Angel with the sword
C. J. Cherryh
Angel with the sword
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by C. J. Cherryh
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
The splash of cold water echoes through the narrow canals as Altair's hands grip the oar tight. A stranger falls into the dark, swirling depths, and without thinking, she dives in to save him. In a city of secrets and shimmering reflections, every choice could be a step closer to danger—or to discovering who she really is.
Quick Assessment
Set in a richly imagined city of canals, this middle-grade fantasy follows seventeen-year-old Altair Jones, a gondolier who becomes entangled in dangerous aristocratic schemes after saving a man from drowning. The story blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, suitable for readers aged 9-12, with themes of courage, identity, and intrigue. Parents should note the presence of peril and complex social dynamics but will find no graphic content.
Why we rated Angel with the sword 11LE
Angel with the sword is written at a Level 6 reading level across 295 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Angel with the sword works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Angel with the sword as 11LE ("Light — Emotional") 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, Angel with the sword explores adventure, fantasy world-building, and coming of age — 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 adventure, fantasy world-building, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11LE — Light — EmotionalLight 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
- 9780886771430
- Pages
- 295
- Publisher
- [New York] : Daw Books
- Published
- 1986
- Type
- Fiction