Devils & thieves
Jennifer Rush
Devils & thieves
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Jennifer Rush
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
I have a secret: Jemmie Carmichael can't cast a simple spell without falling apart. Everyone in Hawthorne is magic, but Jemmie feels like the odd one out—until people start disappearing and danger closes in. What if her biggest flaw is actually her greatest power? But that's only the beginning.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This urban fantasy novel follows 18-year-old Jemmie Carmichael, who struggles with her magical abilities in a town where magic users, called 'kindled,' navigate danger and mystery. When a forbidden magic threat emerges and people go missing, Jemmie must confront her fears and team up with a rival gang leader to save their community. Suitable for middle grade readers, the book contains themes of magic, self-confidence, and gang dynamics, with mild suspense and some mature undertones.
Why we rated Devils & thieves 12ME
Devils & thieves is written at a Level 7 reading level across 328 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Devils & thieves works for readers up to grade 9.0.
We rate Devils & thieves 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, social complexity — 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, Devils & thieves explores magic, self-confidence, gangs, adventure, 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 magic, self-confidence, gangs.
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
Missing Magic
Emma Laybourn
Missing Magic
Emma Laybourn
Deceived (Jennie McGrady Mysteries)
Patricia H. Rushford
Deceived (Jennie McGrady Mysteries)
Patricia H. Rushford
Devil and the bluebird
Jennifer Mason-Black
Devil and the bluebird
Jennifer Mason-Black
Devil's Shadow
Felicia Jedlicka
Devil's Shadow
Felicia Jedlicka
The devil's thief
Lisa Maxwell
The devil's thief
Lisa Maxwell
Rival Magic
Deva Fagan
Rival Magic
Deva Fagan
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780316390897
- Pages
- 328
- Publisher
- Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published
- 2017
- Type
- Fiction