Dark Days
Derek Landy
Dark Days
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Derek Landy
The text is written at a 7th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
A chill wind howls through the empty streets, carrying whispers of magic and danger. Darkness creeps closer, but Valkyrie stands tall, feeling the heavy weight of the world pressing down on her. Every choice she makes could change everything — can she hold the light when shadows gather?
Quick Assessment
Dark Days is a middle-grade fantasy novel featuring a young heroine named Valkyrie who must face great challenges after the disappearance of her mentor, Skulduggery. With themes of magic, bravery, and responsibility, this book is appropriate for readers aged 9-12. It contains mild peril and fantasy violence typical of the genre but is suitable for middle-grade readers.
Why we rated Dark Days 12LE
Dark Days is written at a Level 7 reading level across 320 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dark Days works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Dark Days as 12LE ("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, Dark Days explores fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age, and friendship — 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 fantasy world-building, adventure, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers whose emotional readiness lags behind their decoding skills — this book's intensity outruns its reading level, a classic "gifted kid" mismatch.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
12LE — 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
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
The Dark Side Of Magic
Peter Lancett
The Dark Side Of Magic
Peter Lancett
Dark breaks the dawn
Sara B. Larson
Dark breaks the dawn
Sara B. Larson
Darkstalker
Tui T. Sutherland
Darkstalker
Tui T. Sutherland
Darklight
Lesley Livingston
Darklight
Lesley Livingston
Dark Days
Kate Ormand
Dark Days
Kate Ormand
Days of Air and Darkness (Deverry Series)
Katharine Kerr
Days of Air and Darkness (Deverry Series)
Katharine Kerr
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780007325962
- Pages
- 320
- Publisher
- HarperCollins Children's Books
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction