Black as Night
Regina Doman
Black as Night
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Fairy Tale Retold
by Regina Doman
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
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About This Book
There’s a secret lurking in the shadows—an ancient evil that won’t let go. A young woman runs for her life while a young man faces the ghosts of his past, and then seven mysterious friars step into the darkness to help. But that’s only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This young adult novel blends elements of magical tales and religious themes as it explores a young woman fleeing a malevolent force and a young man confronting his history. The story features seven Franciscan friars who provide unexpected support, weaving together faith and fantasy. Suitable for readers aged 13-18, it thoughtfully addresses themes of family challenges and self-discovery.
Why we rated Black as Night 11LE
Black as Night is written at a Level 6 reading level across 275 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Black as Night works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Black as Night 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, Black as Night explores fairy tales, magical tales, family, faith, and self-discovery — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about fairy tales, magical tales, family.
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
1/10A 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
- 9781883937881
- Pages
- 275
- Publisher
- Bethlehem Books
- Published
- September 30, 2004
- Type
- Fiction