Dark Magic
Pam Griffin
Dark Magic
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Pam Griffin
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
Columbine races through the shadowy forest, her dark magic crackling in the air. Suddenly, a mysterious figure appears ahead—someone just like her, a dark faerie. But can she trust this new ally, or will choosing sides change everything?
Quick Assessment
Dark Magic is a middle-grade fantasy novel about Columbine, a young dark faerie who feels isolated among other faeries with elemental powers. When she discovers others like herself and faces a choice between loyalty and ambition, the story explores themes of identity, friendship, and belonging in an age-appropriate way for readers ages 9-12.
Why we rated Dark Magic 11LE
Dark Magic is written at a Level 6 reading level across 212 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Dark Magic works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate Dark Magic 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, Dark Magic explores fantasy world-building, friendship, coming of age, and adventure — 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, friendship, 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
- 9781453618653
- Pages
- 212
- Publisher
- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
- Published
- 2010
- Type
- Fiction