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Diabolical

Cynthia Leitich Smith

Cover of Diabolical

Diabolical

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Reading Level 7 Unrated Ages 9-12

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 gentle with no concerning themes.

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About This Book

Prepare for a hell of a ride as Cynthia Leitich Smith calls on characters from her previous novels — and conjures up new ones — for a climactic showdown. When “slipped” angel Zachary and his werewolf pal, Kieren, arrive under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lockdown with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked students. Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall décor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due? Best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith unites heroes from the previous three novels in the Tantalize Series — including Zachary’s girl, Miranda, and Kieren’s love, Quincie — along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell.

Quick Assessment

This is a Level 7 book. No notable content concerns flagged. Written for readers ages 9-12.

Why we rated Diabolical Level 0

Diabolical is written at a Level 7 reading level across 349 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 8.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Diabolical works for readers up to grade 9.0.

We rate Diabolical as Unrated because the content sits in the "Unrated" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences.

No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the unrated intensity score.

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.

Maybe not for

  • ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 0 — Unrated
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

This book has not yet been rated for content intensity.

Data confidence: standard

Was our "Unrated" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

1/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

1/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
6
Theme Richness
1
World Scope
3
Data Confidence
4

Details

Book Length

349 pages
ISBN
9780763651183
Pages
349
Publisher
National Geographic Books
Published
2012
Type
Fiction

Genres

Subjects

WerewolvesAngelsBoarding SchoolsSchoolsParanormal FictionSupernaturalNew England

Places

New England