Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated
Endure
Sara B. Larson
Endure
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
A Defy Novel
by Sara B. Larson
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for teens (ages 13+), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
Alexa faces a dangerous mission deep within enemy lands to save her captured friend Rylan, all while hiding a dark secret that could change everything. Battling sinister sorcery and treacherous foes, she must summon courage and cunning to protect her kingdom and those she loves. Amidst political intrigue and magical threats, Alexa's loyalty and strength are put to the ultimate test.
Themes
Quick Assessment
This is a Level 6-7 book with intense content intensity. Content themes include animal abuse, death of animal, child abuse. Written for readers ages 13+.
Why we rated Endure 11IE
Endure is written at a Level 6-7 reading level with a Lexile measure of 970L across 310 pages (approximately 85,014 words). Strong independent readers around grade 7.4 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Endure works for readers up to grade 8.4.
Read aloud, Endure runs about 9.5 hours — long enough to span several bedtime sessions.
We rate Endure as 11IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
Specific content flags noted by reviewers: Animal Abuse, Death of Animal, Child Abuse, Sexual Assault, Torture, Hanging, Kidnapping, Physical Danger, Fear & Anxiety.
Thematically, Endure explores magic, adventure, rescue, kings, queens, rulers, and conspiracies — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 13+ range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about magic, adventure, rescue.
- ✓ Readers who fall hard for one book and want a long series to live in — there is one more book in the Defy series.
Maybe not for
- ! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
- ! Children younger than 13+ — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
- ! Children currently coping with grief — the themes may hit close to home.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11IE — Intense — EmotionalHeavy themes explored in depth. War, death, abuse addressed directly.
Content Flags
Was our "Intense" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
4/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
2/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
More in the Defy Series
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Ignite (Defy, Book 2)
Sara B. Larson
Ignite (Defy, Book 2)
Sara B. Larson
Dark breaks the dawn
Sara B. Larson
Dark breaks the dawn
Sara B. Larson
Ignite (Defy Trilogy, Book 2)
Sara B. Larson
Ignite (Defy Trilogy, Book 2)
Sara B. Larson
Defying Destiny
Sharon René
Defying Destiny
Sharon René
Defy the Sun
Jessika Fleck
Defy the Sun
Jessika Fleck
Endling
Katherine Applegate
Endling
Katherine Applegate
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9780545644907
- Pages
- 310
- Publisher
- Scholastic, Incorporated
- Published
- 2016
- Type
- Fiction
- Word Count
- 85,014
- Lexile
- 970L
- Read-Aloud
- ~9h 27m
- Text Density
- Dense