Bloodstone
Allan Boroughs
Bloodstone
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Allan Boroughs
Illustrated by Van Deelen, Fred, illustrator
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
The salty spray of the ocean fills your nose as waves crash against mysterious ruins hidden beneath the surface. India Bentley can almost feel the cold touch of ancient secrets lurking in the depths, secrets that could change everything. But with danger closing in, can she protect her friends and unlock the power of the lost city?
Quick Assessment
Bloodstone follows India Bentley, a young adventurer who, after discovering a powerful technology, embarks on a globe-trotting quest alongside her mentor and a passionate scientist. Accused of a crime she didn’t commit, India faces real dangers while searching for an ancient artifact in the legendary city of Atlantis. Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 9-12, the story includes themes of adventure, loyalty, and bravery with some suspenseful moments.
Why we rated Bloodstone 12ME
Bloodstone is written at a Level 7 reading level across 384 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Bloodstone works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Bloodstone as 12ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, Bloodstone explores adventure, friendship, science & nature, and fantasy world-building — 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, friendship, science & nature.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Bloodstone
Gillian Philip
Bloodstone
Gillian Philip
The blood stone
Jamila Gavin
The blood stone
Jamila Gavin
Isle of blood and stone
Makiia Lucier
Isle of blood and stone
Makiia Lucier
Bloodtide (Blood...)
Melvin Burgess
Bloodtide (Blood...)
Melvin Burgess
Blood in the Water
Tiffany D Jackson
Blood in the Water
Tiffany D Jackson
Atlantis
Greg Ehrbar, Claudio Sciarrone, Sonia Matrone
Atlantis
Greg Ehrbar, Claudio Sciarrone, Sonia Matrone
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781447236009
- Pages
- 384
- Publisher
- Macmillan Children's Books
- Published
- 2015
- Type
- Fiction