engaging paranormal setting. Parents should note some mild fantasy violence and suspenseful moments typical of the genre.
Why we rated A new darkness 11LP
A new darkness is written at a Level 6 reading level across 287 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, A new darkness works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate A new darkness as 11LP ("Light — Physical") because the content sits in the "Mild" range — mild conflict — the kind a child encounters in normal play and sibling life. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly mild; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the mild intensity score.
Thematically, A new darkness explores apprentices, paranormal fiction, fantasy, coming of age, and adventure — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about apprentices, paranormal fiction, fantasy.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LP — Light — PhysicalLight conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.
Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780370332215
- Pages
- 287
- Publisher
- Bodley Head Childrens
- Published
- 2014
- Type
- Fiction