Curse of the Midnight King
Yakira Goldsberry
Curse of the Midnight King
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Yakira Goldsberry
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
What if a curse trapped your sisters in a mysterious Underworld, and only you could break it? Faye faces the Midnight King, a powerful figure who wants to keep her there forever. Can she save her family and discover her own strength before it's too late?
Quick Assessment
This middle-grade fantasy novel retells classic fairy tales, blending elements from The Twelve Dancing Princesses and Cinderella. It follows Faye, who must confront a curse and a dangerous supernatural being to save her sisters from eternal entrapment. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story explores themes of sacrifice, family bonds, and self-discovery, with mild peril and fantasy violence.
Why we rated Curse of the Midnight King 12MP
Curse of the Midnight King is written at a Level 7 reading level across 304 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Curse of the Midnight King works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Curse of the Midnight King as 12MP ("Moderate — Physical") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Mild Peril, Fantasy Violence, Sacrifice.
Thematically, Curse of the Midnight King explores family, 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.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about family, adventure, fantasy world-building.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Children who are sensitive to violence, even when handled at age-appropriate levels.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12MP — Moderate — PhysicalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Content Flags
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
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Curse of the Phoenix
Aimée Carter
Curse of the Phoenix
Aimée Carter
The 13 curses
Michelle Harrison
The 13 curses
Michelle Harrison
The Curse in the Candlelight
Sophie Cleverly
The Curse in the Candlelight
Sophie Cleverly
Curse of the Phoenix
Aimée Carter
Curse of the Phoenix
Aimée Carter
Curse of Madame Petrova
Marjolijn Hof
Curse of Madame Petrova
Marjolijn Hof
The Curse of Arkady
Emily Drake
The Curse of Arkady
Emily Drake
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781645263302
- Pages
- 304
- Publisher
- Illuminate YA Fiction
- Published
- 2021
- Type
- Fiction